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ENCYCLOPEDIA
OF
CONNECTICUT BIOGRAPHY
GENEALOGICAL— MEMORIAL
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
Compiled with assistance of the following
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
SAMUEL HART, D.D., D.C.L.
Dean of Berkeley Divinity Scliool; President of
Connecticut Historical Society.
THOMAS SNELL WEAVER
Superintendent of City Schools, Hartford;
Journalist, former Editor Willimantic Jour-
nal, and associated witli New Haven Register,
Boston Globe. Hartford Post and Hartford
Courant. Member of Library Committee Con-
necticut Historical Society.
JOSEPH ANDERSON, D.D.
President of Mattatuck Historical Society;
forty years pastor of First Congregational
Church, Waterbury; Editor Anderson's His-
tory of Waterbury.
WALTER RALPH STEINER, M.D.
Member of .State Historical Society; Member
of State Medical Society; Fellow of American
Medical Association; Secretary Congress of
American Physicians and Surgeons; Librarian
Hartford Medical Society.
HADLAI AUSTIN HULL, LL.B.
Attorney, New London; Major in Spanish-
American War.
STORKS OZIAS SEYMOUR, D.D.
President of Litchfield Historical Society;
President of Wolcott and Litchfield Library
Association; Rector Emeritus of St. Michael's
(P. E. ) Church, Litchfield (23 years active
rector).
JOHN GAYLORD DAVENPORT, D.D.
Pastor Emeritus Second Church of Waterbury
(30 years active); Member of Connecticut His-
torical Society; Member of Mattatuck Histori-
cal Society; ex-Governor and Chaplain of Con-
necticut Society, Sons of Founders and Pa-
triots; ex-Deputy (Governor National Society,
same order.
GEORGE CURTIS WALDO, A.M., LITT.D.
Editor of Bridgeport Standard 49 years; one
of Founders of Bridgeport Scientific Society;
ex-Vice-President of Fairfield County Histori-
cal Society; Author of History of Bridgeport.
FREDERICK BOSTWICK
Librarian New Haven Colony Historical Soci-
ety; Register S. A. R., Connecticat; Honorary
Member of National Genealogical Society;
Member of Connecticut Historical Society,
Connecticut Library Association, Mississippi
Valley Historical Association; Associate Edi-
tor Genealogical History of Connecticut; ex-
President New Haven-Chautauqua Union.
GUILFORD SMITH
President of Windham National Bank; Mem-
ber of Connecticut Society, Mayflower De-
scendants.
LEWIS ELIOT STANTON, A.B.
(Yale. 1855). Member of American Bar .Asso-
ciation and State Bar Association; Assistant
United States Attorney 1870-1885; United
States Attorney District of Connecticut 1885-
1888 (resigned); Representative Hartford, 1880.
ILLUSTRATED
THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
I.NCORPO RATED
BOSTON NEW YORK CHICAGO
1917
T'!" ;E^V YORK
PliBL:C LIBRARY
ASTOR LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
R I9!8 L
Joreuiorb
• ACH one of us is "the heir of all the
ages, in the foremost files of time.''
\\'e build upon the solid foundations
laid by the strenuous eiiforts of the fathers
who have gone before us. Nothing is
more fitting, and indeed more important,
than that we should familiarize ourselves
with their work and personality : for it is
they who have lifted us up to the lofty
positions from which we are working out
our separate careers. "Lest we forget,"
it is important that we gather up the
fleeting memories of the past and give
them permanent record in well-chosen
words of biography, and in such repro-
duction of the long lost faces as modern
science makes possible.
Samuel Hart.
BIOGRAPHICAL
t;:s nev
library]
' tJR, LENOX
>-L-
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
EGGLESTON, Jere Dewey,
Physician.
From various ancestors, among the
earliest in Connecticut and elsewhere in
New England, Dr. Eggleston has derived
those characteristics which made useful,
popular and successful citizens. The
Eggleston coat-of-arms is as follows :
Arms : Quarterly, i and 4 argent, a cross
sable, in first quarter a fleur-de-lis of the
second. 2 and 3 vert, a chevron between
three bucks trippant or, in the middle
chief point a bezant, on a chief per fess
gules and argent an eagle displayed
counterchanged. Crest : A magpie proper.
Motto: Spcro Mcliora ("I hope for better
things").
The progenitor of the family in this
country was Begat Eggleston, born in
1590. or earlier, in England. He made a
deposition, June 5, 1645, giving his age as
forty-five years, but at the time of his
death, September i, 1674, in Windsor,
Connecticut, he was called "near one
hundred years old." The family name of
his first wife, Mary, is unknown. She
died in Windsor, December 8, 1657. They
came to Dorchester, Massachusetts, in
1630, and Mr. Eggleston was admitted a
freeman in 1631, was one of the original
members of Rev. Mr. Warham's church,
with which he removed to Windsor in
1635. ^^ married (second) Mary Tal-
cott, of Hartford, who was one of the
contributors to the fund for the relief of
the poor of the colonies in 1676.
The third son of Begat and Mary
Eggleston was James Eggleston, born
about 1640. He had a grant of fifty acres
of land in Windsor in 1671, as a reward
for services in the Pequot War, and sub-
sequently purchased other land. He died
December i, 1679. He married Hester
Williams, said to have been the first white
female born at Hartford. She married
(second) in 1680, James Eno.
Nathaniel Eggleston, fourth son of
James and Hester (Williams) Eggleston.
was born August 15, 1666, in Windsor, and
settled in Westfield, Massachusetts, where
he died. He married, September 13, 1694,
Hannah Ashley, born December 26, 1675,
daughter of David and Hannah (Glover)
Ashley, of W'estfield.
Nathaniel (2) Eggleston, second son of
Nathaniel (i) and Hannah (Ashley)
Eggleston, was born in Westfield, April
3, 1712, where he made his home, and died
March 7, 1790. He married, August 13,
1 741, Esther Wait, of Northampton, Mas-
sachusetts.
Eber Eggleston, eldest son of Nathaniel
(2) and Esther (Wait) Eggleston, born
about 1750, was a soldier of the Revolu-
tion, lost three fingers in battle, was a
United States pensioner in his old age,
and died December 25, 1818. He married
Submit Judd, of Southampton, who died
July 4, 1821.
Eli Eggleston. eldest son of Eber and
Submit (Judd) Eggleston, born in 1784,
in Westfield, was a farmer, honest and in-
dustrious, a Biblical student. He married,
October i, 1805, Zeruiah Searle, born in
August, 1789, in Southampton, died in
Westfield, October 3, 1826.
Jere Dewey Eggleston, second son of
Eli and Zeruiah (Searle) Eggleston, was
born July 11, 1812, in Westfield, lived for
some time at Broad Brook, in East Wind-
sor, Connecticut, and subsequently in
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Enfield, same State, where he died March
lo, 1855. He was a miller by occupation,
a man of generous impulses, decided
opinions, and strict integrity. He mar-
ried, in 1831, Louisa Carew, who survived
him several years.
Dr. Jere Dewey (2) Eggleston, fourth
son of Jere Dewey (i) and Louisa (Carew)
Eggleston, and namesake of his father,
was born October 28, 1853, in Long
Meadow, iMassachusetts, and was bereft of
his father in his second year. The death of
his mother within a few years thereafter
left him without any parental guidance,
and he early developed a spirit of inde-
pendence and self-reliance which has car-
ried him forward through life. At the
early age of thirteen years he began work-
ing on a farm. He was always studious,
and made the most of every educational
opportunity within his reach. He early
fitted himself for teaching, and by means
of his earnings as a teacher was enabled
to prepare at Williams College, and in
1879 he graduated from the College of
Physicians and Surgeons at New York
City. For a brief time he engaged in
practice at Windsor Locks, Connecticut,
and about 1880 located in the city of Meri-
den, Connecticut, where he soon gained
rank as a physician of ability and char-
acter. Always a student, he has ever kept
himself informed in the progress of medi-
cal science, and his fine personality and
agreeable manners quickly gained the
confidence and good will of the commu-
nity. For many years he conducted a
very large practice, and in recent years
has somewhat retired from the burdens
incident to that condition. A conserva-
tive and safe practitioner, he has been
especially successful in his life work. Al-
ways energetic, he has kept abreast of the
world's progress, and is as well known
outside as in his chosen profession. His
success has been entirely the result of his
own efforts, and his popularity in the
community is due to his high character
and effort to fulfill the duties of a good
citizen. For several years he served as
an alderman of the municipality, and has
been ever ready to support any movement
calculated to promote the general welfare.
He is a director of the Home National
Bank, director and trustee of the Meriden
Savings Bank, trustee of the State School
for Boys of Meriden, member of the board
of Aleriden City Hospital. Politically he
is a Republican, and he is prominently
identified with the Masonic and Odd Fel-
lows orders, and holds membership in the
State and County Medical societies, the
American Medical Association, and in the
Home, Highland Country and Colonial
clubs.
Dr. Eggleston married, May 18, 1881,
Elizabeth C. Duncan, descendant of an an-
cient Scotch family. Thomas Duncan was
an expert paper manufacturer, and was
many years identified with that industry
in Poquonock and elsewhere in the State.
Before the close of the nineteenth century
he removed to New York City. His wife,
the mother of Mrs. Eggleston, was Grace
(Yule) Duncan, born June 14, 1834, died
February 15, 1867. Dr. and Mrs. Eggles-
ton were the parents of the following chil-
dren : Robert D., born March 7, 1882 ;
Ralph B., November 9, 1884, died March
19, 1886; Jeanette L., April 18, 1887;
Arthur F., November 19, 1890; Jere Dud-
ley, May 29, 1894.
SEYMOUR, Storrs Ozias,
Clergyman.
The Rev. Storrs Ozias Seymour, rector
emeritus of St. Michael's Church at
Litchfield, Connecticut, was born in
Litchfield, January 24, 1836, the son of
Origen Storrs and Lucy Morris (Wood-
rulf) Seymour, being eighth in direct
descent from Richard Seymour, one of
the early settlers of Hartford. The Sey-
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
mour family is one of great antiquity in
England. The seal on the will of Thomas
Seymour, eldest son of Richard Seymour,
the first settler of the name in this coun-
try, bears the impress of two wings con-
joined in lure, the device of the English
Seymours from the time of William de St.
Maur of Penhow. A "Bishop's Bible,"
printed in 1584, in the possession of the
Hon. Morris Woodruff Seymour, of
Litchfield, a descendant of Richard Sey-
mour, has on one of the fly-leaves a draw-
ing of the arms of the Seymours of Bury
Pomeroy, viz., two wings conjoined in
lure, quartered with the Royal Arms as
granted by Henry VIII. to Edward Sey-
mour, Duke of Somerset, and the legend :
"Richard Seymor, of Berry Pomery, hey-
tor hund. in ye Com. Devon, his Booke,
Hartford, in ye Collony of Connecticut in
Newe England, Annoque Domini 1640."
On another page of this Bible there is a
memorandum relating to some business
transaction, and the name. "John Seimor,
Hartford, 1666."
Dr. Storrs O. Seymour received his
early education at Litchfield schools and
at Phillips (Andover) Academy; gradu-
ated from Yale in 1857, and after a year
spent in Germany studied theology at the
Berkeley Divinity School at Middletown,
Connecticut. He was ordained May 22,
1861, and immediately took charge of St.
Peter's Church at Milford, Connecticut,
where he remained until 1864. He was
rector of St. Thomas's Church, of Bethel,
during the following four years, and from
1868 until 1874 was rector of Trinity
Church at Pawtucket, Rhode Island. In
the latter year he was called to Trinity
Church at Norwich, Connecticut, and
after a residence of nearly four and a
half years in that town was chosen rector
of St. Michael's Church at Litchfield,
Connecticut. In October, 1883, he be-
came rector of Trinity Church at Hart-
ford, and after a service of ten years in
that charge returned to Litchfield and
again became rector of St. Michael's,
which position he held until Easter, 191 1,
when he retired from the rectorship, hav-
ing reached the age of eighty years. This
church carries on a great and practically
neverceasing work, and its influence upon
the spiritual upbuilding of Litchfield has
been most marked. Dr. Seymour is a
man of clear and logical ideas of what the
work of a church in a community should
be, and these ideas he carefully put into
practice, and he was a preacher of force-
fulness and clearness.
Dr. Seymour received the degrees of
A. B. and A. M. from Yale in 1857 and
i860, and the degree of Doctor of Divin-
ity from Trinity College in 1898. During
his residence in Rhode Island he served
as chaplain in the Pawtucket Horse
Guards of the Rhode Island Militia. He
was a member of the Connecticut State
Board of Education from 1880 to 1884,
and has been a member of the Free Pub-
lic Library Committee for Connecticut
since its organization in 1893. I" 1876 he
was elected a member of the standing
committee of the Diocese of Connecticut,
and since 1895 has been its president. He
is also president of the Litchfield Histor-
ical Society, a member of the Connecticut
Historical Society, and a trustee of the
Berkeley Divinity School. He is a Dem-
ocrat in politics.
Dr. Seymour married, June 20, 1861,
Mary Harrison Browne, of Hastings-on-
the-Hudson, New York. They are the
parents of one son, Edwin WoodruflF Sey-
mour.
MILLER, Edward,
Head of Edward Miller & Company,
Meriden.
The creation, development and man-
agement of the mammoth business known
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
as Edward Miller & Company, one of
Meriden's great industrial corporations.
Edward Miller made his life work. His
motto, "whatever you undertake as a life
work, do it thoroughly and stick to it,"
was strictly adhered to in his own life,
and from the time he began working in a
factory at the age of fifteen until his death
at the age of eighty-two he knew but one
business, the manufacture of lamps and
lighting accessories. He was a pioneer in
the manufacture of kerosone lamp burn-
ers in the country, placed the famous
Rochester lamp upon the market in 1884,
and when its world-wide reputation
brought imitations upon the market he
brought out that highest achievement in
kerosene illumination, The Miller Eamp.
When other illuminants appeared, which
in a degree destroyed the market for
lamps, he added gas and electric fixtures
to the list of goods manufactured by Ed-
ward Miller & Company, and in that field
became preeminent. Just what the loca-
tion of this company has meant to Mer-
iden and its plan of operation is best told
in a descriptive article which is as true
now under the executive management of
Edward (2) Miller, son of the founder,
as when it was written. "The company's
prosperity is such that it knows no dull
periods or its workmen want of employ-
ment. The departments are fully equip-
ped with all the most modern machinery
that can aid in the rapid and perfect pro-
duction of goods. It is the rule in the
manufacture of their goods that excel-
lence is the grand thing to be attained,
and the high esteem in which their
products are held by the dealers and con-
sumers warrants the assertion that they
realize the end sought. Their products
are largely exported to foreign lands, and
immense as this business is, it is con-
stantly increasing. It would be an im-
possibility to enumerate the great assort-
ment of articles made by this company.
Prominent among them are lamp trim-
mings of every variety, tinners' hardware,
together with brass and bronze goods.
Their designs are thoroughly their own
and are selected by those appreciative of
the superiority of American styles over
those of foreign lands. Yet the company
keeps a sharp eye on the centres of artis-
tic productions with a view that none
shall excel them. The result is that not
only are the designs of the art centres
equalled, but in most cases excelled by
the addition of the American artist."
Edward Miller was of the eighth gen-
eration of the family founded in New
England by John Miller, who came from
Maidstone, Kent, England, to Lynn,
Massachusetts, lived also in Salem, and
in 1649 settled at Easthampton, Long
Island. His wife Mary bore him five
sons, among them George Miller, born in
Easthampton, who died October 12, 1712,
leaving a son, Hezekiah Miller, born
about 1680. Hezekiah Miller married,
December 11, 1706, Elizabeth Sherry, the
line of descent following through their
youngest son, Jacob Miller, who moved
from Easthampton to Huntington, Long
Island. He married, May 24, 1738, Su-
sanna Weeks (or Wickes). Their young-
est son, Jacob (2) Miller, was baptized in
Huntington, April 24, 1754, followed the
sea and was the owner of a whaling ves-
sel. During the Revolution he moved to
Wallingford, Connecticut, and is believed
to have been the Jacob Miller who served
in the Second Regiment, Connecticut
Line, September to December, 1779. He
married Elizabeth Filer and among his
children were two ministers, Rev. Samuel
and Rev. Thomas Miller.
Rev. Samuel Miller was born on Long
Island, April 15, 1773, died November
14, 1829. He was an ordained minister
of the Baptist Church, was the first min-
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ister of that faith in Meriden, and was
pastor of the church there for twenty-six
years. He married, April 7, 1796. Vincy
Blakeslee, born June 2g, 1775, died No-
vember 18, 1829, daughter of Joseph and
Lois (Ives) Blakeslee. Their son Joel
was third of a family of nine.
Joel Miller, son of Rev. Samuel and
Vincy (Blakeslee) Miller, was born at
Meriden, Connecticut, October 24, 1801,
died August 25, 1864. After his marriage
he moved to Canastota, Madison county,
New York, but after residing there eight
years returned to Meriden. The farm, he
owned in Meriden is yet resided upon by
the family, although Broad street now
runs through the old homestead. He
married, March 13, 1823, Clarissa Plum,
born January 23, 1805, died March 4,
1879, daughter of Seth Doud and Eliza-
beth (Hall) Plum, her father a prominent
man of his day.
Edward Miller, son of Joel and Clarissa
(Plum) Miller, was born in the town of
Wallingford, Connecticut, August 10,
1827, died in Meriden, June 11, 1909. He
attended public school and Post Academy
until fifteen, then entered the factory
employ of Horatio N. Howard, of Mer-
iden, a manufacturer of lamp screws,
hoops and candlestick springs. He also
was employed for two years with Sted-
man & Clark in the same line of manu-
facture, but while still a minor began
business for himself, having his father
for a partner, continuing the same busi-
ness with which he had become familiar.
The firm was originally Joel Miller &
Son, but after arriving at legal age the
son bought his father's interest in the
business giving his note for $800. The
following year that note was paid from
the profits of the business and expansion
begun. The wooden factory built on the
site of the present works was destroyed
by fire in 1856 ; the financial panic of 1857
played havoc in the business world, but
Edward Miller survived both disasters,
and in 1858 added to his little line the
manufacture of burners for kerosene
lamps, a class of goods which had hith-
erto been imported. Bronzes, sheet brass
and brass utensils followed, and in 1866
the business had increased beyond his
financial ability to carry it, and Edward
Miller & Company, a stock company, was
organized with a capital of $200,000, Ed-
ward Miller, president and manager.
With this influx of capital and assistants,
the great growth of the business began
and continued until perhaps one thousand
hands are employed. Mr. Miller contin-
ued the efficient executive head of the
company until his death, although in his
later years his capable son took from his
shoulders the heavier burdens of manage-
ment. He was an honored member of
the First Baptist Church of Meriden, and
in 1869 gave to the church a handsome
pipe organ. He also generously aided the
Young Men's Christian Association and
the Connecticut Literary Institute, and
for years was treasurer of the Connecticut
Baptist Educational Society. He served
as a member of Common Council for
twelve years as a matter of public duty,
but otherwise refused all offers of public
office.
Edward Miller married, August 30,
1848, Caroline M. Neal, born April 14,
1830, died August 29, 1906, daughter of
Joseph and Matilda (Barnes) Neal, of
Southington, Connecticut. She was a
woman of strong character, and to her
counsel and encouragement her husband
attributed much of his success. Mr. and
Mrs. Miller were the parents of Edward
(2), of whom further; Layette Alena,
born January 10, 1853, married Charles
A. Kendrick ; Arthur Eugene, born Sep-
tember 12, 1863, died December 31, 1914;
was educated in private school, Hartford
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
High School, class of "83," and Brown
University ; he was his father's associate
in business, and from 1901 superintendent
and director of Edward Miller & Com-
pany, and at the time of his death vice-
president; he gathered his knowledge of
the business from personal, practical con-
tact with the factory department and was
a most capable official. He was a prom-
inent member of the Masonic order, a
past master of Meriden Lodge, No. JJ,
past eminent commander of St. Elmo
Commandery, and a thirty-second degree
Mason of the Scottish Rite. Two other
children of Mr. and Mrs. Miller, Carrie
M. and Emma E., died young.
MILLER, Edward,
Hanafactnrer.
Second in Meriden's business world to
bear the name, Edward (2) Miller, after
a long association with his honored
father, was called to succeed him as presi-
dent of Edward Miller & Company, a
corporation with which he has been iden-
tified ever since his University gradua-
tion in 1874. He came upon the scene of
action prior to the great expansion of the
company, and has been a potent factor in
the development and prosperity of the
great business of which he is the execu-
tive head.
Edward Miller, of the ninth American
generation of his family, eldest son of
Edward and Caroline M. (Neal) Miller,
was born in Meriden, Connecticut, Feb-
ruary I, 1851. After completing grade
and high school study in Meriden, he
fitted for college at the Preparatory Acad-
emy, Suffield, Connecticut, class of 1870,
then entered Brown University, whence
he was graduated with honors, class of
"74." The same year he entered the serv-
ice of Edward Miller & Company, mas-
tering first the details of factory manage-
ment, then as secretary-treasurer, becom-
ing a part of the executive staflf, an office
he filled most efficiently from 1882 until
1909, when upon the death of Edward
(i) Miller he succeeded him in executive
control. The successful career of the
company is the best comment upon the
strength of the management, and under
the guidance of this twentieth century
representative of an honored family its
magnitude increases and its fame extends
to many lands. He, like Edward (i)
Miller, has a few outside business inter-
ests, but having chosen his life work
bends every energy to its successful pros-
ecution. He, however, serves as a trustee
of the City Savings Bank, director of the
Home National Bank, Meriden Safe,
Trust and Deposit Company, and Mer-
iden Gas Light Company.
A student by nature, Mr. Miller has de-
voted a great deal of time to literature
and to the collection of a private library,
one of the finest in the State. He main-
tains a deep interest in the First Baptist
Church, has been in charge of its music,
and with his brother, Arthur Eugene,
gave as a memorial to his parents a mag-
nificent pipe organ to replace the one
donated by his father in 1869. He is a
director of Meriden Hospital, is a most
liberal friend of the Young Men's Chris-
tian Association, and a generous sup-
porter of all good causes. His clubs are
the Colonial, Home and Highland Coun-
trv. He is unmarried.
HOLCOMB, Marcus Hensey,
Governor of Connecticnt.
When in 1914 the law of the State of
Connecticut automatically removed Judge
Marcus H. Holcomb from the Supreme
Bench, through the operation of its "age
limitation" clause, the people of the State
at once availing themselves of his ripened
8
THE MLV^ ''^nX
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX-
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS J
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
judgment, wide experience and well
proven ability, elected him their chief
executive, and he now sits at Hartford
sixty-sixth in the list of Governors of the
State of Connecticut.
For forty years Governor Holcomb has
been honored with the favor of his people,
and his faithfulness in the administration
of every trust committed to his care has
won their unlimited confidence, that con-
fidence being expressed at the polls by
elevation to offices in an ascending scale
of importance. The call to "come up
higher" has been insistent and continuous,
and his present office is proof that in no
instance has that confidence been be-
trayed or misplaced.
Governor Holcomb is a man of com-
manding presence and engaging person-
ality, generous in all things and most un-
ostentatious. His powers of observation
are keen, he is an able analyst and synthe-
sist, goes quickly to the root of a problem,
possessing that executive quality that en-
ables him to dispatch a large volume of
business without waste of time. He has
a deeply artistic nature, is a lover of the
best in poetry and literature, is fond of
the great "out-of-doors" and finds pleasure
with gun and rod in the woods, by lake-
side or stream. As a lawyer and jurist
he proved his learning and wisdom, his
love of justice, his sense of fairness, his
conscientious regard for the sacred rights
of others. He is now past the period al-
lotted to man by the Scripture, but in
thought, heart, action and deed he is but
in his prime.
Governor Holcomb prides himself upon
his New England ancestry, tracing it to
Thomas Holcomb, born in Wales in 1601,
who came to Massachusetts in 1629, set-
tling at Dorchester. He was made a
freeman in 1634, locating at Windsor,
Hartford county, Connecticut, where he
cleared and tilled until his death at Po-
quanock, September 7, 1657. He repre-
sented Windsor and Hartford at the
framing of the constitution of Connec-
ticut Colony in 1639, and it is fitting that
now, two and three-quarter centuries
later, a lineal descendant should be
charged with the enforcement of the pro-
visions of the constitution of the State,
born of the colonial constitution Thomas
Holcomb helped to frame down through
the intervening generations. Holcombs
have been men of public spirit, repre-
sentatives of the best thought, prominent
in public, professional and business life.
Governor Holcomb's father, Carlos
Holcomb, was a farmer, strong of in-
tellect, sound in judgment, taking more
than a passing interest in public affairs.
He served in the local offices of select-
men, assessor and on the board of relief.
His sterling character was greatly appre-
ciated in his community, and many were
the estates he was selected to settle as
executor and administrator. He was
noted for the scrupulous care he exercised
in administering such trusts, and for the
way in which he safeguarded the interests
of the heirs, particularly the children of
tender years. Carlos Holcomb married
Adah Bushnell, a women of splendid
mental powers, noble womanly character
and charm, whose influence was always
exerted for good, not only for the good of
her own household but for the good of her
community.
Their son, Marcus H. Holcomb, was
born at New Hartford, Litchfield county,
Connecticut, November 28, 1844, conse-
quently he is now (1917) in his seventy-
third year. His boyhood and youth were
spent in attendance at public school and
as his father's farm assistant, thus far
there being little to distinguish his life
from that of the other farmer boys of the
country. But he was ambitious to secure
a college education and made suitable
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
preparation at Wesleyan Academy at
Wilbraham. This ambition, however, was
not to be realized, as he unduly exposed him-
self on a very hot day and suffered a sun-
stroke that so affected his health that col-
lege study would have been most unwise.
But he had laid a good foundation, and
for a number of years he taught school,
in time regaining full health and strength.
During that period of his life he studied
law, under the direction of Judge Jared B.
Foster, an eminent member of the Con-
necticut bar. In 1871 he had so far pro-
gressed in his studies that he applied for
admission to the bar, passed the required
examination and was licensed to practice.
He located at Southington. there begin-
ning practice, winning in a comparatively
short time honorable rank among the
leaders of the county bar. His naturally
sympathetic nature responded to a recital
of a client's woes, and he made that
client's cause his own and prepared it for
presentation with greatest care, omitting
no detail. Learned in the law and skill-
ful in its application, his ability to analyze
a case and marshal his facts and argu-
ments in a logical forceful form rendered
him most effective as an advocate before a
jury.
In 1876 he was elected probate judge
for the Southington district, and was also
judge of the Southington town court from
the time the court was instituted until his
election as attorney general. In 1893 he
was elected treasurer of the Hartford
Company, serving until 1908, also serving
as State Senator, elected from the Second
District. He was a member of the Consti-
tutional Convention of 1902, a member of
the Legislature in 1905 and speaker of
the House, also serving on many State
commissions at different times. In 1907
he was elected attorney general of the
State, his plurality being 21,000 votes. He
served in that office until loio, then was
appointed a judge of the Superior Court.
In 1914, having reached the age limit of
seventy years fixed by law, he was re-
tired. In November, 1914, he was elected
Governor of the State, and in 1916 was re-
elected as Governor, an office that he is
eminently qualified for and most honor-
ably tills, his long experience in public
aft'airs, added to executive ability of the
highest order, giving him perfect control
over every detail of his high office. Digni-
fied, imposing and courtly, he is the ideal
of a chief executive, impressing all with
whom he comes in contact as perfectly
fitted for the office he holds. Of all the
Governors Connecticut has had in recent
years no man has been so absolutely in-
dependent of the machine in making his
selections for office as Governor Holcomb.
\\'orthy Democrats have faired as well as
Republicans, which fact made some of
the latter discontented, but the State did
not suffer and practical civil service has
been maintained despite the sorrows of
those who fret over the halt given to a
brand too often theoretic.
It is significant that during the last
weeks of January, 1916, attention was
called to Governor Holcomb's attitude
towards a renomination, as defined by
Governor Holcomb himself, and not as
an inference from his language by others
who cannot be considered as entirely dis-
interested. It will be remembered that
Governor Holcomb said two years previ-
ous that he had no ambition to be Gov-
ernor and that as between retirement to
private life, when he left the bench on
his reaching the age limit of seventy
years, and election to the office of Gov-
ernor, he preferred the home life. But in
spite of that declaration he was nomi-
nated in the belief that he could do more
than any other candidate to save the party
from defeat. History, including political
history, has a habit of repeating itself.
10
:rL<u^l >J ^
ExNCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Judge Holcomb was nominated against
his expressed wishes and he yielded his
wishes to the call of his party when he
accepted the nomination. It is well
known that the leaders of the Republican
party gave an unwilling assent to the
proposition to nominate him. He was
not their choice and he is not their choice
for another term. He was in political
sympathy with the Republican party, but
not in partisan accord with the managers.
The fact is the machine permitted the
nomination of Governor Holcomb in 1914
because he was the most available man
and not because they preferred him to
others whose candidacies appealed with
greater force to their sympathies. The
people of Connecticut always show their
inherent regard for law by confidence in
the administrators of it. Judge Holcomb
was on the bench giving satisfaction as
judge, and he enjoyed the confidence of
the State in his integrity. It was to
secure for their party the advantage of
this popular confidence that the Republi-
can leaders nominated him. Fear of de-
feat prevented the selection of the ma-
chine favorite. Until 1888 Governor Hol-
comb was identified with the Democratic
party, but in that j-ear he transferred his
allegiance to the Republican party, be-
lieving it more in accord with economic
principles which he deems better for the
interests of the nation, since that year he
has stood squarely with the party and is
one of its strongest advocates.
He has not confined his activities to
strictly professional or political lines, but
his capacity for large afifairs has been
recognized in the management of corpo-
rations, financial and commercial. Among
such the more important are: The South-
ington Savings Bank, of which he is presi-
dent ; the Southington National Bank,
Southington Hardware Company, the
Peck Slow and Wilcox Company, and the
Aetna Nut Company, all of which he
serves as director.
He is past master of Northern Star
Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Ma-
sons ; a thirty-second degree Mason of
the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, a
Noble of the Mystic Shrine, a Knight of
Pythias, an Elk, a Red Man, an American
Alechanic and a Forester. He has been
chairman of the board of trustees of the
First Baptist Church, of Southington, and
for thirty years was superintendent of
the Sunday school. His religion is of
the practical kind that finds its expression
in the practice of the Golden Rule rather
than in creed distinctions.
He married, in 1872, Sarah Carpenter
Bennett, who died in 1901.
So a long life has been passed, that
since his admission to the bar in 1871 has
been lived in the public eye. There is
nothing in his official life as it is reviewed
by his constituents that causes them to
regret the trust they have reposed in him,
on the contrary the last public expression
of their approval is of such recent occur-
rence that it leads to the belief that did
not the law forbid they would gladly re-
tain his services. On his part Governor
Holcomb can indulge in a retrospective
view with great satisfaction, knowing he
has been true to his obligations, faithful
in the performance of every duty, true to
his own conscience and true to those who
have trusted him.
SMITH, Edward Wier, M. D.,
Physician, Snrgeon.
For thirty-five years Dr. Smith has
practiced his profession in the city of
Meriden, Connecticut, and there has again
disproved the old saying that "a prophet
is not without honor save in his own
country," for he has risen in his native
city to the highest professional standing.
II
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Next to his affection for Meriden, a city
sacred in its associations, is his deep in-
terest in Yale, an institution which was
long the goal of his ho{)es and which later
became his alma mater. Circumstance de-
creed that his professional education
should be obtained elsewhere, but Yale
Medical School was his choice and one
year was spent there. His A. B. came
from Yale, and in the athletic records
of the university his name appears as a
member of the varsity baseball team of
1876-77-78-79.
Dr. Smith is a descendant of James
Smith, born in England, who came to the
Massachusetts Bay Colony before 1639,
as in that year he was a proprietor of
Weymouth. The line of descent is
through his son, Nathaniel Smith, born
in Weymouth in 1639; his son, Nathaniel
(2) Smith, who moved to Hartford. Con-
necticut, and was one of the early settlers
of Litchfield; his son, Jacob Smith, a
lieutenant of the Revolution ; his son,
David Smith, born at the Litchfield home-
stead ; his son, David (2) Smith, father
of Dr. Edward Wier Smith.
David (2) Smith was born in Litchfield,
Connecticut, April 16, 1822, died in Meri-
den. May 28, 1902. He learned the stone-
mason's trade, and lived at Litchfield un-
til 1854, when he moved to Meriden,
which city was his home for half a cen-
tury. He conducted a successful con-
tracting business until the years grew
heavy, then retired after a long, active
and honorable life. He was a Republican
in politics, a member of the First Con-
gregational Church, and an ardent sup-
porter of the temperance cause. He mar-
ried, November 22, 1848, Fidelia Parker,
daughter of Daniel and Ruth (Hull)
Parker, of Meriden, granddaughter of
Jesse Hull, a Revolutionary soldier, and
his wife. Hannah (Preston) Hull, daugh-
ter of Sergeant Jehiel Preston, also a
Revolutionary soldier. On November 22,
1898, Mr. and Mrs. Smith celebrated the
golden anniversary of their wedding day
and four years more they journeyed life's
pathway together ere the bond was
broken by the death of her husband.
Mrs. Smith survived him until December
6, 1905. They were the parents of four
daughters and two sons : Nettie, married
Julius Augur, of Meriden ; Frank D., of
Meriden ; Edward Wier, mentioned be-
low ; Ella Isabel, of Meriden ; Jennie I.,
of Meriden ; Frances E., died October 27.
1898.
Dr. Edward Wier Smith was born in
Meriden, October 17. 1854, and there yet
resides. After completing public school
courses in Meriden, he prepared at Hop-
kins' Grammar School in New Haven,
and in 1874 entered Yale University,
whence he was graduated A. B., class of
'78, a member of that class being William
H. Taft. later President of the United
States. He attained class distinction at
Yale, took a lively interest in athletics,
was a member of the varsity baseball
team and prominent in other phases of
university life. Having decided upon the
medical profession, he again chose Yale
and for a year was a student in the medi-
cal department. His study was inter-
rupted by circumstances beyond his con-
trol, and another year was spent in teach-
ing. He then resumed study in the medi-
cal department of McGill University,
Montreal, Canada, and two years later, in
1882, was graduated wtih the degree of
M. D. Ten years later he supplemented
his study by a course at the Post-Gradu-
ate Medical School, New York City. After
graduating from McGill University in
1882, Dr. Smith located in Meriden, be-
gan practice, and has won high standing
as an honorable, skillful physician and
surgeon, his clientele large and influential.
He is senior member of the medical and
12
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
surgical staffs of Meriden Hospital, is an
honored fellow of the American College
of Surgeons, member of the American
Academy of Medicine, the American
Medical Association, Connecticut State
Medical Society, and ex-president of the
New Haven County Medical Society. His
interest is deep in all that pertains to his
profession, and no advance in treatment
or method is allowed to pass without its
virtues being closely tested. He is held
in high regard by his professional brethren
and is constantly sought in consultation.
In the medical societies named he holds
honorable rank, his election as a fellow
of the American College of Surgeons
coming as well deserved appreciation
from that distinguished body of surgeons.
In Free Masonry Dr. Smith holds all de-
grees of the York and Scottish rites up
to and including the thirty-second. He is
a master mason of Meriden Lodge. No.
JJ, a Companion of Keystone Chapter,
a Sir Knight of St. Elmo Commandery,
of the York Rite, and belongs to all bodies
of Lafayette Consistory, Ancient Ac-
cepted Scottish Rite. Through his Revo-
lutionary ancestors he has gained admis-
sion to the patriotic order, Sons of the
American Revolution ; is a Republican
in politics, and a member of the First
Congregational Church.
Dr. Smith married, October 14, 1885,
Helen B. Caldwell Rice, of Meriden,
daughter of Oliver and Abbie C. (Cald-
well) Rice, her mother a daughter of Cap-
tain John Caldwell, of Ipswich, Massa-
chusetts, of Welsh ancestry, and his wife,
Eunice (Stanwood) Caldwell, daughter of
Isaac and Eunice (Hodgkins) Stanwood.
Oliver Rice was a descendant of Robert
Royce, who was made a freeman of Bos-
ton in 1634, but later came to Connecticut,
living in Stratford and Ne.w London. His
son, Samuel Royce, settled with his sons
at Wallingford, where he died in 171 1.
He was succeeded by his son, Samuel (2)
Royce, and he by his son, Ezekiel Royce,
a farmer, large landowner and officer in
the French and Indian War. His com-
mission as lieutenant was derived from
King George II. and is one of the oldest
documents preserved in the State. He
died September 4, 1765, aged sixty-six.
His son, Ezekiel (2) Royce, was born on
the homestead in Wallingford, October
15, 1739, became a large landed proprietor
and a well known citizen. He was a
soldier of the Revolution, fought at Lex-
ington, Bunker Hill and Long Island, and
all through the struggle for liberty bore
an active part. He died September 3,
1808. He married Lydia Hough, and was
succeeded on the homestead by his son,
Ezekiel (3) Rice (modern spelling), born
October 8, 1777, died September 14, 1849,
a farmer all his life. He married (second)
Bethiah, widow of Dr. Theophilus Hall.
Oliver Rice, son of Ezekiel (3) Rice, was
born in the Rice homestead in the Han-
over district of Windsor, November 17,
1819, died February 26, 1886. After a
brief period spent in Ohio, he returned to
the old home and there spent his life, a
farmer and a citizen highly esteemed. He
married, August 27, 1846, Abbie C. Cald-
well, a lady of rare culture and refinement.
They were the parents of three sons and
two daughters, the younger, Helen B.
Caldwell Rice, the wife of Dr. Edward
W. Smith.
Dr. and Mrs. Smith have a daughter,
Marion Rice Smith, and a son. David
Parker Smith, born May 7, 1889, a gradu-
ate of Yale, A. B., class of 1910, Yale
Medical School, M. D., 1912, married
Evelyn Lewis, and has a son, Edward
Rice Smith.
SMITH, Frank Daniel,
Merchant, Financier.
The ancestry of Frank D. Smith ap-
pears in the preceding sketch of his
13
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
brother, Dr. E. W. Smith. It is sufficient
to say here that the promise of a worthy
ancestry has been fulfilled in the life of
Mr. Smith, who has been a useful and
successful citizen of Meriden throughout
his active life.
He was born July 22, 1852, at Litch-
field, Connecticut, son of David and Fi-
delia (Parker) Smith, and was about two
years of age when his parents removed to
Meriden, where they settled, and where
the son has made his home and achieved
a high standing while gaining success in
business. The public schools of his day
furnished him with a meagre education,
and when sixteen years of age he set out
to make his way in the great commercial
world. His first employment was with
the firm of Bowditch & Company, furni-
ture dealers of Meriden, with whom he re-
mained nearly ten years, during which
time, by diligent attention and industry,
he was enabled to master all the details of
the business as conducted by that firm.
In 1878 the firm was dissolved, and Mr.
Smith associated with himself Mr. J. C.
Twitchell, and they took over the busi-
ness, under the firm name of F. D. Smith
& Company. After some years of very
successful trade, the name of the firm was
changed to Smith & Twitchell, and the
partnership continued twenty years. At
the end of that time, in 1898, Mr. Smith
purchased the interest of his partner, and
continued the business under his own
name until his retirement from active life
in 1913, the business now being conducted
by his son-in-law, William E. Graham.
Besides building up a large business in
Meriden, Mr. Smith extended his interests
by investment elsewhere, and is now
president of the Smith, Tompkins Com-
pany, house furnishers of Torrington,
Connecticut. He is also a director of the
Puritan Trust Company, and trustee of
the Meriden Savings Bank of Meriden.
Mr. Smith has ever been active in pro-
moting the social life of the community,
and has been very active in the fraternity
of Free Masons, in which he has acquired
all the degrees of the York and Scottish
rites up to and including the thirty-sec-
ond degree. He is a master Mason of
Meriden Lodge, No. ~j, Free and Ac-
cepted Masons ; a companion of Key-
stone Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; a
sir knight of St. Elmo Commandery, of
the York Rite ; and is affiliated with all
the bodies of Lafayette Consistory, An-
cient Accepted Scottish Rite. Through
his Revolutionary ancestors he has gained
admission to the patriotic order. Sons of
the American Revolution, and is a mem-
ber of the Colonial Club of Meriden. He
is a member of the First Congregational
Church of Meriden, and is one of the
active and progressive supporters of the
Republican party in political matters. He
is popular among his associates, and en-
joys the friendship of a wide sphere of
acquaintances.
Mr. Smith married (first) October 12,
1875, Florence J. Powers, born October
31, 1856, daughter of Luther A. and Libbie
J. (Clark) Powers, of Meriden. Mr. and
Mrs. Smith are the parents of a daughter.
Edna W., now the wife of William E.
Graham, and the mother of a daughter,
Lorraine S. Graham. Mrs. Florence J.
Smith died September 29, 1909. Mr.
Smith married (second) June 25, 1911,
Mrs. Ida Booth Wilcox, daughter of Wil-
liam M. and Lois W. (Hall) Booth.
OAKEY, Peter Davis,
Congressman,
The career of the Hon. Peter Davis
Oakey, of Hartford, Connecticut, has
been a most varied and successful one,
and exhibits a noteworthy union of char-
acteristics and abilities, the factors in a
14
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
personality at present exerting a marked
influence upon tlie public life of the com-
munity. Although not a native of Hart-
ford, Mr. Oakey has resided in that city
for upwards of thirty years and identified
himself most closely with every depart-
ment of its life.
The Oakey family is of Huguenot ori-
gin, and was founded in this country by
two brothers who came to the American
colonies, as did thousands of their co-re-
ligionists, to escape the oppression which
they suffered at home following the revo-
cation of the Edict of Nantes by Louis
XIV. The name was spelled differently
in those days, the form used by the
brothers being Oukey, apparently. The
records of these progenitors of the Ameri-
can Oakeys are very meagre, their first
names even being unknown. It is known,
however, that one of them settled on
Long Island and that he was the ancestor
of Oakey Hall, while the other made his
way to Albany, New York, and from
there to New Brunswick, New Jersey.
This brother was the great-grandfather
of Peter D. Oakey and it has come down
as a tradition that he served for six
months in the Revolutionary army as a
drummer boy. This the present genera-
tion has from Philip Oakey, a son of the
gentleman in question, who told it di-
rectly to his grandson, Peter Davis
Oakey. An exhaustive search of the
records of that time, however, fails to dis-
close anything of the sort but it is be-
lieved that this may be explained by the
fact that he was so young at the time of
service that his enlistment was somewhat
irregular and that no entry of any sort
was made of it. However this may be,
there is no doubt that he lived most of
his life in the New Jersey town of New
Brunswick, and was prominent in the life
of the community. With the next gener-
ation all the uncertainty vanishes, how-
ever, and the life and career of Philip
Oakey is recorded in detail.
He was born in Albany, New York,
but accompanied his father when a mere
child to New Brunswick, New Jersey, and
there grew to manhood. He learned the
trade of cabinet maker and followed that
occupation for the remainder of his life.
He was married to a Miss DeMott, and
died about 1864.
His son, John L. Oakey, was a native
of New Brunswick, New Jedsey, where
he was born about 1837, and lived to the
age of sixty-three years. He was a man
of considerable enterprise and carried on
a number of separate occupations, rising
to a position of prominence in the com-
munity. He was educated in the local
public schools, and later in life became a
farmer. He also engaged in a mercantile
venture and owned a mill which he oper-
ated successfully. He entered politics
while still a young man, and eventually
became a power in local affairs and repre-
sented his district in the New Jersey Leg-
islature, in 1880. He was married to
Sarah E. Wilson, of Millstone, New Jer-
sey, a daughter of John Wilson, of that
place, and to them were born three chil-
dren as follows : John W., now deceased ;
Peter Davis, the subject of this sketch :
and Ella C, now Mrs. John Remsen, of
Millstone.
Peter Davis Oakey was born February
25, i860, at Millstone, Somerset county,
New Jersey. He received his name from
his paternal uncle, the Rev. Peter Davis
Oakey, a graduate of Rutgers College,
and a Presbyterian clergyman who was
located for some thirty years at Jamaica,
Long Island. His nephew, the Mr. Oakey
with whom we are concerned, passed the
early years of his life in his native place,
engaged in the characteristic occupations
and pastimes of childhood, chief among
the former being the acquirement of an
15
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
education. This he obtained at the local
public schools, and upon completing it
engaged in the milling business with his
father until the year 1882. He was then
twenty-two years of age, and about the
same time his father purchased a large
farm in the eastern part of Maryland on
the coast. This the young man and his
brother were put in charge of and re-
mained upon it for about two years, bring-
ing it to a state of cultivation. Mr. Oakey
then returned to New Jersey and there
occupied himself upon the family farm
until the year 1886. The young man,
however, was ambitious to take part in
the affairs of a larger community than
that of the rural region of his birth, and
accordingly sought a connection with
some mercantile concern. In this he was
successful, and at the age of twenty-six
years was given charge of the New Eng-
land branch of the Mapes Fertilizer Com-
pany, coming to Hartford to establish his
headquarters. This was the beginning of
his long and close association with that
city in business and politics, and from
that time it became his permanent home.
The post was a most responsible one for
a man of Mr. Oakey's years, the Mapes
concern being one of the largest in that
line of business in the country, but he
proved himself fully equal to the task and
remained in charge for five years, de-
veloping the business in his territory to
great proportions. So successful was he
that the attention of other mercantile
concerns were drawn to him, and in 1891
he was offered the managership of the
Hartford Lavine Company, which he ac-
cepted and continued to hold until that
large business was sold four years later.
It was at this time that Mr. Oakey en-
tered an entirely different line of busi-
ness, which eventually proved the door
through which he entered politics. He
had considerable ability as a writer and
secured a position with the Hartforc
"Courant," which he held four years. This
work threw him into contact with gov-
ernment circles to a great extent, and iii
1895 he was appointed city collector. He
held this position for three years, until
1898, when he became city assessor.
In taking the step from business mto
politics, Mr. Oakey may be said to have
found the proper department for his
talents. Successful as he was in his
former field, it was here that he really
was at home. From early youth he had
always had a keen interest in the conduct
of public affairs, and was a staunch sup-
porter of the principles and policies of the
Republican party. His activity and ability
soon made him a leader in the local coun-
cils of his party, and in 1914 he became
the candidate for Congress from the First
District of Connecticut. In the campaign
which followed he was a most effective
exponent of the issues that his party stood
for and was successfully elected. On the
fourth of March he resigned from the
assessorship of Hartford, an office he had
held for seventeen years, to take his seat
in the august body to which he had been
elected. Mr. Oakey's record in Congress
is a most creditable one, and he is even
now performing an invaluable service to
his constituency, to his party, and to the
community-at-large. His first speech in
the House was well received by membtrs
of his own party, who called for an x-
tension of his time when the limit fixed
for that occasion (four minutes) had "x-
pired. The speech was on the ShacHe-
ford federal highway bill, which was op-
posed by Mr. Oakey on the general
ground that those who have already s.ip-
plied themselves with good roads at tleir
own cost should not be compelled to
build roads for others who have neglected,
or been unable, to do the same. Perh 'ps
he did not make sufficient distinction )e-
16
THE NE\v YORK
PUBLIC library!
ASTOR. LENOX
TILDEN fCJi.DAT...
^^s^..,^^?-^^'.:^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
tween neglect and inability, but he made
plain the progress that had been accom-
plished in his own State in road building.
The following are extracts therefrom: "I
am not particularly concerned that this
bill is reputed to be a plank in the Balti-
more platform, for that somewhat re-
markable document has already been rele-
gated to the realm of political action by
executive order." He declared himself
little interested in the constitutionality of
the proposition, because, in his own
words : "In the first place I do not know
whether it is constitutional or not, and in
the second place, that ancient document
has become irrelevant among friends." "I
do not believe that her (Connecticut's)
taxpayers who now feel in some sense the
burden of home, State or local road im-
provements will feel kindly in being taxed
for the rural highways of those which have
not taken, or do not seem inclined to take,
the initiative in this great improvement."
Besides his more special activities Mr.
Oakey has been a conspicuous participant
in the general life of the community, espe-
cially in social and club circles. He is a
member of Lafayette Lodge, Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons, of Norwich, Con-
necticut ; Consistory, Knights
Templar; and the Sphinx Temple, An-
cient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine. He is also a member of the Be-
nevolent and Protective Order of Elks
and an ex-ruler of Hartford Lodge there-
of, also a member of the Knights of
Pythias and the Ancient Order of For-
esters. Besides these orders, Mr. Oakey
is a member of many prominent clubs,
among which should be mentioned the
Hartford Club, the Republican Club of
Hartford, the Thames Club and the Union
League Club of New Haven, and the Na-
tional Press Club of Washington, D. C.
He is a Presbyterian in religion, and a
prominent member of the First Presby-
terian Church of Hartford.
Conn— S~2 jy
Mr. Oakey married Mrs. Ada H. Garde,
the widow of William H. Garde.
A career as brilliant as that of Mr.
Oakey, which has resulted in his reach-
ing a place so high in the trust of the
people at an age when his powers are at
their zenith, certainly holds forth a most
tempting prospect to him for the future,
and to the community the promise of
faithful and effective service in ever
higher and more responsible capacities.
BILL, William Coe,
Manufacturer and Importer.
The Bill family of England has an an-
cient and honorable record, extending
back almost to the beginning of the use
of surnames in that country. The name
means a kind of weapon, and the progeni-
tor doubtless took his surname from his
occupation in war, a bill-man. A bill was
a kind of battle-ax. The family came
originally from Denmark, according to
the best authority and located in Shrop-
shire, England, where for some five cen-
turies it has been numerous and promi-
nent, and also in Wiltshire and Stafford-
shire. Dr. Thomas Bill, born 1490, a
prominent physician, was an attendant of
Princess Elizabeth. John Bill, born 1576,
was a well-known publisher of London,
"publisher to King James I., Alost Ex-
cellent Majestic" in 1613, and one of the
first books that he published was written
by the king. After he received his royal
license his place of business became
known as Printing House Square, by
which it is still known. John Bill mar-
ried Anne Mountford, authoress of a book
entitled "Mirror of Modestie," published
in 1621. She died May 3, 1621, aged thir-
ty-three years. He married (second) Joan
Franklin, of Throwley, County Kent. He
made his will in 1630; was buried at St.
Anne's, Blackfriars, London. He left a
legacy to the parish of Much Wenlock,
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
where he was born. Children by first
wife : John, mentioned below ; Anne ;
Charles, who succeeded his father as pub-
lisher ; Henry ; Mary.
The Bill coat-of-arms is described: Er-
mine two wood-bills (battle-axes) sable
with long handles proper in saltire a chief
azure, a pale or, charged with a rose gfules
between two pelicans' heads erased at the
neck, argent. There was a William Bill
buried at Westminster Abby and the
coat-of-arms are engraved on his tomb.
(II) John (2) Bill, son of John (i) Bill,
was the immigrant ancestor, according to
the researches of the author of the Bill
genealogy. With his wife Dorothy he
came to this country before 1635. Their
children, John, aged thirteen, and Marie,
aged eleven years, came to Boston in 1635,
John in the ship "Hopewell' and Marie in
the ship "Planter." John Bill died in 1638,
and a month later Richard Tuttle became
responsible to the town for Dorothy Bill,
widow, "sojourner at his house" and "for
anything about her." It is believed that
she was Tuttle's sister. From John Bill
all of the surname in this country are de-
scended. Children : James, born in Eng-
land in 1615; Thomas, born about 1618;
Philip, mentioned below ; John, born 1622 ;
Mary, 1624.
(III) Philip Bill, son of John (2) Bill,
■was born in England about 1620. He
lived at Pulling Point in Boston, Massa-
chusetts, where his mother Dorothy and
brother James also settled. He moved
to Ipswich, Massachusetts, and in 1667
or 1668 to New London, Connecticut,
after spending some months visiting rela-
tives at Pulling Point. He settled on the
east side of the Thames river in that part
of the town that was incorporated as
Groton, in 1705, and became the owner
of a large amount of real estate. He died
July 8, 1689, of throat distemper, and his
daughter Margaret died the same day.
His widow Hannah married (second)
Samuel Buckland, of New London, and
died in 1709. Children: Philip, born
about 1659; Mary, about 1661 ; Margaret,
about 1663 ; Samuel, about 1665 ; John,
mentioned below ; Elizabeth ; Jonathan,
baptized November 5, 1671 ; Joshua, born
October 16, 1675.
(IV) John (3) Bill, son of Philip Bill,
was born about 1667. He went with his
father to New London. He married (first)
Mercy Fowler; (second) Hannah Rust.
He finally located in Lebanon, and was
highway surveyor there. He died in 1739.
His will was dated April 21, 1736, proved
January 28, 1739. Children: John, bap-
tized December 16, 1696; Abigail, No-
vember I, 1702; born at Lebanon: James,
mentioned below ; Laurana ; Benajah.
(V) Lieutenant James Bill, son of John
(3) Bill, was born at Lebanon, Connec-
ticut, September 20, 1703, and died No-
vember 9, 1781 (gravestone). He mar-
ried, in 1727, Kezia French, daughter of
John French. He resided in the village
of Goshen, part of Lebanon ; was high-
way surveyor, grand juror. He and his
wife quitclaimed their rights in land of
John French at Norwich. His will was
dated March 20, 1781, proved November
27, 1781. Her will was dated May 20,
1783, proved March 13, 1786. They lived
in later life in Exeter, part of Lebanon.
Their gravestones are standing in the old
burial ground there. Children : Lurania,
bom August 29, 1728; Amos; Peleg,
mentioned below ; James, born February
20, 1736; Oliver, October 27, 1737; Lucy;
Kezia, March 14, 1741-42; Betty, Septem-
ber 5, 1746.
(VI) Peleg Bill, son of Lieutenant
James Bill, was born in Lebanon, Con-
necticut, January 8, 1733. He lived in
Colchester, and was a soldier in the
French and Indian War in the campaign
near Lake George, and presumably died
18
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
in the service. His widow Jerusha mar-
ried Lemuel Clark, of Mansfield, Connec-
ticut, March 9, 1763. Children: Jerusha,
baptized July 25, 1756; Abiel, mentioned
below.
(VII) Abiel Bill, son of Peleg Bill, was
born at Colchester, Connecticut, June 18,
1758. He owned land in Lebanon and
probably lived in the village of Exeter.
He was a soldier in the Revolution and
in 1832 was a pensioner on account of his
service. (Page 655, "Revolutionary Rolls
of Connecticut.") He was then living in
New London county. Children: Chester;
Peleg, gave deeds of land to William Bliss
in 1820; Hosea, mentioned below; daugh-
ter. (See p. 202, "Bill Genealogy" for
part of the family.)
(VIII) Hosea Bill, son of Abiel Bill,
was born in Exeter, Connecticut, part of
Lebanon. He was a scythe manufacturer.
He married Clarissa Lyman, who died at
Colchester, April 2, 1869, aged seventy-
two years. Children : William H., men-
tioned below ; Lydia ; Ruth.
(IX) William H. Bill, son of Hosea
Bill, was born in Exeter, Connecticut, a
small hamlet, half-way between Columbia
and Hebron, in 1826. W^hen a young man
he removed to New London. He learned
the mason's trade and followed it for
many years, taking contracts and making
a specialty of fancy plastering and all
kinds of brick-work, both interior and ex-
terior, and employing a number of men.
About 1852 he removed to Norwich, and
afterward to Hebron, where he continued
in the same line of business. In politics
he was a Democrat ; in religion a Metho-
dist. He married Elizabeth Foote. Chil-
dren : Erastus F., born at New London,
September 3, 185 1 ; Edward Willis, men-
tioned below.
(X) Edward Willis Bill, son of Wil-
liam H. Bill, was born at Norwich, Con-
necticut, June 16, 1854. He attended the
public schools in Hebron and Bacon
Academy at Colchester. When he was
about eighteen years old, he left home and
found employment as clerk in a hat store
in Hartford. Afterward he was traveling
salesman for George H. Clark & Com-
pany, dealers in hats, and a few years
later was admitted a partner in that firm.
The firm at that time did a large whole-
sale and jobbing business in hats. He
finally became the sole owner of the busi-
ness, and in 1884 he removed to New York
City. The firm of Bill & Caldwell was
formed November 15, 1886, and succeeded
to the business of George H. Clark &
Company. Mr. Caldwell died January
18, 1908, and a year later Mr. Bill became
the sole proprietor, but the old name is
retained. Bill & Caldwell are importers
of men's stiff, soft and straw hats, with
stores at Nos. 743-45 Broadway, New
York City. In addition to the importing
business, the firm has in recent years
manufactured a large variety of hats. The
salesmen of the firm cover the entire
country, and the firm is the largest im-
porters of men's hats in this country. Mr.
Rill is a Republican in politics. He is a
member of the Republican Club of New
York; the New York Athletic Club, the
Merchants' Association, the New York
Credit Clearing House, and of various
other commercial and social organiza-
tions. He is a communicant of the Prot-
estant Episcopal church. He married,
January 25, 1878, Minnie Agnes Coe,
daughter of William Gilmore and Jeanette
Todd (Lee) Coe (see Coe XVII). They
had one son, William Coe, mentioned be-
low. Minnie Agnes Coe died April 13,
1917.
(XI) William Coe Bill, son of Edward
Willis Bill, was born in Hartford, Con-
necticut, July 14, 1880. He was educated
in Columbia Institute, New York City.
After leaving school he was for one year
19
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGR.A.PHY
a clerk in a retail store in Winsted, Con-
necticut. He then entered the employ of
his father's firm, as traveling salesman,
and continued for a period of four years.
In 1903 he started in business on his own
account with a retail hat store in Hart-
ford, and has conducted it with great suc-
cess to the present time. In 1913 he
opened another hat store at Springfield,
Massachusetts. Besides these two stores,
he has an interest in his father's business
in New York, the firm of Bill & Caldwell.
Mr. Bill served for twelve years in the
Governor's Foot Guard and retired with
the rank of sergeant. He was appointed
by the mayor of Hartford to represent the
city at the San Francisco Exposition on
Hartford Day. He is a thirty-second de-
gree Mason, having taken all the degrees
in the Scottish Rite. He is a member of
St. John's Lodge, No. 4, Ancient Free
and Accepted Alasons ; of Pythagoras
Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; Wolcott
Council, Royal and Select Masters ;
Washington Commandery, Knights Tem-
plar ; Sphinx Temple, Order of the Mystic
Shrine ; Consistory, Sovereign
Princes of the Royal Secret. He is also
a member and past exalted ruler of Hart-
ford Lodge. No. 19, Benevolent and Pro-
tective Order of Elks; of the Hartford
Club ; the Rotary Club ; the Kinwanis
Club ; the Nyassett Club of Springfield ;
the Thames Club of New London ; the
New York Athletic Club ; Founders and
Patriots Society, and Sons of the Ameri-
can Revolution.
He married, August 5, 1913, Marion
Shirley, daughter of Francis B. Cum-
mings, of Hartford.
(The Coe Line).
The English ancestry of the Coe family
has been traced in the "Coe Genealogy"
by J. Gardner Bartlett. The coat-of-arms
is described: Argent, three piles wavy
meeting near the base gules, between
twelve martlets sable. The family in Eng-
land descends from John Coe, of Gesting-
thorpe, County Essex, who was probably
born in Essex about 1340, in the reign of
Edward III., a prominent man. In 1412,
then about seventy years old, he settled
his affairs, leaving a large part of his
estate to found the Hawkwood chantries.
He died about 1415.
(II) John (2) Coe or Coo, as the name
was spelled, married Eleanor . He
was born about 1375, and died about 1425.
(HI) John (3) Coe, son of John (2)
Coe or Coo, was born about 1400, and
died after 1448. He was also of Gesting-
thorpe.
(IV) Thomas Coe, son of John (3)
Coe, was born about 1430, and died about
1507-
(V) John (4) Coe, son of Thomas Coe,
was born about 1460; his will was proved
in 1520. He was of Gestingthorpe ; mar-
ried Joane Gelding, daughter of Thomas
Golding. Children : John, the elder, of
Gestinsjthorpe ; John, the younger ; Thom-
as, of Halstead, County Essex.
(VI) John (5) Coe, the younger, son
of John (4) Coe, was of Gestingthorpe,
born about 1495. died in 1533; married
Margaret , who married (second)
Richard Garrard. Children: John, the
elder; John, the younger.
(VII) John (6) Coe, the elder, son of
John (5) Coe, was born in 1523, died in
1558; lived in Maplestead and Wiston ;
married Dorothy , who married
(second) Robert Turner, and (third)
Oliver Dixon. Children of John Coe:
John, Robert, William, Thomas, Henry,
mentioned below.
(VIII) Henry Coe, son of John (6)
Coe, was born in 1565, and died in 1631.
He lived at Thorpe-Morieux ; married
Mary , who died in 1631. Children:
Robert, mentioned below ; William, born
1598; Thomas, born 1601.
(IX) Robert Coe, the American immi-
20
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
grant, son of Henry Coe, was born at
Thorpe-Morieux, County Suffolk, Eng-
land, and baptized there, October 26, 1596.
In 1625 he was living at Boxford, County
Suffolk, whence he came to this country
in 1634. He was elected overseer of cloth
at Boxford, April 18, 1625, and was quest-
man of the Boxford church in 1629. He
sailed from Ipswich, County Suffolk, Eng-
land, in 1634, in the ship "Francis" with
his wife and children, and settled at
Watertown, Massachusetts. He was ad-
mitted a freeman, September 3, 1634. In
June, 1635, he went with others to settle
Wethersfield, Connecticut, being dis-
missed from the Watertown church. May
29. 1635, and remained there about five
years. In November, 1640, he was one of
the founders of Stamford, Connecticut,
where he became a leading citizen ; magis-
trate ; deputy to the General Court. Later
he went to Hempstead, Long Island,
where he was elder of the church, living
there eight years ; magistrate there under
the Dutch government. In 1652 he lo-
cated in Newtown, Long Island, and
again was elder of the church. In 1653
he went to Boston, Massachusetts, as
deputy to get protection from the In-
dians, and in the same year for the same
purpose to New Amsterdam. In 1656 he
was one of the founders of Jamaica, Long
Island, and in 1658 was appointed magis-
trate there by the Dutch and he held this
office until 1664. In 1663 the town trans-
ferred allegiance from the Dutch to Con-
necticut, and in May, 1664, he was deputy
to the General Court at Hartford. When
the English captured New Amsterdam
and Jamaica again came under the juris-
diction of that colony, Robert Coe was
made judge of the Courts of Oyer and
Terminer, 1669, and high sheriff of York-
shire. He died about 1689, aged about
ninety-two years.
He married (first) in England, about
1623, Mary
-, mother of his children,
who was buried October 27, 1628, in Box-
ford, England. He married (second) April
29. 1630, in Assington, County Suffolk,
Hannah Dearsley, who came hither with
him. He married (third) (license dated
February 15, 1674-75) Jane Rouse, widow
of Edward Rouse, and formerly widow of
John Smith, of Taunton. Children, born
in Boxford : John, born 1625 ; Robert,
mentioned below ; Mary, 1627 ; Benjamin,
1628.
(X) Robert (2) Coe, son of Robert (i)
Coe, was born at Boxford, baptized there
September 19, 1626. He remained in Con-
necticut when the remainder of the family
went to Long Island in 1644, and lived at
Stratford. He died intestate about Sep-
tember, 1659, aged thirty-three years. He
married, about 1650, Hannah Mitchell,
who was baptized at Halifax, Yorkshire,
England, June 26. 163 1, daughter of Mat-
thew and Susan (Butterfield) Mitchell.
She came to this country with her
parents, who located in Wethersfield.
She married (second) Nicholas Elsey. of
New Haven, and died there, April 2, 1702.
Children, born at Stratford: Hannah, De-
cember 14, 1651, probably died young;
Susanna, August 16, 1653; Sarah, about
April, 1656; John, mentioned below.
(XI) Captain John (7) Coe, son of
Robert (2) Coe, was born at Stratford,
Connecticut, May 10, 1658. He lived in
New Haven with his mother and step-
father until he came of age. His mother
deeded to him his father's estate at Strat-
ford, and in 1685 he exchanged the home-
stead for another lot on which he built a
house and lived the remainder of his life.
The house has been in the family for
six generations. He was well-to-do and
prominent ; a farmer, land speculator, mer-
chant, miller and innkeeper. He held
various town offices ; commissioned en-
sign. May 25, 1698; was deputy to the
21
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
General Assembly in 1701 and 1715; lieu-
tenant, May 20, 1706, and captain, Octo-
ber 13, 1709; served in the French and
Indian War in 1708. His will was dated
January 29, 1740, and proved May 5, 1741.
He married, December 20, 1682, Mary
Hawley, born at Stratford, July 10, 1663,
died there September 9, 1731, daughter
of Lieutenant Joseph and Catherine
(Birdsey) Hawley. He died April 19,
1 741. Children, born at Stratford: Rob-
ert, mentioned below ; Joseph, February
2, 1686-87; Hannah, April 14, 1689; Mary,
August II, 1691 ; John, December 5, 1693;
Sarah, March 26, 1695 ! Ephraim, Decem-
ber 18, 1698: Catherine, September 23,
17CO; Abigail, November 11, 1702; Eben-
ezer, August 18, 1704.
(XII) Ensign Robert (3) Coe,son of Cap-
tain John (7) Coe, was born at Stratford,
Connecticut, September 21, 1684. When
he came of age his father gave him a
tract of land in Durham, of which he was
a pioneer, and was chosen lister of the
first town meeting; commissioned ensign,
October, 1718. In 1721 he moved to what
is now Middlefield, Connecticut, where he
lived the remainder of his days. He died
there, February 2, 1762. His will was
dated February 21, 1761. proved February
20, 1762. He married, December 21, 1708,
Barbara Parmalee, born in Guilford. June
23, 1689. daughter of Sergeant John and
Mary (Mason) Parmalee. She died in
Bristol. Connecticut, September 26, 1774,
aged eighty-five years. Children, second
to seventh born at Durham, eighth to
thirteenth at Middlefield : John ; Jona-
than, mentioned below ; Martha, March
21, 1712-13: Ebenezer, August 21, 1715;
Mary, April 4 or 11, 171 7; Robert, June
II, 1719; Hannah, April 12, 1721 ; Robert,
baptized June 17, 1723; Jedediah, August
4, 1725; Thomas, May 18, 1727; Reuben,
November 17, 1728; William, April 29,
1730; Rachel, September 6, 1732.
(XIII) Jonathan Coe, son of Ensign
Robert (3) Coe, was born in Durham.
Connecticut, about February, 1710-11. He
bought land in the wilderness in what is
now Torrington, Connecticut, and became
the first permanent settler there, remain-
ing until 1784, when he went to Winches-
ter, Connecticut, where he spent his last
jears, and died April 23, 1795. He was
one of the founders of the Torrington
church ; deputy to the Connecticut As-
sembly in 1762, 1764 and 1765. He mar-
ried, September 23, 1737, Elizabeth Elmer,
born 17x0, died June 28, 1794, daughter of
Deacon Jonathan and Mary Elmer, of
Windsor. Children, born at Torrington :
Oliver, born September 3, 1738; Robert,
March 28, 1740; Jonathan, mentioned be-
low; Elizabeth, September 15, 1743; Jeru-
sha, March 2"], 1746; Martha, January 15,
1749; Ebenezer, December 2, 1750; Lu-
cretia, June 9, 1755.
(XIV) Ensign Jonathan (2) Coe, son
of Jonathan (i) Coe, was born at Tor-
rington, Connecticut, August 20, 1742.
He bought of his brother Robert a farm
at Winchester, whither he removed and
lived until 1796. when he settled in that
part of the town now Winsted. and died
there August i, 1824. He was the founder
of Methodism in W^inchester. He was a
soldier in the Revolution, ensign in Cap-
tain John Hill's company, in New York,
1778 ; also on a committee of army supply.
He married (first) April 15, 1767, Eunice
Cook, born March 5, 1746, died April 12,
1818, daughter of Deacon John and Rachel
(Wilson) Cook, of Torrington. He mar-
ried (second) Sarah (Cook) Hurlburt,
born October 31, 1750, sister of his first
wife. Children by first wife, the first born
at Torrington. the others in Winchester:
Lavinia, February 11, 1768; Jonathan,
mentioned below ; Eunice, March 23, 1772 ;
Roger, July 27, 1774; Rhoda. March 27,
1777; Huldah, January 3. 1779; David.
22
T!;E lilY
Yi
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
February ii, 1781 ; Daniel, February 2,
1783; Eben, July 9, 1785.
(XV) Jonathan (3) Coe, son of Ensign
Jonathan (2) Coe, was born in Winches-
ter, Connecticut, March 23, 1770. He set-
tled on a farm in Winsted in that town,
where he built a brick house on what is
known as Meadowbrook Farm, and lived
there to the end of his life. He was select-
man, 1819 to 1825; representative in the
Legislature, 1822-23-25-28, and was justice
of the peace. He died at Winsted, May
31, 1849. He married (first) October 3,
1792, Charlotte Spencer, born at Say-
brook, April 4, 1773, died July 15, 1842,
daughter of Thomas and Phebe (Grin-
nell) Spencer, and a descendant of John
and Priscilla (Mullins) Alden, who came
in the "Mayflower." He married (third)
November 30, 1848, Betsey (Miller) Wet-
more, of Wolcottville, Connecticut, born
a-t Torrington, November 8, 1770, daugh-
ter of Ebenezer and Thankful (Allin)
Miller, and widow of Ebenezer L. Wet-
inore. She died September 18, 1850, aged
eighty years. Children, born at Winches-
ter: Jehiel, mentioned below ; Chloe, born
February 24, 1797; Wealthy, March i,
3799; Charlotte, August 24, 1801 ; Asahel,
April 4, 1804; Sylvia, August 12, 1806;
Huldah, April 6, 1809; Jane, August 14,
;8i2; Ruth, April 5, 1814.
(XVI) Jehiel Coe, son of Jonathan (3)
(3oe, was born at Winsted, in Winchester,
Connecticut, October 5, 1794. He suc-
ceeded to his father's homestead. Meadow-
brook Farm, and lived there all his active
life. He died April 15, 1875. He mar-
ried (first) September 4, 1816, Amanda
Betsey Case, born in Simsbury, Connecti-
cut, April 28. 1797, daughter of Luke and
Betsey (Adams) Case. She died in Win-
sted, February 18, 1855. He married (sec-
ond) September 25, 1856, Harriet E. Sage,
widow of Hiram Sage. Children by first
wife, born at Winsted : Charlotte, De-
cember 21, 1817; Luke Case, June 13,
1821 ; Spencer Wallace, October 15, 1827;
William Gilmore, mentioned below ; Mary
Jane, June 20, 1831.
(XVII) William Gilmore Coe, son of
Jehiel Coe, was born at Winsted, Connec-
ticut, September 10, 1829. He studied
law and was admitted to the bar in 185 1 ;
after a few years of practice in New
Britain, Connecticut, he returned to Win-
sted in 1857 and practiced there. He was
an organizer and officer of the Western
Connecticut Railroad ; served two terms
in the Assembly ; was postmaster of Win-
sted from 1858 to 1872; active in the
church. He was president of the com-
mittee in charge of the Centennial in 1871.
He died at Winsted, May 31, 1872. He
married (first) September 15, 1852, Mar-
tha Amelia Williams, born at Ballston,
New York, daughter of Uriah and Jane
(Scribner) Williams; She died October
6, 1854, at Jonesville, New York. He mar-
ried (second) May 27, 1856, Jeanette Todd
Lee, born at New Britain, March 9, 1834,
died February 4, 1910, daughter of Lo-
renzo P. and Jeanette Todd (Hills) Lee;
a talented woman, especially in music and
art. Child by first wife: Martha Jane,
born at Jonesville, September 17, 1854,
married Pliny Garnsey Brooks. By sec-
ond wife : Minnie Agnes, at Winsted, Oc-
tober 31, 1857, married Edward W. Bill
(see Bill X) ; Alice Lee, at Winsted, Au-
gust 12, 1859.
COLLINS, Benjamin White,
Bnsiness Man.
The Collins coat-of-arms is as follows :
Vert, a grififin segreant or, beaked, legged
and ducally gorged argent. Crest: A
demi griffin or, beaked, legged and ducally
gorged argent. Since 1663 descendants of
John Collins, of Boston, Massachusetts,
have been identified with the State of
23
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Connecticut, John (2) Collins, son of the
founder, settling in Middletovvn, in that
year. Meriden soon became the family
seat of this branch, and they have been
important factors in business and civic
life. Benjamin White Collins, a twentieth
century representative, has long been an
important factor in corporative enter-
prises in association with his honored
father, Aaron L. Collins, in agriculture
and business, and his successor as presi-
dent of the Meriden Grain & Feed Com-
pany. The name is an honored one in
Connecticut, and in the present, as in the
past, is borne by men of public spirit and
enterprise. John Collins, of Boston, Mas-
sachusetts, brother of Deacon Edward
Collins, probably came from England a
few years earlier than his brother. He
was admitted to the church at Boston,
April 4, 1646, and took the freeman's oath
the following May 6. Like his brother
he led an active life, was a shoemaker and
tanner, and in 1640 had a grant of land at
Braintree. He was a member of the An-
cient and Honorable Artillery Company of
Boston. He died March 29, 1670. By his
wife Hannah he had sons, John (2) and
Thomas; daughters, Susannah and Eliza-
beth.
John (2) Collins may have been born
in England, and come to New England
with his parents. This, however, is con-
jecture. In Boston he learned his father's
trade, tanner and shoemaker, and worked
with him until 1663 when he went to
Middletown, Connecticut, at about the
same time as did his cousins, Samuel and
Rev. Nathaniel Collins. In 1664 he moved
to Saybrook with Samuel Collins, signed
the New Plantation Covenant of Bran-
ford, and in December, 1669, was at Guil-
ford, Connecticut. In 1682 he was ap-
pointed to teach the grammar school for
a quarter of the year on trial. This serv-
ice must have proved satisfactory, as he
taught the school for several years there-
after. His will was proved January i,
1704-05. His first wife Mary died in 1667.
He married (second) June 2, 1669, Mary,
daughter of John Stevens, and widow of
Henry Kingsworth. He married (third)
March 6, 1699, Dorcas, daughter of Sam-
uel Swain, and widow of John Taintor,
who survived him and married a third
husband, William Wheeler. By his first
wife he had a daughter, Mary, and sons,
John and Robert.
Robert Collins was born in 1667, died
August 20, 1745. He resided in Middle-
town and Meriden, Connecticut, had a
house and listed in Guilford in 1690,
joined the church in Meriden, October
22, 1729, and was in Wallingford in 1735
and 1740. His will, dated January 2, 1741,
was proved September 2, 1745. His first
wife, Lois (Bennett) Collins, of South-
ampton, Long Island, died in 1704. He
married (second) June 3, 1707, Eunice,
daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Foster.
By his second wife he had a daughter,
Mary, and sons, Robert and Edward. Ed-
ward Collins, son of Robert Collins and
his second wife, Eunice (Foster) Collins,
was born at Meriden, Connecticut, August
7, 171 1, died there. January 2, 1802. He
married, August 29, 1738, Susanna Peck,
and had a daughter, Molly, and sons,
Daniel and Samuel.
Daniel Collins, eldest son of Edward
and Susanna (Peck) Collins, was born in
Meriden, February 16. 1741, and there
died November 10, 1819. He was a soldier
of the Revolution, always known as Cap-
tain Dan Collins. He was a member of
the Second Company, Captain Havens,
serving as sergeant from May 6 to June
10, 1775. He reenlisted in 1777 and re-
signed in 1778. He again was in the serv-
ice in 1779, was a captain in 1780. and in
1818 was granted a pension. He married,
May 17. 1774, Susanna Lyman, daughter
24
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of Captain Aaron Lyman, of Wallingford.
Children: Molly, married Benjamin Cur-
tis ; Susanna, married Jonathan Edwards ;
Lucy, married a Mr. Moran ; Aaron ; Ly-
man, of further mention; Betsey, married
Colonel Stephen Seymour.
Lyman Collins, son of Edward and Su-
sanna (Lyman) Collins, was a soldier of
the War of 1812. He married Elizabeth
(Betsey) Carter, daughter of Salmon Car-
ter, of Wallingford, and had children:
Aaron Lyman, of further mention ; Charles
H., a manufacturer and merchant, mar-
ried Sarah C. Brooks ; Lucy A., married
N. P. Ives.
Aaron Lyman Collins, son of Lyman
and Elizabeth (Carter) Collins, was born
at the Collins homestead. East Main street,
Meriden, December 20, 1820, and there re-
sided until his death, March 28, 1903. He
attended the public school, and remained
his father's farm assistant until coming of
legal age, then with his brother, Charles
H. Collins, started a grocery business in
Meriden "Center." This partnership was
dissolved in 1856, and then he became an
employee of the cutlery firm of Pratt,
Ropes & Webb, a business established in
Meriden in 1846. The same year the busi-
ness was incorporated as the Meriden
Cutlery Company, Mr. Collins continu-
ing in constantly increasing positions of
responsibility until 1878, when he was
elected president of the company, a posi-
tion he held until his death. He also held
official relation with other important busi-
ness enterprises of Meriden ; was presi-
dent of the Wilcox Silver Plate Company
until its absorption by the International
Silver Company; president of the Meri-
den Grain & Feed Company ; director of
the Home National Bank and trustee of
the City Savings Bank. He was a man of
high business quality and sterling char-
acter, a natural leader, a loyal friend and
neighbor. He married Sylvia White,
daughter of the Rev. Benjamin White, of
Middlefield, Connecticut. Sons: Charles
Lyman, Edward John and Benjamin
White Collins.
Benjamin White Collins, son of Aaron
Lyman and Sylvia (White) Collins, was
born at the Collins homestead. East Main
street, Meriden, Connecticut, May i, 1859.
He attended the old Center street school,
and until 1895 was associated with his
father in the cultivation of the home farm
and in the raising of blooded horses and
cattle. In 1895, still in association, they
assumed the ownership and management
of the hay, grain and feed business of A.
S. Russell, located on South Colony street,
Meriden. They conducted that business
as a firm until December, 1897, then in-
corporated it as the Meriden Grain &
Feed Company, Aaron L. Collins, presi-
dent; Benjamin W. Collins, manager, and
since his father's death he has been presi-
dent and treasurer. Thanks to his early
training and association with his honored
father, he has continued business enter-
prises along both agricultural and manu-
facturing lines, and in addition to his in-
terests in the Meriden Grain & Feed Com-
pany is an important stockholder in one
of the largest potato dealing companies
in all New England, and a large owner of
real estate. He is an excellent business
man, a good friend and neighbor, genial
and friendly, highly esteemed in his com-
munity. He is a member of the State
Agricultural Society (ex-secretary) ; Meri-
den Agricultural Society (ex-president) ;
ex-treasurer of the Cattle Breeders' Asso-
ciation, and a member of the Boston
Chamber of Commerce. He has, in ad-
dition to the interests named, acquired
important holdings in Meriden corpora-
tions and is closely identified with their
management. He is president of the Meri-
den Braid Company ; director of the
Meriden Cutlery Company ; and a direc-
25
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
tor of the Home National Bank. Hardly
yet in the prime of life he has accom-
plished much, but with his broad vision
and business ability he may aspire to any
position in the business world. In the
Masonic order he is popular and promi-
nent, holding the thirty-second degree of
the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite,
and all the degrees of Center Eodge, Free
and Accepted Masons ; Keystone Chapter,
Royal Arch Masons ; Hamilton Council,
Royal and Select Masters ; and St. Elmo
Commandery, Knights Templar. He is
also a member of Pyramid Temple, Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine. In political faith he
is a Republican, and served for years on
the Meriden School Board. His clubs are
the Masonic, Home, and Highland Coun-
try.
Mr. Collins married, March 5, 1895,
Sophy Lowell Northrop, daughter of Lu-
cius Northrop. They are the parents of
a daughter Betsey, born October 9, 1901.
COWLES, Walter Goodman,
Laxryer, Insnrance.
John Cowles, immigrant ancestor, was
born in the west of England, it is thought,
about 1598. He came from there to this
country in 1635, locating in Massachu-
setts. He came to Hartford, Connecticut,
1635-39, in 1640 he removed to Farming-
ton, Connecticut, and in 1652 was one of
the organizers of the church there. He
purchased land at the north end of Farm-
ington village, which he later sold, and
purchased three lots just south of the
present meeting house and erected a
house there. He was deputy to the Gen-
eral Assembly in 1653-54. He removed
to Hadley, Massachusetts, about 1663, but
was probably not among the first settlers.
His remains were interred in the cemetery
at South Hadley. He was one of the com-
mittee that laid out a burying place for
the town, February 14, 1669, and there
was no other cemetery there until 1848.
He spelled his name Cowles in order to
distinguish himself from another man
named Cole of the same town ; and from
that time to the present the descendants
of his eldest son Samuel have spelled the
name Cowles and those of the youngest
son John, until the beginning of the nine-
teenth century, favored the spelling Cowls.
His widow, Hannah Cowles, went to live
with her son-in-law, Caleb Stanley, of
Hartford, where she died, March 16, 1683,
and was buried there. Her will was dated
October 27, 1680, and in it she states that
her husband's last will was dated Decem-
ber 11, 1674. Children: Samuel, mentioned
below ; John, born 1641 ; Hannah, 1644,
married Caleb Stanley, of Hartford ; Sarah,
1646. married Nathaniel Goodwin ; Esther,
1649, married Thomas Bull; Elizabeth,
1651, married Edward Lyman; Mary,
June 24, 1654, married Nehemiah Dickin-
son.
(II) Samuel Cowles, eldest son of John
and Hannah Cowles, was born in Hart-
ford, Connecticut, in 1639, and died in
Farmington, Connecticut, April 17, 1691.
He resided at Farmington practically all
his life, his parents removing there in
1640, and was one of the eighty-four pro-
prietors of the town in 1672. He became
the progenitor of the Connecticut branch
of the family, his brother John being the
ancestor of the Massachusetts branch.
He married, February 14, 1660, Abigail,
daughter of Timothy Stanley, one of the
leading men of Hartford, who came from
County Kent, England, in 1634, and was
a member of the Rev. Hooker's company
that went from Cambridge to settle Hart-
ford in 1636. Children, born at Farming-
ton : Samuel, March 17, 1661 ; Abigail,
January, 1663, married Thomas Porter;
Hannah, December 10, 1664; Timothy.
November 4, 1666; Sarah, December 25,
26
Ti'" T'EV "Cr.K
PUBUC LIBi.ARY
ASTOR, LErrox.
TII-D-EN tOUyP'ATtOlStS
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
1668, married Stephen Hart ; John, Janu-
ary 28, 1670; Nathaniel, February 15,
1673; Isaac, March 23, 1674-75; Joseph,
January 18, 1677-78; Elizabeth, March 17,
1680; Caleb, mentioned below.
(III) Caleb Cowles, youngest son of
Samuel and Abigail (Stanley) Cowles,
was born at Farmington, Connecticut,
June 20, 1682, and died November 15,
1725. He settled in Kensington, then
called the "Great Swamp," and was one
of the original "seven pillars" of the
church formed there, December 10, 1712.
He married, August 8, 1710, Abigail,
daughter of Joseph Woodford. She died
in 1736. Children: Hezekiah, born 1711,
died 1736; Daniel, mentioned below;
Caleb, Jr., born 1719, died 1753.
(IV) Daniel Cowles, son of Caleb and
Abigail (Woodford) Cowles, was born at
Kensington, Connecticut, December 14,
1717, and died in 1798. Previously he had
disposed by sale of his property in Ken-
sington and removed to Worthington, lo-
cating on Lovely street (now West Avon),
where he spent the remainder of his days.
He married Martha Powell, who died in
1810, aged ninety years. Children: Dan-
iel, mentioned below; Selah, died 1821 :
Ziba.
(V) Daniel (2) Cowles. son of Daniel
(i) and Martha (Powell) Cowles, was
born in 1741, and died in Worthington
(West Avon) in 1809. He was a soldier
in the Revolution. He removed from
Kensington to Lovely street, Worthing-
ton (West Avon), in 1779, and there spent
the remainder of his days. He married,
April 25, 1765-66, Esther Rhodes, daugh-
ter of Joseph Rhodes. She died in 1815.
aged seventy-three years. Children: Dan-
iel, born 1767; Lemuel, mentioned below;
W^illiam, born 1781.
(VI) Lemuel Cowles, son of Daniel
(2) and Esther (Rhodes) Cowles, was
born in 1776, and died in 181 5. He mar-
ried Esther Gridley, daughter of Seth
Gridley, who was a soldier in the Revolu-
tion. Children: Walter H., born in 1802,
died same year; Walter Hamilton, men-
tioned below ; Edward, born in 1806.
(VII) Walter Hamilton Cowles, son of
Lemuel and Esther (Gridley) Cowles, was
born at the old homestead on Lovely
street, West Avon, Connecticut, Decem-
ber 15, 1803. When he was twelve years
of age his father died. He had an invalid
mother and one brother, then nine years
of age. After the death of his mother,
the home farm was divided between the
brothers, and Walter H. sold his part and
opened a country tavern. At one of the
country fairs he exhibited a working
model of a railroad train, then a most
decided curiosity, and this demonstrated
that he possessed inventive genius. Later
he occupied and conducted a large farm
known as the Gridley Farm in Unionville
(a village in Farmington). About 1850
he, with his son Samuel, began the manu-
facture of soap. The start was made with
a rough iron kettle bought at a junk shop
for thirty-five cents and some wood ashes
and "soap grease" picked up in the neigh-
borhood. The sole product was "soft
soap," so common in those days. The
soap was traded for more ashes and
grease, also for the necessities of life, and
rarely was there any sold for money. The
father was the practical soap maker and
the son was the salesman. He made long
wagon trips and rapidly increased the
volume of business. A factory became
necessary and was built in Unionville on
what is now called Water street. The old
factory, altered and divided into two tene-
ment houses, is still standing. Here the
father developed the process of making
"bar soap," and a little later the manu-
facture of candles was added. In 1859
they removed their factory to Hartford,
locating at the foot of Talcott street,
27
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
vhere the factory still stands. A Mr.
Gridley was admitted as a partner and
the firm name was then Cowles & Grid-
ley. In 1864 the Cowles interest was
bought by Lemuel T. Frisbie, who after-
wards acquired the Gridley interest.
Walter H. Cowles was considered an ex-
pert practical soap maker and was paid
a large sum by Mr. Williams, the now
famous soap manufacturer of Glaston-
bury, Connecticut, for some of his formu-
lae and personal instruction in the soap
maker's art. After this he was engaged
in a general and successful real estate
business in Hartford. The partnership
between father and son was strictly gen-
eral. There was never a balance sheet or
a division. They always lived together
and all earnings or profits of either from
any source were put into a common fund.
Walter H. Cowles was one of the founders
and ardent supporters of the Windsor
Avenue Congregational Church and was
one of its deacons for many years. Mr.
Cowles married, July 10, 1822, after the
death of his mother, Azuba Steadman,
a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth
(Watts) Steadman, the latter named a
relative of Isaac Watts, the well known
hymn writer. Mrs. Cowles was a tailoress
of much skill. Their children were : Lem-
uel W., born 1823, died 1878; James P.,
born 1825, died 1895 ; Samuel W., men-
tioned below: Marietta, born 1828, died
1831. Walter H. Cowles died February
7, 1888, and his wife died October 22, 1872,
aged seventy-eight years. Both are buried
at Hartford.
(VIII) Samuel W. Cowles, son of
Walter Hamilton and Azuba (Steadman)
Cowles, was born in Avon, Hartford
county, Connecticut, November 10, 1826,
and died at his home on Windsor avenue,
Hartford, Connecticut, February 14, 1900.
He engaged in business with his father,
as aforementioned, and in 1864, when the
business was disposed of by sale, he be-
came identified with life insurance in-
terests, and as a member of the Board of
Trade was also prominently connected
with the material growth and prosperity
of his adopted city. He was a well in-
formed man. being especially interested
in historical research, and he was a mem-
ber of the Connecticut Historical Society
from April. 1891, until his decease. He
was one of the founders of the Windsor
Avenue Congregational Church of Hart-
ford, in which he took a keen interest, and
was a member of St. John's Lodge, Free
and Accepted Masons ; the Connecticut
Society, Sons of the American Revolu-
tion ; and the Putnam Phalanx, of which
he was an honorary member. He was the
owner of the Peregrine White Bible. He
was highly regarded in commercial circles
as a man of the strictest honor and in-
tegrity, and his demise was sincerely
mourned by a wide circle of friends and
acquaintances. He married. December 31,
1851, Harriet Sophia Goodman, born in
West Hartford, June 20, 1829, died April
24. 1896, daughter of Childs and Sarah
(Porter) Goodman (see Goodman line).
They were the parents of two children :
Walter Goodman, mentioned below ; and
Arthur James, born October 31, 1861, died
January 29, 1904; he was the senior part-
ner of the firm of Cowles vt Howard,
grocers, of Hartford.
(IX) Walter Goodman Cowles, son of
Samuel W. and Harriet Sophia (Good-
man) Cowles, was born in Farmington,
Connecticut, April 4, 1857. Two years
after his birth his parents removed to
Hartford. Connecticut, and from that date
to the present time (1917) he has been a
resident of that city save as the require-
ments of his business have made other
residence temporarily necessary. His edu-
cation, begun in the public schools of
Hartford, was continued at the Connecti-
28
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
cut Literary Institute, located at Suffield,
where he completed preparatory study.
He prepared for the profession of law at
Yale Law School, from which he was
graduated with the degree of LL. B., class
of 1879, and the same year was admitted
to the Connecticut bar. He began prac-
tice in Hartford and in Bristol, but in 1882
withdrew from private practice to become
private secretary to J. G. Batterson, of
the Travelers' Insurance Company. On
July I, 1884, he entered the employ of the
company to look after the company's land
titles and legal matters, having previous
to that date performed this work in the
evenings during his tenure of the office of
private secretary to Mr. Batterson, and
thereafter devoted his entire time to that
branch of the business for many years.
There was trouble in Kansas, through a
land agent, and in May, 1885, Mr. Cowles
went to that State, expecting to remain
only a short period of time, but he re-
mained nearly ten years in that State and
in Colorado looking after the company's
interests, investments and litigation. In
December, 1894, he returned to Hartford,
Connecticut, and was made attorney of
the liability department, in charge of the
adjustments. On January 2, 1904, he was
elected secretary of the company, and on
January 24, 1912, was elected vice-presi-
dent of the company, still retaining charge
of the liability department. He was the
organizer of the liability claim depart-
ment of this company. He has specialized
liability and workmen's compensation in-
surance lines, has originated many of the
current practices, has written extensively,
and is an interesting and forceful public
speaker, his services of this sort being
much in demand. Mr. Cowles is a mem-
ber of the Connecticut Historical Society;
Casualty, Acturial and Statistical Society ;
St. John's Lodge, No. 4, Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons ; Pythagoras Chapter,
Royal Arch Masons; Washington Com-
mandery, Knights Templar ; Connecticut
Consistory, Sovereign Princes of the Royal
Secret; Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine ; is
past master, past high priest and past
eminent commander of Masonic lodges in
the West ; member of the Hartford Club,
Hartford Golf Club, and Country Club of
Farmington. He is a member of the
Windsor Avenue Congregational Church,
and was chairman of the committee for
many years. He is a member of the Vet-
eran Corps, Governor's Foot Guard. He
is a Republican in politics.
Mr. Cowles married (first) June 9, 1886,
in Cambridge, Illinois, Nellie Francis,
born in Cambridge, April 10, 1862, died
October 12, 1905, daughter of Morrison
and Mary C. (Moor) Francis, the former
named, now deceased, having been a
farmer, stock raiser and miller. Mary C.
(Moor) Francis was a descendant of John
Moor (1683-1774) and his wife, Janet
Moor (1687-1786); through their son.
Elder William Moor (1717-1784), and his
wife, Mollie (Jack) Moor ; their son, John
Moor (1746-1839), and his wife, Betsey
(Miller) Moor; their son, Captain John
IMoor (1790), and his wife, Deborah
(Sherman) Moor, the»latter named daugh-
ter of Reuben Sherman, and they were the
parents of Mary C. Moor, aforementioned.
Mr. and Mrs. Cowles were the parents of
three children : Francis Walter, born Oc-
tober 28, 1888, educated in the public
schools of Hartford, entered the Naval
-Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, now
engaged in business ; Donald Buford,
born July 26, 1895, educated in the Hart-
ford public school, Holderness School,
Plymouth, New Hampshire, and the New
York Military Academy at Cornwall-on-
the Hudson, from which he was gradu-
ated in June, 1915 ; and Richard Good-
man, born June 18, 1900, died October 7,
1905-
Mr. Cowles married (second) Novem-
29
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ber 2, 1907, Mrs. Elgitha (Wyckoff) Mills,
widow of Hiram R. Mills, of Hartford.
Mrs. Cowles had one son by her first mar-
riage, Hiram WyckoiT Mills, who graduated
from Harvard College. Mrs. Cowles was
born in Bloomfield, Connecticut, at the
summer home of her parents, June 11,
1859. She was the daughter of Amos
Dayton Wyckoff, a large and successful
importer of rubber in New York City,
and Julia (Davis) Wyckoff. Mr. Wyckoff
died in New York City, August 5, 1871,
and Mrs. Wyckoff died in Hartford, June
12, 1913. Both are buried in Bloomfield.
(The Goodman Line).
(I) Deacon Richard Goodman, born in
England, 1609, settled at Cambridge, Mas-
sachusetts, in 1632, removed to Hartford,
Connecticut, in 1639, where he was one of
the original proprietors. He owned "a lot
on Main street north of the meeting house
yard." He was a builder and constructed
several buildings in Hartford including
the jail. He was elected a constable, per-
haps the first in Hartford. He was con-
cerned in the church dissensions and left
with a large party of dissenters. He set-
tled in Hadley, Massachusetts. He was
made captain of a militia company organ-
ized to protect the town from the Indians.
On April 3, 1676, while walking alone in
a field near town, he was shot by the In-
dians from ambush. On December 8,
1659, he married Mary Terry, daughter ot
Stephen Terry, of Windsor. She was
born December 31, 1635. died in 1692, and
buried at Deerfield, ^Massachusetts. Chil-
dren: John, born 1661, died 1725; Rich-
ard, mentioned below ; Stephen, born
1664; Mary, born 1665; Thomas, born
1668, died 1670; Elizabeth, born 1671 ;
Thomas, born 1673, died 1748; Samuel,
born 1675.
(II) Lieutenant Richard (2) Goodman,
son of Deacon Richard (i) and Mary
(Terry) Goodman, was born March 23,
1663, and some time after 1678 he re-
turned to Hartford, where he became
a wealthy, influential citizen, his death
occurring May 14. 1730. He married
Abigail Pantry, born January 11, 1679,
daughter of John Pantry (1650-1736) and
his wife, Abigail (Mix) Pantry, of W^est
Hartford, and granddaughter of John
Pantry and his wife, Hannah (Tuttle)
Pantry (1632-1683), and of Thomas and
Rebecca (Turner) Mix. Six children.
(III) Timothy Goodman, son of Lieu-
tenant Richard (2) and Abigail (Pantry)
Goodman, was born September 22, 1706,
died March 12, 1786. He married. May
7. 1735, Joanna Wadsworth, born in 1715,
died March 10, 1768. daughter of Joseph
Wadsworth (born 1682, died 1778) and
his wife, Joanna (Hovey) Wadsworth,
granddaughter of Captain Joseph Wads-
worth (1650-1729). of Connecticut Char-
ter memory, he having stolen the charter
and hid it in the Charter Oak, and his
wife, Elizabeth (Barnard) \\'adsworth,
daughter of Bartholomew Barnard,
and great-granddaughter of William
Wadsworth (1632-1675) and his wife,
Eliza (Stone) Wadsworth. Joanna (Ho-
vey) Wadsworth was a daughter of Lieu-
tenant Thomas Hovey (1648-1739) and
his wife. Sarah (Cooke) Hovey (1662),
and granddaughter of Daniel Hovey.
Sarah (Cooke) Hovey was a daughter of
Captain Avery Cooke (1640-1746) and his
wife, Sarah (Westwood) Cooke (1644-
1730). Mr. and Mrs. Goodman had nine
children.
(IV) Richard (3) Goodman, son of
Timothy and Joanna (Wadsworth) Good-
man, was born April 14, 1748, died April
8, 1834, a resident of West Hartford. He
married, in 1771, Nancy Seymour, born
February 16, 1751, died January 27, 1792,
daughter of Timothy and Lydia (Kel-
logg) Seymour. They were the parents
30
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of thirteen children, of whom Childs was
the youngest ; there were two pairs of
twins.
(V) Captain Childs Goodman, son of
Richard (3) and Nancy (Seymour) Good-
man, was born November 7, 1791. He
was a farmer and miller of West Hart-
ford. He married, April 10, 1822, Sarah
Porter, born April 10, 1796, daughter of
Jesse Porter (1758-1823) and his wife,
Sibyl (Steele) Porter (1763-1814), daugh-
ter of Samuel and Martha Steele, grand-
daughter of John and Chlorinda (Whit-
man) Porter, and great-granddaughter of
William and Mary (Smith) Porter. Chlo-
rinda (Whitman) Porter was a daughter
of Solomon and Susannah (Cole) Whit-
man, granddaughter of Samuel and Sarah
(Stoddard) Whitman, and great-grand-
daughter of Zachariah and Sarah (Al-
vord) Whitman, the former named the
son of John Whitman, the latter named
the daughter of Dr. John Alvord. Sarah
(Stoddard) Whitman was a daughter of
the Rev. Solomon and Esther (Warham)
Stoddard. Captain Childs and Sarah
(Porter) Goodman lived in the old home-
stead on West Hartford street, and their
granddaughter resides there at the pres-
ent time. Children of Captain and Mrs.
Goodman: Amelia S., born September 14,
1824, married, April 10, 1843, Noadiah F.
Emmons, whom she survived until 1910;
Chester, born February 16, 1827, died
June 12, 1885, married Maria Flagg; Har-
riet Sophia, who became the wife of Sam-
uel W. Cowles (see Cowles VIII) ; and
Jennie L., born October 18, 1831, living at
the present time (1917), married, June 28,
i860, Henry C. Andrus.
BRADLEY, Nathaniel Lyman,
Mannfactnrer, Enterprising Citizen.
The year 1852 marked the inception of
a great Meriden enterprise, one with
which the Bradley name has been inti-
mately connected until the present day,
although the humble Bradley Hatch &
Company of 1852, with a capital of five
thousand dollars, bore little relation to
the great Bradley & Hubbard Manufac-
turing Company, now enploying in their
Meriden works over one thousand hands.
In 1854 the Hatch Brothers withdrew,
Walter Hubbard purchasing their stock,
and from that time the business has been
a Bradley and Hubbard concern, no stock
having been sold out of that name since the
incorporation of the Bradley & Hubbard
Manufacturing Company in 1875, when C.
P. Linsley acquired his interest. As treas-
urer of the company since its organization
and as a member of the original firm for
twenty-three previous years, Mr. Bradley
may justly be called its founder, a fact rec-
ognized in the prominence given his name
from the beginning. But the develop-
ment of the immense business which
bears his name is but one of the many
activities of a long and busy life, as in
many corporations, in civic life, church
and society, he proved the depth of his
interest and the generosity of his nature.
He was a grandson of Daniel Bradley
who, driven from his farm in Vermont by
the British operations during the Revolu-
tionary War, settled first in Hamden, New
Haven county, Connecticut, and later in
Cheshire, where he died, leaving a son
Levi.
Levi Bradley was born in Cheshire, No-
vember II, 1792, died in Meriden, Con-
necticut, March 18, 1877. His early life
was spent on the home farm, but in his
eighteenth year he purchased the right
from his father to go where he liked. He
loaded a one-horse wagon with tinware
bought on credit, and started south, not
offering his stock for sale until reaching
Atlanta, Georgia. There he sold out to
such good advantage that on his return
31
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
home eight months later he was able to
pay for the goods he had sold, repay to his
father the sum agreed upon, and to finance
a second trip the following winter. For
nine years he made a similar business
journey through the south each winter,
but after his marriage he settled perma-
nently on his farm in Cheshire, there be-
ing known as one of the thriftiest and
best of farmers. He was the first man in
his day to attempt to raise wheat in
Cheshire, bringing the seed from New
York. His crop of growing wheat was a
great curiosity in the town and attracted
many visitors. His farm was a model of
neatness, his products invariably winning
premiums wherever entered. He was the
discoverer of the fact that Cheshire was
rich in barytes, and the first to open a
mine to take out that mineral. He ob-
tained an option on the farm on which he
found his first specimen, later completed
the purchase, and after mining for a time
sold out at a handsome profit. The pur-
chasers worked the mine for years very
profitably, retaining Mr. Bradley as man-
ager, but after two years he resigned and
again gave his sole attention to his farm.
He was a representative in the State Leg-
islature from Cheshire, and was a man
highly regarded for uprightness of life
and sound judgment.
Levi Bradley married, September 30,
1819, Abigail Ann Atwater, born October
17, 1800, died May 25, 1897, daughter of
Samuel and Patience (Peck) Atwater, of
Cheshire, a descendant of David Atwater,
the founder of the family in America.
Daniel Atwater came from London, Eng-
land, in 1638, and was one of the signers
of the New Haven Covenant in 1639.
The line of descent to Mrs. Bradley was
through the founder's son Jonathan, a
prominent merchant of New Haven, who
married Ruth Peck, daughter of Rev
Jeremiah and Joanna (Kitchel) Peck:
their son, Jonathan Atwater, a Revolu-
tionary soldier, and his wife, Abigail
Bradley ; their son, Abraham Atwater (a
drummer boy in the American army at
the age of fifteen ye?irs, with his father
and brother Isaac), and his wife, Patience
Peck ; Abigail Ann, their eighth child, and
her husband, Levi Bradley. Mrs. Levi Brad-
ley was a well informed woman, a wide
reader, and until her death at the age
of ninety-seven read without the aid of
glasses. After their children had settled
in Meriden, she and her husband left the
farm and made that city their home, she
continuing her residence there until her
death twenty years after being left a
widow. She was a member of Susan Car-
rington Clarke Chapter, Daughters of the
American Revolution. Levi and Abigail
A. Bradley were the parents of: Em-
meline Amelia; Samuel Atwater; Wil-
liam Lambert ; Nathaniel Lyman, to
whose memory this tribute of respect is
offered ; Abby Ann, married Walter Hub-
bard.
Nathaniel Lyman Bradley was born at
the home farm in Cheshire, Connecticut,
December zj, 1829. He was reared to
habits of industry and right living by his
religious parents, attended public school,
and at the age of fifteen was graduated
from old Meriden Academy. For one year
after graduation he was clerk in a New
Haven hardware store, then returned
home and remained his father's assistant
until twenty-one. He then placed his
little capital in a Southington clock fac-
tory, and himself worked in the factory
at a daily wage of one dollar and twenty-
five cents. Later he was awarded a con-
tract for making clocks, but clocks not
selling as rapidly as they were being
made, the works were shut down, and Mr.
Bradley set out to find customers. He
visited New York. Philadelphia, Balti-
more and Washington, meeting with such
32
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGEAPHY
success that upon his return he was made
a director of the company and placed in
charge of the sales department.
In 1852, with the Hatch Brothers, his
own brother, William Lambert Bradley,
and his brother-in-law, Walter Hubbard,
Mr. Bradley organized the firm of Brad-
ley, Hatch & Company, with five thou-
sand dollars joint capital. Two years
later, more capital was a necessity, but
Hatch Brothers not being able to supply
their share, Walter Hubbard sold his dry
goods business, bought the Hatch in-
terest, and with the Bradleys reorganized
as Bradley & Hubbard, and took over the
interests of Bradley, Hatch & Company,
establishing on the site of the present
plant. In 1862 William L. Bradley re-
tired, N. L. Bradley and Walter Hubbard
continuing the partnership most success-
fully until 1875. The business was then
incorporated as the Bradley & Hubbard
Manufacturing Company, the two part-
ners selling an interest to C. L. Linsley,
and later shares were sold to Clarence
Peck Bradley, the four men long continu-
ing the only stockholders and officials of
the company — Walter Hubbard, presi-
dent; Nathaniel L. Bradley, treasurer;
C. L. Linsley, secretary; Clarence P.
Bradley, his father's private secretary and
assistant treasurer.
The history of this business has been
one of rapid development, due to the great
energy and ability of Nathaniel L. Brad-
ley and Walter Hubbard, the original
founders. In 1852 they started in a small
two-story wooden building and a small
foundry. In 1870 the first large brick fac-
tory was built, and in 1900 the plant
covered eleven acres and employed one
thousand hands, the subsequent growth
having been in proportion. The company
are the leaders in the manufacture of
chandeliers, gas fixtures, lamps, electric
fixtures, fancy hardware, bronzes, sta-
tioner's supplies and architectural metal
Coon— 3— 3 ?2
work, the last named a department started
in 1895. Artists, designers, modelers and
skilled artisans are employed, artistic
beauty being as earnestly striven for as
excellence of quality, and New England,
that home of manufacturing wonders, has
few corporations which for so long have
remained under the control of their
founders.
Mr. Bradley was also a director of the
First National Bank of Aleriden; of the
City Savings Bank; of the Meriden Fire
Insurance Company (vice-president) ; of J.
D. Bergen & Company, manufacturers of
the finest grade of cut glass ; of the Meri-
den Trust and Safe Deposit Company; of
the Meriden Horse Railroad Company ;
of the Republican Publishing Company,
and had many other important business
interests. He was a liberal supporter of
every good cause, but was particularly
generous to the Young Men's Christian
Association and the First Congregational
Church, his contributions toward the build-
ing funds of both virtually insuring their
success. For many years he was chairman
of the committee of the Congregational So-
ciety, and a strong pillar of support. He was
a trustee of the State School for Boys, and
president of the board of managers of
Meriden Hospital for several years. His
first presidential vote was cast in 1852 in
the basement of the Cheshire Congrega-
tional Church for the Whig candidates,
but in 1856 and ever thereafter he voted
the Republican ticket. He served Meri-
den as alderman, and acting mayor, and
gave especial attention to the improve-
ment of the physical features of his city
— streets, parks, and cemeteries — and as
president of the Meriden Park Company
accomplished a great deal. He traveled
extensively in Europe and America, and
many of his ideas on city beautifying
came from his travels to the cities of the
old and new world.
Mr. Bradley married, October 25, 1859,
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Harriet Peck, daughter of Selden and
Lucy Hooker (Hart) Peck, of Kensing-
ton, Connecticut. They were the parents
of a son, Clarence Peck Bradley, his
father's business associate and successor.
ATWOOD, Henry Stanwood,
Agriculturist, Public Official.
While in point of ancestry Henry S. At-
wood has been singularly blessed, his own
achievement has been such that he can
well stand upon his own merits. He be-
gan his business life with a huge in-
debtedness incurred by the purchase of
the homestead farm, but his energy and
thrift soon dissipated that black cloud,
and in a few years he was rated among
the substantial men of his community.
The story of such lives cannot too often
be told, and aside from their interest are
to the young men both a lesson and an in-
spiration. Self made in the truest sense, he
has attained his success through energy,
enterprise and integrity. He has ever been
keenly alive to the responsibilities of citi-
zenship, and as his sires aided to erect, so
he has labored to maintain that political
division known to all men as the United
States of America, but to those born with-
in its border as "My Country."
His ancestry in the paternal line traces
to Dr. Thomas Atwood, a captain of
horse, under Cromwell "the Protector."
He fought in the four great battles of the
"First Civil War," including the memo-
rable engagement at "Marston Moor,"
July 2, 1644. After retiring from the
army. Dr. Atwood came to Massachu-
setts, settling at Plymouth, in 1647, later
moving to Wethersfield, Connecticut,
where he died in 1682. He married late
in life, his wife one whom he had first
seen in the cradle at the first home he
entered after landing in the New World.
The marriage occurred in 1667, he then
being fifty-nine years of age. He settled
in Wethersfield, in 1663, and after his
marriage built a brick house, to which he
took his bride, Abigail, a girl of seven-
teen. As a doctor he rode a wide circuit
from Saybrook on the east, to Woodbury
on the west, also engaging in business as
a trader with the West Indies. Dr. Thom-
as and Abigail Atwood were the parents
of three sons and two daughters, the line
of descent being through Josiah, the
youngest son, born October 4, 1678, died
1753-
Josiah Atwood inherited the brick manor
house built by his father, and also en-
gaged in the West India trade. He pros-
pered for a time, but the loss of a ship and
valuable cargo so affected his fortune that
he was obliged to surrender the manor
house to his creditors. He was succeeded
by his son, Ashur Atwood, born Decem-
ber 27, 1729, died April 21, 1808, who left
a son, Ezekiel Atwood, born August 19,
1764, who married Hannah Francis, born
March 22, 1770. Their youngest son.
Francis Atwood, married Eunice E.
White, and they were the parents of
Henry Stanwood Atwood, to whom this
review is dedicated. Francis Atwood was
born August 27, 1803. He married, Janu-
ary 14, 1840, Eunice E. White, born Janu-
ary 18, 1805, eldest daughter of Samuel
and Abigail (Day) White, of Granby,
Massachusetts, further mention below.
Francis and Eunice E. (White) Atwood
had three sons : Herman W., born No-
vember 22, 1840, a prominent druggist of
New York City, died October 22, 1897 ;
Oliver E., born September 14, 1843, died
in Chicago, Illinois, February 11, 1888;
Henry Stanwood.
Henry Stanwood Atwood was born
June I, 1847, in Hartford. After complet-
ing courses of study in the public schools,
he attended the Bryant & Stratton Com-
mercial Business College at Hartford. He
34
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ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
began business life at the age of eighteen,
first connecting with a mercantile house
in New York City, where he remained one
year. His father, then in faihng health,
needed him at home, and in response to
that need he resigned his position, re-
turned home in 1867, and assumed the
management of the paternal acres, then
numbering one hundred and fifty. In 1868
he attained his majority, and became the
owner of the homestead farm by pur-
chase, the transaction leaving him in debt
to the extent of twenty-one thousand
dollars. But he had carefully calculated
the extent of the farm's producing ca-
pacity, and with perfect confidence in
himself he shouldered that burden, with
a courage equal to that of his Revolu-
tionary sires. He was blessed with a
strong physical body, a stout heart and
a strong mentality, qualities in combina-
tion with industry and definite plan which
carried him to success. He operated his
farm as a dairy and stock proposition,
dealt as a wholesaler in milk for five years,
and for fifteen years dealt heavily in cattle,
purchasing in Connecticut and New York,
killing them for market, when necessary,
at his own farm. His sales of milk reached
five thousand dollars annually, while his
cattle purchases often reached in a single
day eighty head. He also dealt in fine
horses, and to some extent was a breeder,
but his principal business was buying and
selling. The debt on the farm was lessened
each year, and within an incredibly short
time was totally extinguished. From time
to time, as was profitable, he disposed of
portions of his farm until but half of the
original one hundred and fifty acres re-
mained in his possession. But they were
the most valuable and sufficient for his
purposes.
Mr. Atwood has taken a lively interest
in public affairs, and although averse to
political ofTice holding, he met the wishes
of his many friends, consenting in 1899 to
become a candidate for Common Council
from the Eighth Ward of Hartford. At
llie ensuing election he received most
gratifying evidence of the high esteem in
which he was held, his vote being the
largest ever cast for a candidate running
for that office, his majority, five hundred
and fifty-three, being considered a re-
markable expression of public confidence.
He also served as treasurer of the South-
western School District for several years,
and since 1912 has held the office of street
commissioner. He has a deep and abid-
ing interest in all good causes, the public
school system in particular. In politics
he is a Republican; is a member of the
South Congregational Church, of Wylleys
Lodge, No. 99, Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons, of West Hartford, and of the Re-
publican Club.
Mr. Atwood married Hattie M. Brewer,
born in Unionville, Connecticut, daughter
of Joshua B. Brewer. Children: Louise
E., born July 27, 1887; Florence, born
November 25, 1892, died March 19. 1895;
Shirley, born March 31, 1896.
(The White Line).
The White family from which Mr. At-
wood is descended was very early estab-
lished in Connecticut by Elder John White,
born about 1600, in England, died Janu-
ary I, 1684, in Hartford, Connecticut. He
sailed, about June 22, 1632, in the ship
"Lion.'' and landed at Boston, September
16. of that year, accompanied by his wife
Mary, and at least two children. Settling
in Cambridge across the Charles river
from Boston, he was allotted a home lot
of about three-quarters of an acre, on a
street then called Cow Yard Row, and
about thirty acres of outlying farmland.
Another three-quarters of an acre near his
home lot was granted August 5. 1633. for
a cow yard. Harvard Library is located
35
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
on or near this piece of land. John White
was a prominent man in the settlement,
was a member of the first board of select-
men of Cambridge, but soon joined the
company which formed a new settlement
at Hartford. His home lot in Hartford
consisted of about two acres on the east
side of Governors street, some ten rods
south of Little river, and his outlying
farm land consisted of two hundred and
thirty acres. In Hartford he was promi-
nent in town affairs, and was again in-
strumental in forming a new settlement
on account of the dissensions in the Hart-
ford church. A party of sixty persons
left Hartford, April i8, 1659, John White
being one of the leaders, and located at
Hadley, Massachusetts. Here John White
had a house lot of some eighty acres on
the east side of Hadley street, and a large
area of outlying land. About 1670 he re-
turned to Hartford, and was soon after
elected an elder in the South Church,
which had shortly before been formed by
seceders from the first church. His eldest
son was Captain Nathaniel White, born
about 1629, in England, one of the origi-
nal proprietors and first settlers of Mid-
dletown, Connecticut, where he died, Au-
gust 27, 171 1. In this new community he
took a very prominent position, was
elected to the Legislature many times,
being eighty-one years of age when last
chosen. His first wife, Elizabeth, was
the mother of Deacon Nathaniel White,
born July 7, 1652, in Middletown, who
settled on the homestead of his grand-
father. Elder John White, in Hadley,
about 1678. There he died February 15,
1742. He was a large landowner, promi-
nent in both church and town affairs, took
the oath of allegiance in February, 1679,
and served on the committee to seat the
meeting house. He married, March 28,
1678. Elizabeth Savage, born June 3, 1655,
died January 30, 1742, daughter of John
Savage. Their sixth son and youngest
child was William White, born August
15, 1698, in Hadley, where he was select-
man in 1750, and died May 30, 1774. He
married, March 22, 1728, Mary, widow of
John Taylor, and daughter of John and
Sarah (Harrison) Selden, born September
27- 1703, died August 10, 1735. Their
eldest son, William White, was born Oc-
tober 4, 1732, and was something of a
rover, residing successively in Hinsdale,
New Hampshire ; Bernardston, North-
field and Springfield, Massachusetts, and
died at Hadley in December, 1810. He
married, in April, 1757, Lydia Patterson,
born September 2, 1737, in Northfield,
Massachusetts, daughter of Eleazer and
Lydia (Moore) Patterson, died before
1765. Samuel White, son of William and
Lydia (Patterson) White, was born about
1758-63. The traditions and Revolution-
ary military rolls dififer widely about this.
According to the family tradition he was
but fifteen years old when he entered the
Revolutionary army. One record of his
service makes him twenty years old at
enlistment, and other records place his
age differently. It is probable that he
exaggerated his age on the first enlist-
ment in order to secure admission to the
ranks. All records of his Revolutionary
service agree in this that his stature was
five feet, six inches, and most of them
that his complexion was dark. His first
enlistment was at Salem, Massachusetts,
where he was credited to Chester, New
Hampshire. He was a member of a com-
pany raised in Salem to serve in the Con-
tinental army on the resolve of April 20,
1778, is described age twenty ; stature five
feet, six inches ; complexion dark, eyes
light. His enlistment was for nine
months, from arrival at Fishkill, and this
date was June it,. He lived for a time
in Chester, Massachusetts, whence he re-
moved to Belchertown, in the same colo-
3t
TRE ^^EW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
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ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ny, and there again entered the Revolu-
tionary army. He marched to camp at
Springfield, August i6, 1780, in a com-
pany raised to reinforce the Continental
army for six months, agreeable to the
resolve of May 5, 1780, and the return
was dated at Springfield, August 16, of
that year. He is described as five feet,
six inches in stature, with dark com-
plexion, no age given. He was also a
private in Lieutenant-Colonel William
Hull's company. Colonel John Greaton's
(Third) regiment, as shown by muster
roll of November, 1780, was discharged
February 16, 1781, after service of six
months and nineteen days, including eight
days' (one hundred and fifty miles) travel
home. After this service he seems to
have removed to Granby, Connecticut,
which was then a part of Massachusetts,
and there enlisted, April 24, 1781, for
three months' service. He is described
as aged twenty-one years, stature five
feet, six inches, complexion fresh, a
farmer. He was a private in Captain
David Holbrook's company, Colonel Wil-
liam Shepard's (Fourth) regiment rolls
of August and September, 1781 ; was re-
ported on horse guard in September, 1781,
dated York Hutts ; was reported on
fatigue duty in October and November,
1781 ; was transferred to Captain Webb's
company, December i, 1781, and was also
in Captain George Webb's company of light
infantry. Colonel Shepard's regiment, in
December, 1781, and January and Febru-
ary, 1782, roll sworn to at West Point.
Samuel White continued to reside in
Granby until his death. Family tradition
says that he was twice married, but rec-
ord of only one marriage has been found.
This occurred March 12, 1801, the bride
being Abigail Day, born August 24, 1763,
daughter of John (3) and Rhoda (Chapin)
Day, of Ireland Parish, West Springfield,
granddaughter of Tohn (2) and Abigail
(Bragg) Day, great-granddaughter of
John (i) and Mary (Smith) Day. John
( I ) Day was a son of Thomas and Sarah
(Cooper) Day, grandson of Robert Day,
born 1604, who came to America from
Ipswich, England, in April, 1634, arriving
at Boston, and settled early at Hartford.
Nothing is known of his first wife. He
married (second) Editha Stebbins. sister
of Deacon Edward Stebbins, of Hartford,
and she was the mother of Thomas Day,
above noted. There is. a record in Ches-
ter, Massachusetts, of the death of Cap-
tain Samuel White, September 6, 1830,
at the age of seventy years. If this is
the Samuel White who lived in Chester,
and whose Revolutionary record is given
above, it would indicate that his birth
took place in 1760. His daughter, Eunice
E. White, became the wife of Francis At-
wood, as above related.
EGAN, Thomas Francis,
Superintendent of State Police.
Thomas Francis Egan, one of Connec-
ticut's leading citizens, who is now serv-
ing as superintendent of State police,
was born January 10, 1854, in Southing-
ton, son of William E. and Catherine
(Gorry) Egan, both natives of Kings
county, Ireland. The father came to
America in 1849, locating in southeastern
Southington, where he was at first em-
ployed as a farm hand. The following
year his parents, Thomas F. and Cather-
ine (Tracy) Egan, also crossed the At-
lantic, and took up their residence in
Southington. Connecticut, Thomas F.
Egan being engaged in farming in the
southeastern part of the town. His chil-
dren were : Michael ; Ann, wife of Thom-
as Mahon ; William E., Thomas, James,
Patrick and John. The maternal grand-
parents of Thomas Francis Egan were
Daniel and Mary (Kelly) Gorry, of Kings
37
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
county, Ireland. During the Civil War,
William E. Egan, father of Thomas P".
Egan, enlisted in Company G, Ninth Con-
necticut Volunteer Infantry, and was
mustered into the United States service
as a private in October, 1861. He died at
New Orleans, Louisiana, in August, 1862,
from disease contracted in the army. In
his family were five children who reached
maturity: Thomas F., Daniel D., Joseph
A., James C, and William E.
The early life of Mr. Egan was passed
in Southington, and he received a common
school education. On attaining his ma-
jority he began an apprenticeship to the
culter"s trade, serving three years, and
later he worked as a journeyman at that
trade for four years. He entered the em-
ploy of Peck, Stow & Wilcox Company
in 1881, in the box department of their
works, and has continued his connection
with them up to the present time. In
1884 he was elected constable of South-
ington. which office he held continuously
until June, 1895, when he was appointed
deputy sheriff, from which position he
resigned in 1904. He held that office con-
currently with his present office, to which
he was appointed July 13. 1903, at which
time the department was established. Sub-
ject to call by the Governor, any State's
attorney, coroner or any regularly ap-
pointed prosecuting officer in all criminal
matters throughout the State have the
same authority as sheriffs, but the activity
of the department is confined to criminal
matters. Under the supervision of the
State police commissioner and direction
of Mr. Egan, the department has been
built up and a high degree of efficiency
developed. He has been connected with
many of the important criminal cases in
the State since his office was created. In
July, 1905, the State fire department hav-
ing been abolished, Mr. Egan became
State fire marshal by legislative enact-
ment. In 191 1 the Legislature established
the office of State Superintendent of
Weights and Measures, and provided that
it should be held by the superintendent
of State police. In this department the
equipment is complete and up-to-date.
Mr. Egan and his family are members of
the Cathedral Roman Catholic Church,
and he is also a member of the Knights
of Columbus ; Ancient Order of Hiberni-
ans ; Ancient Order of United Workmen ;
Trumbull Camp, Sons of Veterans, and of
the .Southington Fire Department, Hook
& Ladder Company No. i, of which he was
foreman from 1897 until October, 1899.
Mr. Egan married. February 18, 1878,
Ellen M. White, a daughter of John and
Mary (Fox) White, of Ireland. Their
children, all born in Southington. are:
\\'illiam Edward, whose sketch follows ;
Catherine, born 1881, married Michael J.
Sullivan, of New London, Connecticut ;
Thomas F., born September i, 1882, mar-
ried Annie Sullivan, of Hartford ; Anna
T.. born September 22, 1884; John B.,
born April 20, 1889, of Hartford ; Joseph
P., born June 13, 1893, a student in
Georgetown Law School, class of 191 7.
EGAN, William Edvrard,
Sncceisfnl Lavryer.
William Edward Egan. whose profes-
sional ability and personal energy have
won him an acknowledged standing at
the Connecticut bar, is a representative
citizen of Hartford, and he wields a force-
ful mastery by the sheer force of his firm
and decided character.
William Edward Egan was born in
Southington, Connecticut. May 6, 1880.
He was educated in the Lewis High
School, from which he was graduated in
1897. He began preparation for an active
career by apprenticing himself to learn
the trade of tool maker in the factorv of
38
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PUBLIC LlBPAR'f
A5TOr
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-TILD-I^ FC -_^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Peck, Stow & Wilcox, after which he
worked in various large plants in Hart-
ford, among them Pratt & Whitneys,
Pope Manufacturing Company, also in
the Corbin Motor Vehicle Company of
New Britain and the International Paper
Company, of Bellows Falls, Vermont.
Having a decided preference for a profes-
sional career, he began his preparation
by becoming a student in the Yale Law
School, from which he was graduated in
1908. After successfully passing a com-
petitive examination, he was admitted to
the bar of his native State in June, 1908,
and has been engaged in active practice
since that time, gaining the esteem of the
members of the bar and laymen alike.
His practice, which has steadily grown to
large and important proportions, is gen-
eral in character, he gaining the confi-
dence of his patrons by the care which
he exercises in handling the cases en-
trusted to him, and the litigation with
which he has been identified has been
handled with a skill and effectiveness that
have won him enviable prestige. He is
a man of marked intellectual strength and
congenial nature, is public-spirited, and
he can be depended upon to contribute
and heartily cooperate in any movement
tending to advance the general interests
or promote the material welfare of his
adopted city. Hartford. He held mem-
bership in the Governor's Foot Guard for
four years, and at the present time (1917)
is a member of Putnam Phalanx, Benevo-
lent and Protective Order of Elks,
Knights of Columbus, Automobile Club
of Hartford and member of its board of
governers; the Eyelet Club, Phi Delta
Phi. Kau Tau Kappa of Yale.
Mr. Egan married. September 16, 1909,
May G. Noonan. daughter of James J.
Noonan, of Hartford, Connecticut. Chil-
dren : William Edward, Jr., born April 4.
1912; James N., born January 11, 1916.
WINSLOW, Fred Gideon,
Business Man.
When John Winslow came from Eng-
land, about 1846, he brought with him his
infant son, Gideon D. Winslow, who be-
came a prominent man in the State of
Connecticut, and was a long time resident
of Hartford. At the time of his death he
was president of the Spring Brook Ice
Company, a position now held by his son,
Fred Gideon Winslow, a native son and
rising young business man of Hartford.
When the family first came from England
settlement was made at Broad Brook,
Hartford county, Connecticut, and there
the boy, Gideon D. Winslow, attended the
public schools, supplementing that study
by a course at Eastman's Business Col-
lege, Poughkeepsie, New York. After
completing that course he established in
business in Hartford, eventually owning
a prosperous grocery business located at
the corner of Front and State streets.
There he continued until appointed State
dairy commissioner by Governor Bulke-
ley. an office he held until 1897. He then
became president and treasurer of the
Spring Brook Ice Company, continuing
as head of that company until his death in
September, 1914. He was a member of
the old board of Hartford fire commis-
sioners for about ten years : member of
the Board of Aldermen, member of Com-
pany F, old City Guard, affiliated with
St. John's Lodge. Free and Accepted Ma-
sons, a man of high character and ability.
He married Clara J. Charter, daughter of
William M. Charter, of Hartford. Mr.
and Mrs. Winslow were the parents of
two daughters and a son : Florence, mar-
ried A. Hayden Arnold, and resides in
New York City ; Fred Gideon, of further
mention : Elsie W., widow of George W.
Rowley, of Hartford.
Fred Gideon Winslow, onlv son of
39
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Gideon D. and Clara J. (Charter) Wins-
low, was born in Hartford, Connecticut,
January 20, 1879. Until eighteen years
of age he attended the grade and high
schools of Hartford, beginning his busi-
ness career in 1897 as an office employee
of the ^Etna Life Insurance Company.
Twenty years have since elapsed and the
association still continues, many different
positions, each one of greater importance,
having been held before reaching his
present post, cashier. Upon the death of
his father, Mr. Winslow succeeded him as
president of the Spring Brook Ice Com-
pany, one of the most important ice com-
panies in the State of Connecticut. He
fills his dual positions with satisfaction
to those concerned and neither suffers
through his connection with the other.
Through his maternal ancestry, Mr.
Winslow has gained membership in the
patriotic order. Sons of the Revolution ;
is a Republican in politics, representing
his ward in Common Council ; member
of Hartford Chamber of Commerce, the
Hartford City, Republican, Automobile
and Yacht clubs of Hartford, popular so-
cially and highly esteemed as a business
man. He married Katherine, daughter of
Henry C. Forbes, of Manchester, Ver-
mont.
Mr. W^inslow, through his mother. Clara
J. (Charter) Winslow. traces descent to an
ancient English family and to the "May-
flower" passenger and signer of the Com-
pact, Edward Fuller. Through his ances-
try he is eligible to membership in the
Society of Mayflower Descendants, the
Society of Colonial Wars and the Sons
of the Revolution.
A pedigree of the Robinson family in
the British Museum (Harleian H. S. S.
No. 1350) goes back to the year 1208, and
names as the founder, John Robinson, of
Domington, a market town in Lincoln-
shire, seven miles southwest of Boston,
who married a daughter of Thomas Paule.
Two pedigrees are recorded in the "Vis-
itations of Lincolnshire, 1502-04," by
Robert Cooke, Cestor Herald at Arms and
may be found at pages 104-05 of the
edition 1881.
I. Nicholas Robinson, born at Boston
in Lincolnshire, in 1480. He was the first
mayor appointed in 1545 by King Henry
VIII. II. Nicholas Robinson, born 1520.
III. Rev. John Robinson, born 1610, came
to America in the ship "Lyon" in 1631.
IV. Lieutenant Peter Robinson. born 1655.
V. Lieutenant Peter Robinson, born 1697,
married Ruth Fuller (see No. 5 "May-
flower" record). VI. Captain Abner Rob-
inson, married Mehitable Palmer. VII.
Mehitable Robinson, their daughter, mar-
ried Elizer Smith. VIII. Abner Smith,
their son, married Clara Tracy. IX. Char-
lotte A. Smith, their daughter, married
^^'illiam M. Charter. X. Clara Josephine
Charter, their daughter, married Gideon
D. Winslow. XI. Fred Gideon Winslow.
their son, married Katherine May Forbes.
Abner Robinson (VI.) was ensign of
the Fourth Company of a regiment raised
at the first call for troops by the Connec-
ticut Legislature at special session in
April-May, 1775. It was recruited in
Windham county: He was commissioned.
May, 1775. This regiment was stationed
in camp near Boston during the siege, in
Putnam Center Division at Cambridge
until expiration of service, December 10,
1775. He reentered the service in 1776
and served as second lieutenant in Colo-
nel Mott and Swift's battalion, to reen-
force the Continental forces at Fort Ti-
conderoga. and served under General
Gates. He afterward was captain for one
year in Colonel McClellan's regiment, re-
cruited March. 1778, served in Tyler's
brigade under General Sullivan in Rhode
Island in August-September, 1778.
40
U T-' r? r- - '
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ILDi.iJ i-Coi-D iiCNSj
S-^ A-^^A*".*fc-w ^^™ jv:y
iM^
/^^'T^n^T /fft^-i-a-a/^^.-vrV^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(Mayflower Line).
I. Edward Fuller, of the "Mayflower,"
married Ann . II. Matthew Fuller,
born about 1610, their son, lieutenant in
Captain Miles Standish's company and
surgeon-general. III. Captain Samuel
Fuller, their son, died March 25, 1676;
married Mary . IV. Samuel Fuller,
born 1678, their son, married Elizabeth
Thatcher, October 8, 1700; their daugh-
ter: V. Ruth Fuller, born April 12, 1706,
died January 8, 1795 ; married Peter Rob-
inson, June 30, 1735 ; their son : VI. Cap-
tain Abner Robinson, of the Revolution,
born February 22, 1738, died November
24, 181 5 ; married Mehitable Palmer, April
7, 1763; their daughter: VII. Mehitable
Robinson, born January 29, 1768, died Oc-
tober 31, 1856; married Elizer Smith, Feb-
ruary 4, 1790 (see Robinson VII).
ATKINS, Frederic Cunningham,
Manufacturer.
The success that has attended Mr. At-
kins, of the Taylor & Atkins Paper Com-
pany, is most gratifying to him, not more
for the personal benefit that he has de-
rived than for the opportunity it gives
him to carry out the theories of coopera-
tion between employer and employee,
which he believes should exist. It was
in 1916 that the Taylor & Atkins Paper
Company was put among the profit shar-
ing companies of New England, and men
long identified with the company had the
opportunity to acquire an interest, par-
ticipate in profits and reap more than
weekly reward, which comes to them
through the medium of the pay envelope.
This spirit of cooperation and mutuality
of interest now permeates every depart-
ment, and is the fruition of a hope long
cherished by Mr. Atkins, president and
treasurer of the Taylor & Atkins Paper
Company of East Hartford, Connecticut.
Mr. Atkins descends from Josiah At-
kins, who early came from England to
New England, but did not appear in
Middletown. Connecticut, until 1650. In
March of that year he was a member of
a committee to explore lands in Connec-
ticut, and in Middletown he remained un-
til his death, September 12, 1690. He was
succeeded by his son, Solomon Atkins,
born in Middletown, in 1678, died there in
1748. Solomon Atkins married Phoebe
Edwards and had a large family. He was
a man of influence in Middletown, serv-
ing for many years as deacon of the
church.
Solomon (2) Atkins, son of Deacon
Solomon (i) and Phoebe (Edwards) At-
kins, was born at Middletown, August
II, 1720, died February 26, 1804, at
Whately, Massachusetts, having moved
to Whately about 1778. He married, Feb-
ruary 25, 1748, Thankful Lee, born 1727,
died April 7, 1806. They were the par-
ents of: Thankful, born January 14, 1749,
married, April 29, 1786, John Crafts;
Sybil, born February 19, 1750; Chloe,
March 16, 1752; Abia, March 30, 1756,
married William Cone; Solomon (3), of
further mention ; Giles, born April 4,
1765; Elijah, January 26, 1769.
Solomon (3) Atkins, fifth child of Solo-
mon (2) and Thankful (Lee) Atkins, was
born at Middletown, May 4, 1762. In
1778 the family moved to Whately, Mas-
sachusetts, and there resided until 1825,
when he moved to New York State, where
he died. The house he built in Whately
was later used as a parsonage, and near
there he built a shop in which he con-
ducted a shoe manufacturing business.
He built a tannery on Gutter Brook and
long continued business there, being a
man of forty-seven years when he sold
his properties and moved to New York.
He married, March 9, 1787, Electa Graves,
born December 27, 1764, daughter of Dea-
41
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
con Oliver Graves. They were the par-
ents of seven children : Enoch, born Au-
gust 28, 1788; Henry, June 16, 1789;
Electa, November 20, 1793, died young;
Chloe, April 18, 1798, married John El-
well; Joel, September 7, 1800; Hannah,
July 14, 1803, married a Mr. Talmadge;
Solomon (4), of further mention.
Solomon (4) Atkins, youngest child of
Solomon (3) and Electa (Graves) Atkins,
was born at Whately, Massachusetts, Oc-
tober 8, 1805, died in Worcester, Massa-
chusetts, and is buried in South Deerfield.
He learned the tanning and shoe manu-
facturing business with his father, and
while still a young man joined his brother
in Columbus, Georgia, the brother having
established there a factory for the manu-
facture of boots and harness sold to the
planters thereabout, tanning the leather
in his own tannery. Solomon Atkins was
soon made manager of the business,
and there remained twelve years, losing
his money once through a bank failure,
but having won the confidence of the
planters by his straightforward, honorable
methods, was able to make a fresh start
and eventually rebuild his fortunes. Upon
his return North he located in Conway,
Massachusetts, established the tannery
business of Clapp & Atkins and there con-
tinued for several years. In 1850 he re-
tired from the firm and moved to South
Deerfield, Massachusetts, where most of
his later years were passed. He was an
active Whig, later a Republican, and he
and his wife and daughters were active
members of the Congregational church.
Solomon (4) Atkins married, June 16,
1833, Wealthy Arms, born January 23,
1804, died March 17, 1870, daughter of
Thomas and Hannah (F>oyden) Arms, ot
South Deerfield, Massachusetts. They
were the parents of three children: i.
Mary Jane, born September 8, 1835 ; mar-
ried. October 16, i860, Andrew Dutton.
2. Fidelia R., born August 25, 1839, died
July 26, 1905; married, May 19, 1864.
Eurotas Morton, born at Whately, July
6, 1S28, died August 27, 1905; they had
two sons: Gilbert E. and William A.
Morton, the latter killed in a railway ac-
cident, September 18, 1891, aged seven
teen years. 3. Frederic Cunningham, ol
further mention.
Frederic Cunningham Atkins, only
son of Solomon (4) and Wealthy (Arms)
Atkins, was born in Conway, Massachu-
setts, January 23, 1849. He was educated
in the public schools of South Deerfield
and old Deerfield Academy, being em-
ployed during vacations and out of school
hours by Charles Arms, a manufacturer
of pocket books. The manufacture of
pocket books was rather an inherited
taste with the young man, as his grand-
father, Thomas Arms, and his brother,
Dennis Arms, were both engaged in that
line, being pioneers in the pocket book
manufacture in South Deerfield. Mr. At-
kins became manager for Houghton &
Clarke, of Worcester, Massachusetts, con-
tinuing as such until about 1870, when he
purchased the business. He bought out
the Cobb & Johnson business of Lan-
caster. Massachusetts, and added to his
line of pocket books their line of old
fashioned farmers' wallets. He moved his
plant to Lancaster, Massachusetts, and
prospered until the panic of 1873 caused
severe losses which resulted in his clos-
ing out and retiring from the manufactur-
ing field for a time.
About 1886, Mr. Atkins reentered the
business field as a paper broker in New
York City. At his ofifice on Broadway he
handled the output of five mills on a com-
mission basis, the product of the mills
varying in grade and purpose. He trans-
acted a large and prosperous wholesale
business for thirteen years, then came to
East Hartford, Connecticut, where in 1897
42
r
THE KEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LEITOX
ILDEiJ FCJKDATIONS
ei^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
the Taylor & Atkins Paper Company was
organized for the manufacture of writing
papers, tablets, papeteries, envelopes and
stationery supplies. A feature of the busi-
ness is that the paper is made on the
premises from raw material, the printing
is all done in their own shops from their
own forms, and this is probably the only
plant in the country where from pulp to
finished product every operation is per-
formed. The product goes through
jobbers to every part of the country.
Mr. Atkins was president of the com-
pany until 1916, when the death of his
partner occurred. He then purchased that
interest from the estate and added to his
duties the office of treasurer. His life
from boyhood until the present has been
spent in these two lines of manufacture.
leather goods and paper, excepting the
thirteen years as a commission paper mer-
chant in New York which gave him ex-
perience in the selling field that has been
of great value to him. His knowledge of
the business covers every phase of mill
and ofifice, and he is thoroughly qualified
for the management of his important busi-
ness. He is a man of broad, liberal mind,
conducts his business along the line of
mutuality, and takes a deep interest in
the welfare of those who labor with him.
Integrity and uprightness distinguish
him, and he has the highest esteem of
his community.
The social side of life and the obliga-
tions of religion are not neglected. He is
a member of Orient Lodge, Free and Ac-
cepted Masons, of West Hartford; Wyllis
Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; Wolcott
Council, Royal and Select Masters ; Wash-
ington Commandery, Knights Templar;
Sphinx Temple, Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine, and of Connecticut Consistory,
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, in which
he has attained the thirty-second degree.
Mr. Atkins married Cora Isabelle Par-
sons, daughter of Charles Theodore Par-
sons, of Northampton, Massachusetts, of
Revolutionary ancestry. Mr. and Mrs.
Atkins are the parents of three daughters :
Florence S. ; Perle, married Blom-
quist ; Ruth.
BILL, Frederick Roswell,
Enterprising Business Man.
Frederick Roswell Bill, president of
The Bill Brothers Company, of Hartford,
is in the ninth generation of direct lineal
descent from John Bill, who in 1635, or at
some time earlier, became a member of
the Massachusetts Colony, and was pro-
genitor of American branches of a family
which has held prominent place in the
records of many states since Colonial
days, and has in the branch to which
Frederick Roswell Bill, of Hartford, be-
longs, been identified with Connecticut
history for about two hundred and fifty
years.
The patronymic. Bill, is of ancient ori-
gin, and although of early English asso-
ciation, it is asserted to have been un-
questionably of Norman origin. In the
time of the Norman Conquest, the Nor-
man soldiers were of three distinct classes,
as are our own ; we have artillery, cavalry
and infantry ; they had knights, who were
all clad in full armor and mounted ; then,
battle-axe, or bill, men ; then, the archers ;
these classes ranking in the order given.
Milton uses the word as meaning a sword,
or a battle-axe. Hall says : "There were
sent into France hundreds, and some not
able to draw a bow or carry a bill" (axe).
The name was also carried into Denmark.
In the county of Shropshire, England,
the name of Bill has been traced for five
hundred years. Dr. Thomas Bill, the first
of the name of whom any especial ac-
count has been preserved, was born about
1490, in Bedfordshire. He was a learned
43
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
physician, and an attendant of the Prin-
cess Elizabeth in 1549. Much genealogi-
cal data is extant of the Bill family of
England, but authentic records of the di-
rect antecedents of the immediate ances-
tors of John Bill, immigrant ancestor of
the American branches of the family, are
not at the present ascertainable. The
American records, however, authenticate
the arrival in Boston, of a boy named John
Bill, aged thirteen, who disembarked from
the ship "Hopewell" in 1635 ; also that
one Mary Bill, aged eleven, came in the
ship "Planter" about the same time.
There is little reason to doubt that these
children were the children of John and
Dorothy Bill (who were already of the
colony and must have arrived in Boston
prior to 1635), for we find the girl, Mary
Bill, apparently a member of the Tuttle
household, her name following theirs on
the list of passengers. On Januarj' 21,
1638-39, Richard Tuttell became respon-
sible to the town of Boston for "one
Dorothie Bill, widdowe, a sojourner in
his house." It is presumed that she was
his sister, the widow of John Bill. The
name of Bill is first mentioned in the
records of the town of Boston, the refer-
ence being: "John Bill died, tenth month,
1638." No record has been preserved of
the death of his widow. They had a num-
ber of children, and Philip Bill is believed
to have been their third child and son.
He was born in England, about 1620. In
1660, there is trace of him as a debtor to
the estate of William Burnell, of Pulling
Point, then a part of Boston. On May 11,
1663, he was a resident of Ipswich. Miss
Caulkins, in her "History of New Lon-
don," places him among the arrivals in
that town at "about 1668." He settled on
the east side of the Thames river, in that
portion of the town of New London in-
corporated in 1705 as the town of Groton.
His near neighbors were Robert Allvn
and George Greer, and eventually he be-
came possessed of considerable land. He
died on July 6, 1683, and his widow, Han-
nah, later married Samuel Bucknall, of
New London. She died in 1709.
Samuel Bill, their son, was born about
1665, and came with his father to New
London. His first wife was Mercy,
daughter of Richard Haughton, of New
London, and both Samuel Bill and his
wife were admitted to the church in New
London on the same date, September 3,
1693-
James Bill, fourth child of Samuel and
Mercy (Haughton) Bill, was born in New
London, Connecticut, about 1694, and mar-
ried Mary, daughter of William Swodel,
of Groton. It is supposed that soon after
his marriage he removed to Lebanon,
where his father and several other rela-
tives had already settled. In 1719 he
bought a farm in the adjoining town of
Hebron, and resided there twelve or four-
teen years. In 1743 he returned to Leb-
anon, where he remained until at least
1751-
Jonathan Bill, the youngest of the six
children born to James and Mary (Swodel)
Bill, was born August 3, 1731, in Hebron ;
married Esther Owen, August i, 1749.
After a brief residence in Lebanon, he re-
moved to Salisbury, Connecticut, where
he died.
Captain Roswell Bill was the younger
of their two children. He was born De-
cember 29, 1753, in Salisbury; married,
November 20, 1777, Rebecca, daughter of
William and Eunice (Putnam) Burgess,
and cousin of General Putnam. Early in
life, he settled in that part of Hampton,
Connecticut, now known as Chaplin. He
served in the Revolutionary War, and
afterwards was commissioned captain of
the State militia. He died October 13,
1830, and his widow died in Braintree,
Vermont. January 17, 1834.
44
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Roswell Bill, youngest of seven chil-
dren ot Captain Roswell and Rebecca
(Burgess) Bill, was born May 25, 1797,
in Chaplin, and married Olive Ross, De-
cember 31, 1820. She was born in 1800,
and died June 13, 1870. As an educator,
Roswell Bill was esteemed in the district
where, for thirty-two winters consecu-
tively, he taught school, going from one
school to another in Chaplin and towns of
the vicinity. And his personality and in-
tegrity also brought him into judicial
ottice as justice of the peace. He died
October 17, 1866. Of his nine children
(seven sons and two daughters) six in
later years located in Hartford, and three
of the sons established the firm of Bill
Brothers, in 1850, the senior partner being
the eldest son, Francis Putnam Bill,
father of Frederick Roswell Bill.
Francis Putnam Bill, first-born of Ros-
well and Olive (Ross) Bill, was born in
Chaplin, April 15, 1823. He attended the
public schools of Windham county, and
when he had attained his majority, went
tc Hartford where for a short time he
took employment as team-driver. Soon,
however, he was in a position to purchase
a team and establish himself in Hartford
as an independent drayman. Later, he
joined the firm of Smith, Blodgett & Com-
pany, carmen, but the partnership was
not of long duration, and when Mr. Bill
withdrew his proportion of the assets of
the firm, he again entered independently
into the drayage business. Expansion of
the business caused him to call to his
assistance his younger brother, George,
who in 1850 was admitted into partner-
ship, thus establishing the firm of Bill
Brothers. Another brother came into the
business, and in 1856 Francis Putnam
Bill, the eldest, went into Illinois, the
drayage business being continued, in his
absence, by his brothers, who acquired
his interest. In Illinois, in which State
he remained for seven years, Francis Put-
nam Bill took up a homestead and en-
gaged in farming. During that period his
son, F'rederick Roswell, was born the ex-
act date and place being September 15,
1863, in Amboy, Illinois. About two years
later the family returned to Hartford, and
Francis Putnam Bill repurchased an in-
terest in the Bill Brothers business. In
1872 he again disposed of his interest to
his brothers, and having purchased a farm
in Enfield, again took to farming pursuits.
Later, after his two sons had grown to
manhood, and were in business in Hart-
ford, Francis Putnam Bill again returned
to Hartford, and again purchased an in-
terest in the drayage business, connected
with which he remained until his death,
in June, 1894.
He married Sarah A., born September
12, 1830, the daughter of John North, of
Portland, Connecticut, of a family long
resident in Connecticut. They had five
children, only two of whom however
reached adult age : Frederick Roswell, of
whom further; and Dwight H., now de-
ceased. Mrs. Sarah A. (North) Bill died
October 10, 1906, aged seventy-six years.
Frederick Roswell Bill, son of Francis
Putnam and Sarah A. (North) Bill, re-
ceived most of his schooling in Enfield,
eventually graduating from the Enfield
High School. After the lapse of a year,
young Frederick R. Bill went to Hart-
ford, to continue his schooling. He at-
tended the high school there, but ex-
hibited much interest in the drayage busi-
ness of Bill Brothers, which was at that
time under the direction of his uncles.
Frederick R. Bill was wont to pass his
noon hours, during the school period, in
his uncles' office, where he usually ate his
luncheon, and where, during the two hour
interval between morning and afternoon
sessions of school, he would render some
clerical assistance to his uncle. In that
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
way ne became conversant with the rou-
tine of the business, and when, during one
school vacation, one of his uncles' clerks
became ill, Frederick R. spent his vacation
in energetic usefulness in his uncles' office,
manifesting such promise that his father
was prevailed upon to allow him to close
his schooling and enter his uncles' em-
ploy. He has been connected with the
business ever since. A few years later,
his younger brother, Dwight H., having
closed his schooling, wished to come to
the city, therefore his father returned to
Hartford and, as before stated, purchased
an interest in the drayage business. After
a period of salaried service, Frederick R.
was admitted a member of the firm, and
on the death of his father he became pos-
sessed of a larger interest, so that when,
in 1908, the company was incorporated,
Frederick R. Bill was elected its president
and treasurer, which executive capacities
he has since held. At the present the
business of the company is of consider-
able volume, and while the firm under-
takes some heavy erecting contracts, its
main business is that of hauling goods for
Hartford manufacturers and merchants.
To what extent may be estimated from
the fact that the company employs about
one hundred men, and owns sixty horses.
In December, 1884, Frederick R. Bill
became a member of the Governor's Foot
Guard, and passed through the several
grades until he became major command-
ing, on March 16, 1903. He is still a mem-
ber of the honorary staff of the Foot
Guard, and is president of the board of
trustees. He also is a member of St.
John's Lodge, No. 4, Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons.
He married Minnie, daughter of Alonzo
"Warner, of Hartford, descendant of a
family prominent in central Massachu-
setts in Colonial days. To Mr. and Mrs.
Frederick R. Bill were born five children :
I. Francis Putnam, born May 22, 1894,
whose tragic end, through contact with
sixty-six thousand volts of electricity,
while he was engaged with three other
students of the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology in doing certain revaluing
work for the Charles H. Tenney Company
of Boston, was an almost overwhelming
blow to the parents, and brought to a
sudden end, August 12, 1916, a career
which promised well, the young man hav-
ing ably aided the desire of his parents to
afiford him a superior education ; he was
a student within a year of graduation at
the Massachusetts Institute of Technol-
ogy, Boston, and of the class of 1917; he
was a young man of much promise and of
unusual character, bound to win a high
place in the profession for which he was
fitting himself; he was a great favorite
with his college associates, and well
spoken of by the faculty ; interment was
in Cedar Hill Cemetery, and the pall
bearers were his classmates at the Massa-
chusetts Institute of Technology. 2. Mar-
jorie, died in infancy. 3. Ruth Almeda.
4. Dorothy. 5. Roswell Warner.
WISE, John,
Contractor.
John Wise, respected and responsible
citizen of Hartford, Connecticut, and
senior partner of the Hartford firm of
Wise & Upson, general contractors, was
born in Cheshire, England, June 20, 1869,
the son of Lundie and Isabella (Graham)
Wise.
The Wise family is of Scottish origin,
and both father and paternal grandfather
of John Wise were shipwrights in Scot-
land. Lundie Wise was born in Dun-
barton, Scotland, in 1839, and followed
his father into the shipbuilding business
there, and subsequently, until his mar-
riage, in different shipbuilding centres of
46
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
England. In i86g, he crossed to Amer-
ica, locating soon afterwards in Chicago,
where he remained for three years. Then,
following the decease of his wife, he re-
turned to England, where he has re-
mained ever since. His years of man-
hood have been passed in honest labor,
well-directed and remunerative, so that
he now is able to enjoy comfortable
leisure in his retirement from active
work. He resides in Birkenhead,
Cheshire, England.
His son, John Wise, the Hartford resi-
dent respecting whom this article is
chiefly written, received the customary
good education provided in the public
schools of England, and when old enough
was apprenticed to the trade of cabinet-
making. His apprenticeship was to be of
seven years' duration, but after serving
five years, John Wise resolved to come to
America. Arriving in New York City, he
soon found employment as journeyman
carpenter. He followed carpentry for
many years, but had been in the country
only a short time when he became fore-
man, and in that position of responsibility
was busily occupied superintending the
execution of contracts, which brought
him at different times into temporary res-
building constructions. Note may herein
be made of the following structures
erected during recent years by the firm of
Wise & Upson : Deep River High School ;
Federal Hill School, Bristol, Connecticut;
Wooster Memorial Building, Deep River;
Jacques Memorial Building, Buckland,
Connecticut; Weathersfield Avenue Par-
ish House, Hartford ; the Joseph Kirth
Apartment House, Hartford; Fleisch-
mann Office Building ; Hartford Apron
and Towel Supply Building; three build-
ings for Dr. C. G. F. Williams ; the
F. Manross Garage and Service Station,
Forestville, Connecticut ; Havey Building,
Southington, Connecticut ; Rye Street
School, South Windsor, Connecticut.
Much credit is due these two enterprising
and alert residents of Hartford for the
manner in which they have developed
their business in the brief period of their
association. It may be stated that the
firm now finds regular employment for an
average of about forty men, pressure of
work sometimes also requiring them to
greatly exceed this number. This meas-
ure of expansion within five or six years
gives one an indication of the personality
and initiative of the members of the firm.
In 1916 Mr. Wise was appointed by
Mayor Hagarty, of Hartford, as one of
idence in many widely separated sections a commission to draft a suitable building
of the country. Thus employed, he con-
tinued to extensively travel until 1896,
since which time the city of Hartford has
been his main place of abode. As fore-
man and superintendent for different
Hartford firms he remained in service
there until 191 1, when he ventured into
independent business, establishing in his
own nam,e a contracting business which
soon assumed substantial proportions.
Later, he formed business association
with Warren W. Upson, the firm name
then becoming Wise & Upson. As such
they have undertaken many important
contracts in the various branches of
code for the city of Hartford. Mr. Wise
applies himself very closely to his busi-
ness, but for two years has been a mem-
ber of Putnam Phalanx, and he also be-
longs to St. John's Lodge, No. 4, An-
cient Free and Accepted Masons ; Wash-
ington Commandery, Knights Templar ;
Sphinx Temple, Mystic Shrine.
In October, 1896, Mr. Wise married
Nellie Cornelia Jerdo, the daughter of
Joseph Jerdo, of Essex county. New
York. They have one son, Allan Lundie.
The family attends Christ Episcopal
Church, of which Mr. and Mrs. W^ise are
members.
47
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
FULLER, Alfred C,
Manufacturer.
It is always a satisfaction to peruse the
life stories of such men as have led the
way in some special path to greater effi-
ciency and comfort in life, who have
devised new customs or invented new
mechanical contrivances for our comfort
and convenience. Of such original men
New England has had its full share, and
from the very dawn of its existence has
upheld her sons as pioneers, breaking a
way, first into the heart of the physical
wilderness, then the promised land of
political freedom, independence, and then
the descendants of these, with undimin-
ished enterprise, showing the way to a
new industrial era which should one day
render the region as rich as it was inde-
pendent and give it a place among the
greatest peoples of the world. The names
of these leaders is legion and there is a
satisfaction in noting the records of those
families which have throughout the en-
tire history of the region taken an active
part in the development of the general
life. Such a family is that of Fuller,
which, from the very earliest period of
Colonial history, has made its home in
New England, its members distinguish-
ing themselves throughout the centuries
to the present time. The Fuller family
was one of high standing in the mother
countrj', as is proved by its possession of
a coat-of-arms with the motto semper pra-
tus.
The founder of the name in this coun-
try, one Edward Fuller, was among that
splendid band of men who, placing their
religious convictions and love of freedom
before security and comfort or the love
of home, left England at the time of per-
secution. He was a Puritan and pos-
sessed all the stern virtues of that won-
derful sect. He was born September 4,
1571, in the Reddenhall Parish, Norfolk-
shire, England, and appears to have been
a son of Robert Fuller, a butcher in that
locality. The probability is that Edward
Fuller joined the Holland Pilgrims on the
"Speedwell's" arrival in England. He was
one of those who signed the "compact"
which was drawn up in the cabin of the
"Mayflower" immediately before the land-
ing of the Pilgrims at Cape Cod in No-
vember, 1620. It is not known positively
whom he married, but according to Gov-
ernor Bradford, Edward Fuller and his
wife died shortly after they came on
shore, probably between January 11, and
April ID, 1621.
Their son and only child, Samuel Ful-
ler, was also a native of England and
came over during his childhood with his
father in the "Mayflower." There has
been found no record of his birth or bap-
tism, our only information concerning it
being that it was some time in 1612 and
somewhere in England. After the death
of his parents, Samuel Fuller was placed
in charge of an uncle, another Samuel
Fuller, at Plymouth. At the time of the
division of lands between the settlers in
1623, he was allotted three acres, and
about 1640, shortly after the town of
Barnstable was founded by the Rev. John
Lathrop and members of his church, he
and his family went to live in that place.
His wife was the daughter of the Rev.
Mr. Lathrop. Samuel Fuller was a con-
stable at Scituate, Massachusetts, in 1641,
and the records show that he served as
juryman on the committee to settle In-
dian difficulties. Of the "Mayflower's"
passengers, Samuel Fuller was the only
one to permanently settle in Barnstable
and he was also among the late survivors
of that company. There is no gravestone
to mark his burial place which is believed
to be in the old burial ground at Lathrop's
Hill, Barnstable. He died between Oc-
4«
(2jf7U.^^,
THE i:lv/ -'jr'K
T;LD/;J ;
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
tober 31, and November 10, 1683. Sam-
uel Fuller was married, April 8, 1635, to
Jane, a daughter of the Rev. John Lath-
rop, of Scituate, and it is of interest to
note that the wedding was performed by
Captain Miles Standish. Jane (Lathrop)
Fuller survived until the year 1683, but
the exact date of her death is unknown.
Their son, John Fuller, was born about
1656, at Barnstable, and was known as
"little John" in order to distinguish him
from a cousin, Dr. John Fuller. He re-
sided on his father's estate until 1694,
when he removed to East Haddam. By
all accounts John Fuller prospered in his
new home, for in 1721 he gave to his
seven sons large tracts of land, together
with all the implements for working them.
His death occurred at East Haddam, be-
tween February 28 and May 20, 1726.
John Fuller married, about 1678, Mehit-
able Rowley, who was born at Barnsta-
ble, January 11, 1660-61, and died at East
Haddam about 1732.
Their son, Thomas Fuller, was born
about 1679, in Barnstable, and died at
East Haddam, April 9, 1772. He married
Elizabeth , born about 1689, and
died November 5, 1784, at East Haddam.
Their son, Nathan Fuller, was born at
East Haddam, Connecticut, April 20,
1719, and there is an old date on record
at Middletown which shows that Nathan
Fuller was the son of Thomas Fuller and
lived near the Haddam line at Middle-
town. He was married to Abigail ,
who died in 1750, and in 1756 Nathan
Fuller was appointed guardian of the old-
est seven children. He went to Nova
Scotia not long after this date.
For a number of generations the Fuller
family has resided in Nova Scotia, and
some time about the middle of the nine-
teenth century we find living there Lean-
der Joseph Fuller, a son of William Ful-
ler and his wife, Jane (Collins) Fuller.
Conn— 3 — 4
The date of Leander Fuller's birth in
Welsford, near Berwick, King county.
Nova Scotia, was November 26, 1841.
He died November 12, 1914, at the age of
seventy-three. He was a farmer all his
life in this region. His wife was the
daughter of Robert Collins, of Berwick.
They were the parents of the following
children: Robert, of Somerville, Massa-
chusetts ; Bessie, twin of Robert, who
married Alfred C. Adler, of Los Angeles,
California ; Annie Rebecca, who became
the wife of Frank Adler, a brother of Al-
fred Adler, and of Walter L. Gleason, of
West Somerville, Massachusetts ; Wil-
liam, of Tunnel City, Wisconsin ; Dwight,
deceased ; Harvey R., of West Somer-
ville, Massachusetts; Douglas B., who
lives on the homestead at Welsford ;
Georgie B., who married Charles R. Cal-
kin, of Welsford; Jennie M., twin of
Georgie B., who married Ashley W. Pa-
tridge, of West Somerville, Massachu-
setts ; Chester G., of Hartford, Connecti-
cut ; Alfred C, the subject of this sketch ;
and Harry L., of Dilley, Oregon. Wil-
liam Fuller, the grandfather of these chil-
dren, went to the western States at the
time when Leander J. Fuller, his only
son, was three years of age, and was
never heard of again.
Alfred C. Fuller was born January 13,
1885, at Welsford, Kings county, Nova
Scotia, and lived in his native region for
the first eighteen years of his life. He
received his education at the public
schools of Welsford, and after complet-
ing his studies there came to Boston,
Massachusetts, at the age of eighteen.
He remained in Boston for about three
years, and worked for some eighteen
months of this time on the elevated rail-
road there. He then secured a position
as salesman for the Somerville Brush
Company, and thus became interested in
an industry with which he was later
49
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
destined to become associated on so large
a scale. For nearly two years he re-
mained with the Somerville concern, and
in April, 1907, established his own busi-
ness at Hartford, Connecticut, whither he
had moved and was making his home.
The beginnings of the company were
small and Mr. Fuller employed for a time
about three or four hands, but there are
now one hundred employees and his busi-
ness is one of the largest of its kind in
New England. The Fuller Brush Com-
pany is a very well known concern and is
the manufacturer of a type of brush de-
vised by Mr. Fuller, which is very largely
capturing the market, as it possesses
many obvious advantages over the older
types. The company at present manu-
factures a brush for practically every
household purpose, and they are all cal-
culated to give the maximum, of service,
because instead of the bristles or wire
being held in by some adhesive, they are
twisted into a metal frame which holds
them in complete permanency. Another
great advantage due to this character is
the fact that they may be cleansed as
often and as thoroughly as is desired
without any danger of loosening the bris-
tles, which is highly beneficial from the
hygienic standpoint. Another advantage
which the Fuller Brush Company pos-
sesses is that this form of manufacture is
very much cheaper than the old and they
can thus put a superior brush on the mar-
ket at a lower fignre. It is no wonder,
therefore, that it has already developed
to large proportions and that there seems
a still more brilliant future in store for it.
Mr. Fuller's management has been of the
most capable kind, and he combines great
conservatism with a progressive willing-
ness to adopt new methods and styles, as
is proved by his own invention. He never
departs from the use of the very best ma-
terials which the trade offers in the manu-
facture of his brushes, and the firm has
the reputation of being absolutely depend-
able in all its transactions.
Mr. Fuller is very active in the general
life of the city of Hartford, particularly in
connection with its general business de-
velopment, and has done much to encour-
age industrial enterprise there in his
capacity as member of the Hartford
Chamber of Commerce. He is also active
in fraternal and club circles there and is
a member of the Charter Oak Club, Rotary
Club, City Club, Automobile Club, Put-
nam Phalanx and Independent Order of
Odd Fellows. He is a member of the
Emanuel Congregational Church, and
takes a prominent part in the work of the
congregation.
Mr. Fuller was married to Evelyn W.
Ells, a daughter of Rupert Ells, of Corn-
wallis. Nova Scotia. To them have been
born two children : Alfred Howard,
March zj, 1913, and Avard Ells, March
17, 1916.
The conditions which surrounded the
beginnings of New England's industrial
growth were of such a kind as to reflect
a sort of double glory upon the names of
the men whose efforts were responsible
for its success. Not only were the un-
usual obstacles which beset the paths of
all originators and innovators there in
full force to be overcome, but a very espe-
cial difficulty existed in the undeveloped
financial condition of the country, and the
comparative poverty of the communities,
which were largely self-dependent, win-
ning what was needful for their own sup-
port by their own efforts, but setting
little aside, so that capital was extremely
hard to come by. Yet, against all these
difficulties, did such men as Mr. Fuller
struggle, cheerfully accepting conditions
as they found them, and patiently devis-
ing means for their overcoming. The
question of capital was unanswerable in
any direct sense, but these men solved it
by the simple quality of patience, making
l^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
their beginnings on a scale so small that
practically no capital was needed, and
then through years of toil and effort
gradually fostered them sometimes to
gigantic proportions. Tall indeed were
the oaks which sprang from the acorns
sowed by their hands. However huge and
lofty the structures which our modern
financiers build at such great pains, they
are only possible because the foundations
were so laboriously and successfully con-
structed by those who came before, who
were the real architects, the real designers
of our modern industrial system. Their
works and their tasks would have dis-
couraged many of the most conspicuous
figures in finance to-day, who would have
been incapable of the slow perseverance
which they of necessity must exercise, for
those who made haste to get rich in those
days inevitably met with disaster. A
combination of qualities was thus re-
quired for success, a combination well
illustrated in the character of Mr. Fuller,
and typical of a large class of New Eng-
landers, though in a less degree, where
may be seen united a high class of ideal-
ism, strong, imaginative powers, with a
curious knack for detail and a perfectly
unlimited capacity for work. Along with
these invaluable qualities, Mr. Fuller also
possesses a keen insight into the work-
ings of the human mind and a deep under-
standing of its motives. There are, in-
deed, but few needs of the community
which Mr. Fuller does not consider with
the deepest attention and concern, and
which he does not give generously of his
means and efforts to supply. Hartford
has every reason to honor his name.
FAULKNER, Thomas David,
Real Estate, Insurance.
Among the varied and diverse elements
which go to make up the complex fabric
•of our American citizenship and which
are drawn from wellnigh ever}' quarter of
the globe, there are few larger and none
more important and valuable in propor-
tion to its size than that formed by the
great Irish population in our midst. There
are many of that race conspicuous among
the earliest Colonial settlers here, and
from that time down to the present a
steady tide has set from their oppressed
land to this region and comparative free-
dom and opportunity. From first to last
they have brought with them those vir-
tues peculiar to the race and engrafted
upon the Anglo-Saxon stock the more
brilliant Celtic qualities of ready wit,
imagination and a remarkable blend of
the keenest practical sense with a vivid
appreciation of the most subtle and illu-
sive forms of beauty. When that hypo-
thetical thing, the future American race,
is at least accomplished and rises new and
glorious from this great witches' cauldron
where it is now brewing, it will owe many
of its best qualities to the Irish blood
within its veins. A fine example of the
best Irish type in this country is Thomas
David Faulkner, who is descended from
Irish parents, and who is one of the most
successful dealers in real estate and in-
surance, and a citizen of energy and pub-
lic spirit.
Born July i8, 1887, at South Manches-
ter, Connecticut, Thomas David Faulk-
ner is a son of Samuel J. and Annie
(Weir) Faulkner. His father was born
in County Armagh, Ireland, and came as
a boy to America, locating at South Man-
chester, Connecticut, where he found em-
ployment in the Cheney Mills. He mar-
ried Annie Weir, a daughter of Thomas
and Sarah Weir, who, like himself, was a
native of County Armagh, Ireland. They
were the parents of five children, three of
whom grew to maturity as follows :
Thomas David, with whose career this
sketch is principally concerned ; Alice and
George.
51
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Thomas David Faulkner received his began a real estate and insurance agency
education in the public schools of his
native town of South Manchester, Con-
necticut. Although his youthful advan-
tages in this direction were somewhat
meager, Mr. Faulkner has supplemented
them since that time in every way possi-
ble, not only by extensive reading in a
wide field of subjects, which he has con-
ducted independently, but also by means
of correspondence instruction which he
has carried on with several institutions of
this kind. After completing his formal
instruction, he entered the furniture store
of Ezekiel Benson, of South Manchester,
for whom he had already done som.e work
while still at school. The death of his
father was the event which rendered it
necessary for him to abandon his studies
and devote his entire time to the task of
earning his livelihood, and it was then
that he secured a permanent position m
the furniture store. Here he remained for
about three years, at the end of which
period Mr. Benson's business was closed,
and young Mr. Faulkner found it neces-
sary to seek employment elsewhere. The
three years following were spent as the
driver of a laundry wagon in South Man-
chester. In the meantime, however, both
as a clerk in the furniture store and as
driver, Mr. Faulkner had been consist-
ently laying by a portion of his earnings,
being only enabled to do so by the exer-
cise of the most praiseworthy thrift. By
this means he had accumulated a small
capital which enabled him to start in busi-
ness for himself, his initial enterprise
being as a dealer in tea and coffee. He
continued in this occupation for three
years, during which time he met with so
considerable a success that he felt justi-
fied in adding other lines to them and
establishing a regular grocery store at
South Alanchester. For two years he re-
mained in this line of business, and then
at South Manchester. In this he was ex-
tremely successful, and in 1914 he sold
out his business there ; he came to Hart-
ford and established in that city his pres-
ent business. From that time up to the
present he has met with an enviable and
well-deserved success, and is now re-
garded as one of the rising young busi-
ness men of the city. Mr. Faulkner is
prominently connected with many clubs
and other organizations of a similar
nature, and is a member of Charter Oak
Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows : the Sons of Temperance, the City
Club, the Charter Oak Ad Club, and the
Young Men's Christian Association. He
has always been interested in military
matters, and since 1916 has been a mem-
ber of the Governor's Foot Guard. He
and his wife are members of St. Mary's
Episcopal Church, of South Manchester,
and are active in the work of the parish,
while Mr. Faulkner has been an officer of
the Sunday school about twelve years.
One of the strongest tastes possessed by
Mr. Faulkner is that for the art of music,
and he is a musician of no small accom-
plishments. For about twelve years he
has acted as soloist in the choir of St.
Mary's Church.
Mr. Faulkner married, September 16,
1914, Zella Lillian Bunce, a daughter of
Charles Edwin and Ina (Chafifee) Bunce,
old and well known residents of South
Manchester. To Mr. and Mrs. Faulkner
two children have been born : Ina Anna,
June 15, 1915, and Thomas David. Jr.,
September 15, 1916. Mrs. Faulkner at-
tended the Manchester schools and grad-
uated from the South Manchester High
School in 1908. She then entered the
New Britain Normal School and after
graduating, in 1910, taught school for four
years.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(The Bunce Line).
The Bunce family, of which Mrs. Faulk-
ner was a member, has for long been asso-
ciated with industrial and business enter-
prise in the State of Connecticut, her
father, Charles Edwin Bunce, having been
one of the most prominent and successful
farmers of Hartford county. He was born
August 6, 1851, in his father's house, and
continued to live there during his entire
life. He secured his education at the local
district schools and later at the high
schools of Manchester and Hartford. On
completing his studies, he returned to his
home, where he continued to live during
the remainder of his life and where he de-
voted himself to farming during a similar
period. His farm became one of the larg-
est and best cultivated in Hartford county
and he was known far and wide as a
strong and attractive personality, a
straightforward man in all his business
dealings and a true friend. He married,
June 8, 1882, Ina Chaffee, a daughter of
Peter and Hannah Chaffee, of East Wood-
stock, where her father and brothers car-
ried on business as wagonmakers. They
were the parents of the following chil-
dren: Myrtis, born April 15, 1883, died
July 30, 1883 ; a child, born April 19, 1884,
who died in infancy; Gertrude M., born
May 29, 1885 ; Edwin C, born August 15,
1887; Zella Lillian, born August 5, 1889,
who became the wife of Mr. Faulkner;
Rena, born February 5, 1891 ; Florence,
born September 15, 1893; Louis, born
July 19, 1897; Lawrence, born March 10,
1902.
Charles Edwin Bunce's father was Ed-
win Bunce, a native of South Manchester,
where he received his early education at
the local public schools, and then attend-
ed Wilbraham Academy. Upon complet-
ing his education he began his life's work
in a paper mill, his father having been
closely identified with the development of
this industry in the region, and continued
actively engaged in this business until
near the close of his life, when he retired
to the farm of his son, Charles Edwin
Bunce, where he finally died at the early
age of fifty-four years. In the year 1843
he was married to Lucinda Tryon, a
daughter of Nathaniel and Mary (Strick-
land) Tryon, of East Glastonbury. Mrs.
Bunce died November 20, 1891.
HEALEY, Patrick,
Lavryer.
Born in Waterbury, August 23, 1887,
son of John and Catherine (Slavin)
Healey, whose other children are : Fran-
cis, born July 8, 1897; Catherine, born
May 27, 1900; and Helen, born January
24, 1903.
He graduated from Waterbury High
School, 1905 ; Yale College, Bachelor of
Arts, 1909; Yale Law School, Bachelor
of Laws, 191 1 ; admitted to practice of
law in Connecticut, June, 191 1.
Married to Kathleen Coughlan, daugh-
ter of James and Lucy (Loughlin) Cough-
lan, of Waterbury, September 16, 1913.
Two children : Patricia, born June 26,
1914; and Robert, born October 22, 1915.
His father, eldest son of Patrick (died
at Waterbury, 1893) and Mary (Breen)
Healey (died at Waterbury, 1892), was
born in County Kerry, Ireland, 1857, and
came to Waterbury in 1859. He is a
machinist by trade.
His mother, daughter of John (died at
Waterbury, 1902) and Bridget (Bergen)
Slavin (died at Waterbury, 1887), was
born in Waterbury, 1861.
Religion, Roman Catholic. Politics,
Democrat. Societies : Elks' Club, Knights
of Columbus, Chi Tau Kappa. Public
office : Representative from Waterbury
to General Assembly of Connecticut, 1917,
wherein he served as a member of the
committee on cities and boroughs and as
house chairman of the committee on un-
finished business.
S3
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
COOGAN, John William,
Attorney-at-I/aw.
One of the oldest practicing lawyers in
the city of Hartford, where he has been
in continuous practice since 1879, Mr.
Coogan has so kept abreast of the times
that he was choice of the last mayor of
Hartford, Joseph H. Lawler, for corpora-
tion counsel, retiring from that office with
that official in April, 1916. His pubHc
service has been of a high order, extend-
ing to legislative halls, while his practice
has included some of the most celebrated
cases tried at the Hartford bar. He is of
the first American born generation of the
family, the Coogans being an ancient fam-
ily of Ireland, from whence came the
grandfather, Daniel Coogan, bringing
with him his son, James Coogan, father
of John W. Coogan, of this review.
Daniel Coogan, grandfather, was a
paper maker by trade, and upon his
arrival in this country located at Lee,
Massachusetts. His death occurred in
the town of Windsor Locks, Connecti-
cut, at the great age of ninety-six years.
Among the many children of Daniel Coo-
gan was James Coogan, born in Ireland,
a paper maker by trade, who later became
superintendent of a paper mill in Windsor
Locks, Connecticut, and for many years
prior to his death successfully conducted
a store. He was active in civic matters
and held various town offices, serving as
member of the Legislature in 1865 (first
Catholic to fill position in Connecticut),
and member of Board of Selectmen at
Windsor Locks for a number of years.
He married Eliza Byrne, a native of Ire-
land, who died at Windsor Locks, in 1867,
aged forty-nine years. They were the
parents of eight children : Edward D ;
James T. ; Timothy C. ; Joseph A. ; Eliza-
beth, became the wife of James B. Ben-
son, of Windsor Locks ; John William, of
whom further ; Mary J., a Sister of Mercy
known as Sister M. Laurentia ; and one
child, deceased. The sons of James Coo-
gan all became men of prominence in their
community ; Dr. Joseph A. Coogan was
the only male member of the family who
did not sit in the State Legislature as a
duly elected member, and he could have
borne the same distinction but his pro-
fession was to him a higher obligation
and he steadily devoted himself to its
duties in Hartford and Windsor Locks.
Timothy C, an eminent member of the
bar, served three times as State senator
in Connecticut and later moved to San
Francisco, California, where he was
equally prominent in the law. As his
father in the Lower House of the Legis-
lature of the State of Connecticut, so
Timothy C. Coogan was the first adherent
of the Catholic faith to serve as State
Senator in Connecticut.
John William Coogan, fifth son of
James and Eliza (Byrne) Coogan, was
born in Windsor Locks, Connecticut,
June 3, 1855. After public school courses
at Windsor Locks, where his early years
were passed, he entered Fordham Univer-
sity, New York, where he pursued a full
course, terminating with his graduation
in the class of 1876 with the degree of
A. B. The brother, Timothy C. Coogan,
then in successful law practice at Thomp-
sonville, admitted him as a law student,
and he afterwards entered the law office
of Hon. William C. Case at New Haven
and while there entered the Yale Law
School. In 1878 Fordham University con-
ferred on him the degree of Master of
Arts, and in 1912 the degree of L. L. D.
In 1879 he was graduated from the Yale
Law School with the degree of LL. B.
He was at once admitted to the Hartford
county bar, and from that time has been
continuously in practice in the city of
Hartford, transacting a large business in
54
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
all State and Federal courts of the dis-
trict. He has gained an enviable promi-
nence in his profession and has ably and
successfully conducted some of the most
celebrated cases recorded in the annals of
the bar with which he is connected. He
is a member of the various bar associ-
ations, and is highly regarded by his pro-
fessional brethren, while the public-at-
large regard him with particular favor.
His law library is said to be one of the
most extensive in the State. Always a
student, he has surrounded himself with
the best of law authorities, references and
histories. Genial and courteous in man-
ner, he has a host of friends, his person-
ality and his ability combining to produce
a strong and lovable character.
Mr. Coogan inherited the family taste
for participating in political affairs, and
from youthful manhood has borne a lead-
ing part in party and city affairs. For
two years he was prosecuting attorney
for the city of Hartford ; for many years
was a grand juror; was a member of the
State Legislature in 1882, serving on the
committee of cities and boroughs ; was a
member of the Board of Street Commis-
sioners, 1900-03 and 1903-06, and during
the administration of Mayor Lawler was
corporation counsel for the city of Hart-
ford. A Democrat in his political faith,
he has ever been potent in party councils,
and was a delegate to innumerable city,
county and State conventions. In 1900
he was a candidate on the Democratic
ticket for presidential elector. He is a
past grand knight of Charter Oak Coun-
cil, Knights of Columbus; past exalted
ruler of Hartford Lodge, Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and past grand
trustee of the National Order. He holds
membership in several other organiza-
tions, fraternal, social and religious. He
is a member of the Roman Catholic
church, attending the services of St. Jo-
seph's Cathedral, this being the faith of
his forefathers.
Mr. Coogan married, December 28,
1898, Susan O. Nolan, born in Albany,
New York, daughter of Murtha T. Nolan,
an old resident of that city. Children,
born in Hartford, Connecticut : John Wil-
liam, born October 23, 1899, ^"d Murtha
T., born February 28, 1902.
KING, Joseph Harrington,
Financier.
Joseph Harrington King, president of
the American Industrial Bank and Trust
Company, has attained his position in the
financial world entirely as a result of his
own industry and well directed efforts.
He has been advanced step by step in
recognition of service well performed and
his mastery of the details of the banking
business. He is one of Connecticut's na-
tive sons, having been born in East Hart-
ford, July 28, 1855. His father was George
Walter King, a well known business man
of Hartford ; and his mother, before her
m-arriage, was Julia Burnham.
Mr. King's paternal grandfather, Walter
King, was a native of Glasgow, Scotland,
born September 11, 1780. In early man-
hood he served as aide to Sir John Moore,
in the British army, and later resided in
Lancashire. He came to the United States
from there in 1818. He remained here for
a short time, then returned to England,
but came back again to the United States
in 1822. After being for a brief period in
New York City, he removed to Paterson,
but died in New York City in 1863. Mr.
King was married three times. His first
wife was a young widow. Mrs. Ann (Hes-
keth) McCandlish, whom he married in
1807. She died in 1819 or 1820.
Their son, George W. King, was born
in Lancashire, England, February 16,
1817. He was educated in the public
5S
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
schools of Paterson and New York, and
then acquired the trade of jeweler with
Wilmot, Moffit & Curtis. After this he
passed some time in Virginia, and then
came to East Hartford, Connecticut,
where he found employment with W. &
O. Pitkin, silversmiths. After a time he
started in business for himself on State
street, Hartford, and continued success-
fully until his death in 1881. He married
Julia Burnham, daughter of George and
Nabby (Hills) Burnham, and they had
the following children : Mary Jane, de-
ceased : James Walter, of East Hartford :
Alice C. Burnham, deceased ; Emma
Louisa, married John N. Bidwell, of East
Hartford ; George Burnham, deceased ;
Joseph Harrington, of further mention ;
Annie Kate, of East Hartford ; and Ed-
ward Everett, of East Hartford. The
mother of these children passed away in
1893, at the age of seventy-three years.
Joseph Harrington King, the sixth child
in this family, was graduated from the
Hartford High School in 1873, after which
he became a clerk in the American Na-
tional Bank. He soon gave evidence of
possessing those qualities that mark the
successful banker, dependability, indus-
try, intelligent initiative, diplomacy and
courtesy. He was advanced rapidly, and
in 1883 became cashier, Mr. John G. Root
resigning, and he was at that time the
youngest bank officer in Hartford. Upon
the death of Mr. Rowland Swift, the first
president, he was elected president of the
bank, holding that position when it was
consolidated with the Phoenix National
Bank, in May, 1912. Mr. King soon set
about organizing the new institution of
which he is now the executive head, the
American Industrial Bank and Trust
Company, being elected its president,
September i, 1913.
He is a man of strong character, pro-
gressive without being visionary ; and
cautious, but having the courage of his
convictions when his mature judgment
approves a given course of action. He
takes a very keen interest in those move-
ments and measures that promise to en-
hance the general welfare ; and is a direc-
tor of the Hartford Morris Plan Com-
pany, an institution which is doing a
splendid work among those worthy citi-
zens who find themselves temporarily em-
barassed in financial matters, and not so
circumstanced that they can be helped
by regular banks. Mr. King is also presi-
dent of the Allen Manufacturing Com-
pany, of Hartford ; vice-president of the
Henry & Wright Manufacturing Comr
pany : and a director in the Austin Organ
Company.
On the 8th of October, 1878, Mr. King
was married to Mary E. Loomis, daugh-
ter of Walter A. Loomis, of East Hart-
ford. Mrs. King's father, Walter Adams
Loomis, was born May 24, 1823, in East
Hartford, and was married, October 8,
1845, to Margaret E. Clark. Mrs. King is
the ninth generation by direct descent
from Joseph Loomis, a woolen draper of
Braintree, Essex county, England. He
was born about the year 1530, and sailed
from London in the ship "Susan and
Ellen," April 11, 1638, arriving in Boston
July 17th of the same year. He came to
Windsor, Connecticut, with five sons and
three daughters, in 1639, and became the
owner of several tracts of land. His home
was situated at the mouth of the Farm-
ington river, or thereabouts. He died
November 25, 1658. and his wife died
August 23, 1652. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph
H. King are the parents of three children :
Edwin Loomis, born August 18, 1880;
George Walter, born February 8, 1886;
and Lester Hazen, born March 11, 1887.
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TILDLN rC JiND TiONS;
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
HALL, Eugene Ashley,
Banker, Merchant.
The subject of this biography inherits
from many generations of sturdy New
England ancestry the sound mind, body
and principles necessary to usefulness in
the world. The name is one of the oldest
in America, and was established at sev-
eral points in New England at almost
simultaneous dates.
John Hall (styled, "ist., of Walling-
ford") lived with his family in New
Haven about thirty years, and in Walling-
ford about six or seven. He came from
England to Boston, 1633, thence to Hart-
ford, where he received a grant of land
from the town, which he forfeited by re-
moval. He served in the Pequot war in
1637. In 1639 he was one of the free-
planters of New Haven and signed "The
foundamentall agreement." In 1670, with
three of his sons, John, Samuel and Ser-
geant Thomas, he joined the company that
settled Wallingford. becoming one of the
original proprietors and was a signer of
the original "Covernant" as were two of
his sons. He was born in England, in
1605, and died at Wallingford, in 1676.
Dr. Lyman Hall, Governor of Georgia
and signer of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, was a descendant of this John
Hall. In 1641 he married Jeanne Wollen,
who died November 14, 1690. Their fifth
son was Thomas Hall, born March 23,
1649, in New Haven, and lived in Wall-
ingford, Connecticut, where he died Sep-
tember 17, 1731. His marriage, June 5,
1673, to Grace Watson, was the first cel-
ebrated in Wallingford. She was born
1653, a daughter of Edward and Grace
(Walker) Watson, and died May i, 1731.
Their third son was Joseph Hall, born
July 8, 1681, died November 3, 1748. He
married, November 13, 1706, Bertha Ter-
rell, who died December 28, 1753. They
were the parents of Ephraim Hall, who
was born April 25, 1723, and made his
home in the section of Wallingford known
as North Farms, his house standing on
the east side of the road in the present
meadow, and the well on his farm is still
in use. He married, October 13, 1763,
Chloe Moss, born December 6, 1739,
daughter of David and Mindwell (Doolit-
tle) Moss. They were the parents of
Comfort Hall, who was born February
25, 1773, and lived in Wallingford until
about 1797, when he removed to the town
of Middletown, in the Westfield section,
and purchased a large tract of land, on
which he resided until his death. He was
one of the early Methodists of the sec-
tion, and one of the original trustees of
the Methodist church at Middlefield, Con-
necticut, an earnest, zealous and devoted
Christian, his home always open for the
entertainment of Methodist preachers.
Like most men of his time, he was a Dem-
ocrat in political principle. He died No-
vember 20, 1855, in Westfield. He mar-
ried, February i. 1796, Jemima Bacon,
born February 2, 1775, daughter of
Phineas and Sarah (Atkins) Bacon, and
died February 24, 1847. Their second
son was Harley Hall, born March 21,
1799, in Westfield, and lived in Middle-
field, where he died April 24, 1874, at the
age of seventy-five years. He married,
June 8, 1828, Martha Cone Hall, born
April 3, 1805, in East Haddam, Connec-
ticut, died in Meriden, April 20. 1880. She
was a daughter of William Hall, a direct
descendant of John Hall, "of Middle-
town," born in county of Kent, England.
1584, came to Boston, 1633, Hartford,
1635, original proprietor of Middletown,
1650. Her mother, Martha (Cone) Hall,
was a daughter of Sylvanus Cone, of East
Haddam, a Revolutionary soldier, and a
direct descendant of Daniel Cone, who
was an original proprietor of Haddam in
1662.
Rufus Hall, second son of Harley and
57
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Martha Cone (Hall) Hall, was born Oc-
tober 3, 1839, in Middlefield, and grew up
on the paternal homestead, assisting from
a very early age in the labors of the farm.
He acquired habits of industry and
thrift, and received from his parents a
high moral training. His education was
supplied by the district schools, and at
the early age of nineteen years he set out
to make himself independent in the world.
For some years he dealt in meats in Port-
land, Middlefield and Wallingford, and
in i860 moved to Meriden, Connecticut,
where he continued to be one of the most
active citizens during his life. In 1861,
in association w-ith his brother, the late
Norman C. Hall, he engaged in the gro-
cery business, the name of the firm being
Norman C. Hall & Company. After nine
years he sold out his interest to his
brother, and in association with Charles
Grether established a meat market under
the name of Grether & Hall. After a few
years, Mr. Hall became sole proprietor of
the business, which he conducted several
years, after which he sold it to his former
partner, and engaged in the grocery busi-
ness with his brother. In 1884 he again
engaged in the meat business, and the
establishment which he then founded is
still conducted by his son, the business
being incorporated under the name of
The Hall's Market Company in 1909. Mr.
Hall continued to conduct this establish-
ment until his death, from pneumonia,
February 3, 1901. His body was laid to
rest in Indian Hill Cemetery, Middle-
town. Air. Hall did not aspire to partici-
pate in political afifairs, but was ever a
model citizen, industrious and straight-
forward in business methods.
He married, at Middletown, April 25,
1859, Esther Asenath Grover, a direct
descendant of Thomas Grover, of Charles-
town, Massachusetts, 1642 ; she was born
in Middletown, January 2. 1837, died in
Meriden, December 18, 1891. She is
buried beside her husband in Indian Hill
Cemetery. She was a daughter of Arden
and Sarah Maria (Clark) Grover, a grand-
daughter of Oliver and Asenath (Eaton)
Grover, great-granddaughter of John and
Abigail (Flint) Grover. Asenath Eaton
was a descendant of William Eaton, who
was in Watertown. Massachusetts, in
1642, and Abigail Flint was descended
from Thomas Flint, of Salem, Massachu-
setts, in 1650. Sarah Maria (Clark)
Grover, mother of Mrs. Hall, was a
daughter of Daniel Clark, a Revolution-
ary soldier. Mr. and Mrs. Hall were the
parents of two children : Effie Maria,
born March 13, i860, died March i, 1862,
and Eugene Ashley, of further mention.
Eugene Ashley Hall was born August
7, 1865. in Meriden, where he has con-
tinued to be identified with business and
social life to the present day, prominent
among financiers and business men. He
attended the district schools until he had
attained the age of fifteen years, and leav-
ing school he was employed by the firm of
J. Cook (S; Company, manufacturers of
printing presses, the Bradley & Hubbard
Manufacturing Company, The IMeriden
Britannia Company and in the stationery
and toy store of William Hagadon, enter-
ing the employ of the Meriden Savings
Bank, May, 1883, as office boy, he won
rapid promotion in that institution by his
industry and business aptitude. At the
time of his father's death he was teller
of the bank, and resigned his position in
order to take care of the business estab-
lished by his father. He continued to
serve the Meriden Savings Bank as trus-
tee, director and auditor, and in 1914
was elected its president, in which posi-
tion he has continued to the present time.
He is president and treasurer of The
Hall's Market Company. From 1899 to
1907 he was treasurer of the town of
58
EXCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Meriden, and has been actively interested
in the Meriden Board of Trade and the
Meriden Chamber of Commerce. For
several years he served as trustee, secre-
tary and treasurer of the Connecticut
School for Boys, and was also treasurer
of the Connecticut State and Meriden
Agricultural societies.
For many years Mr. Hall has been
prominently identified with Free Masonry
in Connecticut, presiding over Meriden
Lodge, Keystone Chapter, Hamilton
Council, St. Elmo Commandery of Meri-
den, the Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Ma-
sons, and Grand Comanandery. Knights
Templar, of Connecticut; is a member
of the Scottish Rite bodies of New Haven.
LaFayette Consistory, Scottish Rite, and
Pyramid Temple, Mystic Shrine, of
Bridgeport, and the Masonic Charity
Foundation of Connecticut. He is a mem-
ber of the Connecticut Society and Cap-
tain John Couch Branch, Sons of the
American Revolution, a member of St.
Andrew's Protestant Episcopal Church,
Home Club and Colonial Club of Meriden.
In political principle he is a Republican,
and is always active in promoting the
best government for the city and State.
Mr. Hall married, December 15, 1897,
Edna Adele Mix, daughter of ex-Senator
John Walter and Kate Urana (Wallace)
Mix, of (Yalesville) Wallingford, Con-
necticut, a direct descendant of Thomas
Mix, who was in New Haven as early as
1643, granddaughter of John and Eliza
(Merriman) Mix, the last named a daugh-
ter of Albert Merriman. a Revolutionary
soldier. Mrs. Hall's mother was a daugh-
ter of Franklin and Fanny (Hall) Wal-
lace, of Cheshire, Connecticut, the latter
a daughter of Lyman and Milla Hall, both
direct descendants of John Hall, of Wall-
ingford. Benjamin Hall, father of Lyman
Hall, was a soldier of the Revolution.
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene A. Hall are the par-
ents of three children : Fanny, born No-
vember 15, 1898; Edna, February 3, 1900,
and Eugene Mix, June 27, 1903.
WILLIAMS, Charles Merriam,
Superintendent of Connecticut School for
Boys.
In 1874, Mr. Williams, then a young
man of twenty-three, entered the teaching
profession, as principal of the Railroad
District School in Meriden. Twenty-one
years later the boys and girls who had
sat under his instructions during those
years had become the voters and custo-
dians of the city interests, including the
oversight and management of the public
schools. When it was deemed the part
of wisdom that the schools be consoli-
dated and placed under the care of a gen-
eral superintendent, their thoughts with
one accord turned to their former prin-
cipal, and Mr. Williams was chosen for
the post. A few years later, in 1898, per-
haps some of his former pupils were
members of the board of trustees on
whom devolved the duty of choosing a
superintendent for the Connecticut Boys
Home, but whether or not, the reputation
won during a quarter of a century was
well known to the board and Mr. Wil-
liams was declared the choice of the
board. Nineteen years have elapsed since
he first assumed the duties of his ofifice,
but he is still the honored head of the
institution, a longer term than any pre-
vious superintendent ever served. Length
of service implies peculiar fitness for the
position filled, and this holds true of the
veteran educator, who had not only the
problems of the teacher to solve but those
of the reformer, the philanthropist and
the humanitarian. How well he has
solved those problems the records of the
School for Boys show. Minds have been
trained, talents developed, genius encour-
59
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
aged and lives of usefulness opened to
boys whose mornings were darkened by
error. As the guiding head of the insti-
tution, Mr. Williams has been placed in
the most responsible position to which a
man can be called, and to his credit is
placed the fact that he has shirked no
issue, evaded no responsibility, but with
an eye single to the best interests of those
placed under his care has labored untir-
ingly and intelligently. Thousands of
boys have passed out into the world from
under his guidance, from both the public
school and the School for Boys, and thou-
sands testify to the influence for good he
has been in their lives.
Mr. Williams is a descendant of Thomas
Williams, who bought land in Wethers-
field, Connecticut, in 1661, and in the
same year was granted river lands at
Rocky Hill. His son, Jacob Williams,
born in 1664, a sea captain, died at Rocky
Hill in 1712. He married Sarah Gilbert,
and their son, Ephraim Williams, was a
merchant of Wethersfield, trading with
New York and the West Indies until his
death in 1761, aged seventy-one. He mar-
ried Elizabeth Russell, a great-grand-
daughter of John Russell, founder of his
line in New England, and of Stephen
Terry, one of the first settlers of Wind-
sor, Connecticut.
Captain Ephraim W^illiams had a son.
Captain Elias Williams, born in Wethers-
field, in 1719, who was a man of promi-
nence there and in Stepney Parish both
before and during the Revolution. He
served on various committees in aid of
the Colonial cause, and in 1777 was a
captain in the Sixth Connecticut Militia.
He died in 1798. He married Prudence
Robbins, a great-granddaughter of John
Robbins. the early settler, son of John
Robbins, who is believed to have come to
Wethersfield with his son and died soon
after coming.
Captain Elias Williams was the father
of Corporal Eliel Williams, born in Step-
ney Parish, January 30, 1746, died there
August 2, 1819. He was one of the four
corporals enrolled under Captain John
Chester, and sent from Wethersfield on
the Lexington Alarm and fought at
Bunker Hill. He married Comfort Mor-
ton, a maternal descendant of Governor
Thomas Welles, and her great-great-pa-
ternal grandmother. Honor Treat, was a
sister of Governor Robert Treat, and wife
of John Deming, one of the first settlers
of Wethersfield.
Merriam Williams, son of Corporal
Eliel Williams, was born in Stepney
Parish, July 3, 1785, and died May 10,
1857. He was a tanner and currier and
shoe manufacturer of Rocky Hill, also a
landowner and farmer. He married Eliza-
beth Danforth, daughter of Thomas Dan-
forth, a manufacturer and merchant of
Rocky Hill.
Thomas Danforth Williams, son of
Merriam \\'illiams, was born at Rocky
Hill, Connecticut, December 4, 1819, died
there December 4, 1881. He was a farmer
all his life, a deacon of the Congregational
church for thirty years, and for twenty
years (not consecutively) town assessor.
He married, April 6, 1842, Mary Jane
Boardman, born at Rocky Hill, March 20,
1820, died August 7, 1888, the last sur-
vivor in the town of the twelve children
of Captain Jason Boardman. who for fifty
years was a shipbuilder, owner and cap-
tain of vessels. Her father. Captain John
Boardman, owned vessels sailing and
trading with the West Indies and was
lost at sea. Captain John Boardman was
a son of Jonathan Boardman, son of Na-
thaniel Boardman, son of Samuel Bore-
man (the original spelling), who came to
New England in 1638, and settled at
Wethersfield about 1641. Thomas Dan-
forth and Mary Jane (Boardman) Wil-
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PUBLIC LIBRARY
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TILDEN fOlJt;DATIONS
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Hams were the parents of two sons and
two daughters : Luther Boardman, a
prominent agriculturist of Rocky Hill and
an ex-member of the Legislature ; Caro-
line Elizabeth, of Rocky Hill ; Charles
Merriam, of further mention; Anna Jane,
died at the age of nineteen years.
Charles Merriam Williams was born at
Rocky Hill, Connecticut, November 13,
185 1. His youth was spent at the home
farm and in attendance at the public
school, after which he completed his
studies at Williston Seminary, Easthamp-
ton, Massachusetts. Choosing the profes-
sion of teaching he became principal of
the Railroad District School in Meriden
in 1874, he establishing so good a reputa-
tion that he was advanced later to the
principalship of the Center School and
finally to the same post in the West Dis-
trict School which included the Lewis
Avenue School and the control of about
five hundred pupils. In these three schools
twenty-one years were passed, years of
wonderful expansion and improvement in
the schools and equal development in the
educator. As principal he won the loyal
support of his teaching staff, and the full
confidence of his pupils who, as they
passed on into high school, bore testi-
mony to the thoroughness of their prepa-
ration. In 1895 the schools of the city
were consolidated and brought under the
general management of a superintendent
appointed by the Board of Education.
Kis long experience and the high reputa-
tion ]\Ir. Williams held as an educator
eminently fitted him for the position, a
fact recognized by the board by his ap-
pointment. He retained the office of
superintendent until 1898, when he with-
drew to accept the appointment of super-
intendent of the Connecticut School for
Boys, a State institution. This office he
has new (1917) held for nineteen years
with great acceptability.
In the profession he adopted when a
young man, he has attained prominent
position and is numbered with the strong,
capable and devoted men of that profes-
sion. He is a member of several societies
dealing with the problems which are his
and also is interested in fraternity and
social organizations. He is a member of
Meriden Lodge, No. ']'], Free and Ac-
cepted Masons ; Chapter, Royal
Arch Masons ; Hamilton Council, Royal
and Select Masters ; St. Elmo Com-
mandery. Knights Templar; the Sons of
the Revolution ; and the Home and High-
land Country clubs. In politics he is a
Republican.
Mr. Williams married, June 17, 1881,
Emeline McFarland, daughter of Joseph
and Emeline (Bulkeley) McFarland. They
are the parents of a son, Stanley Thomas
\\'illiams. born October 25. 1888, a gradu-
ate of Yale University, A. B., 191 1 ; A. M.,
1912; Ph. D., 1914; now an instructor at
Yale.
WHEELER, Frederick James,
Merchant.
As the oldest merchant in Meriden, not
only in years, but in the period engaged
in business, and as a citizen of highest
integrity, great industry and commercial
success, Mr. Wheeler has earned a place
in the annals of the people in the State.
His ancestors, both paternal and maternal,
have been long established in the State,
and have borne no mean part in promot-
ing its development and progress. The
founder of the Wheeler family in Connec-
ticut was Moses Wheeler, born 1597-98,
in Kent, England, who came, with others,
from London, England, and settled in
New Haven in 1638. There is a tradition
that he lived in London during the prev-
alence of the plague in that city, which
caused many people to flee. According
61
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
to this tale, Moses Wheeler was stricken
and, supposing he was about to die, dug
his own grave and lay down in it. His
neighbors, believing him to be dead, were
about to bury him but, discovering evi-
dences of lite, desisted. After this narrow
escape from being buried alive, he de-
cided to leave the country, and thus be-
came a pioneer of Connecticut. At New
Haven he was granted an allotment of
land in 1643. Subsequently he removed
to Stratford, where the family has been
prominent for many generations, ranking
among the most influential citizens of
the town. In 1648 Moses Wheeler was
granted the ferry across the Housatonic
river, in Stratford, and in 1670 he received
a lease of the ferry and lands adjoining,
for a period of twenty-one years, at a
rental of six pence per year. This indi-
cates the great confidence felt in him by
the citizens of the town, and the impor-
tance of maintaining a reliable ferry. He
gave most of his property to his children
ten years before his death. His will was
made February 16, 1690, and he probably
died very soon thereafter. His descend-
ants have occupied conspicuous places for
two hundred and seventy-five years in the
territory now comprising the counties of
Fairfield, New Haven and Litchfield. He
married Miriam Hawley. a sister of Jo-
seph Hawley, and their second son was
Moses W^heeler, born July 5, 1651, in
Stratford, died there January 30, 1725.
He was one of the wealthiest citizens of
the town, and the inventory of his estate
amounted to £1463 5s. and 6d. He mar-
ried, October 20, 1674, in Stratford, Sarah,
daughter of Caleb and Anne (Ward)
Nichols, born December i, 1651, in Strat-
ford. Their son, Elnathan Wheeler
(known as Nathan), was born January
31, 1681, in Stratford, where he was a
large landowner, and died 1765-66. By
his will each of his four sons received a
tract of land. His third wife, Elizabeth,
surname unrecorded, was born 1688, and
died 1739. Their youngest child was
Ephraim Wheeler, baptized in July, 1723,
and resided in Stratford. He married,
]\Iarch 7, 1743, Sarah Wilcoxson, born
June 6, 1719, daughter of William and
Hester (Brinsmade) Wilcoxson. Samuel
Wheeler, third son of Ephraim and Hester
(Wilcoxson) Wheeler, was born October
4 1757, in Stratford, and lived there. He
married (second) November 26, 1781,
Hannah Hawley, daughter of Matthew,
Jr., and Bethiah Hawley. Her eighth
child and his sixth son and eleventh child
was Everett Wheeler, born in September,
1796. His home was in Stratford, where
he was a large farmer and prominent citi-
zen, and died February 22. 1878. In 1847
he was elected on the W'hig ticket as a
member of the Legislature, and acquitted
himself well in that body. He married, in
December, 1825, Mary Curtis, born about
1796-97, daughter of Dr. Ezra and Anna
(L^fiford) Curtis. Their children were:
Henry Gould, born January 21, 1827, re-
sided in Stratford ; Caroline, August 4,
1829, married Curtis W^ells ; Frederick
James, of further mention; Thomas Ever-
ett, born October 18, 1836, died 1857.
The Curtis family, from which Mary
(Curtis) Wheeler was descended, was
founded by William Curtis, who lived in
England and probably died there. His
widow Elizabeth and sons John and W^il-
liam settled in Stratford, Connecticut, in
1639. The Curtis family was a prolific
one in England, and had many repre-
sentatives in Kent, where several were
mayors of Tenterden, and in County Sus-
sex, England. The ancient coat-of-arms
is thus described : Argent, a chevron
sable, between three bulls' heads ca-
boshed, gules. Crest: A unicorn passant,
or, between four trees proper. John Cur-
tis, son of William and Elizabeth Curtis,
62
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
born 1613, came to Stratford, and died
there December 2, 1707, aged ninety-four
years. His wife Elizabeth died in March,
1682. His eldest son and namesake set-
tled in Newark, New Jersey. The fourth
son, Joseph Curtis, was born November
12, 1650. He married, November 9, 1676,
Bethiah, daughter of Richard Booth, and
their eldest son was Ephraim Curtis, born
December 31, 1684, in Stratford, died in
1776. He married, June 26, 1706, Eliza-
beth, daughter of Ephraim Stiles. She
died in October, 1775. Their eldest child
was Stiles Curtis, born March 18, 1707, in
Stratford, during the lifetime of his great-
grandfather. He married, November 7,
1730, Rebecca Judson. Their fourth son
was Silas Curtis, baptized June 14, 1743,
in Stratford, lived at Oronoke, in the
northern part of the town of Stratford,
where he died January 15, 1816. He mar-
ried, February 17, 1765, Hannah Birdsey,
born December 15, 1746, died November
25, 181 1, daughter of Rev. Nathan and
Dorothy (Hawley) Birdsey, of Stratford.
Their eldest child was Ezra Curtis, born
August 26, 1765, in Stratford, was edu-
cated as a physician, engaged in practice,
and died at Litchfield, Connecticut, No-
\'ember 17, 1797, in his thirty-eighth year.
He married Anna, daughter of Samuel
and Abigail (Gold) Ufford, of Stratford,
born October 24, 1772. After the death
of Dr. Curtis she married (second) John
Wells. Mary, daughter of Dr. Ezra and
Anna (Ufford) Curtis, born about 1796-
97, became the wife of Everett Wheeler,
as previously noted.
Frederick James Wheeler, second son
of Everett and Mary (Curtis) Wheeler,
was born March 4, 1834, in Stratford, and
was reared upon his father's farm, sharing
in its labors, and receiving his education
in the neighboring district school. While
his educational opportunities were some-
what limited, he was always of an observ-
ant nature, and by study and experience
was fitted for the contest in which every
man must work out his own destiny.
When sixteen years of age he went to
Seymour, Connecticut, where he learned
the trade of tinsmith, and following this
was employed for seven years as a jour-
neyman in Waterbury. As a young man.
Mr. Wheeler did not fritter away his time
or his earnings in dissipation, and he was
soon enabled to establish himself in busi-
ness. In 1862 he located in Meriden,
where he established himself as a tin-
smith, and in time added to his industries
those of plumbing, heating and ventila-
tion. He was a skillful workman, honest
and persevering, and rapidly built up a
profitable business. In time his store in-
cluded general hardware, cutlery, stoves,
crockery and woodenware, and for many
years he has operated one of the largest
and best stocked establishments in the
city. He has ever been a conscientious
and upright dealer, has enjoyed the con-
fidence and respect of his neighbors, and
has gained a competence by his own
energy, industry and courteous consider-
ation for the welfare of his patrons. Mr.
Wheeler is a member of the First Con-
gregational Church of Meriden, and is
ever ready to further any good work or
any undertaking calculated to promote
the interests of the community and of the
world at large.
Mr. Wheeler married, July 17, 1866,
Mary Elizabeth Bennett, born October
27, 1838, died December 24, 1907, daugh-
ter of William Lewis and Mary A. (Ben-
jamin) Bennett, of Huntington, Connec-
ticut, and they were the parents of one
son, William Bennett, born September 15,
1868, died September 10, 1882.
Isaac Bennett, the progenitor of the
branch of the Bennett family of which
Mrs. Wheeler was a member, was a na-
tive of England, from whence he came to
63
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
this country in 1650, and settled in Strat-
ford, Connecticut. He married Elizabeth
Rose. The line is descended through their
son, Captain Nathan Bennett, who mar-
ried Deborah Curtis. Their son, Nathan
^2) Bennett, married Elizabeth Lewis.
Their son, Nathan (3) Bennett, a farmer
of Huntington, Connecticut, married
Nancy Beard. Their son, William Lewis
Bennett, born in Huntington, Connecti-
cut, July 3, 181 1, died there, September 25,
1871. He was reared on his father's farm,
attended the district schools of his native
town and the high school at Huntington
Center, and followed agricultural pursuits
for a number of years, first with his
father, and on his marriage purchased a
farm adjoining his father's farm, and there
resided for the remainder of his days,
achieving a large degree of success in his
undertaking. He was active in public
affairs, served as selectman of his town,
as a member of the House of Representa-
tives one term, as senator from the Tenth
Connecticut Senatorial District in 1863-
64, and again served as representative in
1866-67. He was a man of singular ability
and merit, possessed a clear head, honest
heart and sound judgment, also of un-
bending integrity and Roman firmness,
and was an off-hand debater, having no
equal in the House of Representatives.
He married, November 16, 1837, Mary A.
Benjamin, born May 8, 1810, in Derby,
Connecticut, died September 30, 1881, in
Huntington, Connecticut. Children : Mary
Elizabeth, aforementioned as the wife of
Frederick J. Wheeler, and Frances Sarah,
born February 2, 1845, at present residing
in ]\Ieriden, Connecticut.
SEELEY, George Simeon,
Public Official, Real Estate Dealer.
The late George S. Seeley, of Aleriden,
held a high place in the esteem of the
people as an upright and incorruptible
official, a faithful and earnest worker in
promoting the welfare of his home city.
He was descended from good ancestry.
The first authentic record of this name,
which has been variously spelled Seely,
Sealy, Sealey, Seelye, Seeley, appears in
Froude's "History of England,'' vol. viii,
p. 452, as follows: ''In the year 1563 the
following petition was addressed to the
Lords of Elizabeth's Council: 'In most
lamentable wise showeth unto your hon-
ors, 3-our humble Orator Dorothy Seeley
of the City of Bristol, wife of Thomas See-
ley of the Queen's Majesty's guard, that
where her said husband upon most vile,
slanderous, spiteful, malicious, and most
villainous words spoken against the
Queen's Majesty's own person by a cer-
tain subject of the King of Spain, here
not to be uttered ; not being able to suffer
same, did flee upon the same slanderous
person and gave him a blow. So it is
most honorable Lords that hereupon my
said husband, no other offense in respect
of their religion then committed, was
secretly accused to the inquistion of the
Holy House, and so committed to most
vile prison, and there hath remained now
three whole years in miserable state with
cruel torments."
A son of the aforesaid Thomas Seeley
is mentioned as captain in command of
the "Minion," accompanying Drake in his
famous voyage to the West Indies in
1685-86. The name Seeley is associated
with the early history of England, Shakes-
peare, in his play "Richard II.," represent-
ing Sir Bennet Seeley as having been be-
headed by the followers of Bolingbroke
for his loyalty to Richard, who was de-
throned in 1399.
Robert Seeley came to America with
Governor Winthrop, landing at Salem,
June, 1630, and bringing with him his wife
Marv and sons. Nathaniel and Obadiah.
64
^yM-CA^a^^T^
o^i^/^^i^^^^'^^^^'ZX:?^
TK?: i-':' "■^'^'■'^ '
PUBL'CLIBFARY
A=TO^. L'' O-
TILD^iJ
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
From thence he proceeded with Sir Rich-
ard Saltonstall, Rev. George Phillips and
others up the Charles river four miles
from Charlestown, commencing a settle-
ment, which was called Sir Richard Sal-
tonstall's plantation, and afterward named
Watertown. Homesteads averaging five
or six acres were assigned, Robert Seeley
receiving the maximum allotment of six-
teen acres, near the north bank of the
Charles river. This homestead was later
sold to Simon Erie, and is easily located
at the present day by reference to "Bond's
Map of Ancient Watertown.'' In July,
1630, upon the formation of the Water-
.town Church, which was the second
church in the Massachusetts Bay Colony,
the first being that at Salem, Robert See-
ley was one of the forty who entered into
covenant; in 1631 he was one of the first
twenty-five, together with Rev. George
Phillips, R. Saltonstall, Jr., and Captain
Patrick, to be made freemen. In 1635
Robert Seeley, with Rev. John Sherman
and others, removed from Watertown and
formed a settlement in Connecticut, which
they also named Watertown, this name
being later changed to Wethersfield.
There he was made sergeant in command
of the military organization, and when
war was declared against the Pequots in
1637, Captain John Mason and Lieutenant
Robert Seeley led the combined forces of
Hartford, Windsor and Wethersfield in
an expedition which resulted in the anni-
hilation of Fort Mistick and three hun-
dred Indians, and eighteen days later in
the complete overthrow of the Pequot
tribe in the swamp of Unguowa, subse-
quently called Fairfield. Captain John
Mason's "A Brief History of the Pequot
War" says: "Lieutenant Seeley was shot
in the eyebrow with a flatheaded arrow,
the point turning downward. I pulled it
out myself." At the close of the Pequot
War Captain Robert Seeley withdrew
Conn— 3— 5
from Wethersfield, and with John Daven-
port, pastor; Theophilus Eaton, subse-
quently governor for twenty years, and
others, held their first meeting, April 18,
1638, under a branching oak, and entered
into a covenant by which the New Haven
Colony was formed and its first form of
government constituted and established,
being made permanent in 1639. Captain
Seeley was a prominent and respected
member of the New Haven Colony, occu-
pying the fourth seat in church (seats be-
ing arranged in order of prominence, the
governor occupying the first). He was
marshal of the colony, commander of the
militia, on the committee of the General
Court and other judicial committees, rep-
resenting the colony in times of peace,
leading its forces in times of war, at all
times a wise counsellor and an efficient
public servant. In addition to Water-
town, Wethersfield and New Haven, he
was one of the founders of Fairfield and
Stamford, Connecticut ; Huntington, Long
Island, and Elizabethtown, New Jersey.
He died October 19, 1667, leaving a wife
and one son, Nathaniel, his other son,
Obadiah, being then deceased.
Obadiah Seeley, son of Robert Seeley,
died in Stamford in 1657. He married the
widow of John Miller, and they were the
parents of Obadiah Seeley, who had chil-
dren : John, Nathaniel, Mercy, Obadiah
and Susanna. The eldest of these, John
Seeley, born August 25, 1693, lived in
Stamford with his wife Abigail. Their
eldest son, John Seeley, born June i, 1727,
resided in Stamford with his wife Ann.
Their eldest son was John Seeley, born
May 16, 1756, and married, March 31,
1783, Rhoda Scofield, perhaps a daughter
of Jonah and Mary (Smith) Scofield, of
Stamford. Their eldest son was William
Seeley, born November 15, 1790. He
lived with his wife Patty in Waterbury,
Connecticut. They were the parents of
65
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Charles Seeley, born 1821, whose earher
years were passed in farming in Water-
bury. Subsequently he became a stone
mason contractor, located in Meriden,
Connecticut, as early as 1858, and died
there, November 25, 1890, at the age of
sixty-nine years. He married, December
25, 1843, in Waterbury, Amy Pritchard,
who was born in that town, daughter of
Roger and Chloe (Nichols) Pritchard.
Roger Pritchard was a soldier of the War
of 1812, a son of Roger Pritchard, born
March 7, 1782, in Waterbury, who was a
son of Amos Pritchard, a soldier of the
Revolution, who died in that town, July
25, 1813. Amos Pritchard was born Au-
gust 27, 1739, in Waterbury, and married
there, August 20, 1777, Mary, widow of
Samuel Adams, born March 11, 1743, in
Waterbury, daughter of Edward and Han-
nah Tompkins. Roger Pritchard, father
of Mrs. Seeley, lived in the town of
Waterbury, where he was a farmer.
Charles Seeley had six children, of whom
five lived to reach maturity. The second
of these receives further mention below.
George Simeon Seeley was born Febru-
ary 2, 1846, in Waterbury, where he re-
mained until twelve years old, removing
then with his parents to Meriden. His
education was supplied by the common
schools, and when nineteen years of age
he set out to maintain himself. He im-
mediately began an apprenticeship at the
metal turner's trade, and this continued
to be his occupation for a quarter of a
century. He was industrious and saved
his earnings, and in time was able to en-
gage in business on his own account. He
established a real estate and rent col-
lecting agency, in which he was more
than usually successful because of his
industry, faithfulness and high rectitude.
The confidence in which he was held by
the people of the city is shown by his re-
peated elections to the Board of Select-
men of the town, and to the office of
mayor of the city, in which position he
served two terms. Mr. Seeley was a man
of very pleasing manners, and his candor
and sincerity were at once made apparent
to any who came in contact with him. He
was very active in many organizations
calculated to benefit society. With his
family he was affiliated with St. Andrew's
Episcopal Church, of which he was fifteen
years a vestryman, and served as treas-
urer from April 4, 1899, until his death,
November 11, 1914, and was highly
esteemed by his associates in that body.
He held membership in several fraternal
orders, was a Mason and Knight Tem-
plar, a member of Silver City Lodge, No.
3, Ancient Order of United Workmen,
and Meriden Center Lodge, No. 68, Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, of which
he was treasurer from March 17, 1888. A
sincere and consistent adherent of Repub-
lican principles, he was one of the workers
of his party in the city, was chairman of
the Republican town committee from
May, 1900, and served as alderman and
councilman from the Third Ward. In
December, 1901, he was elected mayor of
the city, was installed in that office in
January, 1902, and continued in its in-
cumbency for two terms.
Mr. Seeley married, November 24, 1867,
Anna G. Lee, daughter of Melvin C. and
Esther (Guy) Lee, of Meriden, and they
were the parents of three children: i.
Frank Guy, married, November 20, 1890,
Nettie M. Pendexter and they have two
sons : Guy Pendexter and Lee Stevens
Seeley ; they reside in Mt. Vernon, New
York. 2. Candora Anna, became the wife
of James H. Guernsey, of Ansonia ; they
have one son, James Seeley Guernsey. 3.
Arthur Deshon, married, April 24, 1913,
Jennie Pauline Miller, daughter of Charles
B. and Emily (Downing) Miller, of Meri-
den ; they are the parents of two children :
Warren Miller and Anna Downing See-
ley.
66
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ROCKWELL, Charles Francis,
Business Man, Financier.
The family of Rockwell is one of the
oldest in Connecticut and has furnished
many distinguished and useful citizens,
people in every walk of worthy endeavor,
and several representatives have been
prominently identified with the business
interests of the city of Meriden. Savage
says the family is descended from Wil-
liam Rockwell, who was one of the dea-
cons of the church formed at Plymouth,
England, March 20, 1630, and sailed on
the ship "Mary and John," May 30, of
that year. He was one of the first select-
men of the town of Dorchester, where he
had land grants, and moved, in 1636, to
Windsor, Connecticut, where he was dea-
con of the First Church, and a leading
man until his death, May 15, 1640. Re-
cent investigation, however, would seem
to indicate that Savage is in error, as the
John Rockwell, son of William Rockwell,
does not seem to be identical with the
pioneer of this family in Connecticut.
John Rockwell, one of the first settlers
of Stamford, Connecticut, was there De-
cember 7, 1641, and resided there until
1669, when he sold his property and re-
moved to Rye, New York, where he died
in 1676. By vote of the town of Stamford,
February 19, 1668, he had liberty to mow
Norton Island. He married Elizabeth
Weed, and their eldest child was John
Rockwell, who died in Stamford in 1673.
The inventory of his estate was made
March 10 of the following year. His sec-
ond son, Thomas Rockwell, born about
1667, in Stamford, died in June, 1712. He
married, at Norwalk, December 9, 1703,
Sarah, daughter of John Resco. Their
son, Thomas Rockwell, born December
13, 1708, in Norwalk, settled in Ridge-
field, Connecticut, where he died Novemr
ber 4, 1789. He married, May 18, 1732,
Ruth Benedict, born December 3, 171 1,
died June 22, 1807. They were the par-
ents of James Rockwell, born June 9, 1750,
in Ridgefield. He was a lieutenant in the
Revolutionary army, and his commission,
signed by Jonathan Trumbull, is now pre-
served by his descendant, Charles Lee
Rockwell, of Meriden. He lived in Ridge-
field, and married, October 17, 1769, Abi-
gail Hawley, born October 24, 1749, died
January 6, 1821. Their eldest son and
fourth child, Thomas Hawley Rockwell,
was born May 21, 1776, and was a cabi-
netmaker, residing in Ridgefield, where
he died September 25, 1865, at the age of
eighty-nine years. He married, July 20,
1800, Polly Smith, born October i, 1783,
died February 27, 1869. Their eighth
child and seventh son, Francis A. Rock-
well, was born April 12, 1818, in Ridge-
field, where he was a manufacturer, and
died September 24, 1881. He married,
October 6, 1840, Mary Lee, born October
7, 1816, daughter of Captain Aaron and
Lucy (Smith) Lee, of Ridgefield. Cap-
tain Aaron Lee was a soldier of the Revo-
lution.
William Francis Rockwell, second son
of Francis A. and Mary (Lee) Rockwell,
was born January 12, 1845. i" Ridgefield,
and at the time of his death was president
of the Miller Brothers Cutlery Company
of Meriden, one of the leading establish-
ments of its kind in this country. His
education was supplied by private schools
and the Fort Edward Collegiate Institute
of Fort Edward, New York. At the age
of eighteen years he embarked upon a
business career, in the office of the for-
warding and commission house of Miller
Brothers, in New York, and subsequently,
during the Civil War, held an important
position as a representative of that firm
at Norfolk, Virginia. In 1868 he located
at Washington, New Jersey, and in asso-
ciation with a partner engaged in the mer-
67
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BICGR.-\PHY
cantile business, under the style of Cum-
mings, Rockwell & Company. Six years
later he returned to his native State, and
became treasurer of the United States
Shear Company. In 1876 Mr. Rockwell
participated in the reorganization of the
Miller Brothers Cutlery Company of Meri-
den, and became treasurer and general
manager. Mr. L. J. Curtis was the first
president of this company, and at his
death, in 1893, was succeeded by Isaac C.
Lewis, one of the foremost business men
of Meriden. On the death of Mr. Lewis,
Mr. Rockwell became president of the
company, which position he retained until
his death, January 5, 1901. He was one
of the organizers and first president of
the American Pocket Cutlery Manufac-
turers' Association, an organization
formed to further the interests of the
trade in the matter of tariffs. Mr. Rock-
well was a forceful and energetic busi-
ness man, as evidenced by his business
success, and was highly esteemed among
his associates in ]Meriden. He was promi-
nently identified with the Republican
party in both State and National affairs ;
was a personal friend of President Mc-
Kinley, and closely associated with Sena-
tor O. H. Piatt, in State politics. He was
a Knights Templar Mason, and a member
of the Sons of the American Revolution.
He married, September 26, 1876, Louise
Taylor, of Washington, New Jersey,
daughter of James Davidson and Sarah
(Bird) Taylor, of Washington, New Jer-
sey. They were the parents of one child,
Charles Francis, of further mention in the
next paragraph.
Charles Francis Rockwell was born
April 26, 1878, in Meriden. He has proved
himself one of the most progressive and
successful business men of his native
town. After passing through the public
schools of that town, he entered Wesle-
yan University in the class of 1899, and
after graduation entered the office of the
Miller Brothers Cutlery Company as pay-
master. He did not cease his effort at
self-improvement on leaving college, and
gave close attention to the business with
which he was associated. Becoming
gradually familiar with its details, he was
made secretary, treasurer and general
manager of the concern, and following the
death of his father in 1901 he took entire
charge of the plant. Under his adminis-
tration the business was highly success-
ful, and in 1912 Mr. Rockwell was made
president of the company, which position
he still retains. Like his honored father
he occupies a high position in the com-
munity, and is active in its social and
political life. He is an earnest Republi-
can in principle, and for seven years, from
1902 to 1909, was a member of the Board
of Aldermen in Meriden. From 1912 to
1917 he was a member of the Board of
Public Works, and is at present president
of the Board of Education. He is presi-
dent of the Meriden Industrial Company,
and a trustee of the Meriden Savings
Bank. He is actively affiliated with the
Masonic fraternity, being a member of
St. Elmo Commandery, Knights Temp-
lar; is a member of the Alpha Delta Phi
of New York City, of the Home and High-
land Country clubs of Meriden. and of
the Connecticut Chapter, Sons of the
American Revolution.
Mr. Rockwell married, October 7, 1903,
Ada Louise Coe, daughter of John W. and
Sarah (Williams) Coe, of Meriden. Mr.
and Mrs. Rockwell are the parents of
three children : William F., born Septem-
ber 28, 1904; Bradley T., died in infancy,
and Louise West, born September 20, 1912.
SOMERS, George Edwin,
Captain of Industry.
The life work of George E. Somers is
a record of achievement as a captain of
industry, of a life devoted to upbuilding
68
e did not ceas'
ement on lea
ittentiof '^"
v/as a
iiniliar with
1912 M'
it ot the CO;
retains. I-
, ana i-
,i life. ..
irinciple, an'
1909, was a
.rmen in M-
■ 7 -he was a
blic Works, .
the Board o;
it of the Meridt;
d a trustee of
ink. He is acti^
Masonic fraternitv
.ege, and
aess with
Becoming
lis, he; wah
■: 1 general
owing the
ook entire
~ adminis-
■ / success-
iiich posiLnjii
mored father
the com-
h social and
aest Republi-
n years, from
■/ the Boarr]
a 1912, to
the Board of
■,r\ ui.i!:
.1. ar.fi ('1
Client v..
^^ of the
Revolut ■
kwell m
' '^r 7, 1903,
.■ Cr^i. d
nnW. and
Meriden
Lvockw
le parents -
>--i'. v;-
., born Septen.
in infancy.
UlSc V\ Cil, lit;.
!'. oepteiiiberao, 191^
SOMERS, George Edwin,
Captain at Indnsti-y.
The life work of George E. Soiners is
a record of achievement as a
ir;di,stiv. of a life devoted to
59^^£ 7_J
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
and development. A young man of nine-
teen when he entered the industrial world,
at his death the veteran of many years,
there was never a time when he was not
one of the world's workers, either as an
employer, superintendent or executive of
great corporations. When from the
serene heights of old age and competence,
this self-made man reviewed a life of use-
fulness, it was in a world that was the
better for his having lived in it. He gave
to young men this word : "Good regular
habits are the first essential to success,"
and "Don't expect complete success on
eight hours a day, and remember that
good things cost much labor of hand and
head." ,
Mr. Somers traced his descent in the
paternal line through six generations to
Henry Somers, who is recorded as a land-
owner in Stratford, Connecticut, March
27, 1668. The line is traced through the
founder's son, "Sergeant" Samuel Somers ;
his son, "Ensign" Samuel (2) Somers ;
'his son, John Somers: his son, David
Somers ; his son, Rufus Somers ; his son,
George Edwin Somers, the octogenarian
of Bridgeport. Through his mother,
Esther (Peck) Somers, Mr. Somers de-
scended from Joseph Peck, who came
from England and located in New Haven,
Connecticut, as early as 1643, later mov-
ing to Milford. The line follows through
his son, Joseph (2) Peck ; his son, Joseph
(3) Peck ; his son, Moses Peck ; his son,
Enos Peck ; his son, Abraham Peck ; his
daughter, Esther Peck, married Rufus
Somers.
George Edwin Somers, third child and
second son of Rufus and Esther (Peck)
Somers, was born in Newton, Fairfield
county, Connecticut, January 21, 1833,
died in Bridgeport, December 18, 1915.
He was educated in the public schools.
He left home at the age of nineteen, and
after service in Naugatuck, Waterbury
and Ansonia shops as a skilled mechanic
spent four years in the shops of the Gor-
ham Manufacturing Company at Provi-
dence, Rhode Island, his particular serv-
ices there being as a maker of tools re-
quired by that well known manufacturing
firm of silversmiths. He then returned to
Ansonia, where he had formerly been em-
ployed by the brass manufacturing firm
of Wallace & Sons, and remained with
them another year. He removed to
Waterbury in January, 1865, was for one
year in the employ of the Army and Navy
Button Company, later and until 1881
being master mechanic and superintend-
ent for the Benedict & Burnham Com-
pany, of Waterbury. While in the em-
ploy of Benedict & Burnham he was sent
to Europe in the interest of the company,
and upon his return possessed the knowl-
edge upon which the manufacture of
seamless brass and copper tubing and
copper wire in the Naugatuck Valley be-
came an assured success. One or two
other concerns in New England were
making the same materials, but not in a
satisfactory manner, and their manufac-
ture did not become a genuine success,
until Mr. Somers first introduced the
m,ethods that made them so. The busi-
ness he there introduced is now a most
important line of manufacture.
In 1881 Mr. Somers came to Bridge-
port as superintendent of the plant of the
Bridgeport Brass Company, and from
that year his connection with the com-
pany continued as superintendent, direc-
tor and executive. He was elected presi-
dent of the company, and under his wise
management the company, ever a prosper-
ous one, has advanced to still greater
heights and has become one of the lead-
ing industrial corporations of Bridgeport,
employing over a thousand hands in the
manufacture of brass and copper wire,
tubing and sheets, seamless brass and
69
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
copper tubing and a great variety of brass
and copper goods. The company was the
first to manufacture "Hard Drawn" cop-
per wire now in general use by telegraph,
telephone and railway companies. His
connection with the upbuilding of so vast
an enterprise and its executive manage-
ment would be the worthy achievement of
a lifetime, but President Somers comes
by this title in other ways. He was long
connected as director and president with
the Bridgeport Electrical Manufacturing
Company, the Bridgeport Crucible Com-
pany, and the James M. Somers Com-
pany, and also served the First National
Bank as a director. The years he carried
granted him exemption from the heavier
burdens of business life, but until the last
he was the able, wise man of affairs, hon-
ored, respected and referred to.
He was a Republican in politics, and
served well both cities in which his resi-
dence was permanent, Waterbury and
Bridgeport. In Waterbury he served sev-
eral years as fire commissioner and in
Bridgeport as a member of the board of
public works gave valued service. In
1896 he was elected by a very large ma-
jority to represent Bridgeport in the Con-
necticut House of Representatives and
served faithfully on the committee on
manufactures. He was a member of Park
Street Congregational Church, the Sea-
side, Bridgeport Outing and Boys clubs,
the last named one of Bridgeport's most
commendable institutions of helpfulness
to the boys of the city. He was a mem-
ber of the Masonic order of long and
honorable standing, took all degrees of
lodge, chapter, council and commandery,
held many of their offices, and as a char-
ter member of Clark Commandery of
Waterbury aided in the organization of
that body of Knights Templar, and served
as its eminent commander. In Scottish
Rite Masonry he attained the thirty-
second degree.
Mr. Somers married (first) in Novem-
ber, 1858, Sarah J. Noble, who died in
August, 1863, daughter of David Noble,
of South Britain, Connecticut. He mar-
ried (second) December 6, 1865, Mrs.
Fannie Elizabeth (French) Clark, born
January 21, 1840, daughter of Miles and
Elizabeth (Sperry) French, of Bethany,
Connecticut. Mrs. Somers is of the eighth
generation of the family founded in Amer-
ica by William French, who came from
England to America in the ship "De-
fense" in 1635. The line is traced from
William French through his son, Fran-
cis French ; his son, Francis (2) French ;
his son, Israel French ; his son, David
French, a Revolutionary soldier ; his son,
Adonijah French ; his son, "Squire" Miles
French ; his daughter, Fannie Elizabeth,
married George Edwin Somers. Air. and
Airs. Somers were the parents of a daugh-
ter, Jennie S., wife of William T. Rawlins,
of English descent, a leading lawyer of
Honolulu, Hawaii. They twice traversed
the wide expanse of land and sea that
separated them, from their daughter and
granddaughter, Elizabeth French Raw-
lins, making the last visit in 1909. Mrs.
Somers survives her husband and con-
tinues her residence at No. 365 East
Washington street, Bridgeport.
WILCOX, George Horace,
President of International Silver Company.
It has been the privilege of two genera-
tions of the Wilcox family, Horace C. and
George H. Wilcox, father and son, to
have an intimate relation with a great
business, one that has fastened upon
Meriden, Connecticut, the name Silver
City. It was the work of the father to
found, organize and develop this great
business through the medium of difTer-
erent companies, a task he grandly per-
formed, and it has been the work of the
son to gather these conflicting silver pro-
70
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ducing companies into one, and first as
vice-president and then as president of
the International Silver Company he has
welded into one great corporation former
business rivals with beneficent results to
all.
The Wilcox family is of Saxon origin,
and v^^as seated at Bury St. Edmunds,
County Suffolk, England, before the Nor-
man Conquest. Sir John Dugdale, in the
visitation of the county of Suffolk, men-
tioned fifteen generations of this family
previous to the year 1600. This traces
the lineage back to the year 1200, when
the surname came into use as an inherited
family name. On old records the spell-
ings Wilcox, Wilcocks, Wilcoxson and
Willcox are used interchangeably. Coat-
of-arms : Argent, a lion rampant gules, on
a chief azure, the front elevation of a
fortification or. Crest : An eagle dis-
played proper accompanied on the dexter
side by a rose, and on the sinister side
by a fleur-de-lis argent. Motto: Fidiis ct
audax ("Faithful and bold"').
John Wilcox lived in Hartford, Con-
necticut, was chosen surveyor in 1643-44,
and surveyor of the jury in 1645. He
served first as selectman in 1640, and died
in 1651, his will being dated July 24, 1651.
He was buried in the Center Church
burying ground in Hartford, and his name
is on the monument with that of the other
first proprietors. His wife died about
1668. His son, John Wilcox, was born
in England, and came to Hartford, Con-
necticut, with his father, where he was
one of the first proprietors in 1639. In
1655 he removed to Middletown Upper
House, where he died May 24, 1776. He
had agreed to settle in Middletown, but
failing to do so promptly, the General
Court voted in 1653 to compel him to
occupy his grant or to find a substitute.
On March 10, 1657, he bought the home-
steads of Joseph Smith and Matthias
Treat and afterwards sold them to his
cousin, Samuel Hall. In 1659 he was a
member of the committee on roads, and
June 30, 1660, he was granted lands at
Wongunk. It has been claimed that he
removed to Dorchester, where he resided
for a few years. He purchased land and
built a house pridr to November i, 1665,
on land occupied by the Beaumont-Ham-
mer House. He married, as his fourth wife,
Esther Cornwall, born May, 1650, died
May 2, 1733, daughter of William Corn-
wall, and their son, Ephraim Wilcox,
born July 9, 1672, in Middletown, removed
to East Middletown, where h^ died Janu-
ary 4, 1713. He married, August 23, 1698,
Silence, daughter of Benjamin Hand, who
had moved from Guilford to Middletown.
John W'ilcox, son of Ephraim and Silence
(Hand) Wilcox, was born August 8, 1712,
in Cromwell, where he made his home,
and died October 21, 1795. He married,
July 6, 1738, Hannah Wilcox, probably a
daughter of Samuel W'ilcox, of Crom-
well. Their son, Joseph Wilcox, was
born March 29, 1746, in Cromwell, lived
in Westfield Parish of Middletown, and
died October 23, 1838. He married, No-
vember 30, 1785, Miriam Bacon, born Feb-
ruary 7, 1762, died March 19, 1825, daugh-
ter of Josiah and Sybil Bacon. Elisha
Bacon Wilcox, son of Joseph and Miriam
(Bacon) Wilcox, was born June 29, 1795,
in Westfield Parish of Middletown, and
made his home there. He married, Janu-
ary 26. 1818, Hepsebah Cornwell, daugh-
ter of Daniel and Lucy (Hamlin) Corn-
well, of Middletown, later of Charlestown,
New Hampshire, and they were the par-
ents of the late Horace C. Wilcox, of
Meriden.
Horace C. Wilcox was born in West-
field Parish. Middletown, Connecticut,
January 24! 1824, died August 29, 1890.
His first important business connection
was as traveling salesman for James
71
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Frary, a manufacturer of Britannia ware,
an association which began in 1850, but
in 1852 Mr. Wilcox with others formed
the Meriden Britannia Company, he be-
coming the first secretary-treasurer of
that company and succeeding to the presi-
dency in 1866, a position he filled with
great ability until his death. The com-
pany soon ceased the manufacture of Bri-
tannia ware and began making plated sil-
verware, becoming the leading concern
of its kind in the world, a position yet
maintained. The world became its mar-
ket and large factories to supply the de-
mand were built in Meriden, Connecticut,
and Hamilton, Canada. The executive
management of so vast an enterprise was
but one of the tasks to which Horace C.
Wilcox addressed himself with marvelous
energy and success. He was the founder
and president of the Wilcox & White
Organ Company ; a director of the Meri-
den Silver Plate Company. Manning,
Bowman & Company, ^olian Organ &
Music Com.pany, Meriden Street Railroad
Company, Rogers Brothers of Waterbury,
R. Wallace & Sons Company of Walling-
ford, William Rogers Manufacturing
Company of Hartford, Meriden Fire In-
surance Company, Home National Bank,
Republican Publishing Company, Wal-
nut Grove Cemeter}- Association, and a
trustee of the City Savings Bank. He
organized the Meriden, Waterbury &
Connecticut River Railroad Company, in-
vesting in that enterprise a vast sum
from his private fortune, although at the
time there was little hope of an adequate
return.
To these vast business engagements he
added public service of a high order. He
was an alderman from the time of the
incorporation of Meriden as a city ; was
fifth mayor of the city, 1875-76 ; State
Senator in 1877, and but for his refusal to
accept could have had other and higher
elective offices. He was a member of the
First Congregational Church, was a mem-
ber of the committee in charge of the
erection of the present church edifice and
until 1884 served upon various commit-
tees of the church. Thus his life was
passed, and countless monuments to his
tireless energy and business sagacity arise
on every hand. He brought prosperity to
his city and to the individual worker, but
above all he left an honored name.
Mr. Wilcox married (first) August 3,
1849, Charlotte A. Smith, who died in
1864, daughter of Jabez Smith, of Middle-
town. He married (second) May 31,
1865, Ellen M., daughter of Edmund
Parker.
George Horace Wilcox, son of Horace
C. Wilcox and his first wife, Charlotte A.
(Smith) Wilcox, was born in Meriden,
Connecticut, August 22, 1856. After
courses of study at Washington, Connec-
ticut, a private preparatory school at
Ithaca, New York, and at Hopkins Gram-
mar School at New Haven, he entered
Sheffield Scientific School, Yale Univer-
sity, whence he was graduated Bachelor
of Philosophy, class of '75. He at once
began business life with the Meriden
Britannia Company, advanced to higher
position, and in 1893 became its presi-
dent. W^hen in 1898 the Meriden Britan-
nia Company and several other com-
panies engaged in the silver business con-
solidated as the International Silver Com-
pany, Mr. Wilcox was chosen vice-presi-
dent, and in 1907 was elected president,
an important office he now holds. The
interests founded by his honored father
have been conserved and developed by
the son, and the same spirit of fairness to
all and consideration for even the hum-
blest employee marks his administration.
He is a director of the Meriden National
Bank, Wilcox & W'hite Company, Meri-
den Trust & Safe Deposit Company, trus-
72
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
tee of the City Savings Bank, and is a
business man of the highest quality. His
interest in all that concerns the welfare
of his city is visible on every hand. He
is president of the Curtiss Memorial Li-
brary, a member of the First Congrega-
tional Church, lodge, chapter, council,
commandery of the Masonic order and
also is a noble of the Mystic Shrine. He
is a member of the executive committee
of the National Civic Federation, and in
political faith a Republican. His clubs
are the Home, Colonial and Highland
Country of Meriden.
Mr. Wilcox married, January 24, 1884,
Nettie B. Curtis, of New Britain, Connec-
ticut, daughter of Lucius W. and Olive
(Hotchkiss) Curtis. Mr. and Mrs. Wil-
cox are the parents of three sons, all now
associated in business with their father :
Harold Curtis, born January 7, 1889, Yale,
1912; Roy Cornwell, born December 24,
1891, Yale, 1916; Horace, born October 7,
1893, Yale, 1916.
BLISS, William Edgerton,
Jeirelry Manufacturer.
One of the oldest and most notable
families of New England is that of Bliss,
which seems to be descended from the
Norman family of Blois, gradually modi-
fied to Bloys, Blyse, Blysse, Blisse, and
in America finally to Bliss, dated back to
the time of the Norman Conquest. The
name is not common in England. The
coat-of-arms borne by the Bliss and Bloys
families is the same : Sable, a bend vaire.
between two fleur-de-lis or. Crest : A
hand holding a bundle of arrows. Motto:
Semper suruni. The ancient traditions of the
Bliss family represent them as living in the
south of England and belonging to the class
known as English yeomanry or farmers,
though at various times some of the fam-
ily were knights or gentry. They owned
the houses and lands they occupied, were
freeholders and entitled to vote for mem-
bers of Parliament. In the early days, of
course, they were faithful Roman Catho-
lics, but later, after England had become
Protestant, they became Puritans and be-
came involved in the contentions between
Charles I. and Parliament. The Blisses
who settled in New England in 1636 had
dwelt in Daventry, Northamptonshire,
England, for one hundred and fifty years
before the emigration. Daventry is
twelve miles from Ecton. from which
came the ancestors of Benjamin Franklin,
and twenty-five miles from Stratford-on-
Avon, where Shakespeare was born, and
close by the battlefield of Naseby, where
the forces of Cromwell crushed the army
of Charles I. The early Daventry ances-
tors of the Bliss emigrants were mercers
or linen drapers, and since 1475 they were
blacksmiths. The religious controversies
of the times leading up to the overthrow
of King Charles were partly responsible
for the departure of the Blisses, who were
non-conformists, but the hunger for land
had probably more to do with the emigra-
tion.
Thomas Bliss, the progenitor, lived in
Belstone parish, Devonshire, England.
Very little is known of him except that
he was a wealthy landowner, that he be-
longed to the class stigmatized as Puri-
tans on account of the purity and simplic-
ity of their forms of worship, that he was
persecuted by the civil and religious au-
thorities under the direction of Arch-
bishop Laud, and that he was maltreated,
impoverished and imprisoned and finally
ruined in health, as well as financially, by
the many indignities and hardships forced
on him by the intolerant church party in
power. He is supposed to have been born
about 1550 or 1560. The date of his death
was 1635 or about that year. When the
Parliament of 1628 assembled, Puritans
73
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
or Roundheads, as the Cavaliers called
them, accompanied the members to Lon-
don. Two of the sons of Thomas Bliss,
Jonathan and Thomas, rode from Devon-
shire on iron grey horses, and remain-
ed for some time in the city — long
enough at least for the king's officers and
spies to learn their names and condition,
and whence they came ; and from that
time forth, with others who had gone to
London on the same errand, they were
marked for destruction. They were soon
fined a thousand pounds for non-conform-
ity and thrown into prison, where they
remained many weeks. Even old Mr.
Thomas Bliss, their father, was dragged
through the streets with the greatest in-
dignity. On another occasion the officer?
of the high commission seized all their
horses and sheep, except one poor ewe
that in its fright ran into the house and
took refuge under a bed. At another time
the three brothers, with twelve other
Puritans, were led through the market-
place in Okehampton with ropes around
their necks, and fined heavily, and Jona-
than and his father were thrown into
prison, where the sufferings of the son
eventually caused his death. The family
was unable to secure the release of both
Jonathan and his father, so the younger
man had to remain in prison and at Exe-
ter he suffered thirty-five lashes with a
three-corded whip, which tore his back
in a cruel manner. Before Jonathan was
released the estate had to be sold. The
father and mother went to live with their
daughter who had married a man of the
Established Church, Sir John Calcliffe.
The remnant of the estate was divided
among the three sons, who were advised
to go to America, where they might
escape persecution. Thomas and George
feared to wait for Jonathan, who was still
very ill, and left England in the fall of
1635 with their families. Thomas, son of
Jonathan and grandson of Thomas (i),
remained with his father, who finally died,
and the son then came to join his uncles
and settled near Thomas. At various
times their sister sent from England
boxes of shoes, clothing and articles that
could not be procured in the colonies, and
it is through her letters, long preserved,
but now lost, that knowledge of the
Devonshire family was preserved. Chil-
dren : Jonathan, mentioned below ; Thom-
as, born in England, about 1585, at Bel-
stone ; Elizabeth, married Sir John Cal-
cliffe, of Belstone; George, born 1591,
settled at Lynn and Sandwich, Massa-
chusetts, and Newport, Rhode Island ;
Mary or Polly.
Jonathan Bliss, son of Thomas Bliss, of
Belstone, was born about 1580, at Bel-
stone, died in England, 1635-36. On ac-
count of his non-conformitv he was per-
secuted, and sulTered heavy fines, eventu-
ally dying at an early age from a fever
contracted in prison. Four children are
said to have died in infancy, and two grew
up: Thomas and Mary. Thomas (2)
Bliss, son of Jonathan Bliss, of Belstone,
F'ngland, was born there, and on the
death of his father, in 1636, he went to
Boston, Massachusetts, and from there
to Braintree. same State. He next went to
Hartford, Connecticut, and finally to
Weymouth, Massachusetts, whence, in
1643, he joined in making a settlement
at Rehoboth. He was made freeman at
Cambridge, May 18, 1642, and in Plym-
outh Colony, January 4, 1645. ^^ June,
1645, he drew land at the Great Plain,
Seekonk; in 1646 he was fence viewer;
surveyor of highways in 1647. He died
at Rehoboth, in June, 1649, and is buried
in the graveyard at Seekonk, Massachu-
setts, now Rumford. East Providence,
Rhode Island. His will was proved June
8. 1649. His wife's family name was Ide.
Jonathan (2) Bliss, son of Thomas (2)
74
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Bliss, was born about 1625, in England,
and in 1655 ^^as made freeman of the
Plymouth Colony. He was "way wardon"
at the town meeting in Rehoboth, May
24, 1652, and May 17, 1655, was on the
grand jury. He was a blacksmith, was
made a freeman in Rehoboth, February
22, 1658, drew land June 22, 1658, and was
one of the eighty who made what is
known as the North Purchase. He mar-
ried, 1648-49, Miriam Harmon, probably
a daughter of Francis Harmon, born
1592, and came to Boston in the ship
"Love" in 1635. Jonathan Bliss died in
1687. The inventory of his estate was
sworn to May 23, 1687; the magistrate
was the famous governor. Sir Edmund
Andros. Jonathan (3) Bliss, fourth son
of Jonathan (2) and Miriam (Harmon)
Bliss, was born September 17, 1666, and
died October 16, 1719. His name was
sometimes recorded Timothy. He was a
man of standing and influence in Reho-
both and held various town offices. It is
said that he gave the land for the old
cemetery about two miles south of Reho-
both Village, whereon a church was
built. He married, June 23, 1691, Miriam
Carpenter, born October 26, 1674, died
May 21, 1706, daughter of William and
Miriam (Searles) Carpenter. Daniel Bliss,
son of Jonathan (3) and Miriam (Car-
penter) Bliss, was born January 21, 1702,
ill Rehoboth, died August 25, 1782. He
married, January 26, 1726, Rev. David
Turner officiating, Dorothy Fuller, of Re-
hoboth. born July 12, 1706, in Rehoboth,
died there January 7, 1778, daughter of
Samuel and Dorothy (Wilmarth) Fuller.
Daniel (2) Bliss, son of Daniel (i) and
Dorothy (Fuller) Bliss, was born No-
vember 16, 1726, in Rehoboth, died June
30, 1815, in Leyden, Massachusetts. He
married, November 16, 1752, Sarah Allen,
of Warren, Rhode Island, born June 2,
1734, in that town.
Peter Bliss, fifth son of Daniel (2) and
Sarah (Allen) Bliss, was born August 2,
1765, in Rehoboth, lived for some time
in Leyden, Massachusetts, whence he re-
moved to Truxton, Cortland county. New
York, and died there February 17, 1853.
He married, December 7, 1787, Molly
Perry, born April, 1772, in Rehoboth,
daughter of Ezra and Jemima Perry, of
that town. Their third son was George
Bliss, born September 11, 1799, in Ley-
den, Massachusetts, died May 11, 1871,
in that town. He was a farmer and en-
ergetic business man, who was successful
and respected as a citizen. He married,
in Leyden, September, 1821, Charlotte
Charity Ames.
Their ninth and youngest child, Edger-
ton Ames Bliss, was born October 25,
1846, in Hornellsville, New York, and for
several years conducted a jewelry store
at No. 182 Broadway, New York City,
making his home at Jersey City Heights.
He was educated in the public schools of
Cortland, New York, and at the age of
sixteen years went to New York City,
where he became identified with the
jewelry business, and in time engaged in
the manufacture of jewelry in association
with his uncle, Eliakim Rice. This asso-
ciation continued until 1878, when Mr.
Bliss became the sole owner of the busi-
ness, which was conducted under the
name of the E. A. Bliss Company. Manu-
facturing was carried on in North Attle-
boro, Massachusetts, and the main office
maintained in New York City until 1890,
when the entire plant was transferred to
Meriden, Connecticut, and some forty
families of the employes removed with
it. The business has experienced a re-
markable growth, and its output, com-
prising novelties for personal adornment,
made in nickel, silver, gold and silver
plate, combined with enamel, leather and
comb-making material, is very widely
/3
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
used. The Meriden establishment is
known as the "Tiffany of the Plated
Novelty Trade," a sobriquet justly ap-
plied, as it leads in that trade in the
United States. Mr. Bliss was an exten-
sive traveler, and was known to the trade
everywhere. He died suddenly at Mag-
iiolia Beach, Massachusetts, July 26, 191 1.
He was a member of the Home and High-
land Country clubs of Meriden. While
in New York he was a member of Com-
pany A, Seventh Regiment, National
Guard, State of New York, and for thirty
years was a trustee and vestryman of St.
John's Episcopal Church of Jersey City.
He married. June 27, 1871. in Jersey City,
Margaret Emma Jones, daughter of John
and Phebe (Morgan) Jones, of Jersey
City. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss were the par-
ents of ten children, four of whom are
now living: William Edgerton, men-
tioned below ; Florence Jones, born July
12, 1875, married Samuel Van Dusen
White, of New York; Adeline Burdett,
wife of Dr. Alexander Nicoll, a member
of the staff of Fordham Hospital in New
York : and Hazel Y. Bliss.
William Edgerton Bliss was born May
19' 1873, in Jersey City, and received his
education in the schools of that city, in-
cluding the high school. On the comple-
tion of his studies he became associated
with his father in the jewelry business
at Meriden, where he gradually advanced
by promotion until 1906, when he was
made vice-president of the company. On
the death of his father, in 191 1, he became
president of the company, and under his
management it has continued to grow and
prosper. The output has been largely in-
creased, new lines of manufacture de-
veloped, and Mr. Bliss has earned a place
among the leading business men of the
United States. Besides being a compe-
tent business man, he is well known as
a citizen, active in promoting the social
and moral interests of the community,
and is reckoned among the most progres-
sive citizens of the thriving city of Meri-
den. He is a member of the Home and
Highland Country clubs of that city, and
has passed through the various grada-
tions in Free Masonry, attaining the thir-
ty-second degree. He is a member of St.
Andrew's Episcopal Church of Meriden,
and of the Republican Club of New York
City. For ten years he was a member of
Company G, Seventh Regiment, National
Guard of the State of New York, for three
years a member of the First Artillery of
that body, and was subsequently captain
of Company I, Second Regiment, Connec-
ticut National Guard, of Meriden. Mr.
Bliss was married, June 6, 1902, to Eliza-
beth B. Cochran, daughter of Richard
Ellis and Annie (Bockius) Cochran, of
Englewood, New Jersey, and they have
two children : Elsa Anne and Richard
Ames Bliss.
MILLER, Isaac Burton,
Mannfactnrer.
In his rise from office boy to that of
vice-president of a great corporation, Mr.
Miller illustrates the possibilities of the
American nation. While few achieve
these results, it is not for lack of opportu-
nity, and it is only the individual with
force of character and perseverance who
succeeds in overcoming obstacles and ob-
taining a position of importance in the
world.
The Miller family is one of the oldest
in Connecticut, having been founded in
America by Thomas Miller, of Birming-
ham, England, who came to Rowley, Mas-
sachusetts, where he was made a freeman
in 1639, removing thence to Middletown,
Connecticut, where his name appears in
the records as early as 1654. He was a
carpenter by trade, was in Rowley as
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
late as 165 1, and was admitted to the
church in Middletown through letter
from Rowley after 1654. He built the
first grist mill in Middletown on Miller's
Brook, where one of the factories of the
Russell ^Manufacturing Company now
stands, at the "Farms." His first wife,
Isabel, was the mother of one child, Ann,
who became the wife of Nathaniel Bacon,
in 1653. At the age of fifty-six years
Thomas Miller married (second) Sarah,
aaughter of Samuel Nettleton, of Bran-
ford, Connecticut. They were the par-
ents of eight children, of whom the fourth
son was Benjamin.
Benjamin Miller, born July 20, 1672,
was one of the first three to settle in
what is now Aliddlefield, and located in
the southern part of the town, on the
east side of the Coginchaug or West
river, not far from the Durham line. Tra-
dition has it that the title of "governor"
was conferred upon him, partly because
of his influence with the Indians, partly
on account of his being a large land-
owner, and partly on account of his domi-
lant disposition. He was not, however,
exempt from the action of the law, as
will be seen. He was greatly annoyed
at the frequent loss of his pigs, and sus-
pected that they were devoured by bears ;
he accordingly kept watch, and one Sun-
day morning caught Bruin m the act, and
shot and killed the animal. For this he
was arrested on the charge of desecrating
the Sabbath. He married (first) Septem-
ber 18, 1695, in Woodstock Connecticut,
Mary Johnson, born in 1676, daughter of
John and Margaret Johnson, of that town.
His first child, Rebecca, was born Decem-
ber 5, 1698, in Woodstock. He married
(second) Mercy Bassett, of North Haven,
born 1677, presumably a daughter of John
and Mercy (Todd) Bassett, of that town.
There were seven children of the first
marriage, and eight of the second.
The eldest child of the second wife was
Ichabod Miller, born December 15, 1709,
in Middlefield, where he passed his life,
and died August 9, 1788. He married
(first) a Miss Stow, of Middletown, prob-
ably a daughter of John Stow, and (sec-
ond) Elizabeth, widow of Jeremiah Ba-
con, daughter of Captain Joseph and Abi-
gail (Harris) Cornwall, of ^vliddletown,
born March 7, 1716, died August 22, 1787.
He had sons, Ichabod, Jesse and Jere-
miah.
Lieutenant Ichabod Miller, son of Icha-
bod Miller, died in Middlefield, Septem-
ber 20, 1794. He married Elizabeth Ba-
con, of Newfield, probably a daughter of
John Bacon, of Westfield. She survived
him.
They were the parents of Captain Icha-
bod Miller, born January 25, 1771, in Mid-
dlefield, resided in the northern district
of that town, where he died in November,
1829, at the age of fifty-eight years. He
was a vigorous, active man, always at
work, and probably shortened his life by
his severe exertion. He married Sarah
E. Birdsey, born January 18, 1776, sup-
posed daughter of John (5) Birdsey, of
Middletown, son of John (4) Birdsey,
grandson of Abel Birdsey. The Birdsey
family is among the earliest, planted in
Connecticut by John Birdsey, a native of
Reading, Berkshire, England, who came
to Boston, Massachusetts, in 1636. with
his adult sons, settled at Milford, Connec-
ticut, in 1639, was one of the first settlers
there, and died in 1649. His son, John
Birdsey, born in 1616, died at Stratford,
Connecticut, April 4, 1690. His wife,
Philippa, was a daughter of Rev. Henry
Smith, and they were the parents of John
(3) Birdsey, born March 28, 1641, died
July 9, 1697. He married, December 11,
1669, Phebe Wilcoxson, and they were
the parents of Abel Birdsey, born No-
vember 20, 1679, in Stratford, died June
17
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
8, 1704, in that town. He married Com-
fort, a daughter of John Wells, grand-
daughter of John Wells, and great-grand-
daughter of Thomas W^ells. who was Gov-
ernor of the Connecticut Colony during
the years 1655 and 1658, whose ancestors
included Simon de Welles, one of the cru-
saders in Palestine, who was in the siege
of St. Jean d'Acre during the year 1191,
with Richard Couer de Lion. A copy of
the arms granted to him by the king i.'?
now preserved by his descendant in Meri-
den. John (4) Birdsey. son of Abel
Birdsey, of Stratford, was born Septem-
ber 26, 1712, and lived in Middletown,
Connecticut, where he died June 5, 1798.
Middletown records give the name of his
wife as Sarah. Their second son was
John (5) Birdsey, born March 16, 1736,
lived in Middletown.
The eldest son of Captain Ichabod
Miller and his wife, Sarah (Birdsey)
Miller, was David B. Miller, born ^larch
5, 1805, in Middlefield, where he was a
farmer, and died. He was twice married,
one of his wives bearing the family name
of Bowe, and the other of Hale. His
wife, Cornelia (Hale) Miller, died in Sep-
tember, 1844. The death of one child is
recorded in Middlefield : Nancy, died Oc-
tober I, 1835.
Hezekiah H. Miller, known to be a
son of David B. Miller, was born Octo-
ber 22, 1829. in Middlefield, was reared
on the paternal farm there, where he re-
mained until he attained his majority.
Subsequently he became one of the most
prominent citizens of Meriden, where he
located, January 13, 1815, having traveled
over the mountains intervening through
the snow. His first employment was with
Jedediah Wilcox, where he was engaged
in making carpet bags. He was industri-
ous and saved his earnings, so that when
his year's contract was ended he was
ready to engage in business on his own
account. He entered into partnership
with his uncle, \Villiam Hale, and for a
period of four years they engaged in the
manufacture of carpet bags. In 1856 Mr.
Aliller accepted a partnership with Mr.
\\'ilcox, his former employer, and con-
tinued in this association a period of
seventeen years, until 1873. ■ They built
a large plant, their products were steadily
increased, and included leather belts,
hoop skirts and corsets. Looms were set
up for weaving tape for hoop skirts and
for the general trade. They also manu-
factured balmoral skirts, and in one year
their profits on this single line of goods
amounted to seventy-five thousand dol-
lars. The tape mill was burned in 1865.
In July of that year the foundations were
laid for the J.Wilcox & Company Woolen
Mill, then one of the finest structures of
the kind in the State. The mill was of
brick and stone, four hundred feet in
length and five stories in height, and fully
equipped with machinery. In 1873 this
establishment passed into new hands, and
Mr. Miller formed a partnership with
Charles H. Collins, and established a
grocery store on Colony street, where the
Byxbee Block now stands, opposite the
railroad station. They began business,
February 4, 1874, and after a few years
removed to the Palace Block. In 1887
Messrs. Collins and Miller built a store
for their own use, at the corner of Colony
and Brooks streets, where they continued
to conduct a very prosperous trade until
May 30, 1905, when Mr. Collins died. His
partner then wound up the business and
retired from active life. He died Octo-
ber 22, 191 1, at his home in Meriden. Mr.
Miller was active in promoting the in-
terests of the community, and served as
a member of the first City Council in
Meriden under Mayor Charles Parker.
He was a regular attendant of the First
Baptist Church, and was ever ready to
78
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
support any proposition calculated to be
of value to the community. He married,
November 27, 1861, Harriet Atwood, of
Meriden, who died October 18, 1905.
They were the parents of three children :
Charles B. and Isaac Burton Miller, of
Meriden, and Nettie M., wife of Edwin
W. Kirschner, of New Haven.-
Isaac Burton Miller, second son of
Hezekiah H. and Harriet (Atwood)
iMiller, was born April 24, 1868, in Aleri-
den. He received his education in the
public schools of that city, graduating
from the high school. When a youth of
some eighteen years he began his busi-
ness career as an employee of the Wilcox
Silver Plate Company of Meriden. In
1887 he became office boy of the Edward
I^Iiller Company, one of the largest manu-
facturers of lamps and lighting fixtures
in the United States. As a wide-awake
youth he was attentive to everything go-
ing on about him, and gradually mastered
the details of the business, rising through
successive promotions until, in 1915, he
was made vice-president of the company.
For some time previous he had been a
director. To-day Mr. Miller is esteemed
among the business men of his native
State as one of its most reliable, progres-
sive and capable citizens, whose success
in life is fully due to his own industry,
capacity and upright conduct. He is
active in promoting the various social
and moral influences of the city ; is a
member and past president of the Home
Club ; one of the board of governors of
the Highland Country Club, and a trus-
tee of the ^leriden Savings Bank. Under
its present management, the Edward
Miller Company fully maintains the pres-
tige gained many years ago, and no small
part of its success is due to the energetic
efTorts of Isaac Burton Miller. He mar-
ried, September 25, 1894, Effie Spencer
Hotchkiss, daughter of Frederick M. and
Nellie (Spencer) Hotchkiss, of Meriden.
Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of
two sons : Spencer Hotchkiss, born April
21, 1901, and Atwood Hale, March 19,
1908.
NETH, David B.,
Electrical Engineer.
There is doubtless much to be said in
favor of Carh'le's opinion that the man
of ability can find expression for himself,
for his talents and powers, in almost any
direction, and that the fact of his doing
so in this or that medium is largely de-
termined by circumstances and that
whether he be a poet or a politician, a
scientist or a soldier, is of comparatively
little significance, so the genius lies be-
hind. He goes on to say that it is inter-
esting to consider how supremely great
a man Shakespeare, for instance, might
have been in any one of many callings
had only fate called his attention or
moulded his early tastes in that way in-
stead of towards the writing of plays. But
this idea, although it be correct in a cer-
tain degree and in certain instances, may
easily be carried too far, for certainly we
can all call to mind cases within our own
experience of men whose thoughts seemed
to lie so exclusively in certain channels,
that however brilliant might be their
achievement therein we felt doubtful if
they might even rival the average man in
other directions. Of course these are both
extremes and, as a matter of fact, we find
the vast majority of unusually able men
to lie somewhere between the two, able,
that is, to do one thing better than any-
thing else, but able also to do all things
better than their neighbors. Nevertheless
we find that they lean towards one or the
other extreme and so it is in the case we
are particularly considering.
David B. Neth, the distinguished citi-
79
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
zen of Waterbury, Connecticut, whose
name heads this brief sketch, is undoubt-
edly a man of very broad abilities, a man
who by turning his efforts consistently in
any one of many directions could excel
in what he took up, yet it is equally un-
deniable that he has one talent which
overbalances all the rest and that would
probably make work of any other kind
more or less burdensome to him. This
particular talent lies in the direction of
mechanics, and into this line he has forced
himself against many obstacles, the re-
sult amply justifying the wisdom of his
choice. Mr. Neth comes of a race noted
for its scientific and mechanical triumphs,
his father having been a native of W^ur-
temburg, Germany, in which part of the
world his ancestors have resided from re-
mote times.
The father, John Neth, was a son of
parents who both lived and died in the
ancient city, but he came to the United
States at the age of eighteen years. The
disturbances and distresses incident to
the unsuccessful revolution of 1848 and
the following year were the main impulse
of the youth in coming to this country,
but his enterprising nature felt strongly
the lure which new and growing commu-
nities exert upon the peoples of a more
settled social status, and it was for more
freedom and more opportunity that he
made the voyage. For a time he made
the city of Troy, New York, his home,
but after a few years went on to Win-
chester, Connecticut, where he purchased
a fine farm and followed farming as an
occupation during practically his entire
remaining life. He was successful and
finally retired, going to Torrington. Con-
necticut, where he died at the advanced
age of eighty-three years. He married
Hannah Bidwell, a native of Winchester,
and they had four children, all living,
born to them of whom the Mr. Neth of
this sketch is the eldest. The others are
John, a resident of Tarrytown, New York,
who holds the position of superintendent
of the gas works there ; George, a resident
of Chicago, an electrician and represents
the Electric Storage Battery Company of
America there, as its western manager ;
Annie, the wife of Frederick E. Lattimer,
of Torrington, Connecticut.
David B. Neth was born August 8,
1868, in Winchester, Connecticut, where
his father was farming at that time, and
the first eleven years of his life were
spent in his native township. His child-
ish associations were thus formed with
the charming old Connecticut town and
with that rural life that has bred so many
of our strongest men. There, also, he
gained the rudiments of education at the
local schools, from the first showing him-
self to be a quick and responsive pupil.
When he was eleven years of age, his
parents took him with them and removed
to the city of Hartford, and there he en-
joyed the advantage of the unusually fine
schools for two years, and then, at the
age of thirteen, began on the business
career that has not even yet reached the
zenith of its achievement. His talent for
all things mechanical had already mani-
fested itself with no uncertainty, and it
became his task to seek for some occupa-
tion which might involve his beloved me-
chanics. His first position was distinctly
a success, viewed from this standpoint,
and the thirteen year old youth found
himself installed as a hand in the Hart-
ford Machine Screw Works. But al-
though the work led him in somewhat
the direction he desired, it was, as a mat-
ter of fact, much too heavy for him at that
period of his life, and his health gradually
broke down imder the strain. It was a
great hardship for the young man to be
obliged to give up, for his heart was set
on winning success in this particular de-
80
j " THE I'EV/ ■ .IK
'public library
ASTOR, LENOX
i TILDEN FOUND
1
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
partment, but the necessity was impera-
tive and he was obliged to resign his posi-
tion and return to Winchester to the home
farm and work there. He was nineteen
years of age at the time and with his
characteristic philosophy took the matter
calmly enough and proceeded to perform
a task to the best of his ability for which
he had no real love. This obstacle, that
looked so unsurmountable at first sight,
did not prove to be permanent, and he
was not finally debarred from carrying
out his wishes. For his health, although
much impaired, had the happy elasticity
of youth and quickly responded to the
more wholesome out-of-doors life which
he led on the farm. Two years saw his
health and strength rewon, nor from that
time to this has it ever deserted him to
the same extent, nor forced him to aban-
don his business. It was in 1888 that he
came to the city of Waterbury and there
once more began work, this time in the
employ of the Standard Electric Time
Company. This was in 1888 when he
was but just of age, so that, as it was, he
was rebeginning at an age when most
young men start their careers for the
first time. The work, too, was much more
in line with his desires and inclination
than even the first, and he rapidly ad-
vanced both in knowledge and in position
with the firm. In 1900, however, he had
an offer from the United Electric Light
and Water Company to accept a position
in the concern as superintendent, an offer
which he promptly accepted and which
well illustrated how remarkable had been
his achievement, since he had come off
the farm but twelve years before, strong
and healthy, but with little expert knowl-
edge of the work he was now called upon
to superintend. From June, 1900, until
May, 1914, he held this responsible post
and was then appointed chief electrical
engineer of the concern. He is well known
Conn— 3— 6
as an authority on electrical engineering,
both theoretical and practical, and now
enjoys what he had so great a desire in
the past for, the opportunity to express
his mechanical and scientific faculties in
work.
Air. Neth is active in many aspects of
the community's life quite outside of his
business interests. Socially and frater-
nelly he is prominent and he belongs to
many orders and clubs in the city among
which should be mentioned the local
lodges of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men
and the Waterbury Country Club, the
first for twenty-five years and the second
since its organization. In his religious
belief, Mr. Neth is a Congregationalist
and for some years has been a singer in
the choir of the First Church, and attends
the First Church of that denomination in
Waterbury. He is markedly philanthrop-
ic and liberally supports the activities of
the congregation of which he is a mem-
ber.
At Waterbury, on February 5, 1902,
Mr. Neth was united in marriage with
Elizabeth Mallory Blair, a native of that
city, and a daughter of John and Mary
Winchester (Butcher) Blair, the latter a
native of Baltimore, Maryland. To Mr.
and Mrs. Neth have been born three chil-
dren : Marshall Winchester, born July 18,
1904; Paul, died at age of four months;
and Katherine Blair, born November 13,
1913-
KILMARTIN, Thomas Joseph, M. D.,
Eminent Physician.
There is something that appeals to the
popular imagination as intrinsically noble
about the adoption of a profession the
object of which is the alleviation of
human suffering, such, for instance, as
medicine, especially where, as in this case.
81
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
the sacrifice of so many of the comforts
and pleasures of life which men count so
highly is involved. When, in addition to
this, the task is not merely voluntarily
chosen, but is carried out in a spirit of
altruism worthy of the profession, the
sincerest admiration of all is claimed.
Such, in a high degree, is the case in the
career of Dr. Thomas Joseph Kilmartin,
of Waterbury, Connecticut, who is ren-
dering to his fellow citizens and to the
community an invaluable service, not
only in the carrying out of his private
practice on a high ethical plane, but as a
public officer who has in his charge the
safeguarding of the public health.
The family of which Dr. Kilmartin is a
member had its origin in County Tipper-
ary, Ireland, where in the early part of
the nineteenth century Thomas Kilmar-
tin, his grandfather, was living. He was
a man of influence and prominent in the
community where he resided, conducting
the county store and the postoffice there.
His son, Thomas Kilmartin, Jr., father of
Dr. Kilmartin, was born in County Lim-
erick, Ireland, but came to the United
States as a young man to seek the greater
freedom and opportunity to be found
here. He came alone and located in
Waterbury, Connecticut, where he had
no friends to lend assistance, yet with the
courage and enterprise that is so marked
a characteristic of his race, he set to work
to make his way in this strange land and
succeeded so admirably that he soon found
himself at the head of a small grocery
establishment and conducting an inde-
pendent business, which was successful,
and for a quarter of a century, or up to
the time of his death, he continued so en-
gaged. He married, in Waterbury, Con-
necticut, Margaret Hennesy, a native of
County Limerick, Ireland, now deceased.
They were the parents of seven children,
as follows : Thomas Joseph, of whom fur-
ther; two daughters, both bearing the
name of Mary, who died in infancy ; Mar-
garet, deceased, who was the wife of
James Courtney, of Waterbury ; Kather-
ine, a teacher in the Driggs School in
Waterbury ; James, an assistant steward
at the Elks Club ; and Ella, who resides
in the old Kilmartin home in Waterbury.
Dr. Thomas Joseph Kilmartin was born
in Waterbury, Connecticut, November 3,
1872, and has made that city his home up
to the present time (1916) with the excep-
tion of a brief period when he was away
at college. The preliminary portion of
his education was gained in the public
schools of his native city and he gradu-
ated from the high school in 1889. He en-
tered Niagara University at Niagara
Falls, New York, in the same year, and
by his marked talents as a scholar secured
for himself the favorable regard of his in-
structors and masters. It was during his
course at Niagara University that he defi-
nitely decided to take up as a career the
profession toward which he had felt im-
pelled from early youth, and upon his
graduation with the class of 1892, he en-
tered the medical school of the University
of New York, where he pursued his stud-
ies with distinction until the year 1895
and then graduated with the degree of
Doctor of Medicine. A year and six
months spent at the hospital on Black-
well's Island, New York, and at Ford-
ham Hospital, gave him the necessary
practical experience. He then returned
to Waterbury, and in the autumn of 1896
began the active practice of his profes-
sion. For the first twelve years or more
Dr. Kilmartin confined himself to his pri-
vate practice and in that time built up a
very extensive and lucrative one and es-
tablished an enviable reputation as a most
able physician and a man of the highest
ideals. His greatest interest was in sur-
gery, however, and in that he specialized
82
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
as far as his practice permitted. He has
had a wide experience with that dread dis-
ease, small-pox, having on three or four
occasions been highly successful in his
treatment of patients during epidemics of
the scourge, having made a careful study
of it, and is recognized as an expert and
an authority on the subject, not only in
his own State but throughout the entire
country, and his services have been called
into requisition many times by the State
Board of Health, to whom he has ren-
dered valuable service which is highly
appreciated. At the time of the founding
of St. Mary's Hospital in Waterbury in
1909, Dr. Kilmartin was requested to be-
come its attendant surgeon, a position
that he more willingly accepted as it
offered him greater opportunities for his
specialty, surgery. He has fully availed
himself of these advantages and now
stands very high in that branch of his
profession. He is now serving in the
capacity of State examiner for the John
Hancock Life Insurance Company and
the Phoenix Life Insurance Company. He
was appointed president of the Water-
bury Medical Society in 191 1, is president
of his Alumni Class of New York Univer-
sity Riedical School, and holds member-
ship in the State and County Medical soci-
eties.
But Dr. Kilmartin has not confined his
services even to the semi-public type of
work which he performs at St. Mary's :
he has turned his attention to the large
and intricate problem of conserving the
public health. For the proper handling
of this problem two qualifications are
essential, neither of them any too com-
mon. The first and most obvious being
that of a large experience and high techni-
cal skill in medical things. The second,
scarcely, if any, less important is a clear
grasp of democratic principles and a pro-
found sympathy with them. Both of
these it is the good fortune of Dr. Kil-
martin to possess, and not alone his good
fortune, but that of the community over
whose hygeia he presides, for he pos-
sesses that most rare of combinations, the
definite knowledge of the specialist and
the tolerance of the average man. It is
thus that he knows both what are the best
regulations to enforce and the place where
personal liberty should properly begin
and regulations should not be enforced at
all. Dr. Kilmartin's experience in public
life began as early as 1898, only two years
after he had returned from his studies and
taken up practice in Waterbury. He was
then elected a member of the Board of
Education and served two years. His
service in that office was of so high a
quality, both for ability and disinterested-
ness, that the following year he was ap-
pointed city health officer and from that
time to the present, with a single break
of two years, he has continued to hold
that office. The satisfaction he has given
and is still giving his fellow-citizens is
indeed great, and their best interests in
this important province demands that he
be continued therein. For nearly twelve
years Dr. Kilmartin was a member of the
State Militia, having joined the Second
Regiment of Infantry, Connecticut Na-
tional Guard, as a private. He gradually
worked his way into a higher rank and
finally resigned, as regimental surgeon
with the rank of captain of the Seventh
Connecticut Regiment. In social and club
circles Dr. Kilmartin is as active as one
with such exacting demands upon his
time can be, and is a member of the Be-
nevolent and Protective Order of Elks
and of the Waterbury Country Club. In
his religious belief he is a Catholic, as
hare been his forebears from the begin-
ning, and he is a member of the Church
of the Immaculate Conception in Water-
bury.
83
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Kilmartin was married in Water-
bury, November 5, igoo, to Mary C.
Coughlan, a native of Waterbury, daugh-
ter of James and Lucy (Loughlin) Cough-
lan, life-long residents there. To Dr. and
Mrs. Kilmartin six children have been
born as follows : Thomas, now a student
in the Waterbury High School; Lucy, a
student in the Grammar School; James,
also a student there ; Rosemary, Margaret
and Katherine.
LAWLOR, James Richard,
Lawyer, Pnblic Official.
Among the active, public-spirited citi-
zens, so many of which Waterbury, Con-
necticut, can boast among her sons, there
is none more worthy of comment and re-
spect than James Richard Lawlor, whose
name is already, and is becoming more,
closely identified with the various activ-
ities of the city. There is scarcely an
aspect of the life of the community in
which he is not a conspicuous figure, al-
though, of course, it is in the direction
of his own profession and in the political
situation that his influence is most potent-
ly felt. Although himself a native of this
country, having been born in Waterbury,
Connecticut, September 17, 1875, ^^r.
Lawlor is of Irish descent on both sides
of the house and inherits those marked
qualities of his race which seem to fit
its members particularly for professional
callings, wheresoever they may go or
under whatsoever conditions they may
live upon the surface of the earth.
His family originated in Queens coun-
ty, Ireland, and there, in the first half of
the century just past, lived Peter Lawlor,
the grandfather of the Mr. Lawlor of this
sketch. This worthy gentleman lived and
died in his native place and there reared
a family of eleven children, all of them,
like himself, deceased. One of them, who
bore the same name of Peter, was born
in County Queens, Ireland, but came to
this country while still a ver>' young man,
his enterprise and energy making a way
for him in this land of strangers until he
reached a good position, both in his busi-
ness and in the regard of his neighbors
and fellow citizens. Upon first arriving
in this country he went to Farmington,
near Hartford, Connecticut, where he
made his home for a short period. He
then removed to Waterbury and this city
remained his home until the time of his
death in 1902, his residence there cover-
ing a period of about forty years. During
most of this time he was employed by the
Waterbury Brass Company and was one
of their most trusted men. He was mar-
ried, in \\'aterbury, to Mary Kilbride, like
himself a native of County Queens, Ire-
land, who survives him and still resides
in Waterbury at the age of seventy-five
years. Mr. and Mrs. Lawlor, Sr., were
the parents of nine children as follows:
John, now a resident of Troy, New York ;
Lawrence, now connected with the police
force of Waterbury ; Joseph W., a resident
of Bridgeport, Connecticut; Bridget, de-
ceased, who married Thomas J. Dough-
erty, of Waterbury; Mary, now Mrs.
Thomas G. Smith, of Waterbury ; Anna
C, now Mrs. Joseph E. Smith, of Water-
bury ; Catherine F., now Mrs. M. F. Mc-
Grath, of Waterbury ; and James Rich-
ard, who forms the subject of this sketch.
James Richard Lawlor, the youngest
son of Peter and Mary (Kilbride) Law-
lor, was brought up in his native city of
\\'aterbury, which has remained his home
up to the present day and has been the
scene of all his busy activities. He was
educated in the excellent public schools
of the place and also attended night
school, as he was of an extremely am-
bitious nature even while still a mere lad.
The circumstances of his family were
84
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
such that he was not able to attend the
regular schools as long as most boys, but
had to turn to aid with the support of the
family. He was only fourteen years of
age when this became necessary, and in
order to supplement his somewhat scanty
advantages in this direction he attended
night school for a considerable period,
notwithstanding the great additions to his
work this involved. At the age of four-
teen he left school and sought and found
employment among the great industrial
concerns that play so prominent a part in
the business life of Waterbury. His first
position was with Rogers & Hamilton,
the great silverware manufacturing con-
cern. The lad remained no very great
time with the Rogers people, but it was
long enough to win the friendship and
regard of his superiors on account of his
intelligence and willingness to do hard
work. He then secured a better position
with the Waterbury Watch Company and
there remained for six years, rising rapid-
ly until he held a post of responsibility
in those great works. During this time,
however, his ambitions were wide awake
and urged him into an entirely different
Ime of work, for which he found himself
possessed of a much stronger inclination.
He desired, in short, to follow some pro-
fessional calling and finally settled upon
the law as that to which he felt the
strongest impulse. In pursuance of this
intention, he gave up his position with
the Waterbury Watch Company and en-
tered the Law School of the South West-
ern Baptist University at Jackson, Ten-
nessee. He graduated there in 1902 with
the degree of LL. B. and then went to
the Catholic University of America at
Washington, D. C, and there took an-
other year of work at the splendid law
school of that institution, winning the
degree of LL. M.. and the same year was
admitted to the Connecticut bar and be-
gan his active practice. He chose his na-
tive city as the scene of this new activity
and the result since has well justified the
choice. Right from the outset he made
his personality felt in the life of the com-
munity and in the autumn following the
opening of his office he was elected to
the Board of Education. For two years
he served most adequately in this ca-
pacity and then received the appointment
to the office of assistant city clerk. This
was in the year 1906 and he continued to
hold this position until 191 1 when he was
elected tax collector of the city, a post in
which he is still serving his fellow towns-
folk. In the meantime his legal practice
has kept full pace with his political pre-
ferment, and he is already regarded as
one of the leaders of the bar in the county.
Much important litigation is entrusted to
him and he handles it with an ability and
sense of the highest standards of legal
ethics that at once give great satisfaction
to his clients, and prove how well founded
were his hopes and expectations as to his
success in this profession.
In other directions, also, Mr. Lawlor is
a force in the city's affairs. He is espe-
cially prominent in social and fraternal
circles and is a member of a number of
important orders and other organizations
of the same kind. Among these should
be mentioned the Loyal Order of Moose,
the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Be-
nevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
and the Foresters of America. In his re-
ligious belief Mr. Lawlor is a Catholic, as
have been his ancestors before him for
unnumbered generations, and he is a
member of the Church of St. Patrick in
^^^aterbury, where he is a prominent
figure in the work of the parish.
It was on November 14, 1907, that Mr.
Lawlor was united in marriage with Mary
A. Farrell, of Waterbury, a daughter of
Terrence and Ellen (Delaney) Farrell,
85
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
eld and highly honored residents of that
place. To Mr. and Mrs. Lawlor have
been born three children as follows :
Mary Kilbride, July 30, 1909 ; Rosalind
Farrell, October 18, 1910: and Richard
James, Jr., October 20, 1915.
STURGES, Everett Judson,
Banker, State 0£BciaI.
A faithful public servant, a capable and
efficient business man, Mr. Sturges has
earned a place among the leading men of
his State. He is a descendant in the
eighth generation of one of the oldest
families of the Commonwealth, a family
that did its share in winning our coun-
try's independence, that has given the
State public officials, able and incorrupti-
ble, and whose members in the quieter
walks of private life have contributed to
its upbuilding as successful and honor-
able business men. From this worthy
ancestry Mr. Sturges has inherited those
qualities which make men preeminent
among their fellows. He was born No-
vember 30, 1866, in Charleston, South
Carolina, son of Everett and Emeline P.
(Beers) Sturges. The first mention of
the name Sturges was in a French volume
published by Abbe MacGroghegan, which
reads: "About the year 815, during the
reign of Conor, who reigned fourteen
years, Turgesius, a son of a king of Nor-
v/ay, landed a formidable fleet on the
north coast of Ireland : and again, about
the year 835, a fleet commanded by the
same man landed on the west side of
Lough Lea, where he fortified himself,
and laid waste Connaught, Meath and
Leinster, and the greater part of Ulster,
and was declared king. He reigned about
thirty years. Finally the people revolted,
and under the lead of Malarlin, Prince of
Meath, he was defeated by a strategem
and put to death." The first authentic
mention in English history shows that
William de Turges had grants of land
from Edward I., in the village of Turges,
county of Northampton, afterwards called
Northfield. The coat-of-arms : Azure, a
chevron fitchee or, a border engrailed of
the last. Crest : A talbot's head or, eared
sable. Motto: Esse quanividcrc. ("To be,
rather than to seem").
In 1650 there were at least three dis-
tinct branches of the Sturges family in
England. The antecedents of the Con-
necticut family of that name have not
been traced. The progenitors of the
Sturges family in New England were
Edward Sturgis, of Yarmouth, Massa-
chusetts, and John Sturges, of Fairfield,
Connecticut. There have been many con-
jectures as to the relationship between
these immigrants, but whether or not
they were related has never been deter-
mined. The same Christian names were
kept in both families for many genera-
tions. There are many variations in the
early spelling of the name, but this holds
true of the spelling of most family names
of that day.
John Sturges was born 1623, in Eng-
land, and came to Fairfield, Connecticut,
in 1660, in his thirty-seventh year. His
name is often spelled Sturge and Sturgee.
He bought Richard Fowles' homestead and
various other property from time to time
until he became one of the large property
holders there, was admitted a freeman,
May 14, 1669. and was a selectman the
same year. His will, dated March 4, 1697,
bequeathed to his son Jonathan the home-
stead, his sword and various parcels of
land ; to Joseph his fowling piece, long
gun and land ; to John his little gun ; to De-
borah, wife of James Redfield, several lots
of land and his negro woman Jenny ; to his
grandson Christopher, son-in-law, Rich-
ard Stratton, and children by his daughter
Sarah ; to daughter Abigail, wife of Simon
86
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Couch, his negro boy Jack ; the remainder
of his movables to be divided between his
daughters Deborah and Abigail ; to his
absent son Thomas. His home was on
the northwest side of the highway to Mill
Plain. He married Deborah, daughter of
John Barlow, Puritan. Joseph Sturges,
their second son, was born 1653, ^"^ died
May 9, 1728. On September 15, 1692, one
Mercy Disborow was tried for witchcraft,
and a manuscript account of the trial
states that Joseph Sturges and another
young man labored mercifully to press
the poor woman under the water when
she, bound hand and foot, was being
tested in Edward's pond, and "swam like
a cork," a sure evidence of guilt. His
gravestone and that of his widow are
among the oldest in Burial Hill Cemetery,
Fairfield. He married (first) Sarah Jud-
son. and (second) Mary . Solomon
Sturges, son of Joseph and Sarah (Jud-
son) Sturges, was born 1698, and was
killed at the burning of Fairfield by the
British in July, 1779. He married Abigail
Bradley and they were the parents of
three sons: Hezekiah, Joseph and Judson,
all of whom were Revolutionary soldiers.
Hezekiah, of further mention, survived
the war, but lost all his possessions dur-
ing the burning of Fairfield by the British
in July, 1779; Joseph, the grandfather of
Captain Judson Sturges, died on a prison
ship in New York harbor ; Judson was
wounded and taken aboard a British ship
on Long Island Sound and died there.
Hezekiah Sturges, born 1725, married
Abigail Dimon. Their daughter, Mary
Sturges, born 1771, became the wife
of Barnabas Lothrop Sturges, who was
a direct descendant of John and De-
borah (Barlow) Sturges. aforementioned,
through their son, Jonathan Sturges, born
1650, married Susanna Banks, daughter
of John Banks. Their son, Peter Sturges.
born 1685, married Hannah Jennings. Their
son, Samuel Sturges, born 1712, married
Ann Burr, daughter of Colonel Andrew
Burr. Their son, Jonathan Sturges, born
1740; a graduate of Yale College; judge of
the Supreme Court ; a member of Congress
of the Confederation of the United States
and served for two years; in 1776 was
elected a member of one of the Upper
Houses of the State Legislature and
served until 1789, when he was again sent
to Congress, the first congress of the
United States ; was presidential elector in
1797 and in 1805; received the honorary
degree of Doctor of Laws from Yale Col-
lege in 1806; married Deborah Lewis
and they were the parents of Barnabas
Lothrop Sturges, aforementioned, who
married Mary Sturges. Their daughter,
Abigail Dimon Sturges, born 1805, a rep-
resentative of an old Fairfield family, be-
came the wife of Captain Judson Sturges,
born in Fairfield, Connecticut, March 31,
1796. Among their children was Everett,
of whom further.
Captain Everett Sturges was born in
Fairfield, Connecticut, in July, 1838, and
died in January, 1894. After completing
the public school course in his native
town, he went to sea and gradually
worked his way upward until he became
commander. He possessed business in-
stinct, was thrifty and prudent, and in
association with his brother. Captain
David Judson Sturges, became the owner
of vessels engaged in freight traffic. In
1869 he retired from the sea, and pur-
chased the interest of William J. Whiting
in the firm of Allen & Whiting, of New
Milford, dealers in dry goods, clothing
and groceries. The firm name was
changed to Allen & Sturges, and Mr.
Sturges remained a member until 1876,
when he retired from active business to
enjoy a well earned relaxation and free-
dom from business cares. Captain Sturges
was a radical Republican, and an earnest
87
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
worker in the ranks of the party, but was
never an aspirant for political honors.
However, as the duty of a good citizen, he
filled several local offices in the town. He
married, October 26, 1865, Emeline Perry
Beers, daughter of David and Mabel
(Perry) Beers, and granddaughter of
Levi and Mabel (Gold) Perry, and a de-
scendant of Major Nathan Gold, Hon.
Nathan Gould, Onesimus Gold and David
Gold. Captain and Mrs. Sturges were the
parents of one child, Everett Judson, of
whom further.
Everett Judson Sturges was born in
Charleston, South Carolina, in 1866. He
was reared in New Milford, Connecticut,
receiving his primary education in the
public schools of that town. At the age
of seventeen years he laid aside his formal
studies to begin a business career as sales-
man in a clothing establishment in South
Norwalk. He has throughout his life
been a reader and student of men and
events, and is among the best informed
citizens of the State. In 1885 he entered
the employ of the New Milford Savings
Bank in the capacity of bookkeeper and
teller. The banking business proved con-
genial, and young Sturges determined to
make it his life's work. He was no time-
server, but took an eager interest in per-
forming his various tasks to the best of
his ability. He was diligent, observing
and studied the principles and details of
the business. In 1891 he became book-
keeper and teller in the First National
Bank of New Milford, and was promoted
successively to the positions of assistant
cashier and cashier. After thirty years of
continuous connection with that bank he
resigned to become bank commissioner.
On April i, 1915, he was appointed to this
office to complete the three months re-
maining of the term of Fred P. Holt, who
had resigned. At the expiration of that
period Mr. Sturges was appointed for a
full term of four years. Thoroughness
and carefulness have ever characterized
his work, and these qualities, combined
with an habitual adherence to the highest
ethical ideals, gave him a special fitness
for the work in which he is engaged.
While actively devoted to business for a
long period, Mr. Sturges has not neglected
the social side of life and those interests
which tend to broaden one's sympathies
and usefulness. He is a past master of
St. Peter's Lodge, No. 21, Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons, of New Milford ;
a member of Ousatonic Chapter, No. 33,
Royal Arch Masons ; and is a member of
numerous commercial clubs. He has al-
v.ays been an active worker in the Repub-
lican party, and his encouragement and
support can be counted on for every
movement or cause that will promote the
common good. Mr. Sturges and his fam-
ily are identified with St. Jo'nn's Episcopal
Church of New Milford, of which his par-
ents were also members.
Mr. Sturges married. September 8, 1890,
Florence Canfield, daughter of Charles F.
Canfield, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, who
was also a descendant of one of the pio-
neer settlers of Connecticut. Mr. and
Mrs. Sturges are the parents of a daughter,
Ethel P.
CUSHMAN, Eugene L.,
Business Man.
Eugene L. Cushman, president of the
Cushman Chuck Company, is a worthy
representative of one of New England's
oldest and most illustrious families. It is
more than half a century since the busi-
ness was established and its success has
contributed materially to the industrial
prosperity of the city. Eugene L. Cush-
man was born December 9, 1854, son of
Austin F. and Harriet (Fairman) Cush-
man.
88
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Robert Cushman, the ancestor of all the
Cushmans in the United States, was born
in England between the years 1580 and
1585. He was a Puritan, and a member
the "Mayflower" could not carry the en-
tire party. In London, Robert Cushman
acted as agent of the Pilgrims who had
emigrated and as leader of those who were
of the church of Rev. John Robinson, who compelled to remain behind. The follow-
emigrated to Holland during the years
1607 and 1608. After residing in Amster-
dam about a year they removed to Ley-
den, where during the succeeding years
the congregation grew to about three
hundred communicants. In 1617 Robert
Cushman and Deacon John Carver were
selected to go to London and open nego-
tiations with the Virginia Company for
liberty to settle in North America, and
"to see if the King would give them liberty
of conscience there." The history of those
negotiations is familiar to all. They found
their mission a difficult one : but after
great procrastination and long and tedi-
ous negotiation, a patent was finally ob-
tained by which they were permitted to
settle in America. .\s it finally turned
out, this patent was never used ; but the
Pilgrims were determined to emigrate to
America. Friends finally supplied the
financial aid necessary. Deacon Carver
and Robert Cushman were sent to Eng-
land to receive the money and provide for
the voyage. Again the delays were many
and vexatious. The "Speedwell' was ob-
tained in Holland, a ship, of only sixty
ing year Robert Cushman secured the
"Fortune," a small vessel of fifty-five tons,
and a party of thirty-six, including the
Cushmans, set sail for America, arriv-
ing of? Cape Cod, November g, 1621.
Robert Cushman remained in the colony
only about a month, it being necessary
for him to return to England to look after
business affairs of the colony. He was
allotted an acre of land in the first allot-
ment which was made in 1623, but at that
time was in England and was destined
not to return to America. In 1623, in con-
nection with Edward Winslow, Robert
Cushman negotiated the charter for the
settlement of what is now Gloucester,
Massachusetts. Robert Cushman died in
January or February, 1625. He "was one
of the most distinguished characters
among the collection of worthies who
quitted England on account of their re-
ligious difficulties." "He was one of the
first movers and main instruments of the
Puritan dissent of England, their pil-
grimage to Holland, and their final set-
tlement in America," and history has
given him a high place among the leaders
tons, smaller than the average fishing of the Pilgrim Fathers.
smack that goes to the Grand Bank. In
the meantime, Robert Cushman had hired
in London a larger vessel, the "May-
flower," of about one hundred and eighty
tons, and had sent her to Southampton to
meet his comrades from Holland. When
the two vessels sailed from Southampton
on August 5, 1620, Robert Cushman and
his family were among the passengers,
but when it was decided that the "Speed-
well" should be abandoned, the Cush-
mans, greatly disappointed, were among
the number returned to London because
Elder Thomas Cushman, born in Eng-
land in February, 1608, accompanied his
father to America. He was left in the
care of Governor Bradford when his
father returned to England. On January
I, 1633, Thomas Cushman was admitted
to the freedom of the society. He served
as juryman in 1635, and in that year, or
1636, he married Mary, the third child of
Isaac Allerton, who came in the "May-
flower." In 1637 he received a grant of
land, and later he removed to what is now
Kingston, where he spent the remainder
89
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of his life. In 1645 he purchased Prince's
farm. In 1649 he was appointed ruling
elder of the church at Plymouth, and con-
tinued in the office until his death. He
was the principal witness to Governor
Bradford's will, and inventoried his estate.
Thomas Cushman died December 10 or
II, 1691. From the records of the First
Church at Plymouth the following quota-
tion is made: "* * * he was grave,
sober, holy and temperate, very studious
and solicitous for the peace and prosperity
of the church and to prevent and heale all
breaches." He left quite an estate for
those days, indicating that he was pros-
perous and thrifty. After the dismissal of
Rev. Mr. Rayner, in 1654, and until the
Austin F. Cushman, son of William
Cushman, was born June 18. 1830, in Bel-
chertown, and received his education in
the public schools of his native town.
When a young man he went to Stafford,
I'olland county, Connecticut, where, in
1850, he married Harriet Fairman, of that
place. He learned the trade of carriage
maker, and soon changed from that to
the occupation of pattern maker, as he
was of a mechanical turn of mind. With
his wife he came to Hartford, in 1859, and
in 1862 started in business for himself in
a small way, having no one in business
but himself. After the troubles incident
to the launching of a new enterprise in a
practically strange city, the business be-
settlement of Rev, Mr. Cotton in 1757, gan to prosper, and in 1885 it was incor-
he conducted the religious services twice
on every Sunday, and during that time
was the only preacher the church had.
He was a participant in the making of
the first treaty with Alassachusetts and
Samoset. Alary Allerton, his wife, was
about eleven years of age when she came
over in the "Mayflower." She was the
last survivor of that Pilgrim band, dying
seven or eight years after her husband, at
the advanced age of ninety. They reared
a family of seven children, all of whom
married. Their son, Eleazer Cushman,
born February 20, 1657, married, January
12, 1688. Elizabeth Combes, and lived in
Plympton, Massachusetts. Their son,
William Cushman, was born October 27,
1710, in Plymouth, lived in Mansfield,
Connecticut, and died at Willington, same
State, December 27, 1777. He married
Abigail Lee, born April 9, 1713, died 1803.
They were the parents of eleven children.
Their son, William Cushman, born June
24, 1738, lived in Stafford, Connecticut,
and died in 1820. His son, William Cush-
man, was born in Stafford, but later be-
came a resident of Belchertown, Massa-
chusetts, where he followed the trade of
carriage maker.
porated as the Cushman Chuck Company.
In 1870 his son, Eugene L. Cushman, was
taken into the business. The first loca-
tion was in the old O. D. Case Building
on Trumbull street. It was later moved
to the Howard Building on Asylum street,
and the building on Cushman street was
erected in 1872, the street being named
after the firm. In January, 1915, they
purchased the plant formerly owned by
the L^niversal Machine Screw Company,
which covers about seventy-five thousand
square feet of land. They handle on an
average of two hundred and fifty people,
and their product is sold all over the
world. Mr. Cushman was also an in-
ventor and took out many patents. About
fifteen years prior to his decease, Mr.
Cushman's eyes began to fail, and from
that time he was practically blind, so that
while he was still interested in the busi-
ness he was unable to give his personal
attention to most of the details. In politi-
cal principle he was a Republican. Mr.
Cushman died of troubles incident to old
age, November 29, 1914, at St. Francis'
Hospital, where he had been confined sev-
eral months. He was eighty-four years
of age, and left a wife and son.
90
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Eugene L. Cushman was reared in Hart-
ford and received his education in the pub-
he schools of that city. In 1870 he be-
came associated with his father in busi-
ness, which he learned in a practical way,
in both the shop and office. He is a direc-
tor of the American Industrial Trust &
Banking Company; treasurer and direc-
tor of the Cushman Music Shop, and a
member of Charter Oak Lodge, Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows, and the City
Club of Hartford. While a Republican in
politics, he has neither sought nor held
office. At one time he was a member of
the Governor's Foot Guard. He married,
1S82, Mary, daughter of Robert and Ann
Wilson. They are the parents of two
sons: I. Arthur E., born November 4,
1885, is president of the Cushman Music
Shop; a director in the Cushman Chuck
Company, Cushman Music Shop ; mem-
ber of the City Club, the Rotary Club and
the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks; he married, 1909, Mary Bradley, of
Baltimore, and they have three children :
Henry Bradley, born 1910; Eugene L.,
born 1914; Arthur Bernard, born 1915.
2. Richard, born October 9, 1888; was
educated in the public schools of Hart-
ford and a private school in New York
City, on completing his education he
started to learn the chuck business in the
Cushman Chuck Company's plant, where
he worked in the shipping room, factory
and office ; he was made treasurer in 1913 :
he is a member of the Hartford Golf Club,
City Club of Hartford ; associate member
of Troop B, and a director of Cushman
Chuck Company; he married Louise,
daughter of Henry James Cogswell, of
Hartford ; she was born there.
SWETT, Paul Plummer, M. D.,
Orthopedic Surgeon.
From time immemorial the professions
have appealed to the cultured instincts of
the descendants of John Swett, the Amer-
ican ancestor of Paul Plummer Swett, M.
D., orthopedic surgeon of Hartford, Con-
necticut. John Swett was one of the nine-
ty-one grantees of Newbury, Massachu-
setts, in 1642. The line of descent is
through the founder's son, Benjamin, his
son John, his son Joseph, his son Samuel,
Harvard, 1800; his son. Dr. John B. ; his
son Samuel ; his son. Rev. Josiah ; his
son. Dr. Josiah ; his son. Dr. Paul Plum-
mer Swett, of the tenth American genera-
tion. The family is of English origin, and
bore arms : Gules, two chevrons between
as many mullets in chief and a rose in
base argent, seeded or and barbed vert.
Crest : A mullet or, pierced azure between
two gilly flowers proper.
Rev. Josiah Swett, D. D., was an emi-
nent minister of the Gospel, a man of
high intellectual attainment, the author of
many books, and at one time acting presi-
dent of Norwich University. He was pas-
tor over several Vermont churches during
his earlier career, and at the time of the
birth of his son. Dr. Josiah Swett, was
located at Bethel. He also taught private
schools at some of the towns in which he
was stationed and prepared young men
for college.
Dr. Josiah Swett was born in Bethel,
Vermont, died in New Hartford, Connec-
ticut, January 13, 1916. He prepared for
the medical profession at the University
of Vermont whence he was graduated M.
D., class of 1877, also did post-graduate
work in Bellevue Hospital, New York,
and for a time practiced in that city. He
then located at Granville, Massachusetts,
where he practiced successfully ten years
prior to his coming to New Hartford,
where he continued until his death. He
was a member of the Hampden County,
Connecticut State and American Medical
associations, and was highly regarded as
a physician of skill and honor. He was a
Democrat in politics, and while in Gran-
91
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ville was clerk of the town and filled other
offices. He married Bertha Huddleston,
born in Granby, Connecticut.
Dr. Paul Plummer Swett, son of Dr.
Josiah and Bertha (Huddleston) Swett,
was born at Granville, Massachusetts, Au-
gust 23, 1882, and there attended public
school until the removal to New Hartford,
where his studies were resumed. He
finished preparation in the Gilbert School,
Winsted, Connecticut, then entered Belle-
vue Hospital Medical College, New York
City. He received his M. D. from Belle-
vue, class of 1904, having during his
course served a term of six months as
interne in Hartford Hospital. After be-
ing awarded his degree, Dr. Swett prac-
ticed for a year with his honored father
in New Hartford, after which until 1910
he was associated as assistant with Dr.
Ansel G. Cook, of Hartford. In 1910 he
began practice alone in Hartford and has
advanced to honorable position among
the professional men of the city. He has
specialized on children's deformities and
since 1909 has been orthopedic surgeon to
the Hartford Hospital, is orthopedic sur-
geon to the Hartford Dispensary and con-
sulting surgeon to the New Britain Gen-
eral Hospital. His standing is high in
this branch of surgical practice, and upon
the organization of the American College
of Surgeons in 1914 he was elected a fel-
low. He is a member of the Hartford
City. Hartford County, Connecticut State
and American Medical associations, mem-
ber of the Eastern States Orthopedic
Club, and in all takes an active interest.
He has won the respect and regard of the
members of his profession, is called fre-
quently in consultation and is one of the
rising young surgeons of the State. His
fraternity is Upsilon Phi ; his clubs, the
Anna Howard Poole, daughter of George
Poole. They are the parents of three sons,
Paul Plummer (2), Josiah Dodge and
Norris Poole Swett.
JACKSON, Thomas Francis,
Business Man, Public Official.
Thomas Francis Jackson, a prominent
business man of Waterbury, born in
Waterbury, Connecticut, September 29,
1858, is of Irish ancestry. The earliest
ancestors of which there is record came
to the North of Ireland from Dumfries,
Scotland, in the latter part of the eight-
eenth century. His paternal grandfather
was Timothy Jackson, who married Cath-
erine Curry, and they were the parents
of five children, all of whom are now
deceased. Among their children was
Charles Jackson, father of Thomas F.
Jackson, who was born near Tipperary,
Ireland, October 17, 1835. His parents
died when he was a mere youth and he
was but sixteen years of age when he
emigrated to the United States. His first
home in the new land was in the city of
Albany, New York, where he learned the
trade of stone cutting and carving, and
later continued his apprenticeship in
Washington, D. C, in which city he at-
tended the Evening School of Art at the
Smithsonian Institution, and several capi-
tals in the present Senate room of the
capitol were carved by him. In 1857 he
took up his residence in Waterbury, Con-
necticut, and there, in 1859, established
the business that has been enlarged and
continued by his son down to the present
time. He married, August 17, 1857, Brid-
get Walsh, a native of Ireland and one of
the eight children of Michael and Alice
(Hennessy) Walsh, of Ireland. Mrs.
Harvard Golf and Twentieth Century ; his Jackson is residing in Hartford, Connec-
church, Trinity Episcopal. ticut, at the present time, aged eighty-five
Dr. Swett married, October 3, 1906, years. To Charles and Bridget (Walsh)
92
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Jackson were born eight children, six of
whom are as follows : Thomas Francis,
of whom further ; Joseph A., an architect
in New York City ; Jerome A., engaged in
a stone contracting business in New York
City; Charles A., who conducts a stone
business in W'aterbury, Connecticut ; Wil-
liam H., a graduate of the Yale Law
School and now in the publishing busi-
ness in New York City ; and Frederick
S., graduated in the academic course at
Yale University with the class of 1896,
and from Yale Law School in 1899, and
now engaged in the practice of his pro-
fession in New York City.
Thomas Francis Jackson passed the
years of his life in his native city, attend-
ing the local schools, including the high
school. He abandoned his studies, how-
ever, when he was but fifteen years old
and began work in his father's stone cut-
ting establishment, where he learned the
trade. He managed the business of the
Plymouth Granite Company at Thomas-
ton, Connecticut, until the year 1887 and
then, at the age of twenty-nine was ad-
mitted as a partner in the business which
was then conducted under the name of
Charles Jackson & Son. Mr. Jackson at
once entered with energy into the conduct
of affairs, and the name of the business
was changed in 1901, when he became the
sole owner, to Thomas F. Jackson. The
concern has enjoyed a steady increase in
size and importance and gradually in-
cluded all kinds of stone contracting
work, exterior and interior construction,
slate and tiling work. The business at
length became of such size that in 1912
Mr. Jackson incorporated it and it now
bears the name of the Thomas F. Jackson
Company, with offices in the Lilley Build-
ing, No. Ill West Main street, Water-
bury, and extensive works at Nos. 215 to
271 South Leonard street. But the promi-
nence that Mr. Jackson holds in the busi-
ness world of Waterbury does not depend
alone upon his connection with this con-
cern. He has become associated with a
number of the most important financial
institutions in the neighborhood and is
now a director in the Citizens' National
Bank and the West Side Savings Bank of
Waterbury. He has been a director of
St. Mary's Hospital since its organization.
Air. Jackson"s influence is not confined
to the realm of business and finance, how-
ever, and he is a well known figure in
many other departments of the city's
life. His service in the conduct of public
affairs, for instance, has been consider-
able and he has held several appointive
positions in W'aterbury. He was a mem-
ber of the Board of Public Works during
the administration of Mayor Elton, and
on Mayor Hotchkiss taking office he was
appointed to the Board of Finance and
has continued on that board with Alayors
Reeves and Scully. In the social world
Mr. Jackson is a member of the Water-
bury and Country clubs. The faith of Mr.
Jackson is that of the Catholic church
and he attends St. Margaret's Church,
Waterbury.
Mr. Jackson married, June 9, 1885, Alary
Elizabeth Balfe, of Waterbury, a daughter
of Alichael A. and Catherine (Gallagher)
Balfe, both deceased. Airs. Jackson died
December 29, 1909, at the age of forty-six
years, after having borne her husband six
children, as follows: i. Charles Balfe, a
graduate of Yale University in 1907, and
now vice-president and assistant treasurer
of the Thomas F. Jackson Company. 2.
Andrew Jerome, attended the Sheffield
Scientific School at Yale University, and
now secretary and superintendent of the
Thomas F. Jackson Company. 3. Kath-
arine Alice, a graduate of Trinity College,
\\'ashington, D. C, in 1915. 4. Cecelia
Elizabeth, now a student at Trinity Col-
lege, Washington, D. C, class of 1918. 5.
93
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Wilfrid Anthony, now a student in the
Crosby High School at Waterbury. 6.
Pauline Agnes, now at the Convent of
Notre Dame.
GUILFOILE, Joseph Clement,
Lawyer.
There is always something of interest
in the phenomenon of a family in which,
from generation to generation, there is
handed down certain virtues and abilities,
so that the qualities that distinguish the
father reappear in the sons and but few of
its members do not win places for them-
selves in the community. It is interesting
for one reason because it throws so much
light upon the reasons that must have
induced our ancestors to establish and
perpetuate some of the institutions of
aristocracy such as the descent of titles
and estates, believing as they felt they
had good reason to that the chief's
son would inherit the strength and
talent of the chief. But although it was
doubtless from some such cause as this
that these institutions arose, it is only in
the midst of a democracy that the thing
may be seen to the best advantage, when
men of talent, without respect to what
their ancestors may have been, rise to just
the height that their abilities warrant
and no more. A better example of such a
family it would be difficult to find than
that furnished by the Guilfoiles of Mount-
rath, Ireland, and Waterbury. Connecticut.
The beginning of this capable line of men
was in that charming district of "Erin"
to the southeast of the Slieve Bloom
Mountains in Queens county. Here
Mountrath lies and here during the first
half of the nineteenth century William
Guilfoile lived and prospered. He was
engaged in farming and was sufficiently
enterprising to undertake the marketing
of his fellow farmers' produce as well as
his own and in course of time built up a
large commission business. It was in the
person of his son, Michael Guilfoile, that
the family found its way to the "New
World" and the United States.
Michael Guilfoile, the father of Joseph
Clement Guilfoile, with whose career this
sketch is chiefly concerned, was born at
Mountrath about the year 1840 and re-
ceived the training of the average boy of
the better class whose father is possessed
of means. There was one factor in his
training, however, that was not enjoyed by
most of his comrades and that was the
experience gained by him while still a
mere youth in his father's commission
brokerage house which stood him in good
stead when a few years later he left the
parental roof and sought his fortune in
the great republic across the sea. Mr.
Guilfoile, Sr., was two and twenty years
of age when he took his momentous step
in 1862, a step which he never had cause
to regret. He came at once to the State
of Connecticut and made his way first to
Norwalk, from there to Hartford and
finally to Waterbury, which became his
permanent home thenceforth. He had
found employment in a woolen house in
Norwalk and in the great plant of the
Colt people in Hartford. His arrival in
Waterbury, however, was marked by his
engaging in business on his own account,
a business for which his training in his
native land had well prepared him. This
was in the line of beef and provisions in
which he was highly successful and in
which he continued until about 191 5 when
he withdrew altogether from active life.
His wife, Kate (Lawlor) Guilfoile, was like
himself a native of Ireland, born in that
country in 1847. She was a daughter of
Peter and Mary (Little) Lawlor. and with
them came to this country in 1848, when
but a year old. Her father engaged in the
manufacture of woolen goods in Water-
94
^^Jlf^yjLoo
Ipubj: -ID
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
bury during the remainder of his life here
and was highly successful. To Mr. and
Mrs. Guilfoile eleven children were born,
and of this large family eight are now
alive as follows : Francis Patrick, a sketch
of whom appears elsewhere in this work ;
Louis Peter, now a resident of Dayton,
Ohio ; Mary Frances and Sarah Louise,
who reside in Waterbury; Margaret Ce-
celia, now Sister Mary Catherine, in con-
vent at Providence, Rhode Island; Ger-
trude, now Mrs. McEvoy ; Joseph Clem-
ent, the subject of this sketch ; and Vin-
cent G.
Joseph Clement Guilfoile, son of Michael
and Kate (Lawlor) Guilfoile, was born
November 22, 1885, at Waterbury, Con-
necticut, where with the exception of brief
periods spent away at various institutions
of learning, he has made his home ever
since. For the early portion of his edu-
cation he attended the public schools of
Waterbury and he then matriculated at
St. Louis College in Montreal, Canada,
where he graduated with the class of 1907.
It had been Mr. Guilfoile's intention to
follow the law as a profession and in pur-
suance of this purpose he entered the law
school in connection with Georgetown
L^niversity, Washington, D. C. In 1910
he was admitted to the bar of the District
of Columbia. He graduated from the uni-
versity in 191 1, passed his bar examina-
tions and was admitted to the Connecti-
cut bar in the same year. He now has a
law office in the Guilfoile Building, Water-
bury, and has, in spite of his youth, al-
ready established a practice to say nothing
of a reputation as one of the most capable
of the rising young lawyers in that city.
In religious faith Mr. Guilfoile is, like his
ancestors before him, a Catholic. He at-
tends the Church of the Blessed Sacra-
ment in Waterbury and is an active
worker for the advancement of the in-
terests of the parish. He is a member of
the Order of Eagles and the Order of
Moose and is prominent in the social life
of the city generally.
On April 15, 1915, in New York City,
Mr. Guilfoile was united in marriage with
Louise Peloso, a native of that city, born
August 5, 1892, a daughter of Dominick
and Mary (Leroy) Peloso, both natives
of Italy. Mr. Peloso is a successful con-
tractor in New York.
BOBBIN, Edward Gregory,
La^pyer.
A member of the Connecticut bar since
1907, coming to Waterbury from his na-
tive State, Pennsylvania, Mr. Bobbin has
won honorable standing as a lawyer, firm-
ly established himself as a citizen and
formed many warm friendships. He is of
Polish parentage, his father, John J. Bob-
bin, having come to the United States
from that far-away land, a youth of
eighteen years, unaccompanied and friend-
less, trusting to his own powers of body
and mind to win a livelihood. That he
did not overrate his own abilities nor the
opportunities America offers to the in-
telligent worthy emigrant, the result has
amply proved. The friendless boy of
eighteen is now the honored prosperous
banker and merchant, the extensive land-
owner, the trusted bank director and
prominent citizen of the town of Shenan-
doah, Pennsylvania, his seven children
young men and women of education and
good standing in their communities.
On coming to the United States, John
J. Bobbin went to the coal mines at Ma-
hanoy Plane, Schuylkill county, Pennsyl-
vania, where he worked as a miner for
several years. He was both industrious
and thrifty, careful in his expenditures,
ambitious to rise and willing to make any
personal sacrifice in order to sooner reach
his goal. In course of time he accumu-
95
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
lated sufficient capital to engage in mer-
cantile business, his first venture being
made at Shenandoah, Schuylkill county,
Pennsylvania, where he had moved some
time before. Plis first start as a grocer
was a modest but successful one and as
business increased he enlarged his quar-
ters and extended his lines. The years
brought richly deserved and earned pros-
perity and to-day he is one of the honored
men of Shenandoah, still in business as a
banker and grocer but with other large
interests. He brought to the United
States all the foreigners' love of land
ownership and in the investment of sur-
plus revenue always sought out a piece of
land to purchase, in that way finally ac-
quiring a large real estate holding. He is
also a stockholder and a director of the
Merchant's National Bank of Shenandoah,
is interested in civic afYairs and one of the
public-spirited men of his town.
John J. Bobbin married Mary Jane
Janasky, born in Shamokin, Pennsylva-
nia, and to them nine children have been
born : Edward Gregory, of further men-
tion ; Blanche B., wife of Maximilian J.
Spotanski, a druggist, residing in Nanti-
coke, Pennsylvania; Adolph C, a hard-
ware merchant, located at New Philadel-
phia, Pennsylvania ; Clara M., wife of An-
thony Rogers, a bank cashier of Shenan-
doah ; Isabel H., residing at home; Clay-
ton, deceased ; Raymond D., a student at
Lehigh University ; Alberta, deceased ;
Mary V., residing at home.
Edward Gregory Bobbin, eldest son of
John J. and Mary Jane (Janasky) Bobbin,
was born at Shenandoah, Schuylkill coun-
ty, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1882. He
passed through all grades of the Shenan-
doah public schools and after graduation
from high school, class of 1899, entered
the famous Wyoming Valley institution
of learning at Kingston, Wyoming Semi-
nary, there completing his classical studies
and graduating, class of 1901. He had
now arrived at that critical point in a
young man's life when he must decide
upon a career. He was then nineteen
years of age, and had he elected a busi-
ness career could have at once associated
with his honored father in his prosperous
mercantile enterprise. But the }'Oung man
decided upon a professional career, choos-
ing the law. He entered the law depart-
ment of the University of Pennsylvania,
at Philadelphia, there pursued a full
course and was graduated LL. B., class
of 1906. He spent nine months in Phila-
delphia after graduation, during which
time he was employed by the city of Phil-
adelphia doing special investigating for
one of the important departments in the
city government. In August, 1907, he
located in Waterbury, Connecticut, where
he has practiced without a partner and
most successfully until the present time.
Mr. Bobbin is a member of the New
Haven County and Connecticut State Bar
associations, is a past grand knight of the
Knights of Columbus, member of the Be-
iievolent and Protective Order of Elks and
the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He is a
member of St. Thomas' Roman Catholic
Church, belonging to the Holy Name So-
ciety. He is also a member of a number
of church and beneficial societies through-
cut the city.
Air. Bobbin married, in Waterbury,
April 25, 191 1, Mary Cruse Fay, born in
Waterbury, a graduate of the Convent of
Notre Dame, daughter of the late John S.
Fay, who was a prosperous tea merchant
in this city, and his wife, Catherine Louise
(Cruse) Fay. John S. Fay was born in
Pawling, New York., while Mrs. Fay was
born in New York City. Mrs. Fay now
resides in Waterbtiry.
Air. Bobbin is highly regarded in his
adopted city, his business as a lawyer at-
testing the approval of the public he
96
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
serves. If the progress made in the few
years he has practiced at the Connecticut
bar is indicative of his future, coming
years have in store for him nothing but
success. Temperamentally he is well
fitted for the profession he has chosen,
while his manly personality assures him a
wide circle of friends.
SMITH, Rev. Terence Bernard,
Clergyman.
It is a mistaken corollary from the
great and true proposition that the world
is growing more virtuous, to suppose that
therefore of any two epochs the later
must be the better. It is true that we are
moving, however slowly, towards what
we believe shall prove to be the Millen-
nium, but we move as do the waves of the
sea and trough must follow crest as well
as the contrary. It would probably be a
difficult matter, however, to persuade
anyone that the present time occupies
any such ignominious position as that of
trough between two crests of develop-
ment, and doubtless most men would
point indignantly to the marvelous m,e-
chanical achievements of to-day and ask
when the world has approached them in
the past. But there are other and surer
ways of judging of the worth of a period
than by its mechanical inventions, nota-
bly by the amount of religious enthusi-
asm existing, and it is a fact that to call a
period in history at once the "Dark Ages"
and the "Ages of Faith" is a contradiction
in terms. That to-day there is less of re-
ligious belief than in the times that have
preceded it is hardly susceptible of denial
and this, according to the above criterion,
marks it as in some degree a retrogres-
sion. To carry us through such times of
disbelief, however, there are several great
factors to which men of more faithful in-
stincts may turn for support and refuge.
Conn— J~7 y/
One of the greatest of these is undeniably
the Roman Catholic church, in the shelter
of whose institutions so many find secur-
ity. It is among the priests and more de-
voted members of the church that we
shall still find something that approxi-
mates the simple faith of those old times,
a faith which approached the moving of
mountains. Typical of those who thus
seem to perpetuate in their own persons
the splendid tradition of the past is Father
Terence Bernard Smith, rector of the
Church of the Blessed Sacrament in
Waterbury, Connecticut, he having estab-
lished and built up the parish to its pres-
ent size and importance and made it the
factor that it is in the religious life of the
community. Father Smith comes of a
family such as he might have been ex-
pected to have been a scion of, his fore-
bears having been members of the simple,
yet capable Irish country folk. County
Cavan, Ireland, was their home from the
time that the records of them extend, and
although Father Smith was himself born
in New Haven, Connecticut, he inherits
the simple, sterling qualities of his ances-
try.
County Cavan during the early part of
the past century was the home of Terence
Smith, the grandfather of Father Smith,
who was himself a man of parts and a
well-known figure in the community. To
him and his wife, who was Nancy Tor-
mey, also of that region, were born ten
children, now all deceased. Their par-
ents came to America rather late in life
and their deaths occurred in New Haven.
One of the children, Bernard Peter
Smith, was the father of Father Smith,
and was one of the most enterprising
members of his family. He was born
March 31, 1836, in County Cavan, Ireland,
but came to this country alone at the age
of thirteen. In spite of the terrible handi-
cap of his extreme youth and the strange
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
environment, he made his way onward
and upward until he found a very con-
siderable business success and a high
place in the regard of his fellow citizens.
He was a surveyor of lumber for above
thirty-five years, and he also was elected
as a councilman of his ward in New
Haven. His death occurred August 5,
1912, he being the last to die of his nine
brothers and sisters. He married Cath-
erine E. McGinn, a native of the city of
Poughkeepsie, New York, and she sur-
vives him, still residing in New Haven
at the age of seventy-five years. Eleven
children were born to them and of these
seven are still living as follows : Terence
Bernard, with whose career this sketch
is particularly concerned: James, a resi-
dent of New Haven, where he is em-
ployed as a foreman in the great Win-
chester Arms Company ; Edward, who is
employed in the New York office of the
New York Central Railroad Company;
Walter, who resides in Des Moines, Iowa,
where he represents the Atlas Cement
Company ; Mary, now the wife of John
T. Smith, of New York City ; Lucy, who
lives with her mother in New Haven ;
Sister Mary, of St. Bernard's Convent of
the Sisters of the Good Shepherd.
Terence Bernard Smith was born April
25, 1863, at New Haven, and it was there
in his native town that the years of his
childhood were spent. At a very early
age he showed a keen religious nature, his
thoughts turning spontaneously to re-
ligious things, and he also showed him-
self an intelligent and industrious student
and one with a strong ambition to excel.
His first studies were pursued at the ex-
cellent public schools of New Haven and
in 1880, having completed his studies
there, although he was only seventeen
years of age, he matriculated at St.
Charles' College at Ellicott City, Mary-
land. Here amid the traditions of piety
and learning which form so marked an
atmosphere at this venerable institution,
he remained a couple of years, his re-
ligious feelings crystallizing and becom-
ing definite and his half formed desire to
enter the priesthood taking shape until it
had become a firm conviction of his call.
He then went to St. Bonaventure College
at Allegany. New York, and there spent
eight years in pursuance of the arduous
studies that the Catholic church pre-
scribes for her votaries. On June 20, 1889,
Father Smith was ordained to the priest-
hood by Bishop Ryan, of Buffalo. He was
ordained for the Hartford diocese. His
first appointment was as assistant to St.
Joseph's Church at Bristol, Connecticut.
Here his ministry began, but here he did
not remain more than two years, and he
was then transferred to Bridgeport, East
Hartford and Newtown, Connecticut, suc-
cessively. In each of these he was assist-
ant, but in 1905 he was given his first
pastorate in the parish of St. Bernard, at
Sharon, Connecticut, and here he re-
mained six years until 191 1, greatly im-
proving the general condition of the par-
ish there. His organizing and managing
ability being very obvious, he was chosen
to be the priest to take charge of the for-
mation of a new parish in Waterbury, and
it was thus that he first became associ-
ated with the parish of the Blessed Sacra-
ment in Waterbury. He was exceptiona-
bly successful in doing the difficult work
attendant upon the bringing into being of
the new parish and from that time to this
has tended and developed it in every way
possible and made himself very well be-
loved by his congregation. Among his
parishioners his work has been most note-
worthy and of such a character in reliev-
ing distress and comforting sorrow that
few men in the city are equally beloved.
The condition of the parish itself has
always been prosperous and besides the
98
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
handsome church structure a new paro-
chial residence is now in process of erec-
tion.
Besides his immediate priestly duties,
Father Smith takes an active part in the
lives of his parishioners and especially
interests himself in the aflfairs of the
young- men. He is a member of the Be-
nevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of
the Knights of Columbus and of the An-
cient Order of Hibernians.
Father Smith has had two assistants
since he entered upon the duties of this
parish, the first being Father Thomas
Molloy, who came there in September,
1914, and died there January i, 1916.
Eighteen days afterwards the present as-
sistant. Father John H. Landry, was as-
signed to the post. Father Landry was
born at Bristol, Connecticut, a son of
Joseph N. and Annie Agnes Landry, the
former born in Canada and the latter in
Bristol, where they both reside at present.
THOMPSON, John Henry,
Insurance OfScer.
John Henry Thompson, the capable
and successful general agent of the Con-
necticut Mutual Life Insurance Company
at Hartford, is a member of an old New
Jersey family, but was himself born in
the west, at Pella, Iowa, February 20,
1873. He is a son of the Rev. Abraham
and Anna (Westfall) Thompson, his
father having been a native of Reading-
ton, New Jersey, born in December, 1833.
The Rev. Mr. Thompson was graduated
from Rutgers College, New Brunswick,
New Jersey, and then from the New
Brunswick Theological Seminary. He
was ordained as a preacher of the gospel,
and in his young manhood went west to
Iowa, where he was pastor of a church in
Pella for a few years. He then returned
to the east and took charge of the Rut-
gers Preparatory School at New Bruns-
wick, in the capacity of head master. In
the year 1876 he became pastor of the
Knox Memorial Church, in New York
City, and held that important post until
his death in 1886. He married Anna
Westfall, a daughter of Simon Van Etten
Westfall, a native of New York State,
born in the neighborhood of Schenectady.
They were the parents of four sons, as
follows : Maurice J., deceased ; James
Westfall, A. M., Ph. D., now professor of
history at the University of Chicago;
John Henry, with whose career this
sketch is particularly concerned ; and
Wayne H., who makes his home in Chi-
cago.
Mr. Thompson's grandfather was Judge
Joseph Thompson, of Readington, New
Jersey, a prominent man in the commu-
nity, where he was occupied as a farmer,
a staunch Republican and judge of the
County Court of Hunterdon county. His
wife before her marriage was Ann Post,
a native of the same region in New Jer-
sey. Judge Thompson's grandfather was
possibly the original John Thompson,
who came from the North of Ireland some
time early in the eighteenth century and
settled in this country. Although of this
fact we cannot be positive, the balance of
evidence seems to be in favor thereof.
John Henry Thompson did not remain
in his native town or State for many
years, but accompanied his parents to
New Jersey when the Rev. Mr. Thomp-
son became head master of the Rutgers
Preparatory School at New Brunswick
in that State. Here it was that the lad
received his education, and after prepar-
ing for college he matriculated at Rutgers
College in 1890. Here he took the custo-
mary academic courses and was gradu-
ated therefrom in 1894 with the degree of
Bachelor of Arts. It was Mr. Thomp-
son's intention at that time to follow in
his father's footsteps and enter the minis-
try, and with this end in view he entered
99
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
the Union Theological Seminary of New
York City, from which he was graduated.
He did not, however, enter the ministry,
his taste impelling him to a business
career, and upon graduation he at once
became identified with the Connecticut
Mutual Life Insurance Company, being
employed in New York City as a solicitor
for three years. On January i, 1901, how-
ever, he was appointed general agent of
the company for the city of New Haven
and remained in that post for nearly four
years. In 1904 he went to Detroit, Michi-
gan, as agent for the same company, being
later made general agent for Western
Michigan. On January i, 1909, however,
he returned to the east and received the
appointment to the general agency for
Southern and Western Connecticut. On
January i, 1913, he came to Hartford and
entered upon the duties of his present
position, in which he has met with the
highest degree of success. Mr. Thomp-
son is at the present time regarded as one
of the conspicuous figures in the insur-
ance world of Hartford, and is a man well
known in business circles generally
throughout the region. He is also promi-
nent in other aspects of the city's life, is a
member of the University Club, Hartford
Golf Club of Hartford, and of the Grad-
uate Club of New Haven.
John Henry Thompson was united in
marriage with Katharine E. Stone, a
daughter of M. H. and Mary (Gilmour)
Stone, of Burlington, Vermont. To Mr.
and Mrs. Thompson one child has been
born, a son. Hay ward S., March i, 1902.
Mr. Thompson and his family are mem-
bers of the Center Congregational Church
of Hartford.
TWITCHELL, Walter Henry,
Business Man.
Robert Twitchell, of ancient Connecti-
cut family, came to Naugatuck, Connec-
ticut, in early life and there resided until
his death, attaining distinction as a pub-
lic official. His son, Walter Henry
Twitchell, is a native son of Naugatuck,
and there has spent his entire life. For
twenty-three years he gave his individual
interests to an employer, then began busi-
ness for himself, and is one of Nauga-
tuck's honored merchants, well known,
prosperous and highly esteemed. Robert
Twitchell was born in Oxford, Connecti-
cut, but early in life located in Nauga-
tuck. He was collector of taxes for many
years and also served as sheriff of New
Haven county. He married Jeanette
Clark, born at Prospect, Connecticut. Mr.
and Mrs. Twitchell were the parents of
three children : Edward, who died at the
age of fifty years, proprietor of the Union
City market ; Walter Henry, of further
mention ; Robert C, deceased.
Walter Henry Twitchell, son of Rob-
ert and Jeanette (Clark) Twitchell, was
born in Naugatuck, Connecticut, October
17, 1858, and there still resides. He ob-
tained his education in the public schools,
and when his school years were over, en-
tered the employ of Colonel F. W. Tolles,
with whom he remained for twenty-three
years, leaving with the proud record of
not having been absent from his work
even one day during that entire period.
After that long term of service with an-
other he decided to enter business for
himself and purchased the business of F.
W. Tolles. He conducts a very success-
ful business in furniture, carpets, paper
hangings, stoves, ranges, trunks and bags,
also carries a line of undertaker's supplies
and has an undertaking establishment.
He operates this under his own name,
Walter H. Twitchell, and requires the
services of eight men to transact the busi-
ness which has more than trebled under
his able management. Mr. Twitchell has
attained all the degrees of Scottish Rite
Masonry, for eighteen years has been
100
THE NEW YORK j
PUBLIC library!
I
ASTOR, LENOX \
TILDEN FOUiNDATIONsj
^y
&1^<U.??7.^.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
treasurer of Sheperd's Lodge, Free and
Accepted Masons, and for five years has
held the office in Alton Chapter, Royal
Arch Masons. He is also a member of
the Improved Order of Red Men and the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
Lodge No. 967, of Naugatuck. In politi-
cal faith he is a Republican.
Mr. Twitchell married, in Naugatuck,
Adelaide M. Richards, born in South
Hartford, Connecticut, who died in 1913,
without issue.
ENGELKE, Charles, M. D.,
Physician.
There is something intrinsically ad-
mirable in the profession of medicine that
illumines by reflected light all those who
practice it. Something that is concerned
with its prime object, the alleviation of
human suffering, something about the
self-sacrifice that it must necessarily in-
volve that makes us regard, and rightly
so, all those who choose to follow its diffi-
cult way and devote themselves to its
great aims with a certain amount of re-
spect and reverence. It is true that at
the present time there has been a certain
lowering on the average of the standards
and traditions of the profession, and that
there are many within its ranks who have
proposed to themselves selfish or un-
worthy objects instead of those identified
with the profession itself, whose eyes
are centered on the rewards rather than
the services, yet there are others also who
have preserved the purest and best ideals
of the calling and whose self-sacrifice is
as disinterested as that of any who have
preceded them. A man of this type is
Dr. Charles Engelke, of Waterbury,
whose work in that city in the interests of
its health, both as a private practitioner
and in his capacity as health officer, has
done the public an invaluable service.
Henry Engelke, grandfather of Dr.
Charles Engelke, and a soj oi Conrad and
Sophia Engelke, was bom in Meutzen,
Germany, April 4, 1812, and died Decern^
ber 10, 1894. He married, in Bremen,
Germany, June 24, 1836, Christine Ber-
nadina Von Eckle, born in Elsflath, Ger-
many, February 5, 181 5, died January 20,
1882. She was a daughter of Christian
Bernhardt and Katrina (Schultze) Von
Eckle, the former named born in Ovel-
germe, Germany, and the latter named in
Elsflath, Germany. Henry and Christine
B. Engelke sailed from Bremenhaven,
Germany, to the United States, October
17, 1836, and settled at first in New York
City, where they resided for two years,
then removed to Pine Plains, New York.
Their children were: i. Frederick, born
in New York City, 1837, died in infancy.
2. Bernhardt Henry, born in Pine Plains,
August 24, 1839, died 1909 ; married (first)
Susan Newcomb, and (second) Elizabeth
Lovejoy Brandt. 3. Sophia Marie, born
1841, died in infancy. 4. Niles Justus, of
whom further. 5. Angelina Davis, born
August 2. 1845, now the widow of Miller
Pulver, residing in Pine Plains, New
York. 6. Stephen Vail, born April 2,
1847 ; married Harriet Harrison ; divorced ;
now residing in Pine Plains, New York.
7. Henry, born July 10, 1849, died in 1893.
8. Milton, born 1851, died in infancy. 9.
Dorathea. born April 18, 1853 ; became
the wife of Joseph B. Holmes, residing in
New York. 10. Theodore Hegaman, born
March 29, 1855 ; residing in Pine Plains,
New York. 11. Marie Elise, born April
30, 1857; widow of William M. Sayres ;
residing in Red Hook, New York. 12.
Clara Amelia, born April 27, 1859: be-
came the wife of Charles Wilson Mastin ;
residing in Millbrook, New York. Chris-
tian B. Von Eckle, father of Mrs. Engelke,
was disowned by his father, Baron Von
Eckle, for marrying beneath him in social
position.
Niles Justus Engelke, father of Dr.
I CM
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Charles Engelke, was born October 7,
1843, ^^ Pine Plains, New York. He en-
listed, before the age of eighteen years,
in the Forty-seventh New York Volun-
teers and served over four years to the
end of the war; he was promoted to the
rank of second lieutenant. He married,
October 7, 1868, Elizabeth Brusie, born
in Copake, New York, 1849, now residing
in Waterbury, Connecticut. She is a de-
scendant of Francis Bruzee, born in Hol-
land, April 2, 1714, and of Fitie (Halin-
beck) Bruzee, his wife, born in 1729.
Their son, Andreas Bruzee, was born
January 24, 1752, married Elshe Bruisie,
born March 14, 1754. Their son, Francis
Brusie, was born at Copake, New York,
January 23, 1779, one of six children. He
married his cousin, Caroline Bruzee, and
their son, Jeremiah Brusie, born Novem-
ber 28, 1813, married Samantha Lester,
born November 3, 1822, a granddaughter
of Jacob F. and Phemia Decker, of Co-
pake, New York. They were the parents
of five children: Warren, born 1842, re-
siding at Copake ; Mariette, born 1846,
widow of Lyman Loomis, residing at Co-
pake ; Elizabeth, born 1849, aforemen-
tioned as the wife of Niles Justus En-
gelke, residing at Waterbury ; Frank, de-
ceased ; Abbie, deceased. Descendants of
Andreas Bruzee are among the prosper-
ous agriculturists of Columbia and Dutch-
ess counties, New York. Two children
were born to Niles J. and Elizabeth
(Brusie) Engelke: Charles, of whom fur-
ther ; Clay, who died in 1876, aged five
years.
Dr. Charles Engelke was born at Copake,
New York, July 20, 1869. At a very early
age he accompanied his parents to Pine
Plains, New York, so that the greater part
of his youthful associations were with the
latter place, and it was there that he also
began his schooling. After a residence
of ten years at Pine Plains his parents
moved to Waterbury, Connecticut, and
this city has remained his home ever
since with the exception of the time
spent in the study of his profession. He
attended the public schools of Water-
bury, graduating from the high school in
1888. He then secured employment with
the "Waterbury Republican," a paper of
standing and influence in that region. He
did not remain with this paper long, how-
ever, but secured a position in the mills
of the Benedict & Burnham Manufactur-
ing Company and remained in this em-
ploy for some time. His youthful am-
bition was to study medicine and he did
not forget this as the years advanced, but
was always seeking a way whereby he
could gratify his ambition. In 1898, ten
years after leaving school, having accu-
mulated some capital by dint of persever-
ance and economy, he matriculated at the
College of Physicians and Surgeons con-
nected with Columbia University of New
York, pursued the regular course and was
graduated with the degree of M. D. in the
class of 1902. The following two 3'ears
and over he spent as an interne in the
Methodist Episcopal Hospital in New
York City, thus gaining the requisite ex-
perience for his responsible calling. In
1904 he returned to Waterbury, and there
established himself in a practice that has
continued to grow rapidly ever since that
time. His reputation has spread outside
the city limits and he has become well
known in the surrounding region. In 1910
he was appointed city health officer by
the mayor of Waterbury and served most
efficiently in that office for two years. He
is a member of the W^aterbury Medical
Society, the State Medical Society, the
American Medical Association and the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Dr.
Engelke is a Baptist in his religious belief
and attends the church of that denomina-
tion in Waterbury.
02
THE KEW YORK
T^IIBLIC LIBRARY
. or. Lmox
.D_iJ fCJt^DATlONSj
^t(^-ff^jfci^i^v&t-€^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Engelke married, in Waterbury,
October 19, 1912, Bertha Murray Hart,
born in Waterbury, Connecticut, October
II, 1876, daughter of Jay Hiscox and Ber-
tha Louise (Piatt) Hart, of Waterbury,
Connecticut. Jay Hiscox Hart was born
in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, De-
cember II, 1847, son of Jay Hiscox Hart.
He engaged in business in Great Barring-
ton, Massachusetts, and New Haven,
Bridgeport and Waterbury, Connecticut.
He was secretary of the Patent Button
Company and treasurer of Piatt Brothers
& Company. He was tax collector of the
city of Waterbury, and member of the
Board of Fire Commissioners and of the
Common Council. Bertha L. (Piatt)
Hart was born in Waterbury, Connecti-
cut, and traced her ancestry to Deacon
Richard Piatt, who settled at New Haven,
Connecticut, in 1638, and was one of a
party of sixty-one who formed a church
settlement at Milford, November 20, 1639.
He was chosen deacon at Milford in 1669
and bequeathed a Bible to each of his
nineteen grandsons. In August, 1889, a
memorial stone, suitably inscribed, was
placed to his memory in the new bridge
over the Mapawaug. The line of descent
is traced through his son, Josiah Piatt,
born in Milford, 1645, married, at Alilford,
December 2, 1669, Sarah Camfield. Their
son, Josiah (2) Piatt, born in Milford,
January 12, 1679, married, January 8,
1707, Sarah Burwell. Their son, Josiah
(3) Piatt, born October 13, 1707, married
Sarah . Their son, Josiah (4)
Piatt, born 1730-35, married, November
13, 1758. Sarah Sanford. Their son, Na-
than Piatt, born at Newtown, March 3,
1761, died at Wallingford, 1845, and was
buried in Waterbury ; he was a soldier in
the Revolution ; he married Ruby Smith.
Their son. Alfred Piatt, was born in New-
town. April 2, 1789, died December 29,
1872 ; he was one of the earliest members
of the firm known as A. Benedict, after-
ward the Benedict & Burnham Manufac-
turing Company, and he was the first to
manufacture brass and copper wire in
Waterbury; he married, June 8, 1814.
Irene Blackman, daughter of Nimrod
Blackman, of Brookfield, Connecticut.
Their son. Clark Murray Piatt, was born
at Waterbury, January i, 1824, died De-
cember 20. 1900; he devoted his attention
to the manufacture of buttons, etc., in the
firm of Piatt Brothers & Company, and he
invented many useful and valuable de-
vices and machines used in the manufac-
ture of buttons ; he married, May 20, 1849.
Amelia Maria Lewis, daughter of Sel-
den Lewis, of Naugatuck, Connecticut.
Among their children was Bertha Louise,
mother of Mrs. Charles Engelke. Chil-
dren of Dr. and Mrs. Engelke: Christine,
born December i, 1914; Jean, born July
II, 1916.
HAVILAND, William Thorn,
Lavryer, Clerk of Superior Conrt.
With Isaac Haviland, son of Jacob and
Amy (Gilbert) Haviland, the Bridgeport
history of this branch of the family be-
gins, William Thorn Haviland, clerk of
the Superior Court of Fairfield county,
being a prominent twentieth century rep-
resentative of the family, son of Isaac
Haviland, and grandson of Jacob Havi-
land. Isaac Haviland, born October 20,
1820, spent the greater part of his life in
Fairfield county. Connecticut, although
for several years he was engaged in busi-
ness in New York City as a manufacturer
of tobacco. In 1866 he retired to a com-
fortable home in Bridgeport, Connecticut,
where he ended his useful life at a well
advanced age. He married Mary Augusta
Thorn, born May 20, 1831, died January
8, 1881, daughter of Walker W. and Em-
meline (Fanton) Thorn. Mr. and Mrs.
103
EX'CYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Isaac Haviland were the parents of three
sons: Isaac F., William Thorn, of fur-
ther mention, and Ernest Clififord Havi-
land.
William Thorn Haviland, second son of
Isaac and Mary Augusta (Thorn) Havi-
land, was born at Ridgefield, Fairfield
county, Connecticut, March 29, 1856, but
in boyhood his parents moved to Brook-
lyn, New York, where his education be-
gan. Later they returned to Connecticut,
purchased a fine farm in the Pembroke
district of the town of Danbury, Fairfield
county, their residence until 1868, when
the family moved to Bridgeport where
William T. Haviland completed his
studies. Mr. Haviland graduated from
Yale College in 1880, and at the Yale Law
School in 1882. He was admitted to the
bar at New Haven, June 28, 1882, and
practiced at Bridgeport. He was asso-
ciated with Goodwin Stoddatd and Wil-
liam D. Bishop, Jr., until May 11, 1891,
when he was appointed clerk of the Court
of Common Pleas of Fairfield county, and
assistant clerk of the Superior Court in
said county, and in June, igo8, he was
appointed clerk of the Superior Court,
which position he still holds.
Mr. Haviland married Mrs. Pauline
Swords Stevenson, of South Xorwalk,
June 4, 1902. Children : Tallmadge
Downs, born June 14, 1903, died August
26, 1913; Paul, born September 6, 1905;
Louise, born March 17, 1907.
MORGAN, William D., M. A., M. D.,
Physician.
William D. Morgan, M. A., M. D.,
highly regarded physician of Hartford,
Connecticut, graduate of the College of
Physicians and Surgeons (which is the
medical department of Columbia Univer-
sity) and a medical scientist who in the
early years of his professional efTort
undertook much research in European
universities and centres of medicine, to
the subsequent material benefit of those
who became his patients, is in direct lineal
descent from one of the old Colonial fam-
ilies of Connecticut, the family having
been prominent in the community of New
London, Connecticut, almost from its
earliest days of settlement.
Celtic in origin, the name Morgan, Mor-
ganwg, Ap Morgan, and various other
variations of the root, is frequently en-
countered in British history, of early
times especially. In the principality of
Wales, to which part a considerable por-
tion of the Britons retired before the in-
roads of the Saxons and Anglos, the name
holds honored place. The derivation has
not been conclusively determined, but
Dixon, an English authority on surnames,
says that it signifies "by sea, or by the
sea." This, to an extent, is substantiated
by the allied Scotch (also Celtic) words
"ceann mor," meaning "big head,'' or,
perhaps, "big headland." Another feas-
ible derivation is from the Welsh "more
can," which, translated, is "sea burn," and
therefore essentially ranges with the
former interpretation, "by the sea." At
the time of the Norman Conquest (1066),
the Morgan family, or clan, was appar-
ently great in numbers, as the name ap-
pears prominently in the Domesday
Book, and in the Battle Abbey Roll.
Records trace the name to very early
Welsh history, several sovereign princes
and other potentates of the Morgan pa-
tronymic appearing in the archives of so
far back as A. D. 300 or 400. Of this line
of princes was Morgan, or Ap Morgan, of
Gla Morgan, through instrumentality
trial by jury was established, as the prac-
ticed procedure of the dominion, he under-
standing it as "the apostolic law," which
demanded that "as Christ and the twelve
apostles will finally judge the world, so
104
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
therefore should human tribunals be com-
posed of the king and twelve wise men."
The progenitor of the American
branches of the Morgan family, which
now reach into every State of the Union,
was James Morgan, who was born in
Wales in 1607. The exact locality of his
nativity cannot be stated with authentic
assurance, but has been stated to have
probably been the city of Llandafif, Gla-
morganshire. Since the coming of the
Normans, Cardiff, or Caerdydd, has been
the principal governmental centre of
South Wales, but the importance of
LlandafT (which adjoins Cardiff and now
is one of the smallest cities of Britain)
to the native Welsh, or Britons, arose
from its holy associations. It is claimed
for Llandafif that within its confines was
established, in the fourth century, the
first Christian church organized in Great
Britain, and that to it St. Augustine once
came. And among the Lord Bishops of
Llandaff, the name Morgan appears. In
further support of the presumption that
James Morgan was born in Llandaff, is
that one of the early American branches
of the family held the tradition, corrobo-
rated by a small volume, the property of
James Morgan, and dated before 1600, in
which book was inscribed the name of
William Morgan, of Llandaff. The con-
nection of William Morgan with the
James Morgan family is also authenti-
cated by some antique gold sleeve-buttons
stamped "W. M.," which finally came, as
a family heirloom, into the custody of the
late James Morgan, and other instru-
ments state these buttons to have be-
longed to William Morgan, of Llandaff.
In 1636 James Morgan, with two
younger brothers. Miles and Thomas (?),
left the port of Bristol, England, and in
April, 1637, reached Boston, Massachu-
setts. His name does not come into Colo-
nial records until 1640, when he married
Margery Hill, of Roxbury, Massachusetts.
Three years later, he was made a freeman
in Roxbury, and was a freeholder there
until 1650, when he removed to what is
now New London, Connecticut, and
there was assigned a house-lot, the record
stating that "James Morgan hath given
him about six acres of upland." He ac-
quired land where now is the third burial
ground, in the western suburbs of the city
of New London, but sold it in 1656, and
later took up land on the eastern side of
the settlement, now the southern part of
Groton. He was an extensive land-
owner, "distinguished in public enter-
prise," and of marked administrative
ability, his adjudication of civil and ec-
clesiastical differences and difficulties
bringing him general esteem. "He was
a good neighbor, and a Christian in whom
all appear to have reposed a marked de-
gree of confidence and trust." He was
for several years a selectman of New
London, and was one of the first deputies
sent to the General Court at Hartford, in
1657. He was eight times reelected, his
last term being in 1670. Named by New
London and accepted by the General
Court, his decision, as arbitrator, deter-
mining the controversy between the two
bodies, regarding the delineation of boun-
daries and jurisdiction, was deemed "to
have satisfied all parties." In 1661, he
was of the committee which, at the behest
of the General Court, surveyed and de-
lineated the true boundaries of New Lon-
don, "on the east side of the Great River."
He died in 1685, aged seventy-eight years.
His son, Captain John Morgan, who
was born March 30, 1645, married, for his
second wife, Elizabeth Williams, a widow,
daughter of Lieutenant-Governor William
Jones, and granddaughter of Governor
Theophilus Eaton. About 1692 he re-
moved to Preston, and died in 1712. He
took prominent part in public affairs ; was
105
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Indian commissioner and adviser, deputy
to the General Court in 1690 from New
London, and in 1693-94 from Preston.
His son, William Morgan, was born in
1693 ; married, July 3, 1716, Mary, daugh-
ter of Captain James Avery, Jr., of Gro-
ton ; died October, 1729. His widow's de-
mise did not, however, occur until 1780,
fifty-one years after his death.
Their son, William Morgan, was born
June 17, 1723; married, July 4, 1744,
Temperance, daughter of Colonel Chris-
topher Avery, of Groton. Captain Wil-
liam Morgan resided in Groton, and there
died April 11, 1777. His widow survived
him until October 7, 1801.
Their son. Captain William Avery
Morgan, was born November 24, 1754.
He married (first) Lydia, daughter of
Nathan Smith, of Groton, May 4, 1776.
She died January 4, 1804. He settled
first in Groton, but later removed to Col-
chester (now Salem), where he resided
from 1796 until March, 1814, then taking
up his residence in Lebanon, Connecticut,
where he died on March 22, 1842. He
held the military rank of sergeant during
the Revolutionary W'ar, and was present
at the battle of Bunker Hill. He is re-
puted to have been a man "of good
natural ability and of some reading."
His son by his first wife, Denison
Morgan, was born October 29, 1790; mar-
ried, October 10, 1815, Ursula, daughter
of John Brainard, of Haddam ; died in
1854. He was a successful wholesale
merchant of Hartford, and was a con-
scientious church worker. Mrs. Ursula
(Brainard) Morgan was born May 22,
1793, and died July 13, 1866.
Their son, Henry Kirke Morgan, was
born December 15, 1819. His primary
education was obtained in the public
schools of Hartford, from which he
graduated to a boarding school in Ell-
ington, and later he entered his father's
business as a member of the firm, which
was known as D. Morgan & Company,
wholesale grocers, of No. 35 State street,
Hartford. After his father's demise in
1854, he continued in business until i860,
when he retired, handing over the direc-
tion of the business to his associate, S. G.
Farnham. Henry Kirke Morgan sought
not political office, but was much inter-
ested in public affairs, and undertook
some public offices. He was on the Board
of Relief for many years, and was first
lieutenant of the Governor's Foot Guard.
He passed away on March 5, 191 1, his
remains being interred in Spring Grove
Cemetery, Hartford, Connecticut.
On April 14, 1846, he married Emily
AI., daughter of George Brinley, of Hart-
ford. George Brinley was a native of
Boston, in which city his daughter, the
mother of Dr. William D. Morgan, was
born, and in that city his business was
that of glass manufacturer. Succeeding
well, he retired in middle life, spending
his leisure years in Hartford, where he
died. His wife was Catherine, daughter
of Colonel Putnam, and granddaughter
of Israel Putnam. To Henry Kirke and
Emily M. (Brinley) Morgan were born
the following children : George Brinley,
a doctor of divinity, deceased : William
D., of whom further; Henry K., now of
Morristown, New York; Edward B., who
died in February, 1874; Emily M., of
Brooklyn, Connecticut.
William D. Morgan, son of Henry
Kirke and Emily M. (Brinley) Morgan,
was born in Hartford, Connecticut, No-
vember 20, 1850. Educated at the Hart-
ford public schools, and at Hopkins
Grammar School, New Haven, he subse-
quently entered the Episcopal Academy
in Cheshire, in which collegiate institu-
tion he remained for more than three
years, and supplemented his extensive
classical knowledge by instruction from
106
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
private tutors, but when he applied, well
qualified in knowledge, for admittance to
Trinity College, he was not allowed to
matriculate, being about one year younger
than the minimum fixed by the college as
requisite for entrance. Consequently, his
parents sent him to St. Paul's School,
Concord, New Hampshire. There ill-
health pursued him, and he was forced to
temporarily relinquish his studies, and on
the advice of the family physician was
sent to join his uncle, George D. Morgan,
who was at that time travelling in Europe,
with his family. William D. Morgan
joined his relatives in London, and their
travels took them through France, Swit-
zerland, Italy, Egypt, to Palestine; thence
to Beirut, Isle of Rhodes, Smyrna, Con-
stantinople, Palermo, Naples and various
cities of Italy back to Paris and London,
returning home by the packet, "American
Congress."
With regained strength, he then re-
sumed his studies, entering Trinity Col-
lege, from which he graduated in 1872,
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, sub-
sequently gaining the major degree. De-
termined to enter medicine, he, after
gaining his minor letters, registered as a
student with Dr. Sands, of New York
City, and concurrently attended the lec-
tures at the College of Physicians and
Surgeons, graduating as Doctor of Medi-
cine with the class of 1876. During his
studentship, however, he made another
trip to Europe, in 1874, accompanying
his father, who was ill. After becoming
entitled to enter practice, he wisely deter-
mined to first obtain considerable prac-
tical knowledge, and for that purpose
passed a year of keen observation i
various New York City clinics, after
which he received, by competitive exam-
ination, appointment to the house staff
of New Haven Hospital. One year later
he went to Germany, for post-graduate
research, taking a year's course at the
University of Leipzig, where he devoted
himself to special research work in dis-
eases of the ear. Returning to America,
and to his native town, Hartford, Con-
necticut, in 1878, he decided to there
enter general practice, where he has since
almost continuously practiced, internal
medicine occupying him mainly.
He has held many appointments; in
1888 he became medical examiner for the
Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Com-
pany ; in 1893 was appointed associate
medical director; on January i, 1896, he
became medical director ; for about ten
years he held the position of trustee for
Hartford county, of the Connecticut Hos-
pital for the Insane, Middletown ; has
been chairman of the executive committee
of the Hartford Hospital, and has been a
member of the board of trustees for many
years ; he is a member of the City, County
and State Medical societies, the American
Medical Association, the Medical Direc-
tors' Association, and for many years was
a physician of the Orphan Asylum and
Church Home. His appointments and so-
ciety memberships indicate his profes-
sional standing adequately, and his social
connections may be inferred by the read-
ing of the list of social clubs, etc., to
which he belongs. They are : Hartford
Club, Hartford Golf Club, Country Club
of Farmington, Union League Club of
New York City, Hatchett's Reef Club and
Iota Kappa Alpha.
Dr. Morgan married Gabriella, daugh-
ter of Theodore Sengstak, of Washing-
ton, D. C, and to them has been born a
daughter, Gabriella, July 28, 1914.
HINMAN, George Elijah,
Journalist, Ijaxryer.
Few of the old New England families
can claim, an earlier advent or a longer
107
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
term of residence in this country than that
of Hinman, which was founded here,
probably about 1649, '^ut possibly even
earlier, by Sergeant Edward Hinman, the
first immigrant of that name in the coun-
try. The family was already prominent
in England, where it was entitled to the
following coat-of-arms : Vert on a chev-
ron or, three roses gules, slipped and
leaved of the first ; crest, on a mount a
wivern proper ducally gorged and lined
or.
There is a tradition, which originated
with Sergeant Edward Hinman himself,
that he, the founder of the family in Amer-
ica, had been a member of the bodyguard of
King Charles I. of England, and that he
had held the office of sergeant-at-arms
therein ; that after the deposition of his
royal master and the coming into power
of the Parliamentary forces under Oliver
Cromwell, he fled from his native land to
escape the vengeance which was meted out
against royalist sjmpathizers and sought
a haven in the new world. If this tradi-
tion is true, and there is no reason to
doubt it, it is quite ample proof that Ser-
geant Edward Hinman was a man of dis-
tinction and position in England before
his migration here, for only men of this
quality were admitted to the king's life-
guard, to which position also the most
assured loyalty was necessary. Upon his
arrival in America, Edward Hinman ap-
pears to have gone directly to Stratford,
where he is recorded to have received
land about 1650. Unfortunately the early
records of Stratford, covering the first ten
years of its existence as a community,
were destroyed by fire in 1649, so that
there is no way of knowing definitely
whether he had settled there before this
date. It is recorded in the early records
that his house stood on the west side of
Main street, Stratford, not far from the
old Episcopal church, an edifice which,
on account of its dignity and the simpli-
city of its design, has been held up as a
type of the best Colonial architecture.
Sergeant Edward Hinman was also the
recipient of other grants of land and be-
cam,e in course of time the owner of an
extensive tract in and about Stratford.
Here he carried on the occupation of
farming and milling and was indeed the
first owner of the old Tide Mill, between
Stratford and the site of what is now
Bridgeport. In the year 1681 he sold his
homestead at Stratford to Richard Bryan,
of Milford, and evidently planned to re-
move to Woodbury, as he drew a will
about this time in which he speaks of
himself as of that place. It appears,
however, that his death must have oc-
curred before he was able to make the
move contemplated as it is not recorded
at Woodbury and is at Stratford, and his
will was proved in Fairfield. His death
occurred November 26, 1681. Sergeant
Edward Hinman was a man of parts, very
intelligent and essentially loyal, pos-
sessed of all the essential qualities of the
best soldier, a trait which has been in-
herited from him by many of his descend-
ants.
Sergeant Edward Hinman married
Hannah Stiles, a daughter of Francis and
Sarah Stiles, of Windsor, Connecticut,
and they were the parents of the follow-
ing children : Sarah, born September 10,
1653, who became the wife of William
Roberts, of Stratford ; Titus, born June,
1635, and resided in Woodbury; Samuel,
born in 1658, also of Woodbury; Benja-
min, born February, 1662-63, of Wood-
bury: Hannah, born July 15, 1666; Mary,
born 1668 ; Patience, born in 1670, married
John Burroughs, January 10, 1694 ; and
Edward, Jr., mentioned below.
Edward (2) Hinman, son of Sergeant
Edward (i) Hinman, was born at Strat-
ford, Connecticut, in 1672. According to
108
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
a provision in his father's will, he was
apprenticed to one Jehial Preston, and
was brought up to a trade by that gentle-
man, remaining with him until he had
attained his majority. At that time he
drew an allotment of eighteen acres at
Woodbury, but it seems improbable that
he ever lived there and it is quite certain
that most of his life was spent at Strat-
ford, where his children were born, and
his death occurred, and where some of his
descendants are living at the present day.
Others of his descendants have, in the
intervening time, wandered far and wide
and are now found all over the United
States. Edward Hinman, Jr., was mar-
ried to Hannah Jennings, a daughter of
Joshua, Jr. and Mary (Lyon) Jennings.
They were the parents of twelve children,
as follows : Jonah or Jonas, born No-
vember 5, 1700, settled at Newark, New
Jersey ; Hannah, born March 3, 1702 ;
Zachariah, born January 27, 1704; Samuel,
mentioned below; Justus, born December
28, 1707; Ebenezer, born August 16, 1709,
died in infancy ; Sarah, born October,
171 1 ; John, born November, 1713 ; Rachel,
born December 4, 1715; Ebenezer, born
August 16, 1717; Amos, born October 18,
1720; and Charity, born June 6, 1723.
Samuel Hinman, better known as Cap-
tain Samuel Hinman, son of Edward (2)
Hinman, was born in Stratford, Connec-
ticut, in the year 1705. He was by pro-
fession a surveyor, and removed while a
young man to Litchfield, Connecticut, and
there became one of the first proprietors
of Goshen. He served this community in
a number of dififerent capacities, and was
one of the proprietors there who was
commissioned for laying out most of the
early divisions of land. He surveyed a
large part of the surrounding country, and
we have an interesting document in his
first bill for service as a surveyor to the
community, which is dated December 7,
1738. Captain Samuel Hinman was sev-
enty years of age at the outbreak of the
Revolution, yet he enlisted and served as
a soldier in the Continental army during
that momentous struggle. His death oc-
curred at Goshen, in the year 1784. We
are not acquainted with the name of the
wife of Captain Samuel Hinman, but we
have records of their ten children, who
were as follows : Lois, who became the
wife of Norton ; Sarah, born July
5, 1731 ; Wilkinson, born June 8, 1733;
Samuel and Mary, twins, born July 26,
1736; Joseph, mentioned below; Phineas,
born March 21, 1740; Ascher, born March
13, 1742; Lewis, and Wait, born in 1748,
married Mary Howe.
Joseph Hinman, son of Samuel Hin-
man, was born March 7, 1738, at Goshen,
Connecticut, but eventually removed to
Canaan, that State. Not a great deal is
known regarding his career, but it was in
the latter place of abode that his children
were born.
Samuel (2) Hinman, son of Joseph
Hinman, was born at Canaan, Connecti-
cut, and made that place his home during
his entire life. He appears to have been
very active in the community, and played
a considerable part in the life thereof.
Henry L. Hinman, son of Samuel (2)
Hinman, was born April 24, 1817, at
Canaan, Connecticut. Early in life he be-
came associated with the marble indus-
try in that region. He spent about a year
in California, in 1851 and 1852, but re-
turned to the East and continued to en-
gage in the marble business, devoting
most of his time and energy to taking
charge of the great marble quarries at
Canaan, Connecticut, and Sheffield, Mas-
sachusetts. Henry L. Hinman married
Nancy A. Loomis, a native of Sheffield,
Massachusetts, born July 27, 1823. She
was a daughter of Phileder Loomis, who
was born at Egremont, Massachusetts,
09
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
and a granddaughter of Andrew Loomis,
a native of the same place. Phileder
Loomis married Eunice Boardman, a na-
tive of Shefifield, born June 26, 1802, and
died May 10, 1880. Eunice (Boardman)
Loomis was a daughter of Charles and
Ruth (Noble) Boardman, her father hav-
ing been born at Sheffield, May 22, 1770,
removed to Indiana in 1830, and died
there December 4, 1851, and her mother,
born December 7, 1777, and died in Shef-
field, May 28, 1862. Nancy A. (Loomis)
Hinman survived her husband many
years ; his death occurred September 25,
1867, while she lived until September 12,
1910.
William C. Hinman, son of Henry L.
Hinman, was born at Sheffield, Massachu-
setts, November 10, 1846. He was edu-
cated at the "Little Red School House"
of his time. Upon completing his studies
there, he removed from Sheffield to Al-
ford in 1866, where he engaged in the
occupation of farming and continued con-
sistently thereat until the year 1889. In
the latter year he removed to Great Bar-
rington, where he now resides. William
C. Hinman has been very prominent in
the life of the community, and has held
a number of local offices. He was ap-
pointed postmaster of Great Barrington
on October i, 1892, and served continu-
ously until February i, 1914. He married
Mary A. Gates, a native of Louisa, Vir-
ginia, born January 28, 1846. She is a
daughter of Elijah M. Gates, of New Leb-
anon, New York, where he was born De-
cember 4, 1817, and died October 8, 1887,
at Alford. He was in turn a son of Eli-
jah Gates, Sr., and a grandson of Ezra
Gates, who was born near Norwich, Con-
necticut. Ezra Gates was a soldier in the
Revolutionary arm}-, and in early life he
and his young wife went on horseback
from Connecticut to Deerfield, Massachu-
setts, and thence over the now famous
"Mohawk Trail" to New Lebanon, New
York, where they established a home and
spent their lives. Elijah M. Gates, Jr.,
the grandfather of George E. Hinman,
removed the year following his marriage
to Louisa, Virginia, where he spent
eighteen years. He returned to Alford
in 1859, where he purchased the farm
upon which his wife had been born and
spent the remainder of his life there. Wil-
liam C. Hinman was, during the first
three years of his residence at Great Bar-
rington, prominently associated with the
"Berkshire Courier," and for a time was
its editor. He has been a prominent Re-
publican in the district and has served
several years on the board of selectmen.
George Elijah Hinman, only son of
William C. and Mary A. (Gates) Hin-
man, was born May 7, 1870, at Alford,
Massachusetts. He attended the district
school in Alford, and was graduated from
the Great Barrington High School with
the class of 1888. He then began work
for the "Berkshire Courier," remaining
for about three years, and in September,
1891, removed to Middletown, Connecti-
cut, where he became connected with the
"Middletown Herald." In October of the
same year he came to Willimantic, where
he has ever since resided, and there en-
gaged as editor of the "Willimantic Her-
ald." About one year later he became
editor of the "Willimantic Journal," in
which position he served with success for
three years. In December, 1895, having
determined to take up the law as his
career in life, he entered the law office of
William A. King, one of the prominent
members of the Willimantic bar, and who
suljsequently became attorney-general of
the State of Connecticut. Under his able
preceptorship and later in Yale Law
School, Mr. Hinman obtained his legal
education. He was admitted to the Con-
necticut bar in March, 1899, and engaged
110
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
in the general practice of his profession
at Willimantic. In the same year he be-
came assistant clerk of the Connecticut
House of Representatives, and two years
later was made clerk of the House. In
igo2 he was appointed assistant clerk of
the Constitutional Convention, in 1903
became clerk of the Connecticut State
Senate, was clerk of bills in 1905 and
1907, engrossing clerk in 1909, and clerk
of bills in 191 1. In politics he has always
been a consistent and active Republican,
was elected secretary of the Republican
State Central Committee in 1902 and
served continuously and efficiently in
that capacity until 1914, in November of
which year he was elected attorney-gen-
eral of the State of Connecticut for a
term of four years, expiring in January,
1919.
Mr. Hinman has also been active and
prominent in the life of the community
in which he resides. He was for several
years a member and secretary of the town
school committee, and served as a mem-
ber of the Common Council. He was also,
from January, 1903, until January, 1915,
county health officer for Windham coun-
ty. He is a member and former presi-
dent of the Willimantic Chamber of Com-
merce, a director of the Young Men's
Christian Association, and a member of
the State Bar Association. He is a mem-
ber of Cincinnatus Lodge, Free and Ac-
cepted Masons, of Great Barrington ;
Trinity Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ;
Olive Branch Council, Royal and Select
Masters ; and St. John's Commandery,
Knights Templar, of Willimantic, and an
officer of the Grand Commandery,
Knights Templar, of Connecticut, also a
member of Sphinx Temple, Ancient Ara-
bic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,
and the Consistory of Norwich, Scottish
Rite Masons. He is also a member of
Natchaug Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of
Willimantic.
On September 26, 1899, Mr. Hinman
was united in marriage with Nettie P.
Williams, a native of Pomfret, who later
resided at Willimantic, a daughter of
Ralph J. Williams, of the latter place. To
Mr. and Mrs. Hinman two children have
been born : Russell William, January 30,
1907, and Virginia Gates, August 23, 1909.
Mr. and Mrs. Hinman are members of the
First Congregational Church of Willi-
mantic ; Mr. Hinman has served as a su-
perintendent of the Sunday school and
president of the Church Brotherhood, and
Mrs. Hinman is a member of various
women's organizations connected with
the church, and of the Willimantic
Woman's Club.
SMITH, Guilford,
Financier, Public Official.
The branch of the Smith family, repre-
sented in the present generation by Guil-
ford Smith, a leading citizen of South
Windham, traces to Jacob Smith, of Had-
dam and Colchester, Connecticut, who
was a resident of the latter town at the
time of his death, and his remains were
interred in a cemetery there. It is sup-
posed that he w^as an organ builder by
trade. He married, and was the father
of three sons : Simon ; Frederick ; and
Joshua, mentioned below.
Joshua Smith, son of Jacob Smith, was
born in Lebanon, Connecticut, near the
Windham line, and became a resident of
the latter town in early manhood. He
was a weaver by trade, and also a farmer.
During the War of 1812 he made cloth
for soldiers' uniforms. In 1818 he was a
representative from Windham in the Gen-
eral Assembly. He married (first) Laura
Allen, daughter of Amos and Anna (Bab-
cock) Allen. He married (second) Anna
Barodell Allen, sister of his first wife.
The Allen lineage is traced to William
Allen, of Salem, Massachusetts, who died
u
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
in i665. Amos Allen was the son of Amos
and Anna (Dennison) Allen, both of
whom died in 1770. He served three
years as a corporal in the Revolution, and
died in 1778. His mother, Anna (Denni-
son) Allen, was a direct descendant of
Colonel George Dennison, who served in
Cromwell's army, and was afterwards a
noted Indian fighter in Stonington. Colo-
nel Dennison's second wife was Anna,
daughter of John Barodell, who nursed
him back to health after he had been
severely wounded in the battle of Naseby.
Child of the first wife of Joshua Smith :
Myra, became the wife of Colonel George
SpafJord ; children : Marvin, Charles,
Laura, Lora, died in youth. Children of
second wife : Mary, became the wife of
Alfred Kinne, child, Alfred, who settled
in Spafifordville, now South Windham ;
Emily, became the wife of Harvey Win-
chester, children : Arthur S., Edgar C.,
both now in the Smith & Winchester
Company, of South Windham ; Charles,
mentioned below ; Lydia, died unmarried,
at the age of eighty ; Chandler, married
Jane Robinson, child, George, resided in
South Windham.
Charles Smith, son of Joshua Smith,
was born in South Windham, Connecti-
cut, September 14, 1807, and died April
6, 1896. He received his education in the
district school in South Windham. At
the age of thirteen he was left an orphan,
and for the following three years lived
with his uncle, Frederick Smith, of Col-
chester, who was an expert mathema-
tician and became his instructor. He
learned the trades of wheelwright and
millwright in Windham with George
Spafford, and in 1835 was placed in charge
of a force of men employed at Stafford in
building a machine for making paper.
This was the duplicate of a machine im-
ported for papermaking and set up at
North Windham, and was built by Mr.
Spafford and Mr. James Phelps. The
machine proved a success and was sold to
Amos Hubbard, of Norwich. Phelps &
Spafford then established a factory at
South Windham, and retained Mr. Smith
as superintendent. The panic of 1837
crippled the owners, and the business was
purchased by Mr. Smith and Hervey
Winchester, and continued under the
name of Smith, Winchester & Company
until the death of Air. Smith. Since that
time it has been operated by the incor-
porated concern known as the Smith &
Winchester Manufacturing Company. Mr.
Smith was always a very active and ener-
getic business man, and continued in per-
sonal charge of his affairs and the works
until a few years before his death. He
was then succeeded by his son, Guilford
Smith. He was a leading citizen in every
way, and was universally respected for his
industry, sound judgment and upright
character. Upon the formation of the
Republican party he became one of its
members, and continued so throughout
his life. He served as first selectman of
the town, represented it in the General
Assembly, and was always ready to ful-
fill every duty of a patriotic citizen. He
was one of the incorporators of the Wind-
ham National Bank, and continued to be
a director until his death. He attended
the Episcopal church at Windham Centre.
He married, November 3, 1835, at North
Windham, Marietta Abbe, born August
14, 1816, died April 10, 1901. Children:
Guilford, born May 12, 1839, mentioned
below ; Mary, became the wife of P. H.
Woodward, of Hartford, child, Helen, be-
came the wife of the Rev. Stephen Henry
Cranberry, rector of St. Barnabas' Epis-
copal Church, Newark, New Jersey, and
had children: Helen and Mary Emeline.
Guilford Smith, son of Charles and
Marietta (Abbe) Smith, was born May
12, 1839, in South Windham, Connecticut.
112
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
He received his education in the public
schools of his native town and in Hall's
School at Ellington, Connecticut. At the
age of nineteen he entered the of¥ice of
Smith, Winchester & Company as a clerk,
and passed through all the departments.
Upon the death of his father he succeeded
to his position as treasurer and secretary
of Smith, Winchester & Company, and
has always manifested good business abil-
ity. He is president of the present cor-
poration, the Smith & Winchester Manu-
facturing Company. He is also president
of the Windham National Bank of Willi-
mantic, and has been since 1900, and the
successor of his wife's father as director
of the New London & Northern railway.
He is a leading citizen of South Wind-
ham, is active in civil and church affairs,
and represented his town in the General
Assembly in 1883, 1907-11, in addition to
filling various local offices. Both he and
his wife are members of the Ecclesiastical
Society of the Congregational Church of
South Windham, and have contributed
largely to the support of the church.
Mr. Smith married, December 16, 1863,
Mary Ramsdell, born September 5, 1837,
daughter of Thomas and Mary Elizabeth
(Lathrop) Ramsdell, granddaughter of
Isaiah and Clarissa (Collins) Ramsdell,
and great-granddaughter of Abijah Rams-
dell, of Salem, Massachusetts. Thomas
Ramsdell was an active business man,
president of the Windham National Bank,
director of several enterprises, and died
at the great age of ninety-one years. Mr.
and Mrs. Ramsdell were the parents of
two daughters : Anna, born May 18, 1834,
became the wife of Richard Goodwin
Watrous, and Mary, aforementioned as
the wife of Mr. Smith. Mary Elizabeth
(Lathrop) Ramsdell was the daughter of
John and Sybil (Backus) Lathrop. John
Lathrop was the son of the Rev. Benja-
Conn— 3-« I
min Lathrop, a Baptist minister, who
located early in Windham and was noted
for his kindness and charity. He pur-
chased the house erected by John Gates,
the first settler of Windham, and resided
in it for many years. He was a descend-
ant of John Lathrop, who was the second
pastor of the first Congregational church
in England, and was imprisoned for seced-
ing from the Established Church. The
church edifice in which he and his fol-
lowers worshipped is still standing in Low-
throppe, county of Kent, England. He
came to New England in 1634, and was
the first minister of Scituate, Massachu-
setts. He was the common ancestor of all
of the name in this country, and among
his descendants are many noted clergy-
men of New England. Sybil (Backus)
Lathrop was the daughter of John and
Sybil (Whiting) Backus. John Backus
was the son of John Backus, who with his
brother William was among the first six-
teen settlers of Windham, coming from
Norwich. John Backus, Jr., was a brother
of Mary Backus, through whom Mrs.
Guilford Smith traces her ancestry to
Governor Bradford. Mary Backus mar-
ried, December, 1712, Joshua Ripley, born
May 13, 1688, in Windham, son of Joshua
and Hannah (Bradford) Ripley, of Wind-
ham, and the latter named was the daugh-
ter of William Bradford, second deputy
governor, who was a son of Governor
William Bradford. Sybil (Whiting)
Backus was the daughter of the Rev.
Samuel Whiting, first pastor at Wind-
ham, and a son of the Rev. John Whit-
ing, a pastor of the first church at Hart-
ford.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members
of the Society of Mayflower Descendants,
and the latter is identified with the
Daughters of Colonial Governors and
Daughters of the American Revolution.
13
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
CHASE, Charles Edward,
ActiTe Factor in Insurance Circles.
The Chase family, of which Charles
Edward Chase, chairman of the board of
directors of the Hartford Fire Insurance
Company, and a prominent public offi-
cial, is a worthy representative, is of Eng-
lish origin, being among the ancient and
highly honored families of England, the
name being derived undoubtedly from
the French word, Chasser, to hunt. They
are one of the families entitled to bear a
coat-of-arms, described as follows: Gules
four crosses patence argent (two and
two), on a canton azure a lion rampant or.
(I) Thomas Chase, a resident of Ches-
ham, Buckinghamshire, England, the an-
cestral seat of the family from which de-
scends the line herein followed, was active
in community afifairs, married and among
his children was a son, John, through
whom the descent is traced.
(II) John Chase, son of Thomas Chase,
was also a resident of Chesham, there
spent his entire active career, married and
among his children was a son, Matthew,
of whom further.
(III) Matthew Chase, son of John
Chase, also spent his life in Chesham,
honored and respected by his fellow-citi-
zens. He married Elizabeth, daughter of
Richard Bould, and they were the par-
ents of eight children, as follows: Rich-
ard, married Mary Roberts; Francis,
John, Matthew, Thomas, of whom fur-
ther; Ralph, William, Bridget.
(IV) Thomas (2) Chase, fifth son of
Matthew and Elizabeth (Bould) Chase,
was of Hundrich, in Parish Chesham.
where his active and useful life was spent.
He married and was the father of five chil-
dren, born at Hundrich : John, baptized
November 30, 1540; Richard, of whom
further; Agnes, baptized January 9, 1551 ;
William ; Christian.
(V) Richard Chase, second son of
Thomas (2) Chase, was born in Hundrich,
Parish Chesham, England, and baptized
there, August 3, 1542. He was one of the
prominent men of that community, active
and public-spirited, performing well the
duties that fell to his lot. He married,
April 16, 1564, Joan Bishop, who bore
him nine children, born at Hundrich, bap-
tismal dates given : Robert, September 2,
1565 ; Henry, August 10, 1567; Lydia, Oc-
tober 4, 1573 ; Ezekiel, April 2, 1575 ; Dor-
cas, March 2, 1578; Aquila, of whom fur-
ther; Jason, January 13, 1585; Thomas,
July 18, 1586; Abigail. January 12, 1588;
Mordecai, July 31, 1591.
(VI) Aquila Chase, fourth son of Rich-
ard and Joan (Bishop) Chase, was born at
Hundrich, Parish Chesham, England, and
baptized there. August 14. 1580. He was
prominent in community affairs, and
was highly regarded by all with whom
he was brought in contact. He married
and was the father of two children :
Thomas ; Aquila, of further mention.
(VII) Aquila (2) Chase, youngest son
of Aquila (i ) Chase, was a native of Eng-
land, born in 1618, and died in Newbury,
Massachusetts, December 27, 1670. He
was the emigrant ancestor of the family,
but the date of his coming to the New
World is not here recorded ; he was a
resident of Hampton, New Hampshire,
in 1640, from whence he removed to New-
bury, Massachusetts, in 1646, where he
was granted four acres for a house lot,
and six acres of marsh on condition that
he go to sea and do service in the town
with a boat for four years. He was a
mariner, and shipmaster, and the supposi-
tion is that he was employed by his uncle
or brother, Thomas Chase, who in 1626
was part owner of the ship, "John and
Francis." He married Anne, daughter of
John Wheeler, and she bore him nine
children, as follows : Sarah, became the
wife of Charles Annis; Anna, born July
6, 1647; Priscilla, March 14, 1649; Mary,
14
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
February 3, 165 1 ; Thomas, July 25, 1654;
John, November 2, 1655 ; Elizabeth, Sep-
tember 13, 1657; Ruth, March 18, 1660;
Daniel, December 9, 1661 ; Moses, of
whom further. After the death of her
husband, Mrs. Chase married (second)
June 14, 1672, Daniel Mussiloway. Her
death occurred in May, 1688.
(VIII) Moses Chase, youngest son of
Aquila (2) and Anne (Wheeler) Chase,
was born in Newbury, Massachusetts,
December 24, 1663. He was a man of
thrift and enterprise, and provided well
for the necessities of his family. He mar-
ried (first) November 10, 1684, Ann Fol-
lansbee, and (second) December 13, 1713,
Sarah Jacobs. Children, all of first mar-
riage : Moses, born September 20, 1685,
died young ; Daniel, twin of Moses, of
whom further; Moses, January 20, 1688;
Samuel, May 13, 1690; Elizabeth, Septem-
ber 25, 1693; Stephen, August 29, 1696;
Hannah, September 13, 1699; Joseph,
September 9, 1703 ; Nenoni.
(IX) Daniel Chase, one of the twin
sons of Moses and Ann (Follansbee)
Chase, was born in Newbury, Massachu-
setts, September 20, 1685, and died May
28, 1769. Prior to March 26, 1733, he
removed to Sutton, same State, his corn
mill being mentioned in the town records
then, and he is credited with having built
the first corn mill at Pleasant Falls, and
was known as "Miller" Chase. His home-
stead was on the present site of the Sut-
ton Manufacturing Company property.
He married Sarah March, whose death
occurred in December, 1771, aged eighty-
eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Chase were ad-
mitted to the church in 1736 by letter
from the Littleton church, and in 175 1 he
and his wife were among the Separatists
from the Sutton church. Children : Sam-
uel, born September 28, 1707, married
Mary Dudley ; Daniel, of whom further ;
Joshua, born November 9, 171 1 ; Ann, No-
vember 13, 1713, became the wife of David
Lilley, May 25, 1736; Sarah, April 22,
1716; Nehemiah, June 27, 1718; Judith,
September 7, 1720, became the wife of
Thomas Hall, September 15, 1737; Valeb,
November 29, 1722, died October 2, 1808;
Moody, September 3, 1723, married, Jan-
uary 17, 1749, Elizabeth Hall; Moses,
March, 1726, married Hannah, daughter
of Jonas Brown.
(X) Daniel (2) Chase, second son of
Daniel (i) and Sarah (March) Chase, was
born September 18, 1709, in Newbury,
Massachusetts, and died in Sutton, Massa-
chusetts, in May, 1799. He accompanied
his parents to Sutton upon their removal
thither, and there spent his active and
useful life. He married (first) Hannah
Tuttle, of Littleton, Massachusetts, and
(second) January 24, 1782, Martha
Fletcher, of Grafton. Children of first
wife, born at Sutton : Hannah, October
15, 1733, died December 11, 1733: Paul,
of whom further ; Hannah, born January
II, 1737, became the wife of Eliakim Gar-
field, July 3, 1759; Lucy, January 30, 1739,
became the wife of Benjamin Garfield,
November 15, 1764; Anne and Judith,
twins, May i, 1741, Anne died November
I. 1745-
(XI) Paul Chase, eldest son of Daniel
(2) and Hannah (Tuttle) Chase, was
born in Sutton, Massachusetts, March 13,
1735, and died there in 1789. He spent
his entire lifetime in his native town, and
was honored and respected in the commu-
nity. He married, at Sutton, April 17,
1758, Lucy Richardson, who bore him
three children, whose births occurred in
Sutton, namely : Joshua, of whom fur-
ther ; Thaddeus, born February 10, 1763;
Lucy, born May 18, 1766, became the
wife of Daniel Greenwood, Jr.
(XII) Joshua Chase, eldest son of Paul
and Lucy (Richardson) Chase, was born
in Sutton, Massachusetts, November 26,
115
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
1760, and he there spent his entire life-
time. He married, August 23, 1787, Lydia
Prentice, a resident of Sutton, and their
children, born at Sutton, were as follows :
Nancy, February 15, 1789; Paul Cushing,
of whom further; Betty, born February
22, 1792; Hannah Prentice, March 27,
1795. He died at Sutton, Massachusetts,
January 6, 1842.
(XIII) Paul Cushing Chase, only son
of Joshua and Lydia (Prentice) Chase,
was born at Sutton, Massachusetts,
March 6, 1790, and died in Millbury, for-
merly part of Sutton. In addition to the
duties of his daily occupation, he was
chosen by his fellow townsmen to serve
in the offices of highway surveyor, as-
sessor and selectman, and he frequently
served as chairman of the Board of Se-
lectmen. He married, at Millbury, De-
cember 9, 1819, Sally, daughter of Aaron
and Hannah Pierce, and their children,
born at Millbury, were as follows: Leon-
ard Pierce, September 5, 1820; George
Cushing, September 18, 1824, died August
3, 1827; Lewis Stow, August 6, 1826;
George Lewis, of whom further ; Daniel
Moody, July 25, 1832. He died at Mill-
bury, Massachusetts, June 26, 1871.
(XIV) George Lewis Chase, fourth of
the five sons of Paul Cushing and Sally
(Pierce) Chase, was born in Millbury,
Massachusetts, January 13, 1828, and
died in Hartford, Connecticut, January
7, 1908. He attended the Millbury Acad-
emy and thus acquired a practical educa-
tion. His first experience in business life
was as agent of the Farmers' Mutual Fire
Insurance Company of Georgetown, Mas-
sachusetts, whose service he entered at
the age of nineteen years, and later was
elected a member of its board of directors.
At first his labors were confined to the
southern section of Massachusetts and
the eastern section of Connecticut, but
after a short period of time his agency in-
cluded four companies transacting busi-
ness on the mutual plan, one of which,
the Holyoke Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
pany, of Salem, remained in business for
many years. In 1848 he was appointed
traveling agent for the People's Insurance
Company of Worcester, in which capacity
he served until 1852, in which year he
accepted the position of assistant superin-
tendent of the Central Ohio Railway
Company, which necessitated his removal
to the State of Ohio, and later, owing to
his ability and judgment, was advanced
to the position of general superintendent
of the road, and thus served until i860.
He was one of the organizers of the first
association of railroad superintendents in
the United States, the meeting for the
purpose being held in Columbus, Ohio, in
1853. Upon his resignation from the rail-
road business, in i860, Mr. Chase again
entered his former line of work, becoming
the western general agent for the New
England Fire Insurance Company of
Hartford; in 1863 was assistant general
agent of the Hartford Fire Insurance
Company, and in 1867 was advanced to
the position of president of the company,
succeeding Timothy C. Allyn. This com-
pany is one of the oldest in the United
States, and during its existence of more
than a century there has only been six
presidents, Mr. Chase exceeding all in his
length of service — forty-one years — dur-
ing which long period he managed its
affairs in a highly commendable manner,
gaining for the company and himself a
widespread popularity. When Mr. Chase
assumed the presidency of the company,
the office was located on Main street, but
as the accommodations were inadequate
to the volume of business, Mr. Chase sug-
gested the purchase of the property on
the corner of Pearl and Trumbull streets,
and after acquiring the same a handsome
granite building was erected thereon,
16
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
equipped with every convenience and at
that time the finest building devoted to
the insurance business in Hartford. The
company took possession of the building
in 1870, and in 1897 the building was en-
larged by the erection of an addition
which doubled their accommodations,
thus providing the necessary space for the
increase of the business, which was five
times greater than when Mr. Chase as-
sumed the management. He was the first
to employ stenographic and typewriter
service in the insurance business, and he
was the first to suggest the use of the
telephone for communication between the
Hartford, ..^tna and Phoenix offices, this
being the first telephone service in Hart-
ford. In 1892, on the celebration of the
twenty-fifth anniversary of his presi-
dency, he was presented with a silver lov-
ing cup by his associates in the Hartford
Fire Insurance Company, and in June.
1898, the general and special agents of
the company, located in various cities in
the United States, presented him with a
Jurgensen watch. In 1876 he was elected
president of the National Board of Fire
Underwriters, and served many years as
chairman of the committee on legislation
and taxation, was also a trustee and vice-
president of the Society for Savings of
Hartford, trustee of the Connecticut Trust
and Safe Deposit Company, director of
the American National Bank, and was a
leading member of the Hartford Board of
Trade. Mr. Chase was a member of the
Asylum Hill Congregational Church, and
was five times chosen to fill the office of
president of the Connecticut Congrega-
tional Club.
Mr. Chase married (first) January 8,
1851, Calista Mendall Taft, born at Sut-
ton, Massachusetts, May 10, 1826, died
at Hartford, Connecticut, December 9,
1897, daughter of Judson and Sarah B.
(Keyes) Taft. He married (second) Feb-
ruary 14, 1899, Mrs. Louise J. R. Chap-
man ; she died February 2, 1904. He mar-
ried (third) June 21, 1905, Susan DeWitt
Fairbairn, widow; she died May 27, 1916.
Children of first wife: Sarah Isabel, born
June ID, 1852, died December 23, 1893 ;
Charles Edward, of whom further : Nellie
Taft. born November 27, 1859. died April
16, 1866.
(XV) Charles Edward Chase, only son
of George Lewis and Calista Mendall
(Taft) Chase, was born in Dubuque,
Iowa, March 29, 1857. His preparatory
education was acquired in the Haven
Grammar School in Chicago, Illinois, to
which city his parents removed when he
was about six years of age, and he was
a pupil there until 1867 ; he then attended
the West Middle Grammar School in
Hartford, Connecticut, and subsequently
the Hartford High School, from which he
was graduated in 1876, being then presi-
dent of his class. In 1877 he became an
employee of the local agency of the Hart-
ford Fire Insurance Company, and three
years later entered the home office of the
company, serving in various clerical posi-
tions until 1890, a period of ten years. In
July, 1890, he was promoted to the posi-
tion of second assistant secretary, and his
faithful service was rewarded by promo-
tion to the office of vice-president, and in
1908 to the presidency of the company, in
which capacity he served until August,
1913, when he resigned the presidency of
the company and was elected chairman of
the board of directors and still occupies
that position (1917). For thirteen years,
from 1894 to 1907, he was president of
the Hartford Board of Fire Underwriters,
and is a member of the board of directors
of the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance
Company, the Hartford-/Etna National
Bank, also holding the office of chairman
of board of directors of that bank, the
Society for Savings, the Hartford Fire
17
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Insurance Company, and the Hartford
Board of Trade, is president of the Citi-
zens Insurance Company of Missouri, and
president of the Sanborn Map Company
of New York. He is a Republican in
politics, takes an active interest in munici-
pal affairs, and served as a member of the
board of councilmen from the old First
Ward in 1892, and of the board of alder-
men from 1893 to 1895, also as clerk of
the W'est Middle School District. In Feb-
ruary, 1879. ^^ enlisted as a charter mem-
ber of Company K, First Regiment, Con-
necticut National Guard, and occupied
the positions of corporal, sergeant and
first sergeant of the company ; he was
honorably discharged in February, 1888.
He is a member of the Asylum Hill Con-
gregational Church, the Hartford Club,
Hartford Golf Club, Farmington Country
Club, Twentieth Century Club, Bolton
Fish and Game Club, and was formerly a
member of the Republican Club.
Mr. Chase married, in Hartford. June
9. 1886, Helen Smith Bourne, born in
Hartford. January 10, i860, daughter of
Benjamin Alger and Mary (Stannis)
Bourne. Children: i. Genevieve, born
March 4, 1887; attended the Hartford
Grammar School, Miss Barbour's Private
School, Dana Hall, Wellesley College,
being president of the class in the junior
and senior years. 2. Porter Bourne, born
May 27, 1896.
THE TAIT FAMILY,
Manufacturers.
From far away Scotland came Andrew
Tait, founder of the Bridgeport straw-
board manufacturing industry with which
his son, William Tait, and his grandsons,
William Franklin and Andrew Tait, have
had lifelong connection, the firm being
the well known Tait & Sons Paper Comr
pany of Bridgeport. The founder has
long since gone to his reward ; his son,
William Tait, long retired from active
participation in the business, yet resides
in Bridgeport, an honored nonogenarian ;
while the grandsons, William Franklin
and Andrew Tait, are the capable heads
of the business which has been located in
North Bridgeport since 1895, previous to
that year and from 1856, in Trumbull,
Fairfield county, Connecticut.
Andrew Tait, the founder, was born near
Edinburgh, Scotland, January 2~, 1799,
died in Trumbull, Connecticut, January
2"/, 1891, full of years and honors. From a
race of papermakers he inherited a genius
for the business, and through an appren-
ticeship covering a period of seven years
he gained e.xpert knowledge of every de-
tail connected with papermaking. In
1820, on arriving at legal age, he left his
Scottish home and came to the United
States, locating in Morris county. New
Jersey, where for one year he followed
his trade. He then came to Connecticut,
and was in Hartford and other localities
until his marriage in 1822 when Trum-
bull, Fairfield county, became his perma-
nent home. He was engaged by D. & P.
N. Fairchild to erect their paper mill in
Trumbull, fit it with machinery and start
it in operation, but soon after that task
was completed he left their employ and at
Trumbull Center began in a small way to
make paper for bookbinders' use under his
own name. In 1856 he built "Tail's Mill"
in Trumbull, and inaugurated the box-
board or strawboard manufacturing in-
dustry which has flourished under the
Tait name over sixty years. He affiliated
with the Whig party after acquiring citi-
zenship, later joined the Republican party,
and for several terms served Trumbull as
town clerk. Both he and his wife were
members of the Congregational church,
their lives models of industry, frugality
and uprightness.
118
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Andrew Tait married, June 14, 1822,
Bella Ronaldson, who crossed the ocean
to become his bride, the voyage occupy-
ing forty-six days. She died May 22,
1875, and five years prior to her death the
aged couple celebrated their golden wed-
ding day at the Tait mansion in Trum-
bull, many relatives and friends being
bidden to aid in making it a joyous occa-
sion. The husband survived his wife six-
teen years, and died at the age of ninety-
two. They were the parents of two sons
and four daughters : Nancy, married
Plum,b Hoyt, of New York; William, of
further mention; Mary E., married J. M.
Prindle, of Bridgeport; John, a physician
of Meriden, Connecticut; Bella, died in
1851 ; Fannie.
William Tait, eldest son of Andrew and
Bella (Ronaldson) Tait, was born in
Scotland, Hartford county, Connecticut.
He was educated in Trumbull public
schools, and thereafter was taught paper-
making by his father. He continued in
business with his father until 1848, then
the reports of a gold discovery in Cali-
fornia lured him to that State, but two
years as a gold seeker sufficed and he re-
turned to Trumbull. He was then ad-
mitted to a partnership with his father
and together they continued the manu-
facture of strawboard until 1872. Andrew
Tait, the founder, then withdrew and a
representative of the third generation was
admitted. William Franklin Tait, son of
William Tait. Later another son, Andrew
Tait, was admitted and the business was
continued in Trumbull until 1895, when
the plant was located at North Bridge-
port and there remains. The business
was reorganized in 1896 under its present
name. The Tait & Sons Paper Company ;
William F. Tait, president ; William Tait,
vice-president ; Andrew (2) Tait, treas-
urer. Air and steam dried strawboard
was the chief product of the plant, later
boxboard exclusively. The concern again
reorganized in 1916 with William, F. Tait,
president; William Tait, vice-president;
Andrew Tait, treasurer, and Andrew
Clifford Tait, secretary.
William Tait is a veteran of the Civil
War, having served as corporal of Com-
pany D, Twenty-third Regiment, Connec-
ticut Volunteer Infantry, and later as
orderly sergeant of Company C, Fourth
Regiment, Connecticut National Guard.
He is a member of Elias Howe, Jr., Post,
Grand Army of the Republic, of Bridge-
port, and of the Congregational church.
He is now the honored veteran of ninety-
two years, a man loved and respected
wherever known.
William Tait married. May 31, 1848, at
Milford, Connecticut, Grace Camp, born
there September 4, 1831, died January 6,
1917. In 1898 they too celebrated the
golden anniversary of their wedding in
the presence of many friends, children
and grandchildren. Children of Mr. and
Mrs. William Tait: William Franklin, of
further mention ; Andrew, died aged two
years ; Andrew, of further mention ; Eliza-
beth, married Frank Plumb, and has a
daughter Verna.
William Franklin Tait, eldest son of
William and Grace (Camp) Tait, was
born October 27, 1852, in Trumbull, Con-
necticut. He there obtained his early edu-
cation. After completing his studies in
Stratford Academy, he began learning
the papermaking trade with his father
and grandfather in their Trumbull mill,
and in 1872, although yet a minor, he was
admitted to a partnership, his grand-
father retiring. Father and son conducted
the business in Trumbull until 1895, when
they removed to North Bridgeport, the
present location of the plant. Upon the
organization of the Tait & Sons Paper
Company, William F. Tait was made
treasurer, and upon the retirement of his
father succeeded him as president. The
business has ever been a prosperous one,
iig
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
and under the executive management of
the capable grandson of the founder its
place in the manufacturing world has not
become less important. He is a member
of several business and other organiza-
tions, and is a deacon of Olivet Congre-
gational Church.
Mr. Tait married (first) June 6, 1876,
Mary Lattin, who died February 3, 1878,
daughter of Lyman Lattin, of Hunting-
ton, Fairfield county, Connecticut. She
left a daughter, Mary Frances, born Janu-
ary 16, 1878. Mr. Tait married (second)
September 26, 1883, at St. Paul's Church,
Bridgeport, Laura Frances Morris, daugh-
ter of William and Mary Louise Morris,
of Bridgeport. Children : William Cros-
by, born July 31, 1893, died July 14, 1894;
Natalie Crosby, born February 13, 1898.
Andrew Tait, youngest son of William
and Grace (Camp) Tait, was born in
Trumbull, Connecticut, September 21,
1866. After completing his education in
public schools and Park Avenue Institute,
Bridgeport, he became associated with
his father and brother, learned the paper-
making business in all the details there
employed, in 1896 was admitted to a part-
nership, and upon the incorporation of the
business as the Tait & Sons Paper Com-
pany became its secretary. He has con-
tinued in the same business until the pres-
ent and is now treasurer of the company.
He is a member of Olivet Congregational
Church of Bridgeport.
Mr. Tait married, October 9, 1889,
Laura Wilson, born April 15, 1868. They
are the parents of Eloise, Andrew Clifford,
Grace Elizabeth and William Malcolm.
Andrew Clififord is secretary of the com-
pany.
LAKE, Everett John,
Legislator, Lfientenant-GoTernor.
Educated in the classics and in law at
Harvard University, Mr. Lake chose a
business instead of a professional career,
the wisdom of his choice being attested
by his success in a chosen field. Yet
there are many of his friends that believe
he would have been even a greater success
as a lawyer, a profession for which he
studied for a time. In public life, Mr.
Lake has been highly honored and in re-
turn has given to city and State valuable
service, as legislator and lieutenant-gov-
ernor.
Mr. Lake is of the fifth recorded Amer-
ican generation of his family, a descend-
ant of Thomas Lake, who came from Eng-
land in 1748. Portsmouth, England, is
believed to have been his birthplace, the
date 1734. On coming to this country at
the age of fourteen years, he made his
way to Portsmouth, New Hampshire,
later going to Rye in the same State. In
1785 he located with his family on a farm
near Chichester, New Hampshire, on the
road to Pittsfield Village. He married
Mrs. Eunice (Seavey) Davis, who bore
him five sons and three daughters. The
line of descent from Thomas Lake is
through William Lake, his youngest child,
his son, John Lake, his son, Thomas Alex-
ander Lake, father of Everett John Lake,
of Hartford, president of the Hartford
Lumber Company.
Thomas .Alexander Lake ran away from
home at the age of fourteen years to join
the Union army, but only succeeded in
getting into a lot of trouble, although he
reached the front and attached himself to
Company G, Eighteenth Regiment Con-
necticut Volunteer Infantry, as waiter.
His cousin was captain of Company G.
He served as orderly for Captain Warner,
later enlisted in same company, was cap-
tured at Winchester, June 15, 1863, but
escaped and made his way home. Later
he enlisted and served until the war closed.
He was a member of the Connecticut
Legislature as Assemblyman in 1885, and
120
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
State Senator in 1897. He held various
public positions, was energetic, progres-
sive and successful in business, an ex-
tremely useful, public-spirited citizen. He
married, in Woodstock, Connecticut, Mar-
tha A. Cockings, who bore him two
daughters. Sarah M. and Margaret B., and
a son, Everett J.
Everett J. Lake, only son of Thomas
Alexander and Martha A. (Cockings)
Lake, was born in Woodstock, Windham
county, Connecticut, February 8, 1871.
and there received his early public school
education. In 1885 his parents moved to
Stromsburg, Nebraska, where he was
graduated from high school, class of 1887.
He then returned east, entered Worcester
Polytechnic Institute, whence he was
graduated Bachelor of Science, class of
1890. He then entered the junior class of
Harvard University, there receiving the
degree of Bachelor of Arts, class of '92.
He spent the next year at Harvard Law
School, but discontinued legal study in
1893 to engage in business. At Harvard
he played on the "Eleven" and for years
after his graduation always devoted con-
siderable time each season in coaching
the football teams, as he is a football en-
thusiast and a lover of all athletic sports.
He became associated with his father in
the Hartford Lumber Company immedi-
ately after leaving law school, and in 1896
was elected treasurer of the company. In
1901 he was elected president and still
continues the able executive head of a
very prosperous company. From 1903
until 1908 he was president of the Tun-
nel Coal Company, and is a present direc-
tor of the Hartford-^tna National Bank
and director of the Riverside Trust Com-
pany. His business life has been one of
honor and success, his reputation in the
business world unsullied by any ignoble
deed of his.
Mr. Lake had ever taken an active in-
terest in public affairs as a Republican,
and in 1900 he began his official career as
a member of Hartford's board of school
visitors. In 1902 he was elected to repre-
sent Hartford in the Lower House of the
State Legislature, there serving as chair-
man of the important committee appro-
priations. In 1904 he was elected State
Senator from the First Senatorial Dis-
trict, was chairman of the committee on
incorporations, served on other commit-
tees and was an effective worker on the
Senate floor. In 1906 he was the candi-
date of his party for Lieutenant-Governor,
was elected and served his term with
honor. At Harvard he was a member of
the Hasty Pudding Club, the Institute of
1770, and Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
He is affiliated with St. John's Lodge,
Free and Accepted Masons ; Pythagoras
Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; Washing-
ton Commandery, Knights Templar;
Sphinx Temple, Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine ; Consistory, Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite, thirty-second degree ; Lin-
coln Lodge, Knights of Pythias ; and
Charter Oak Lodge, Independent Order
of Odd Fellows.
Mr. Lake married, September 5, 1895,
at Rockville, Connecticut, Eva Louise,
daughter of George Sykes. Children :
Harold Sykes, and Marjorie Sykes. The
Lake home is a handsome mansion at No.
1090 Prospect avenue, from which an ex-
cellent view of Hartford and the distant
hills is unfolded. The grounds are fine
examples of the landscape gardener's art,
while the mansion is a striking example
of Colonial architecture, quite distinct
from the Georgian style known in New
England as "Colonial." Mr. Lake is a
student of Connecticut history, and in his
fine library has about every worth-while
volume which is of value as a reference
work on the history of his native State.
121
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
HART, Harold Gross,
InTestment Broker.
Harold Gross Hart is a member of the
old and distinguished Hart family of Con-
necticut, and a son of A. E. Hart, who is
the subject of extended mention else-
where in this work. An account of the
Hart ancestry is to be found in the sketch
of the elder Mr. Hart, to which the reader
is referred for facts concerning the early
progenitors of the family.
Mr. Hart was born November 4, 1881,
in the city of Hartford, Connecticut, and
was educated in the public schools of that
city. After completing his studies in these
institutions, he attended the New York
Military Academy for a period of three
years and was graduated therefrom in
1899. He followed this with a similar
period spent at the Phillips-Andover
Academy, where he was prepared for col-
lege, and he then entered Trinity College,
Hartford. Here he remained two years
and then entered the employ of the firm
of E. H. Rollins & Sons, of Boston, as a
bond salesman. For nine months Mr.
Hart continued with the firm, and then re-
signed to accept a position with Redmond
& Company, of New York City, with whom
he remained in a similar capacity for three
years. In the year 1908 he severed his
connection with this firm and became
salesman with the J. S. Farlee & Com-
pany concern, and shortly afterwards
opened their branch office at Hartford.
He remained in charge of this office until
191 1, when he withdrew with the inten-
tion of engaging in business on his own
account. Mr. Hart had long desired to
be independent of the business world, and
he now saw his opportunity to establish
himself successfully as an investment
broker in Hartford. This plan he put into
effect, and is now regarded as one of the
most successful men in this line in the
city as well as a substantial citizen and
public-spirited man. He does not con-
fine his activities, however, to his private
business interests, but is associated wi'h
many departments of the community's
life. In so far as the business world goes,
he has even there extended his interest
beyond that of his personal aflfairs and is
now a trustee for the Society for Savings
of Hartford. He is a prominent figure in
the social and club circles of the commu-
nity, is a member of the Society of Trinity
College, of the Hartford Club, the Hart-
ford Golf Club, the Sachem's Head
Yacht Club, the Pine Orchard Club, Calu-
met Club of New York City, the Collec-
tors' Club, the Hartford Gun Club and the
Alumni Association of Trinity College.
Mr. Hart is devoted to outdoor sports and
pastimes as may well be seen from the
list of clubs with which he is associated,
and he takes his recreation in this whole-
some and healthful manner. He was one
of the first members of Troop B, Con-
necticut National Guard, in which he held
the rank of corporal, but was later trans-
ferred to the First Regiment, and held
the rank of first lieutenant and quarter-
master of the Third Battalion. He is now
a member of the Troop B. Association.
On October 21, 1907, Mr. Hart v/as
united in marriage with Helen C. \\'hit-
telsey, a daughter of Edgar C. Whittel-
sey, an old and highly respected resident
of Hartford and a member of a distin-
guished family of that region. To Mr.
and Mrs. Hart one son has been born,
John Robinson Hart. Mr. Hart and his
family are Episcopalians in their religious
belief and attend the Trinity Episcopal
Church in Hartford.
Mr. Hart is that typical American prod-
uct, the self-made man. He has the self-
confidence and ready resource of the man
who has had to care for himself from child-
hood, a familiarity with the world and its
aflfairs that springs from the same thing
122
THE KEVf vijrK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX
jTILDEI-1 FOUKDATIONS
(fC^^-^ ^'h^t^c/^^6
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
and a long course in the stern school of
experience. Yet his sophistication has in
no wise the effect upon him that it does
on small minds of making him cynical, but
touches his large nature only to enrich it
with all the varied vivid tones of life. He
has always kept his mind and spirit pure
and his sense open to new impressions.
At home he is in all environments, the
great and the small alike, a good man,
and he has that democratic outlook, the
shrewd, humorous insight that strips the
mask of pretence from all men and sees
the underlying fact. His is an essentially
friendly nature, vet he is not averse to a
of forty years with Fairchild & Shelton,
the largest soap manufacturing company
of the State of Connecticut. He was em-
phatically the business man, never seek-
ing nor accepting political office, but fond
of the social features of club life, very
genial, friendly and companionable.
He was of early Colonial ancestry, of
the eighth American generation of the
family founded in Stratford, Connecticut,
in 1639 by Thomas Fairchild, a merchant,
who came to New England from London,
England. He died December 14, 1670.
There is on file in the State Library at
Hartford a copy of the marriage contract
bit of an argument and when such arises executed prior to his marriage to his sec-
can very well hold his own with the best. ond wife, Katherine Craig, of London, in
He has a way of pointing his remarks which he binds himself to convey to said
with illustrative tales from his own well Katherine a life estate in his lands at
stocked experience and while these are Stratford or in the event of his death
generally of a humorous "character they before his arrival in New England to cause
are very apt to be so much to the point as to be paid to her two hundred and fifty
pounds sterling. This contract made in
London, December 22, 1662, would indi-
cate that he returned to England for his
second bride. Eight children were born
by his first wife, a daughter of Robert
Seabrook, three by his second wife, Kath-
erine Craig, including a son, Joseph.
Joseph Fairchild was born in Stratford,
Connecticut, April 18, 1664, and died July
whose thoughts are ever busy with the ^5- ^7^3- He married Johanna Willcox-
welfare and happiness of his family. sen, who died August 15, 1713. They
were the parents of ten children, the line
of descent being through Timothy Fair-
child.
Timothy Fairchild was born December
to end discussion. Despite his great
popularity and his own strong taste for
the society of his fellows, he is possessed
of the strongest domestic instincts and
spends as much time as he can manage
in the home, surrounded by his immediate
household and the familiar intimates that
are very near to forming a part of it. He
is a loving husband and a devoted father.
FAIRCHILD, Henry Charles,
Manufacturer.
For half a century identified with the 9, 1687, died November 23, 1726. He mar-
business interests of Bridgeport and one
of the oldest manufacturers in the city,
Henry C. Fairchild, senior member of
Fairchild & Shelton, was an invalid dur-
ing the last few years of his life, spend-
ing a part of each winter in Florida. Four
years prior to his death he retired from
business, thus terminating a connection
ried, November 15, 1715, Sarah Thomp-
son, of New Haven, and they were the
parents of four children, including a son,
Daniel.
Daniel Fairchild was born February 18,
1719, died May 9, 1807. He was one of
the first settlers at North Stratford (now
Trumbull) and lived at Nichols Farms.
123
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
He was a school teacher, merchant, jus-
tice of the peace for many years, and dur-
ing the Revolution an ardent, prominent
patriot, influential in State as well as
town affairs. He married, December 6,
1743, Hepzibah Lewis, daughter of Sam-
uel Lewis, of Old Mill, in the town of
Stratford. They were the parents of
nine children including a son Lewis.
Lewis Fairchild, of the fifth generation,
was born March 14, 1747, died May 10,
1817. He was an influential, substantial
farmer, his farm at Messha Hill in Trum-
bull. He was an ardent patriot during
the Revolution and aided the cause of
liberty in many ways. He married, Sep-
tember 2,2, 1768, Mary UfToot. and one of
his six children was a son Reuben.
Reuben Fairchild was born in 1782,
died October 5, 1855, a resident of Trum-
bull most of his life. He learned the
cabinet maker's trade and was not only
a skilled wood worker but an inventive
genius, several patents being taken out
in his name. In 1810 he took apart an
old saddletree, and after improving it
made a dozen of the new style, had them
ironed and took them to New York City
where they found a ready sale. This so
encouraged him that he took his brother
Eben as a partner, erected a factory at
Nichols Farms and made saddletrees on
a large scale. In May, 1817, the brothers
bought a store and dock property near
the foot of Dock street, Bridgeport, and
operated a line of packets between New
York and Boston, also conducting the
store at the dock. About 1818. they be-
gan the manufacture of saddles in Bridge-
port, associating with them Hanford
Lyon and Lemuel Coleman, under the
firm name, Fairchild, Lyon & Company.
Nine years later the Fairchilds sold out
to their partners, and in 1826 built the
Trumbull paper mills and it was here that
Reuben Fairchild was the first to manu-
facture in America newspaper from wood-
pulp, but was discouraged from continu-
ing to use it by the fears of his business
associates as to its practicability ; he con-
tinued in business until 1835, when he
sold out to his brothers and retired with
a competence. But he found no pleasure
in idle retirement and he next became a
member of the firm Haight, Keeler, Fair-
child & Company, carriage manufacturers
of Bridgeport. He continued so engaged
until 1840, when he again retired to his
farm in Trumbull and there resided until
his death. He married, in Trumbull, in
1813, Anna Hawley, daughter of Robert
Hawley, and one of their children was
Cliailes Nichols
Charles Nicht Is Fairchild was born in
Trumbull, Connecticut, October 27, 1818,
died September 6, 1891. He was edu-
cated in public schools, grew to manhood
at the Nichols Farms homestead, and
though as a young man he learned and
followed carriage building for a few years,
returned to Nichols Farms and was en-
gaged in agriculture until his death. He
was a man of sound judgm,ent and ability,
thoroughly trusted by his community and
often called to public offices of trust and
honor. He was a selectman in 1856-60,
and in 1876 represented Trumbull in the
State Legislature. He was a strong
Democrat, and one of the leaders of his
section. He married (first) Louisa
Beach, who died August 13, 1845, aged
twenty-four, daughter of Alfred Beach,
of Trumbull Centre. He married (sec-
ond) Mary B. Banks, of Easton, Connec-
ticut. By his first marriage two sons
were born: Henry C, of further men-
tion, and Alfred Beach, of Bridgeport.
By his second marriage a daughter, Laura
Frances, and a son, Ervvin Starr.
Henry Charles Fairchild, eldest son of
Charles Nichols and Louisa (Beach)
Fairchild. was born in the village of
124
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Nichols Farms, town of Trumbull, Fair-
field county, Connecticut, July 17, 1842,
died at his home, No. 258 Golden Hill,
Bridgeport, February i, 1917. He was
educated in the public schools of Trum-
bull, and at the age of seventeen he left
school to learn the trade of carriage mak-
ing with J. Mott & Company, of Bridge-
port. He remained in their employ for
nearly three years, after which he worked
for The Wheeler & Wilson Company
until he was twenty-one years of age.
In 1863, he was established in a general
store in Bridgeport as proprietor and
continued a successful merchant until
1872, his brother Alfred B. being in his
employ as clerk from 1863 until 1865. In
1872, Henry C. Fairchild formed a part-
nership with his brother-in-law, John C.
Shelton, in Bridgeport, under the firm
name, Fairchild & Shelton, soap manu-
facturers, chemists and perfumers, whose
excellent products were used all over the
country and whose extensive plant was
operated in a most sanitary and progres-
sive manner. The up-to-date methods in
which the business was conducted was
largely due to the ingenuity and inven-
tiveness of the Fairchilds, inherited from
their progenitor, Reuben Fairchild. Mr.
Fairchild's son, the late Frederick S.
Fairchild, invented and patented the first
soap canister ever made which is one of
the most useful devices on the market for
promoting economy and cleanliness in the
use of toilet soap. Frederick S. Fairchild
died December 20, 1902, at the age of
thirty-eight years. He was a man of
strong business quality, as the Fairchilds
have ever been. In 1913, Henry C. Fair-
child retired, the business passing into
other hands. Mr. Fairchild was a direc-
tor of the City National Bank, trustee of
the Farmers' and Mechanics' Savings
Bank, and had large land interests in
Florida. He was a trustee of Bridgeport
Hospital, of the order, "Founders and
Patriots of America," senior warden of
Christ Episcopal Church, and formerly a
member of several clubs.
Henry C. Fairchild married, December
30, 1863, Mary L. Shelton, daughter of
Joel and Louisa (Mallett) Shelton. Joel
Shelton was a farmer by occupation, and
a natural born mechanic. They were the
Huntington, Fairfield county, family,
founded by Daniel Shelton, of Stratford,
prior to 1690. Daniel Shelton married,
April 4, 1692, Elizabeth Welles, daughter
of Samuel Welles, of Wethersfield, and
granddaughter of Thomas Welles, one of
the Colonial governors of Connecticut.
Fifty years later, December 30, 1913, Mr.
and Mrs. Fairchild celebrated their golden
wedding day with a reception to their
many friends. They were the parents of
a son, Frederick S., born October 19, 1864,
died December 20, 1902. In his will Mr.
Fairchild left a sum of money to the city,
the proceeds to be used as an annual
prize to be awarded to the high school
student showing the best progress and
highest efliciency in chemistry. "This be-
quest in loving remembrance of my son,
Frederick S. Fairchild, who was a gradu-
ate and valedictorian of his class and I
direct that the prize flowing from the said
fund shall be known as the Fairchild
Prize." Mrs. Fairchild, a lady of educa-
tion and womanly grace, survives her
husband, a resident of Bridgeport.
SHELTON, John C,
Manufacturer, Public Official.
The late John C. Shelton, who ranked
among the enterprising and successful
business men of Bridgeport, and who was
a leading spirit in some of the important
movements for the benefit of the com-
munity, was a native of Huntington, Con-
necticut, born July 8, 1853, son of Joel and
12:
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Louisa (Mallett) Shelton, and a descend-
ant, on the maternal side, of an old Fair-
field county family, the members of which
trace their ancestry to French Huguenots,
who settled in this country early in its
history.
John C. Shelton was reared and edu-
cated in his native town, and at the age
of fifteen took up his residence in Bridge-
port, in which city he resided for the re-
mainder of his days. His first employ-
ment was with his uncle, in whose service
he acquired a good knowledge of busi-
ness methods and principles. In 1872 he
form,ed a copartnership with Henry C.
Fairchild, his brother-in-law, under the
firm name of Fairchild & Shelton, manu-
facturers of soap, and he was a member
of that firm at the time of his decease,
which occurred in Bridgeport, Connecti-
cut, November 7, 1902. In 1887 the firm
suffered a serious loss by fire, which de-
stroyed their entire plant which was lo-
cated on Thompson street, but, both part-
ners being possessed with pluck, perse-
verance and the faculty of making the
best of conditions, they continued their
operations, and in the following year
erected a factory on Housatonic avenue,
Bridgeport, equipped with everything
needful for the successful conducting of
their line of trade. Success crowned their
efforts, and they were classed among the
successful industries of that thriving city.
In addition to his business pursuit, Mr.
Shelton took an active interest in public
affairs, and served in the capacities of
selectman, park commissioner, member
of the Board of Aldermen, Board of Ap-
portionment and Taxation, and Board of
Education, in all of which he rendered
signal service. He was a staunch adher-
ent of the Republican party, believing
that its policy was for the best form of
government. The Shelton School in the
northern part of Bridgeport was named in
honor of Mr. Shelton's father, and the
Mr. Shelton of this review donated the
Seth Thomas clock which ornaments the
tower of the structure. Mr. Shelton was
a thirty-second degree Mason, and a mem-
ber of various other associations.
Mr. Shelton married Jennie Watson, a
daughter of James Watson, and her death
occurred in 1898. They were the parents
of the following named children : Jean,
Anna and Philo. Mr. Shelton was a man
of jovial disposition, and when those
about him were depressed or in trouble
he could be relied upon to relieve the
situation with jocose remarks or humor-
ous stories. He was kind-hearted, philan-
thropic, and always ready to assist in
cases of distress, rnd his decease was a
great loss to his family, his friends and
the community in which he took so active
an interest.
HOWES, William T.,
Business Man.
A man of quiet modesty and unassum-
ing manner, yet withal a man of forceful
character and strong will, William T.
Howes, of Bridgeport, acted well his part,
built up an important commercial enter-
prise and for half a century gave his
strength to its upbuilding and develop-
ment. Forty-six of his sixty-nine years
were spent as a member of the great coal
dealing firm, Wheeler & Howes, and at
his death he was president of the corpora-
tion. While Wheeler & Howes was a
household name in Bridgeport, they
gained State and National fame through
their determined and finally successful
fight against the oppression of the New
Haven railroad in the day when that
corporation was all powerful and reckless
in the use of its power. In John W.
Wheeler and William T. Howes, kindred
spirits, the railroad company found two
126
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iTlLDi^iJ fC
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
men who would fight to the last ditch in
the defense of their rights as they saw
them and who when beaten at almost
every point in the then subservient Con-
necticut courts gathered their resources
and carried their cause to the last tri-
bunal, the Supreme Court of the United
States. Before that august body the cor-
poration was powerless, determination
and justice prevailing easily over cor-
porate greed and injustice. This was not
only a great victory for Wheeler &
Howes but a great moral victory and
marked the final turning of the tide of
public opinion, ending the subservience
of the courts and legislative bodies to cor-
porate influences.
There were other things in the life of
William T. Howes besides the founding
and development of a great commercial
enterprise, but not so well known to the
general public. Few knew of the kindly
assistance he rendered to the struggling,
for it was all done in his usual unostenta-
tious way, only the recipients knowing
of his benefactions. He took a quiet in-
terest in city affairs, but never was iden-
tified with political life. His advice was
freely sought and as freely given, and he
could have been easily elected mayor, yet
he steadily refused that honor, though
often pressed, but what he gained in free-
dom from political turmoil and strife
meant the city's loss in honest business-
like administration.
William T. Howes was born at Sag
Harbor, Long Island, New York, son of
Captain William B. Howes and Harriet
(Thorpe) Howes. His life from his
twelfth year was spent in Bridgeport,
Connecticut, where he died July lo, 1914,
aged sixty-nine years and seven months,
one of the best known veterans of busi-
ness life. In 1868 he became a partner
in the newly formed firm, Wheeler &
Howes, and from its feeble start was one
of the active members and hardest work-
ers. Success attended his efforts and
Wheeler & Howes became the leading
concern of its kind in the city. While the
leading specialty was coal, Wheeler &
Howes branched out into different lines
and were also wholesale and retail dealers
in flour, feed, mason's building materials,
blue stone, drain pipe and fertilizers.
Their warehouses, coal shutes and docks
covered three acres, and a trade was es-
tablished with all parts of Bridgeport and
with surrounding localities. Their coal
yards and large river frontage were on
Sterling and Noble streets, a four-story
brick building at the corner of Knowlton
and Crescent streets was used for grain,
flour and building materials, and a
branch office maintained on Main street.
All this did not come at once, but was
the culmination of forty-six years of hard
work by the two men whose names be-
came familiar ones in Bridgeport,
Wheeler & Howes. At the time of his
death Mr. Howes was the honored head
of the corporation, although he had sur-
rendered many of the heavier burdens to
his capable son, William E. Howes, vice-
president of the company, and since his
father's death treasurer.
This was the lifework of William T.
Howes and well was it performed, a work
that did not crumble and pass away, but
founded on the rock, public confidence,
was enduring in its nature. He was a
man who with singleness of purpose
pressed forward to the realization of his
ambition and allowed nothing to divert
him. He was emphatically a business
man and of the best New England type,
yet he was not a man of sordid views or
sordid nature, but freely as he received
freely he gave and his benefactions were
many although little known. He won a
host of friends among the worthiest and
all admired the quiet, forceful man, who
127
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGR.\PHY
while strictly attending to his own busi-
ness was never so much engrossed in his
own affairs that he would not stop to aid
a friend with advice if it was asked for.
His judgment was sound and his advice
valued, but he never obtruded his views
upon others, neither did he ever refuse
them to one who sought them. He was
honorable and upright in all his dealings,
mindful of the rights of others and cour-
ageous in the defense of his own. The
lesson of his life is plain, and teaches
that industry and singleness of purpose
lead to success. Mr. Howe enlisted (on
a call of one hundred days) July lo, 1864,
in Company B, Twenty-eighth Regiment,
New York State Militia, served his full
time, and was honorably discharged, No-
vember 13, 1864.
Mr. Howes married, in 1871, Ida F.
Hinckley. Mrs. Howes died June 10,
1905. They were the parents of two
daughters and a son : Harriet F., mar-
ried Dr. D. C. DeWolfe, and A. Florence
Howes, an artist, both residing in Bridge-
port ; William E. Howes, his father's
business associate and successor, married
Fannie Elizabeth Pierce, and they also
live in Bridgeport.
IVES, WUliam Birdsey,
Business Man.
The passing of William Birdsey Ives,
of Meriden, Connecticut, marked the re-
moval of the last of the children of Wil-
liam Jackson Ives from scenes with which
the Ives family has been prominently
associated for more than two centuries.
Ives, one of the time-honored of New
England names, was brought to the Mer-
iden section by John Ives, son of William
Ives, the latter born in England in 1607,
and a settler in New Haven, Connecticut,
in 1639. John Ives, son of William Ives,
seems to have been the first of the family
born in New England. He was among
the early settlers in that part of the town
of Wallingford, now Meriden, Connecti-
cut, and devoted his life to farming. His
eight children were all born in Walling-
ford. John (2) Ives, son of John (i) Ives,
was born at the home farm in what is now
Meriden, November 16, 1669, and died
there in 1738. He married, Decem.ber
6, 1693, Mary Gillette, and had a family
of eleven sons and daughters, the sixth
child a son, Lazarus Ives, born in what is
now Meriden, February 19, 1703, married
(first) January 5, 1740, Mabel Jerome.
The given name of his second wife was
Isabella, who was the mother of Amasa
Ives, born in what is now Meriden,
March 14, 1743, and there resided all his
life. He married Rebecca Ward, who
bore him a son, Watrous Ives, who mar-
ried, September 15, 1809, Polly Yale, a
descendant of Captain Thomas Yale, and
reared a family of ten children, the last
two, twin daughters, born February 28,
1833-
William Jackson Ives, third child of
Watrous and Polly (Yale) Ives, was born
in Meriden, Connecticut, July 28, 1815,
died in the city of Meriden, May 16, 1887,
and was buried in East Cemetery. Reared
on the home farm, and educated in the
public school, he passed an uneventful
early life, but upon attaining manhood he
forsook the farm and became a salesman
for Parker & White, traveling by team
through the South. That he was a good
salesman may be inferred from the fact
that he received $100 monthly and all ex-
penses as compensation. Later he in-
vested in a plant in Meriden and manufac-
tured suspender webbing until burned
out. He next established a general store
in Benton, Alabama, which he conducted
successfully alone, later admitting his
brother. Stephen Ives, and William Sayre
as partners. He spent most of his time
128
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
in the North purchasing goods and man-
aging his farm, the Southern business
being well managed by the partners. The
Civil War wrecked their business, and in
addition Mr. Ives sustained a personal
loss of $80,000 caused by the burning of
the town by Union troops. Thereafter
he confined his operations to Meriden and
developed his farm as a stock raising
property. He was a lover of fine horses,
and during his career bred and reared
many fine blooded animals which were
sold at high figures. He was very charit-
able, gave liberally to church and philan-
thropy, was of such well known ability
and integrity that he was called upon to
administer many estates, and in his home
life was a devoted husband and father.
He was a Democrat in politics, served
his city as councilman, alderman and
street commissioner, declining the nomi-
nation for mayor. He married, Septem-
ber I, 1841, Lucy Julia Birdsey, born in
Meriden, a woman of great force of char-
acter and the embodiment of every Chris-
tian virtue. She was a daughter of Ger-
shom (2) and Lucy (Coe) Birdsey, and
grandaughter of Gershom, and Hannah
(Bartlett) Birdsey, he the son of John
(i) Birdsey, born in Reading, Berkshire,
England, who came to New England in
1636, settling at Milford, Connecticut, in
1639. In the maternal line Mrs. Ives also
traced descent to Thomas Welles, a Colo-
nial governor of Connecticut. William
Jackson and Lucy Julia (Birdsey) Ives
were the parents of five children : Wil-
liam Birdsey, of further mention ; Ellena
Lucy, deceased; Elizabeth, died young;
Carrie, died young; George W., deceased.
William Birdsey Ives, eldest son of
William Jackson and Lucy Julia (Bird-
sey) Ives, was born in Meriden, Connec-
ticut, October 27, 1843, died at the Ives
homestead on Broad street, Meriden,
January 9, 1917. His education was be-
Conn— 3-9 I
gun in the old East Side public school, and
completed in old Meriden Academy, Suf-
field School, Suffield, Connecticut, and
Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie,
New York. His first venture in business
was as a groceryman in partnership with
R. T. Cooke, the store conducted by Ives
& Cooke now being known as the F. L.
Yale store on East Main street, Meriden.
After retiring from the grocery business,
he purchased the Meriden House block,
and for a number of years made his home
in the Meriden House, but spent a great
deal of time in travel, accompanied by his
wife. He owned the Meriden House and
block for thirty years, but in May, 1915,
he sold it and thereafter resided in the old
Ives homestead on Broad street. In his
earlier years, Mr. Ives was fond of the
sports of forest and stream, and being a
member of the Metabechowan Fish and
Game Club he spent many of his summer
seasons hunting and fishing in Canada.
He was a member of the Masonic order,
a charter member of the Highland Coun-
try Club and a member of the Home Club.
In later years he spent his summers at
Crescent Beach in East Lyme, Connecti-
cut, where he owned a summer home,
"Meer-Heim." He was an attendant of
the First Baptist Church of Meriden, and
in his will generously remembered that
church. He is buried in Walnut Grove
Cemetery.
Mr. Ives married (first) S. Clarissa
Rutty, of Meriden. He married (second)
Rhoda J. Birdsey, who survives him (see
Birdsey).
(The Birdsey Line).
The Birdsey family is among the earl-
iest implanted ,in Connecticut. John
Birdsey, a native of Reading, Berkshire,
England, came to Boston, Massachusetts,
in 1636, bringing or accompanying his
adult sons. He settled at Milford, Con-
necticut, in 1639, and was one of the first
29
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGIL^PHY
planters there; died 1649. It is supposed
that he had sons, Edward, Joseph and
John (2). The last named was born 1616,
and died in Stratford, Connecticut, April
4, 1690. He married Philippa, daughter
of Rev. Henry Smith, and their son, John
(3) Birdsey, was born March 28, 1641,
died July 9, 1697. His will is found in
Fairfield. He married, December 11,
1669, Phoebe \\'ilcoxson, and they were
the parents of Abel Birdsey, born No-
vember 30, 1679, died May 14, 1747. His
first wife, Comfort, daughter of John
Welles, granddaughter of John Welles,
great-granddaughter of Thomas Welles,
died June 29, 1717, and was the mother of
John (4) Birdsey, born September 26,
1712, died June 5, 1798. It is probable
that John (4) Birdsey was twice married,
as the Stratford records speak of his wife,
Hannah, while the Middletown records
give her name as Sarah. His will was
proved September 24, 1798, at Middle-
town. His son, Gershom Birdsey, born
November 21, 1734, died November 17,
1789. His marriage, according to the
family records, was to Hannah Bartlett,
on November 12, 1772, although the Mid-
dletown records place it one year earlier.
Gershom (2) Birdsey, son of Gershom
(i) and Hannah (Bartlett) Birdsey, born
December 29, 1776, resided in Middle-
field and Meriden, and died in the latter
place, March 13, 1865. He married Lucy
Coe, born March 7, 1779, died 1863,
daughter of Captain Eli Coe. Their
daughter, Lucy Julia Birdsey, born Feb-
ruary 6, 1824, became the wife of William
Jackson Ives, of Meriden (see Ives).
Edwin Birdsey, third son of Gershom (2)
and Lucy (Coe) Birdsey, born April 3,
1816, in Middlefield, Connecticut,died De-
cember 21, 1888, in Meriden, Connecticut.
At the age of one year he removed with
his parents to Meriden, where he was
reared on the old Birdsey homestead and
followed agricultural pursuits the better
part of his life ; he was a Democrat in
politics, and sheriff of Meriden for many
years. He married Lavinia Maria Bailey.
They were the parents of Rhoda J. Bird-
sey, who became the wife of William
Birdsey Ives, of Meriden (see Ives).
BUCKINGHAM, Edward T.,
La^ryer, Pnblic OfBcial,
From his first coming. Mr. Buckingham
so strongly impressed his individuality
upon the electorate of his adopted city as
a lawyer and city official that in 1909 he
was elected chief executive, being one of
the youngest mayors in the country to
govern a city of the size and importance
of Bridgeport. The office at that time
carried unusually heavy responsibilities,
and although he did not escape criticism
— as what public official does — he gained
many new friends, retained his old ones
and left the mayor's chair higher in public
esteem and confidence than when he en-
tered it notwithstanding the trying con-
ditions under which his administration
labored. This test of character and
ability passed with honor, he returned to
the practice of his profession, and has be-
come one of the leading members of the
Fairfield county bar.
Mr. Buckingham is of the ninth gener-
ation of the family founded in America by
Thomas Buckingham, who sailed from
London, England, and arrived at Boston,
June 26, 1837. The following year he was
in New Haven, Connecticut, and later
settled in Milford. From Thomas Buck-
ingham, the founder, the line of descent
follows through his son, Samuel ; his
second son, Samuel (2) ; his son, Samuel
(3); his son, Jared; his son, John; his
son, Lucius E. ; his eldest son, Walter T. ;
his son, Edward T. Buckingham, of
Bridgeport.
130
iLCiuhfiM /. ff X^^^cdi^^'f'^^
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ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Walter T. Buckingham was born in
Dover, Dutchess county, New York, Oc-
tober 25, 1841, died in Bridgeport, Con-
necticut. His business career was varied
by frequent change of location and line
until 1881, when he settled in Bridgeport.
He was an expert accountant, was the
first clerk of the city of Norwalk in 1869,
and for eight and a half years was deputy
collector of customs for the port of
Bridgeport. He was an ardent Democrat,
and a member of Connecticut's oldest
Masonic Lodge, King Solomon, No. i, of
Woodbury, of which he was secretary as
long as he remained in that city. In
Bridgeport he was affiliated with St.
John's Lodge, No. 4, and held in high re-
gard by his brethren. He married, No-
vember 8, 1865, Helen E. Tolles, daughter
of Robert Tolles, of Plymouth, Connecti-
cut. They were the parents of a daugh-
ter, Ida E., wife of T. W. Joyce, of Bridge-
port, and of a son, Edward T., of further
mention.
Edward T. Buckingham was born in
Metuchen, New Jersey, May 12, 1874, his
father at that time being superintendent
of railroad construction in that section.
In 1881 his parents moved to Bridgeport,
Connecticut, where he attended Grand
street grade and Bridgeport High schools,
graduating from the latter with the class
of 1891. A strong and healthy boy, he
developed under the best home influences
both the intellectual and physical sides of
his nature, and there being no obstacle to
prevent, he pressed steadily forward
toward the goal of his ambition, a legal
education and a life of public service.
He was equally interested in books and
athletics, played hard and studied hard,
learned considerable of history and biog-
raphy, and entered college well developed
mentally and physically. He entered Yale
University in 1891, taking the academic
course, received his Bachelor of Arts de-
gree in 1895, entered Yale Law School,
and was graduated Bachelor of Laws,
class of '97. The following year he be-
gan practice in Bridgeport, where he has
continued in his profession until the pres-
ent time (1917). He is a member of the
County and State Bar associations, has a
large practice and serves an influential
clientele.
A Democrat in politics, Mr. Bucking-
ham has ever taken a keen interest in
public affairs and has realized another
ambition in the prominent part he has
played in city affairs. He was elected
justice of the peace in 1898, reelected in
1900, was elected city clerk in 1901 and re-
elected in 1903 by a majority of 2,535, 'the
largest ever given a city clerk. Reelec-
tions followed in 1905 and 1907, his ad-
ministration of the city clerk's office giv-
ing complete satisfaction. At the expira-
tion of his term in 1909 he was "called
higher" and by the largest majority ever
given a candidate for that office, 3,034,
was chosen mayor of Bridgeport. He
was mentioned as a candidate for gov-
ernor in 1910, but withdrew his name and
seconded the nomination of Hon. Simeon
E. Baldwin, the successful candidate. He
was appointed, October i, 1913, by Gov-
ernor Baldwin, Workmen's Compensation
Commissioner for the Fourth Congres-
sional District of Connecticut, a position
he still holds (1917). He is one of the
strong men of his party in the city, and
has gained influential position among
State leaders.
In fraternal orders he has attained
many honors, being past master of St.
John's Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons,
and is a thirty-second degree Mason of
the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite : past
sachem of Wowopon Tribe, Improved
Order of Red Men ; past great sachem of
the State order, elected in May, 191 1;
member of Bridgeport Lodge, Benevolent
31
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
and Protective Order of Elks ; Samuel H.
Harris Lodge, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows ; the Fraternal Order of Eagles ;
the Foresters of America ; and the
Knights of Pythias. He is a member of
the Arion Society, the Germania Society
and the Young Men's Christian Associ-
ation, taking an active interest in all. In
religious faith he is a Congregationalist.
The love of athletic sports which distin-
guished his youth was continued through-
out his college years, and out-of-door life
still has a deep attraction for him. At
college he was pitcher on the Law School
team, and in the various City Hall teams
he was always in demand. He is also an
expert at tennis, and displays several
trophies won in city and State tourna-
ments.
Mr. Buckingham married, June 3, 1910,
Bessie R. Budau, daughter of John and
Annie (Russell) Budau, of Bridgeport,
and granddaughter of John Diederick
and Louise Jane (French) Budau, her
grandfather born in Lubeck, Germany,
October 14, 1817, came to the United
States in 1833, finally settled in Bridge-
port, Connecticut, where he lived to an
honored old age. He died November 2,
1888, and was buried with Masonic
honors. His wife, Louise Jane (French)
Budau, who died in very old age, was a
daughter of Wheeler French, and grand-
daughter of Gamaliel French, a Revolu-
tionary soldier whose name is inscribed
upon the tablets erected by the Daughters
of the American Revolution at the gate-
way of the old Stratfield burying ground
in Bridgeport. Mr. and Mrs. Bucking-
ham are the parents of two sons, Russell
B. and Edward T. (2).
From his own experiences and observa-
tion, Mr. Buckingham has this advice to
give young men to which class he as yet
belongs: "Be moderate and temperate,
but do not try to be too prominent, mingle
and rub elbows with successful men and
get their ideas. Relax — wherever it is
possible and be ready at all times to listen
to reason and profit by the experience of
others. Make your dealings with men
open and fair, be honest with yourself
and you will be honest with others. Re-
tain old friendships when you make new
ones, remembering that most of the suc-
cesses of life are attained by assistance
from others and that by yourself and
your own strength little can be accom-
plished."
WHEELER, George Wakeman,
Jurist.
Prior to 1883, change of scene and en-
vironment marked the life of Judge
George W. Wheeler, justice of the Su-
preme Court of Errors of Connecticut,
the State of Mississippi claiming him as
a native son, the State of New Jersey the
home of his youth, Connecticut educating
him for his profession, and then adopting
him, as one of her eminent sons. The city
of Bridgeport was the scene of his early
professional endeavor, and there his par-
ticular talents developed and he won a
name which justified his appointment to
the Superior Court of the State at the
age of thirty-two, the youngest judge to
ever sit in that august body. His ances-
try accounts for a predilection for a pro-
fession, as the same scholarly instincts
have appeared in the three preceding
generations. Stephen Wheeler, of Eas-
ton, was a judge of the Fairfield County
Court ; his son, Charles Wheeler, was a
member of the Connecticut House of As-
sembly, a man of education and worth ;
his son, George W. Wheeler, was a grad-
uate of Amherst College, class of '56,
principal of a large school at Woodville,
Mississippi, 1857-68, and a judge of the
Court of Common Pleas of Bergen coun-
32
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ty, New Jersey, residing in Hackensack lawyer's problem — "where and how to be-
from 1868 until the present time (1917). gin practice." Mr. Wheeler solved his
Judge George W. Wheeler married Lucy problem by selecting Bridgeport, Con-
Dowie, daughter of Henry Dowie, of necticut, as his location, and a partnership
Andes, New York, they the parents of as a manner of obtaining an introduction.
Judge George Wakeman Wheeler, of He joined with Howard J. Curtis in form-
Bridgeport. Granting the influence of ing the law firm of Wheeler & Curtis, and
heredity and environment, so much re- for ten years that firm continued a suc-
mained for individual eiifort to accom- cessful existence, only dissolving when
plish that it has been only by close appli- both partners were "called higher," Mr.
cation and deep study that Judge Wheeler Curtis to the Comm.on Pleas bench, Mr.
has won his way to high position. As a
lawyer he was noted for the careful pre-
paration of his cases and during his ten
years of practice in Bridgeport that qual-
ity, more than his talent, learning and elo-
quence, won him several notable cases.
His career as a jurist has been marked by
the same quality, his decisions and opin-
Wheeler to the Superior Court of Connec-
ticut.
During the years 1890-92, Mr. Wheeler
was city attorney of Bridgeport, and on
February 28, 1893, was appointed a judge
of the Superior Court of Connecticut by
Luzon B. Morris, Democratic Governor
of the State. Although Judge Wheeler
ions only being issued atter convincing was the youngest man ever appointed to
proof that they are in accord with the
law. Fairness, courtesy and considera-
tion distinguish his official intercourse
with every member of the bar who ap-
pears before him, and his love of justice
amounts to a passion.
George Wakeman Wheeler, eldest son
of Judge George W. and Lucy (Dowie)
W^heeler, was born in Woodville, Missis-
sippi, December i, i860, and there the
first four years of his life were passed. In
1868 his parents returned North, settling
in Hackensack, New Jersey, where he at-
tended public schools and Hackensack
Academy, receiving a diploma from the
Academy in 1876. The following year
was spent at Williston Seminary, where
he was graduated with the class of 1877.
He entered Yale Academy in 1877 '^"^
graduated in the class of 1881. He chose
the law as his profession, entered Yale
Law School in 1882, after a course of
study under Garret Ackerson, of the Ber-
gen county. New Jersey, bar, and was
graduated Bachelor of Laws, class of '83.
He was then confronted with the young
the Superior bench of the State, his choice
gave general satisfaction to the bar, and
the press of Connecticut favorably com-
mented upon the Governor's action. Re-
publican Governors have confirmed the
wisdom of the appointment by renaming
him, and until September 28, 1910, he
ably filled his high office, only to leave it
to become upon that date a justice of the
Supreme Court of Errors, his present
ofifice. He is held in the highest esteem
as a learned, just and upright judge by
the profession and possesses the perfect
confidence of the public. Judge Wheeler
had been an active, ardent Democrat
prior to his elevation to the bench, and is
yet strong in the faith, but with the as-
sumption of judicial position his activity
ceased. He is a member of the various
bar associations, and scientific societies,
and gratifies the social side of his nature
in association with his many friends
through the medium of club membership
in Bridgeport and elsewhere. He retains
his residence at Bridgeport, his home No.
115 Park avenue.
133
EXCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Judge Wheeler married, July 5, 1894,
Agnes M. Alocy. They have a daughter,
Helen Lucy, a student in Vassar, 1919,
and a son, George Mocy Wheeler.
GOODSELL, Zalmon,
Enterprising Citizen.
There are few men of the present day
whose activity has found more varied
ways of expression or who have lived a
more useful life than Zalmon Goodsell,
of Bridgeport. While his early inclina-
tion was for a business career, he has
from boyhood been connected with
Bridgeport's business life, and is the head
of a prosperous concern. Mr. Goodsell
has been associated with all movements
of a public nature, and in fraternity,
Board of Trade, Builders' Exchange, he
has freely used his personal influence and
his ability as a speaker and writer to fur-
ther the interests of each. As president
of the Board of Trade, his administration
was characterized by unusual activity,
and the board became a useful and thor-
oughly progressive body. While presi-
dent of the Builders' Exchange, the mem-
bership increased from ten to over eighty,
while his year as president of the Master
Plumbers' Association marked one of the
most prosperous periods of its existence.
In brief, he is one of the men who can be
depended upon to do all in his power to
aid every worthy cause, and freely to
give of his time and his influence.
Mr. Goodsell is a great-grandson of
Sergeant Epaphras Goodsell, a soldier of
the Revolution, who was a son of the Rev.
John Goodsell, son of Thomas Goodsell,
the first of the name in New England.
Rev. John Goodsell was born in East
Haven, Connecticut, December 21, 1706,
and was ordained May 18, 1726, pastor of
the church at Greenfield, Fairfield county,
Connecticut. There he labored for the
spiritual uplift of his people for thirty
years, and died December 26, 1763. He
married, July 20, 1725, Mary Lewis,
daughter of Captain James Lewis, of
Stratford, Connecticut, a descendant of
Governor Thomas Welles.
Epaphras Goodsell, son of the Rev.
John and Mary (Lewis) Goodsell, was
born in 1742. and in 1776 enlisted with his
three brothers in Captain Dimon"s com-
pany of Fairfield. On January i, 1777, he
enlisted in Captain Mills' company, Sec-
ond Regiment, Connecticut Line, fought
at Monmouth and sufifered at Valley
Forge. Zalmon Goodsell, son of Sergeant
Epaphras Goodsell, was the father of
Epaphras B. Goodsell, who, for eight
years, 1853-61, was postmaster of Bridge-
port and mayor of the city in 1871-72-73.
He married Eliza Butts.
Zalmon (2) Goodsell, son of Epaphras
B. and Eliza (Butts) Goodsell, was born
in South Kent, Connecticut, March 19,
1845, but spent many years of his boy-
hood at the home of his grandfather, Zal-
m.on Goodsell, at Brookfield, where he
attended the public schools. Later he at-
tended high school in Bridgeport, and fin-
ished his studies at the private school of
Rev. Mr. Noble, at Brookfield. It was his
father's wish that his son enter the min-
istry, but his inclination was all for a
business career, and his own wishes pre-
vailed. His first position was as clerk in
the grocery of Andrew Nash, in Bridge-
port, his next at the railroad station,
where he was in charge of the newsstand.
At the newsstand he made the acquaint-
ance of many of the city's business men,
among them Nathaniel Wheeler and Wil-
liam D. Bishop, both of whom took a
deep interest in the boy. Through Mr.
Wheeler's influence he obtained a good
position in the Wheeler & Wilson factory,
but left it to go into business with
\\"heeler Beers. At the end of a vear.
134
c>^^i.,e_^^
PUB'":nBFARY|
[TILD •■
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ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
with the financial aid of his friend, Wil-
liam D. Bishop, he bought out Mr. Beers,
and continued in the same business until
1875, part of that time as a member of
the firm of Bradbury, Goodsell & Wilmot.
After withdrawing from that firm in 1875,
he resumed business independently, first
on Fairfield avenue, later on Main street,
then locating on Water street. There he
conducted a prosperous steam heating
and plumbing business, built up a large
fire insurance agency, and dealt largely
in real estate. He has ably conducted his
private business, and in its various
branches has won material success.
Mr. Goodsell's connection with the
bvisiness world has extended far beyond
the limits of his private affairs. From
the date of his own membership he took
a deep interest in the work of the Bridge-
port Board of Trade, of which he is a
charter member. He was also a member
of the State Board of Trade, acting as
vice-president under Lieutenant-Governor
Dewell, and when the latter resigned, Mr.
Goodsell was elected president, which
ofifice he held two years. He served on
the "good roads" committee, and repre-
sented the board at the Pan-American
Conference held in Philadelphia. In be-
half of "good roads" he appeared several
times before a committee of the Legisla-
ture to advocate the improvement of pub-
lic highways and other matters in which
the board was interested. As a repre-
sentative of the Bridgeport Board of
Trade, he attended State and national
conventions, and his address "Boards of
Trade, Their Uses and How to Conduct
Them," has been delivered in many New
England cities.
His connection with the Builders' Ex-
change of Bridgeport began when it was
a weakling. He infused new life into its
ten members, and finally the exchange be-
came a strong, effective organization, with
a membership including men engaged in
every branch of the building trades. As
president, Mr. Goodsell represented the
Bridgeport body as a delegate to the
meeting of the National Association of
Master Builders, held in Baltimore. He
was also president of the Master Plumb-
ers' Association, and one of the founders
of the State Association of Master Plumb-
ers, calling the first meeting in Bridge-
port. He was also a delegate to the na-
tional meetings of the association in Bos-
ton and Milwaukee, and served on the
legislative committee of both the State
and national association. In 1910 Mr.
Goodsell was nominated for secretary of
the State of Connecticut by the State
Convention. This came as a great sur-
prise to Mr. Goodsell, as he had not been
consulted on the subject, and it was a
great compliment to him personally.
His activity in private and public busi-
ness affairs gained him a wide acquaint-
ance, and as his reputation spread he had
enormous demands made upon his time.
He became a fluent, eloquent public
speaker, filled many public appointments,
presided at mass meetings and many ban-
quets, his gracious, witty manner as
toastmaster being so appreciated that he
was often called upon for such duty at
banquets given by the Board of Trade
and the many organizations of which he
is a member. At presentations, flag rais-
ings, awarding of school prizes, celebra-
tions and other occasions of civic interest,
he is frequently the orator, and in all that
means progress his interest has ever been
intense.
A Democrat in politics, he served four
years as a member of the Board of Public
Works, by appointment of Mayor DeFor-
rest; was a candidate of his party for
mayor of Bridgeport and for State Sena-
tor, and when the issue became acute be-
tween the followers of President Cleve-
135
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
land and William J. Bryan, he adhered to
the former, and was a delegate to the
Indianapolis convention of Gold Demo-
crats which nominated a ticket in oppo-
sition to the "Free Silver" candidate.
In the Masonic order he has attained
all the degrees of the York and Scottish
Rites up to and including the thirty-sec-
ond degree, and is a past official of many
of the separate bodies of these Rites, and
was commander of the Hamilton Com-
mandery in 1900. He had delved deep
into the "mysteries," and as a lecturer on
the "Origin of Masonry" has appeared
before several lodges. He is a member
of the Masonic Veterans' Association of
Connecticut, and of that social branch of
Masonry, the Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine. His fraternal affiliations also in-
clude the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, Improved Order of Red Alen, An-
cient Order of United Workmen, Royal
Arcanum, Heptasophs, Woodmen, and
Foresters. The Boys' Club has in him a
generous friend, as has the Young Men's
Christian Association, and in both the
Bridgeport Scientific and Historical soci-
eties he has long been active and inter-
ested. His eloquent speech is frequently
requisitional by these various societies
and lodges, and he never refuses their
call, giving lavishly of his time and means
to aid every good cause.
The services of his great-grandfather,
Sergeant Epaphras Goodsell, entitle him
to membership in the patriotic order. Sons
of the American Revolution, and he early
became a member of the State chapter,
being a delegate to Chicago in 1893. In
1894 he was elected a member of the
State board of managers, and has ever
been active in the order which has done
so much to preserve the traditions of the
Revolution, and mark its places of historic
interest. He was one of the organizers of
General Gold Selleck Silliman Chapter in
Bridgeport, and its chief executive officer
for several years. He is a charter mem-
ber of the Seaside Club, and a member of
those other social organizations of Bridge-
port, Algonquin, Outing, Country, Park,
City Yacht, Brooklawn Country, Bridge-
port and Athletic club. He was president
of the Bridgeport Athletic Club, and pres-
ident of the Pequonock Social Club. He
was long a trustee and vice-president of
the Bridgeport branch of the Connecti-
cut Cooperative Saving Society.
Mr. Goodsell married Caroline E. Fox,
in 1868, daughter of Charles Fox. They
are the parents of three children: Zalmon
(3), died in infancy: Elizabeth Jane, mar-
ried Joel Sellick, she died in June, 1914,
leaving two boys named Joel and Zalmon
Goodsell Sellick; Mary Caroline, married
George H. Graves, of New Haven, and
they are the parents of a daughter, Caro-
line.
CHAMBERLAIN, Frederick S.,
Financier.
Frederick S. Chamberlain, cashier of
the New Britain National Bank, and
treasurer of the State of Connecticut, is
in the eighth generation of one of New
England's oldest families, and one that
has for many years been prominent in
Connecticut. Mr. Chamberlain was born
August 19, 1872, in New Britain, son of
Judge and Captain Valentine B. and Anna
I. (Smith) Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain family is an ancient
one in England, having been established
there by the Count de Tankerville, of
Tankerville Castle, in Normandy, who
came to England with William the Con-
queror in 1066. His son, John, was Lord
Chamberlain to Henry I. of England in
1 125. His son, Richard, held the same
office under King Stephen, and was at one
time mayor of London. From his posi-
136
ExNCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
tion in the royal household he assumed
the patronymic of Chamberlaine, retain-
ing the Tankerville coat-of-arm,s. A de-
scendant of Richard Chamberlaine took
the Earl of Leicester prisoner, for which
act he had permission from the king to
quarter the arms of Leicester with those
of Tankerville, and from that time they
are to be interpreted together. The crest,
an ass's head, indicates in the art of
heraldry, honest, dogged perseverance,
and true worthiness, characteristic of the
founder and first of the name, and the
motto, "Stubborn in the Right," a very
suitable one for a family ever noted for
its firmness.
The immediate ancestry of W^illiam
Chamberlain, the American immigrant,
from whom our subject is descended, has
not been traced. He was born about 1620.
He was admitted an inhabitant of Wo-
burn, Massachusetts. January 6. 164S, and
removed to Billerica in 1654, where he
lived until his death. May 31, 1706. His
name first appears on the records in Octo-
ber. 1654, on a petition to enlarge the
boundaries of the town and to change the
name from Shawshin to Billerica. He
married Rebecca , who died Sep-
tember 26, 1692, in the prison at Cam-
bridge, where she was held under the pre-
posterous charge of witchcraft.
Their fifth child was Jacob Chamber-
lain, who was born January 18, 1657-58,
in Billerica. It is very difficult to distin-
guish the records of the various members
of this family bearing the name of Jacob
in the second and third generations. Ac-
cording to the researches of George W.
Chamberlain for the Chamberlain Asso-
ciation, however, the Jacob of Newton,
who was our subject's ancestor, married
Experience . Jackson himself,
author of the "History of Newton,"
altered the town records by inserting the
name of Susanna as the wife of this Jacob
in the copy of the birth record of Jason
and Ebenezer. Jacob Chamberlain re-
moved from West Cambridge to Newton
about 1699. He was admitted a freeman
in 1690.
Their son, Jason Chamberlain, was born
February 21, 1701, in Newton, and mar-
ried Hannah Clark. He was a man of
ability, and took an active part in pub-
lic affairs.
Their son, Colonel Jason Chamberlain,
represented the town of Holliston in the
State Convention that adopted the fed-
eral constitution, and was often a repre-
sentative to the General Court.
Samuel Chamberlain, son of Colonel Ja-
son Chamberlain, was born July 18, 1734,
at Holliston, then part of Sherborn. He
married Margaret Bullard, of Mendon,
Massachusetts, and about 1765 removed
to Sandisfield, Massachusetts. There he
enlisted in Colonel Ashley's regiment, the
muster returns being dated January 25,
1778, at Valley Forge.
Their son, Samuel Clark Chamberlain,
was born May 25, 1765. at Sandisfield. He
lived there and at Colebrook. Connecti-
cut, where he died November 30, 1835.
He married for his second wife, Hannah
Conklin, born October 30, 1772, died May
2, 1846.
Their son, Abiram Chamberlain, our
subject's grandfather, was born October 2,
1799. He was educated in the common
schools, and acquired a knowledge of
surveying and civil engineering. Some
years after his marriage he removed to
Colebrook River. Litchfield county. Con-
necticut, and thence in 1856. to New
Britain, where the remainder of his life
was spent. He was much occupied with
the profession of surveyor, and for some
years was surveyor for the borough of
New Britain. The preliminary surveys
and plans for supplying water from Shut-
tle meadow to the borough were made by
137
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
him, and the work of instalHng the sys-
tem was in his charge a number of years.
He married, May 6, 1829, at Sandisfield,
Massachusetts, Sophronia Burt, born Jan-
uary 9. 1805, in Tolland, Connecticut,
daughter of Caleb and Anne (Murray)
Burt, and a descendant of Henry and
Eulalia Burt, pioneers of Springfield,
Massachusetts. Abiram Chamberlain died
October 14, 1876. In an obituary notice
the "New Britain Record" said: "As a
civil engineer he was accurate and care-
ful. The city has occasion to remember
the great service which he so unostenta-
tiously and faithfully rendered. As a pub-
lic officer he was courteous and unremit-
ting in his conscientious efforts faithfully
to discharge the duties entrusted to him.
Ill health compelled him to resign his
duties as surveyor and water commis-
sioner some years since, and since that
time continued ill health has kept him
from engaging in active work. Deacon
Chamberlain is mourned by his neigh-
bors, townsmen and church brethren, who
knew him as a kindly man, an upright
citizen and an earnest and sincere Chris-
tian." Mrs. Chamberlain died October 4,
1889, aged eighty-four years. She was
a member of Center Church, New Britain.
She was strong, healthy and vigorous
until her last illness, which lasted about
four months. She was the last of ten
children to pass away, all living to old
age.
Their son, Valentine B. Chamberlain,
was born April 13, 1833, at Colebrook
River, and died June 25, 1893. He was
prepared for college at the Connecticut
Literary Institute, Suffield, and was grad-
uated from Williams College in 1857. He
read law under the preceptorship of S. E.
Case, of New Britain, and was admitted
to the bar in 1859. In 1861 he was clerk
of the House of Representatives. During
the Civil War he was lieutenant and cap-
tain in the Seventh Connecticut Regi-
ment, Volunteer Infantry. He was se-
lected to command the picked battalion
of the Seventh Regiment, which made the
assault at Fort Wagner in 1863, and was
one of the handful of men who scaled the
parapet of the rebel fort and was captured
inside. He was kept a prisoner at Co-
lumbia, South Carolina, until March,
1865. For several years after the war.
Captain Chamberlain was in business in
the South. He then returned to New
Britain, and soon afterward was elected
judge of the City Court, and reelected to
this office from time to time as long as he
lived ; was alderman 1875-76. In 1880 he
was elected judge of probate for the dis-
trict ; in 1884 was elected State Treas-
urer ; for a short time was assistant pen-
sion agent ; was president of the Me-
chanics' National Bank, and a director in
various industrial corporations, including
Stanley Works and the Union Manufac-
turing Company. As a public speaker he
had few rivals in the State, and his serv-
ices were especially in demand on Memo-
rial Day. He married, November 17,
1870. Anna I. Smith, daughter of, Elizur
Smith, of New Britain. Their children
were : Frederick Stanley, mentioned be-
low ; Louise, married Walter H. Hart, of
New Britain : Ruth, married James S.
North ; Grace, married Frank G. Vib-
berts : Cornelia ; Anna, married Dr. Fred-
erick C. Ferry, president of Hamilton Col-
lege ; Bertha; Valentine B., Jr., superin-
tendent of rolling mill of Stanley W^orks,
and an alderman of the city of New
Britain ; Margaret, married Russell C.
Germond ; Rodman W., second lieutenant
of Company I, First Connecticut Infan-
try.
Frederick Stanley Chamberlain, son of
Judge Valentine B. and Anna I. (Smith)
Chamberlain, and a nephew of former
Governor Abiram Chamberlain, was born
138
THE NEW YOr.X 1
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTO;7. LEf'OX I
: :i_D.:iJ FC -i.D t;;->:^ I
EXCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
August 19. 1872, in New Britain, and re-
ceived his education in the public schools.
In 1889 he entered the employ of the
Mechanics' National Bank, where, by dint
of struggling effort, he rose to assistant
cashier in 1905. In 1907 he was elected
cashier and a director of the New Britain
National Bank ; was also a director of
Stanley Works. Mr. Chamberlain was
connected with the city government of
New Britain for four years as council-
man. 1904-05-06-07. He resigned in 1908,
when he was elected city treasurer, and
in 1915 became State Treasurer. He also
served as president of the Board of
Finance and Taxation. He is affiliated
with the Benevolent and Protective Or-
der of Elks, and is a member of the New
Britain Club, Hartford Golf Club, New
Britain Golf Club, Chamberlain Council,
Junior Order of United American Me-
chanics, and is also president of the Con-
necticut Bankers' Association. Mr. Cham-
berlain married, November 19, 1896, Irene
B. Robinson, daughter of Henry C. Rob-
inson, and they have one son, James R.,
born March 25, 1900.
GOODRICH, Elizur Stillman,
State Senator.
Association and environment were very
likely potent in determining the choice
made by Mr. Goodrich when determining
upon his career in life. His father was a
civil engineer, surveying and aiding in
the construction of steam railroads. While
still young the Hartford, Providence &
Fishkill railroad was in course of con-
struction, therefore, with inherited taste
and opportunity combining, his choice
was quickly made. From his entrance,
while quite young, into the office of the
chief engineer in charge of the construc-
tion of the railroad named until the pres-
ent, he has been connected with steam,
street and steamboat transportation, win-
ning executive position and high personal
reputation.
He is of the seventh American genera-
tion of the family founded in Connecti-
cut by William Goodrich, of Wethers-
field. In England, the name Goodrich is
very ancient, found there as Godric as
early as 870, but not as a surname. Good-
ridge was a common form of the name
until a comparatively recent date. Famous
Goodrich Castle, a typical fortified castle
of medieval Saxon style with Norman
additions, dates back to the era before the
Norman Conquest. It was dismantled
and all but destroyed by order of Parlia-
ment during the Civil War, dated Alarch
I, 1647. I^s ruins stand on an eminence
near the southwestern extremity of Here-
fordshire, on the eastern bank of the river
Wye.
\\'ethersfield, Connecticut, has been the
seat of this branch of the Goodrich family
since the settlement by William Good-
rich, and his marriage is there recorded to
Sarah Marvin, of Hartford, October 4,
1648. He was deputy to the General
Court in 1662. member of the grand jury
and ensign of the train band. The line of
descent is through his son, William (2)
Goodrich : his son. Lieutenant Joseph
Goodrich ; his son, Nathaniel Goodrich ;
his son, Simeon Goodrich ; his son, Elizur
Goodrich ; his son, Elizur S. Goodrich, all
born in and lifelong residents of Wethers-
field except the last named, who is a resi-
dent of Hartford, but born in Wethers-
field.
Elizur Goodrich, born February 20,
1798. died February 10, 1854; was a civil
engineer. He married, July 16, 1832,
Jerusha Stillman, born December 18, 1803,
died January 2, 1835, daughter of Captain
George and Martha (Deming) Stillman,
a descendant in the sixth generation of
George Stillman.
139
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Elizur Stillman Goodrich was born at
Wethersfield, Connecticut, December 28,
1834, only son of Elizur and Jerusha
(Stillman) Goodrich. He attended pub-
lic schools at Wethersfield and Williston
Seminary at Easthampton, Massachu-
setts, then at the age of twenty years, in
1854. secured his first position. This was
in the office of the chief engineer of the
Hartford, Providence & Fishkill railroad,
then in course of construction. He grad-
uated from the engineering to the busi-
ness department of the road, and at the
end of his ten years' connection had mas-
tered the details of both departments to
a large degree. In 1864 he resigned his
position in the office of the general ticket
agent to become manager of the Hartford
& Wethersfield Horse Railway Company,
organized the previous year. He was
chosen president of the company in Janu-
ary, 1864, and under his direct manage-
ment the road began its successful career
that only terminated forty years later,
when the name of the company was
changed to the Hartford Street Railway
Company. During those forty years Mr.
Goodrich was president of the company
and its manager, responsible for its ex-
pansion and its success. The company of
which it is now a part controls a system
completely traversing the streets of Hart-
ford, and connecting the capitol city with
a number of adjacent towns.
In 1885 Air. Goodrich became president
of the Hartford & New York Transporta-
tion Company, then practically bankrupt,
with an old, worn out fleet of steamboats.
W'ith characteristic vigor he injected new
life into the concern, scrapped the old
boats, replacing them with steamers of
modern construction and design. The
company was placed upon a sound finan-
cial basis, and as its executive head Mr.
Goodrich is guarantee of its stability. He
has not given his entire time to transpor-
tation problems, although that has been
his important life work and the activity
that has most benefited by his ability as
organizer and executive. He has other
interests of importance and has aided all
efforts to bring Hartford into prominence
as a business center.
A Republican in politics he represented
Wethersfield in the General Assembly in
1895, serving on committees of incorpora-
tion and judiciary. In 1897 he was elect-
ed State Senator from the second dis-
trict, serving as chairman of the commit-
tee on cities and boroughs. His legisla-
tive work satisfied his constituents and he
was returned to the Senate in 1899 and
again in 1901. Mr. Goodrich was "made
a Mason" in St. John's Lodge, later be-
coming, by demit, a charter member of
Lafayette Lodge. He is also a Royal
Arch Mason, a Capitular Mason and a
Knights Templar, holding his Templar
membership in Washington Comxnand-
ery, and is a member of Sphinx Temple,
Mystic Shrine.
Mr. Goodrich married, October 19, 1859,
Mary A. Hanmer, and has two children :
I. James R., married (first) Elizabeth
Judd. who died July 12, 1901, leaving two
children, James Stillman and William
Judd Goodrich; he married (second) Jan-
uary 17, 1906, Ella E. Reed, of Worcester,
and has a daughter, Mary Hanmer Good-
rich. 2. Mabel E., married George Hills
Gilman. of the law firm of Hyde, Joslyn,
Gilman & Hungerford.
HUBBARD, Charles Edward,
Business Man.
It is an old tradition in the Hubbard
family in England, that the name was
derived from Hubba (Ubba or Ubbo),
the Danish sea king, who in the fall of
866 with an immense fleet and twenty
thousand warriors landed on the coast of
140
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
East-Anglia or Kent to avenge the death
of his father, Ragnar Lodbrog. The lat-
ter, whose invasions had made his name a
cause for terror on the shores of the Bal-
tic and the British Isles, after taking pos-
session of Paris, planned an invasion of
England. His expedition was wrecked on
the coast of Northumbria, but Ragnar
with a band of his followers who reached
the shore, heedless of their numerical in-
feriority, began their usual career of dep-
redation. At the first news of the descent
of the Norsemen, the Northumbrians flew
to the coast, fought the invaders, making
Ragnar a prisoner. He was put to death
at once, and is said to have consoled his
last moments with the hope "that the
cubs of the boar would avenge his fate."
Having spent the winter in fortifying
his camp and equipping his followers,
Hubba, in February, 867, seized York.
Though the Northumbrians gave battle
with desperate fury, Hubba's forces tri-
umphed. They killed Osbert in battle,
but took prisoner Aella, his erstwhile
rival chieftain, but now compatriot in
fighting the common foe. Hubba and his
followers now gave themselves the pleas-
ure of torturing to death the men who
had thrown King Ragnar Lodbrog into a
cage of snakes to be devoured.
This victory gave Hubba and his
brother Hingua undisputed possession of
all the country south of the Tyne and
north of Nottingham. They continued to
increase their dominions by victorious in-
vasions of the surrounding country, their
exploits forming one of the most thrilling
chapters in early British history. Hubba
was finally slain in his camp with twelve
hundred of his followers by Odyn. Scat-
tered across Britain and Wales have stood
seven historic eminences each known as
"Hubba's Hill."
It is common knowledge that there was
great confusion in spelling names during
several centuries following the adoption
of family surnames, and that of Hubbard
was no exception to the rule, more than
fifty diiTerent spellings of what is ap-
parently the same name being found on
record. Even in America the forms Hub-
bard, Hubbert, Hubard, Hubert, Hobart,
and Hobert are common.
Several branches of the family in Eng-
land have borne coats-of-arms. The im-
mediate antecedents of George Hubbard,
the immigrant ancestor of the branch of
the family herein followed have not been
identified. He was born in the southeast-
ern section of England, possibly in Essex
or Surrey. Traditions say he came to
Watertown, Massachusetts, about 1633.
If this is true, he was there but a short
time. He married Mary Bishop, who
died in Guilford, September 14, 1675, a
daughter of John and Anne Bishop. In
1639 John Bishop removed from Wethers-
field to Guilford, Connecticut, of which
town he was one of the seven pillars or
proprietors. He died there in February,
1661.
George Hubbard was a member of that
band of about sixty men, women and chil-
dren who left Watertown, Massachusetts,
on October 15, 1635, and came through the
wilderness to Connecticut. In 1636 he
and Samuel Wakeman were appointed by
the General Court to make certain surveys
relating to the bounds of Windsor and
W^ethersfield. He represented Wethers-
field at the first Colonial General Court,
under the constitution of 1639, an office to
which freemen only were eligible. He is
referred to as "a prominent surveyor" and
did much work in that line. He drew lot
No. 14 of the "three mile lots," which con-
tained one hundred and ninety-five acres
and was located in North Glastonbury.
After three years residence in W^ethers-
field, he removed to Milford, being as-
signed Milford Island as his grant. He
41
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
was admitted to the church there, Janu-
ary 15, 1644. Before 1650 he sold the
Island and removed to Guilford. On Sep-
tember 22, 1648, he bought the property
of Jacob Sheafife. George Hubbard was
a deputy magistrate during the years
1652-55-57-58-60-62-65-66. In 1666-67 he
was a member of the Assembly at the
union of the Hartford and New Haven
colonies. In May, 1670, the court gave
him authority to "joyne persons in mar-
riage." It is said of him, "He was a man
of high standing and prominent in the
politics of his times." He died in Guil-
ford in January, 1683, leaving an estate
appraised at five hundred and sixty-four
pounds eight shillings and six pence,
showing him to be prosperous, thrifty
and well off for his day.
His son. John Hubbard, was born in
England about 1630. It is claimed that
he lived at Concord for a time with rela-
tives of his wife. He married Mary Mer-
riam, and became a resident of Wethers-
field, Connecticut, where his first four
children were born. He was one of the
company that removed to Hadley, Mas-
sachusetts, in 1659. He was made free-
man, March 26, 1661. After 1672 he re-
moved to Hatfield, and died there at the
home of his son, Isaac, in 1702.
His son, John Hubbard, was born in
Wethersfield, April 12, 1655. He lived in
Glastonbury and died there about 1748.
He married, about 1676, Mary, widow of
John Elson and a daughter of Thomas
Wright. He received the "Hubbard
Lots" from his father and purchased sev-
eral other tracts, becoming a large land-
owner. In 1692 he and Samuel Smith
each donated five acres of land on which
was located the old cemetery and meeting
house green. The site of the church is
now occupied by the town hall. In 1704
he was called sergeant, was a member of
the school committee, and was authorized
to erect a mill on Roaring brook. He was
a member of the Legislature from 1700 to
1724.
His son, David Hubbard, was born in
Glastonbury in 1685, and died there Oc-
tober 13, 1760. He married Prudence,
widow of Judah Holcomb and a daughter
of David and Prudence (Churchill) Good-
rich. He received land from his father in
Glastonbury in 1720 ; was a member of the
Eastbury School Society whose records in
1749 mention him as "Captain D. Hub-
bard, 2w, 3d and boarding himself £12. 5s."
In the same year there was "liberty
granted to Captain David Hubbard to
erect a corn-mill over Blackleach River."
He served eight terms in the Legislature
between 1724 and 1734. He served in the
army under General Wolfe at Montreal.
His son, Nathaniel Hubbard, the great-
grandfather of the Mr. Hubbard of this
sketch, was born in Glastonbury in 1758
(perhaps 1755). He lived at Bolton, and
was married four times, our subject being
descended from Ruth Hale, the last wife,
whom he married in 1805. He engaged
in farming on a large scale.
His son. Dr. Denison Hubbard, was
born in Bolton, Tolland county, Connec-
ticut, in 1805. His education was re-
ceived in the common schools and also at
Bacon Academy at Colchester. In addi-
tion to these advantages, his father pro-
vided him with a private tutor from whom
he learned Latin and the higher branches
of mathematics. His mind was bent on
the study of medicine from an early age,
but his first actual tuition in this subject
was under the preceptorship of Dr. Tal-
cott, of what was then Killingworth, Con-
necticut, now Clinton. Thereafter he en-
tered the Yale Medical School, where he
completed his studies and was graduated
with the class of 1829, taking his degree
of Doctor of Medicine. At first Dr. Hub-
bard located at Glastonbury, but he later
142
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
removed to Bloomfield, Connecticut,
where for a time he carried on a success-
ful practice. Eventually, however, he re-
turned to Clinton, where for forty years
he was a conspicuous figure in the com-
munity's life and was well known and
generally beloved, both in his profes-
sional capacity and as a man throughout
the entire region. It was here that his
death eventually occurred in the year
1864. an event which caused great grief
to the entire community. Dr. Hubbard
was at first united with the Abolitionist
party in politics, but eventually joined the
Republican party. He was an ardent ad-
mirer of William Lloyd Garrison and
Wendell Phillips, and was himself very
eloquent in the anti-slavery agitation of
those years. In spite of his prominence
in the movement, however, he consist-
ently refused to hold public office of any
kind, preferring to exert what influence
he could from the more disinterested posi-
tion of the private citizens. He was a
Congregationalist in his belief and for
many years attended the church of that
denomination at Clifton, taking an active
part in its affairs and serving as a trustee.
Dr. Hubbard married Pamela A. Hub-
bard, a native of Glastonbury, where she
was born in 181 1, a daughter of David E.
and Pamela (Hollister) Hubbard, and a
granddaughter of Eleazer and Lois
(Wright) Hubbard. David E. Hubbard,
her father, was an important figure in
the life of Glastonbury, representing that
town in the State Legislature a number
of times and serving as judge of probate
for many years. He was a farmer during
the early part of his life, but later resided
in the town of Eastbury, where he en-
gaged in a mercantile line of business. To
Dr. and IMrs. Hubbard the following chil-
dren were born : Charles H., mentioned
below ; Edward D., who died in July,
1864, at the Cumberland Hospital, where
at the time he was serving as a medical
interne ; and Alary ]., deceased.
Their son, Charles H. Hubbard, was
born July 31, 1836, at Bloomfield, Hartford
county, Connecticut, during the period in
which his parents lived at that place. He
returned with them, however, to Clinton,
Connecticut, when about eight years of
age, and it was there that the elementary
portion of his education was received at
the local public schools. Upon complet-
ing his studies at these institutions, he
entered Williston Seminary at Easthamp-
ton, Massachusetts, a very well known in-
stitution, and graduated therefrom with
the class of 1853. About this time, how-
ever, his health failed him and he was
obliged to abandon for a time his studies.
After a considerable rest, however, his
health apparently having been entirely
restored, he engaged in the profession of
teaching and secured a position with the
Massachusetts Reform School at West-
boro in that State. Here he remained for
a number of years, and it was while thus
engaged that his attention first became
definitely directed towards medicine as a
possible career in life. He had, of course,
the strong inducement afforded by the
consideration that his father had achieved
such a notable success in the same line,
but his own tastes were in the main re-
sponsible for his taking up its study. For
a time he pursued his subject alone, while
still employed at the Reform School, but
later gave up his work there and returned
to Clinton, where he began to work under
the preceptorship of his father. Later he
entered the Yale Medical School, from
which he graduated in January, i860, with
his degree of Doctor of Medicine. In the
month of July in that same year, young
Dr. Hubbard began the practice of his
profession in the town of Essex, where
he succeeded to the practice of Dr. Shep-
hard, whose death had occurred the pre-
143
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ceding April. Here he rapidly estab-
lished himself in the good opinion of his
fellow citizens and built up the largest
and most high class practice in the entire
region. For many years he was consid-
ered the leading physician in that vicin-
ity and indeed remained active in the life
of the place until his death, which oc-
curred at the venerable age of seventy-
eight or seventy-nine years. He was a
director of the Essex Savings Bank, much
interested in educational work there and
took a very active part in local affairs
generally. Dr. Hubbard was a lifelong
Republican, but although he felt strongly
on all the issues of his time, the demands
made upon him by his professional tasks
were of so onerous a nature that he found
it impossible to take the active part in
politics to which his tastes impelled him
and for which his talents fitted him so
eminently. He did, however, find it pos-
sible to serve on the Board of Education
and remained a member thereof for twen-
ty-five years, acting during much of this
time as school visitor and for many years
as health officer and medical examiner.
Dr. Hubbard, like his father before him,
was a Congregationalist, and was very
active in the support of the Congrega-
tional church of Essex. He was a mem-
ber of the Masonic order. He was also
a member of both County and State
Medical societies. Dr. Hubbard was
united in marriage with Cherrilla G.
Conklin, a native of Essex, born in the
year 1838, a daughter of George and Mary
(Griswold) Conklin. They were the par-
ents of the following children : Mary P.,
who became the wife of Charles R.
Bishop, of New Haven ; Jennie D. ; Car-
rie C, deceased ; and Charles Edward,
who is mentioned at length below.
Charles Edward Hubbard was born June
24, 1868, at Essex, Connecticut. His early
education was received in the local pub-
lic schools, and he later attended Wes-
leyan Academy at Wilbraham, Massachu-
setts. Upon completing his course at the
latter institution, he at once took up the
serious business of life and secured a
position in the old Mercantile Bank of
Hartford, where he remained for a short
time. He then entered the employ of the
E. Taylor & Sons Lumber Company, but
did not remain a great while with this
concern either. Being of an ambitious
and enterprising disposition, he decided
to follow the advice given by Horace
Greeley to the young m€n of his day and
go West. Accordingly, he traveled to
Chicago and there entered the employ of
the B. F. Goodrich Rubber Company,
with which concern he remained for three
or four years. In 1893, however, he re-
turned to the East and for a short time
held a position in the accounting depart-
ment of the New York, New Haven &
Hartford Railroad Company. It was
shortly afterwards that he came to Hart-
ford, which has since been his perma-
nent home and where he resided unin-
terruptedly for nine or ten years. He
was employed by the Farmington Street
Railway Company. In this concern he
worked his way well up, until he was
chosen to the double ofifice of secretary
and manager of the company. He eventu-
ally resigned this position, however, to
become purchasing agent for the Mahon-
ing & Shenango Railway and Light Com-
pany of Youngstown, Ohio. He went to
that western city and there remained for
about eighteen months, after which he
returned to Hartford, which has been his
home ever since. By this time Mr. Hub-
bard had reached a point where he felt
justified in starting in business on his
own account, and accordingly, upon com-
ing to Hartford, he purchased from Mr.
S. B. Bosworth his present business,
which has rapidly grown in size and im-
144
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
portance up to the present time. His con-
cern deals in cement and sewer pipe in
both wholesale and retail trades and is
now the largest business of its kind be-
tween New York and Boston. Mr. Hub-
bard has played an exceedingly prominent
part in the general life of the community,
and although in no sense of the term a
politician is regarded as a powerful factor
in local affairs and has held a number of
public offices. He served as a member
of the police commission from 1914 to the
beginning of 1917, and during this time
performed an invaluable service for the
community. He is also a conspicuous
figure in the social and club life of Hart-
ford, and is a member of the local lodge
of the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks and of the Rotary and City clubs.
He was also a member of the old Hart-
ford Wheel Club, having been an enthusi-
astic bicyclist, and served on its board of
governors. He is now a member of the
Wethersfield Country Club, and is still
devoted to outdoor pastimes of all kind.
Mr. Hubbard was united in marriage,
on October 19, 1898, with Mary Chamber-
lain, of Hartford, a daughter of Samuel D.
Chamberlain, a highly respected resident
of that city. Two children have been
born to them as follows : Sarah, Septem-
ber 6, 1908, and Charles H., February 11,
1910.
A word is here appropriate concerning
the Griswold family, from which Mr.
Hubbard is descended through his ma-
ternal grandmother and which for many
years has occupied a distinguished posi-
tion in various sections of Connecticut.
This lady was the wife of George Conk-
lin and the mother of Cherrilla G. (Conk-
lin) Hubbard. The immigrant ancestor
of the family was Mathew Griswold,
who with his brother Edward came from
Warwick, England, in 1639, in company
with the Rev. Mr. Hunt's party, who
came to Windsor, Connecticut, that year.
Mathew Griswold married Anna Wolcott
in 1646, removed to Saybrook as agent
for Colonel Fenwick, speedily assumed
prominence, and was largely instrumental
in the movements which led up to the
settlement of Lyme ; he became the lead-
ing and wealthiest man in that town,
which was set off from Saybrook in 1665,
establishing near the mouth of the Con-
necticut river "Blackball," since the fam-
ily seat of the Griswold family. His
death occurred in 1698. He left a son,
Mathew Griswold, who married and had
a family; Mathew Griswold died in 1715.
Selah Griswold, the grandfather of
Samuel Griswold, was born in the north-
eastern part of Killing-worth. Having
been left an orphan at an early age, he
was bound out to a farmer until he waf
sixteen years old, coming then to Essej^
which was then a part of Saybrook, and
there learning the trade of shoemaker of
a Mr. Starkey, who later became his
father-in-law. Following his trade for
a number of years, he later purchased a
small farm and erected a house thereon,
this farm being located about two miles
south of Essex on the Bokum road. There
he followed his trade and farming for the
remainder of his active life, his death oc-
curring when he was eighty-three years
old. He married Mary Ann Starkey, and
their children were : Daniel, Selah, Asel
P. and Mary Ann.
Daniel Griswold, the father of Samuel
Griswold, was born in March, 1780, in
what is now Essex, where he grew to
manhood. Like his brothers, he learned
the trade of shoemaker, which he fol-
lowed during the winters, and each sum-
mer for forty consecutive years he fol-
lowed fishing, particularly for shad, in
the Connecticut river, leaving both these
occupations later in life to engage in
farming. His estate near his beloved
C!onn— 3— 10
145
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
river was in Essex, and there he peace-
fully passed away when almost ninety-
one years old. For many years he was a
surveyor of town roads. He was a man
of superior mental faculties, had a won-
derful memory, was a constant reader,
and possessed sound judgment, ambition
and energy. He was gifted in many di-
rections, had great physical strength, and
was a most excellent manager. Though
a staunch Democrat, of the Jefifersonian
type, he never accepted office, but was
always interested in the success of his
party. Daniel Griswold married Fanny
Babcock, of Old Saybrook, daughter of
William Babcock. She lived to the age
of eighty. The children born to Daniel
and Fanny (Babcock) Griswold were:
Maria, who married Fordes Dennison ;
Alfred, who married (first) Mary Ives, of
Middletown, and (second) a lady named
Joslyn ; Cherrilla, who married Giles O.
Clark, of Chester ; William, who married
Laura Tucker; Edwin, who married Eliz-
abeth Griswold ; Mary, who married
George Conklin ; Rachel, who married
(first) Albert Pratt, and (second) George
Pratt ; and Samuel. For his second wife
Mr. Griswold married, late in life, Mrs.
Spencer; they had no children.
GLOVER, Charles,
Business Man, Inventor.
It is the glory of a self-made man that
his boyhood was one of hardship and pri-
vation, and that the more trying the con-
ditions the greater the determination to
overcome them. When such men gather
and compare experiences all agree that
none started life under greater disadvan-
tages or were more heavily handicapped
than Charles Glover, a hired farmer's boy
at the age of ten, now president, vice-
president and director of corporations of
national importance. Of English birth
and parentage, but living in the United
States since the age of two years, he has
all the love and devotion for his adopted
State and Nation that a native son could
have. His parents, George and Rebecca
(Wood) Glover, came to the United
States with their children in 1849, settling
in the town of Enfield, Connecticut, where
George Glover operated a small machine
shop. The family is an old one in Not-
tingham, England.
Charles Glover was born June 16, 1847,
in Nottingham, England, and when two
years of age was brought to Enfield, Con-
necticut. He attended public school until
ten years of age. He then hired out to a
farmer, living between Enfield and Haz-
ardville. He worked for that farmer until
he was fourteen, then was taken home by
his father, who needed his help in the
machine shop, his elder brothers all hav-
ing enlisted in the Union army. The boy's
tastes were decidedly mechanical, and he
set about learning the machinist's trade
with great satisfaction and diligence. He
realized his need of further education, and
as his days were fully occupied, his nights
were devoted to study, his entire educa-
tion beyond the rudiments having been
acquired by night study. He rapidly ac-
quired a good knowledge of the machin-
ist's trade and when, in 1864, the family
moved to Windsor Locks, he was able to
secure and hold a position with the Medi-
cott Knitting Company, as machinist. In
1867 he entered the employ of the Na-
tional Screw Company. He rated him-
self an expert, and in the next year be-
came foreman and contractor for the Na-
tional Screw Company of Hartford, Con-
necticut. He held that position until the
business was sold to the American Screw
Company of Providence, Rhode Island,
then, in 1876, located in New Britain. P.
and F. Corbin at that time were about
adding a screw manufacturing depart- ^
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ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ment to their plant, and they secured the
services of Mr. Glover to design and in-
stall the necessary machinery for the new
plant. After this was done he was placed
in charge of screw manufacturing busi-
ness, becoming noted for rare skill and
ability as a mechanic and for his inven-
tive genius. He found screw making and
other machines used by hardware manu-
facturers could be greatly improved, and
there stands in his name more than twen-
ty-five patents of great variety, chiefly
devices to be used on screw making ma-
chines and in manufacturing hardware
specialties. He followed his own advice
to young men, "Work hard and never
give up," finally gaining recognition as
one of the leading authorities on screw
manufacture and screw mill operation.
When the P. and F. Corbin Company
consolidated with the Russell & Erwin
Manufacturing Company, as the Ameri-
can Hardware Corporation, there were
two screw factories in New Britain, and
one in Dayton, Ohio, involved in the deal.
In 1903 these three factories were con-
solidated as the Corbin Screw Corpora-
tion (Inc.), Charles Glover, president. He
continues the executive head of that cor-
poration and its general manager ; is pres-
ident of the D. C. Judd Company of New
Britain ; vice-president of the American
Hardware Corporation ; was a director of
the Corbin Cabinet Lock Company; and
a director of the P. and F. Corbin Com-
pany, now part of the American Hard-
ware Corporation ; president of the Cor-
bin Motor Vehicle Corporation ; director
of the New Britain National Bank; and
president of the Skinner Chuck Company,
the H. R. Walker Company of New
Britain, of North & Judd Company, and
of the /Etna Nut Company.
These corporations are all factors in
the manufacturing world, and in their di-
rection Mr. Glover, when not the forceful
executive and managing head, takes a
keen and active interest as a director. He
holds no sinecures, but is an untiring
worker, the habits of early youth having
become the constant practice of his ma-
ture years. He is a life member of Lafa-
yette Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons, of Hartford, a Republican in poli-
tics, and a member of the New Britain
Club, the Farmington Country Club and
the Hartford Club of Hartford.
Mr. Glover married Margaret Sophia
Wainwright, a daughter of Francis Wain-
wright. Of the three children born to
them but one survives, Ida M., widow of
Walter P. Peterson, of New Britain ; her
children, Margaret and Glover, the latter
deceased.
CAULKINS, Willis Eugene,
Contractor and Builder.
Willis Eugene Caulkins, the well known
contractor and builder of Hartford, Con-
necticut, is a member of a good old New
England family, tracing its ancestry to
Lemuel Caulkins, born 1752, died 1845.
He served as a Revolutionary soldier,
drafted August 24, 1777, discharged Octo-
ber 30, 1777, a member of Captain Jona-
than Caulkins' company. The following
is taken from "Connecticut Men in the
Revolution :" "Two large regiments of
militia composed of detachments from all
the brigades were ordered to reinforce
General Gates at Saratoga in the summer
of 1777- They were assigned to General
Poor's Continental brigade in Arnold's di-
vision, and fought in both battles with the
enemy, September 19 and October 9, 1777.
In the first battle they lost more men than
any other two regiments in the field.
Upon their dismissal, after the surrender
of General Burgoyne, General Gates spoke
of them as two excellent militia regiments
from Connecticut. They were commanded
47
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
by Colonel Jonathan Latimer, of New
London, and Thaddeus Cook, of Walling-
ford." Lemuel Caulkins married, 1781,
Lucretia Chappel, who bore him nine chil-
dren.
Ezekiel Caulkins, eldest child of Lem-
uel and Lucretia (Chappel) Caulkins, was
born 1782, and resided for many years by
the side of the lake at Waterford, Con-
necticut, where he was a well known
figure and prominent in local affairs. He
married, in 1814, Polly Darrow, who bore
him eight children.
John F. E. Caulkins, youngest child of
Ezekiel and Polly (Darrow) Caulkins,
was born 1832, died December 13, 1862.
He resided in the old family residence,
where his birth occurred, and was the re-
cipient of an excellent education, which
placed him in such a position that he was
able to follow the profession of school
teaching for several years. Believing,
however, that a larger opportunity awaited
him in the line of business, he abandoned
this occupation and learned the trade of
mason, which he followed as a journey-
man for a time. Shortly afterwards he
began to engage in the same line on his
own account, and it was not long ere he
succeeded in building up a large and
lucrative business, and continued so en-
gaged during the remainder of his life.
He went West, where he remained for a
number of years, but returned to the East
a short time prior to the Civil War. Upon
the outbreak of hostilities, he enlisted in
the Fourteenth Regiment, Connecticut
Volunteer Infantry, as a member of Cap-
tain Davis' company, and it was not long
before he was sent to the front and saw
active service, receiving a shot wound, of
which he died, on the battlefield of Fred-
ericksburg. He married, in 1852, Sarah
A. Ames, daughter of Moses Ames, of
Waterford, and they were the parents of
three children : Willis Eugene, of whom
further; Clarence M., of New London,
Connecticut ; and Minnie E., who has
taught school at the same place for more
than thirty years. All these births oc-
curred in Waterford, Connecticut. Mr.
and Mrs. Caulkins were members of the
Baptist church.
Willis Eugene Caulkins, eldest child of
John F. E. and Sarah A. (Ames) Caul-
kins, was born in Waterford, Connecticut,
February 17, 1853. During his infancy his
parents removed to New London, Connec-
ticut, and it was with the latter place that
his early associations were formed, and it
was there that he received his education,
attending the local public schools for this
purpose until he had attained the age of
ten years. The family then removed to
the town of East Lyme, Connecticut,
where they remained for a period of about
two years, and from there they returned
to New London. Here Willis E. Caul-
kins remained until he had attained the
age of eighteen years, when he took up
his residence in Hartford, Connecticut,
and there learned the trade of carpenter
with Deacon Edwin Mosely. For a num-
ber of years thereafter he followed this
trade as journeyman, but in 1891 engaged
in business on his own account in partner-
ship with Stephen B. Stoddard, under the
firm name of Stoddard & Caulkins. This
business connection continued until about
1905, when the partnership was dissolved,
the ownership of the concern passing to
Mr. Caulkins, who then admitted his elder
son into the business with him, which
then took the name of W. E. Caulkins &
Son, and later the second son also became
a member of the firm. Among the impor-
tant work in the city carried on under the
direction of Mr. Caulkins should be men-
tioned the following: The Fourth Con-
gregational Church of Hartford ; the re-
modeling of the AUyn House ; the Corn-
ing Building of Trumbull street; the
148
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ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Porter Memorial at Farmington, and the
remodeling of the Senate Chamber in the
State House. Of recent years the busi-
ness has increased on a very large scale,
and he has done a large amount of work
in constructing new and artistic store
fronts, specimens of the firm's handicraft
being in evidence in some of the impor-
tant retail stores on the business streets
of Hartford. The firm does its own mason
work as well as the carpentry, and oper-
ates a mill in which is produced the fine
interior finish for stores as well as store
fronts. The cabinet work turned out in
this mill is equal in elegance and finish to
that put in the best furniture, and many
expensive woods are used, especially ma-
hogany. Mr. Caulkins has been much in-
terested in military circles in the commu-
nity, and is an ex-major of the veteran
corps of the Governor's Foot Guard. He
is at the present time (1917) lieutenant in
the Putnam Phalanx. He is past com-
mander of the G. A. Stedman Camp, Sons
of Veterans, and he is prominently affili-
ated with the Masonic order, being a
member of Lafayette Lodge, No. 100, An-
cient Free and Accepted Masons ; Pytha-
goras Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; Wol-
cott Council, Royal and Select Masters ;
Washington Commandery, Knights Tem-
plar, and Sphynx Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He
is also a member of the Charter Oak
Lodge, affiliated with that body for more
than thirty years, and is a charter member
of the original tribe of the Improved Or-
der of Redmen, which has since been dis-
banded. He is past president of the Mas-
ter Builders' Association, and is a member
of the Hartford Chamber of Commerce,
the Employers' Association, Automobile
Club, City Club and of the Board of Com-
missioners of the Municipal Building.
Mr. Caulkins married, in 1883, Emily
L. Bacon, of Bristol, daughter of Erastus
and Adaline (Sessions) Bacon, of Bur-
lington. Her father fought in the Civil
War as a member of the Eighth Connec-
ticut Volunteer Infantry, and died in the
rebel prison at Charleston. Her mother
was a sister of the well known hardware
manufacturer, John Sessions, of Bristol.
Through the services of Captain Sessions,
Mrs. Caulkins holds membership in the
Daughters of the American Revolution,
and is also a member of the Womens' Re-
lief Corps and the Daughters of Veterans.
Mr. and Mrs. Caulkins are the parents of
two children : John A., born in Hartford,
May 20, 1884, married Louisa Norris, who
bore him three daughters : Marion, Helen
and Jean ; Clififord W., born in Hartford,
August zj, 1887, married Claire A. Moore.
Both of these sons graduated from the
Hartford High School, then took courses
in a Hartford Business College, since
which time they have been identified
with their father in his contracting busi-
ness.
The gaining of material wealth for
himself and a position of power and con-
trol in the business world of Hartford,
Connecticut, has been in no wise incom-
patible in the case of Willis Eugene
Caulkins with the great service rendered
by him to the community of which he is
a distinguished member. Preeminently
a man of affairs, he makes his enterprises
subserve the double purpose of his own
ambition and the welfare of his fellows.
Hartford has been the scene of his life-
long labors in connection with the many
enterprises with which his name is asso-
ciated, and he is a highly respected citi-
zen in this and the surrounding region.
LAKE, Simon,
Naval Architect, InTcntor.
In December, 1898, there entered the
harbor of New York, after a cruise of two
149
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
thousand miles in Chesapeake bay and
along the Atlantic coast, a strange craft,
resembling nothing ever before seen on
land or sea, the "Argonaut," the first sub-
marine boat to operate successfully in the
open seas. Five men composed her crew,
and in her voyage up the coast they had
run on the surface, submerged, and ex-
acted every test from the wonderful boat,
during fierce storms which destroyed hun-
dreds of vessels along the Atlantic coast.
When this strange craft successfully
met the tests imposed and safely landed
her crew, the boyhood and manhood
dream of her inventor and builder, Simon
Lake, was realized, a dream inspired, per-
haps, by the reading, when a boy of ten
years, of Jules Verne's "Twenty Thou-
sand Leagues Under the Sea." It was the
trip of the "Argonaut" and her work dur-
ing the following winter which brought
from Jules Verne a special cable message
of particular interest now, in the light of
recent events. The cable read :
While my book, "Twenty Thousand Leagues
Under the Sea," is entirely a work of the imagi-
nation, my conviction is that all I said in it will
come to pass. A thousand-mile voyage in the
Baltimore submarine boat is evidence of this. The
conspicuous success of submarine navigation in
the United States will push on under-water navi-
gation all over the world. If such a successful
test had come a few months earlier, it might have
played a great part in the war just closed. The
next great war may be largely a contest between
submarine boats.
Simon Lake, whose inventions are many
and valuable, inherited mechanical and in-
ventive genius from his father, who was
an anomaly in his family, three of his
brothers being well known ministers of
the Methodist Episcopal church. The
family had been prominent in now At-
lantic county, Xew Jersey, from the time
of W'illiam Lake, a son of John Lake,
who was one of the patentees and set-
tlers of Gravesend, Staten Island, now
South Brooklyn, in 1643. In 1694 Wil-
liam Lake moved to Great Egg Harbor,
then Gloucester county. New Jersey, and
prior to 1702 purchased one hundred acres
of land, and there died in 1716, leaving a
large estate. From William Lake there
sprang a large and influential family,
noted for their devotion to the cause of
temperance and to the church. Three
towns in New Jersey were founded by
Simon Lake, of the fifth generation, and
his ministerial sons, towns in which the
sale of liquor is forever tabooed and the
religious sentiment made paramount —
Ocean City, Atlantic Highlands and Na-
tional Park, all in New Jersey.
The line of descent to Simon Lake, the
inventor, to whom this sketch is dedi-
cated, is through Daniel Lake, son of
William Lake. He died in Great Egg
Harbor in 1772, leaving a son, Daniel (2)
Lake, who married Sarah, daughter of
Captain Simon Lucas, of Burlington coun-
ty, New Jersey. Daniel (2) Lake was a
soldier of the Revolution, as was his
father-in-law, Simon Lucas.
John Lake, son of Daniel (2) and Sarah
(Lucas) Lake, lived at Lakeville, just
across the meadows from Atlantic City,
but his brother, Daniel (3) Lake, a sur-
veyor, laid out the shore road and had the
village given its present name, Pleasant-
ville. He married Abigail Adams, and
had nine children, all born at Pleasant-
ville.
Simon Lake, eighth child of John and
Abigail fAdams) Lake, was one of the
leading men of his day and a large owner
of beach, meadow, farm and timber land.
He was one of the founders of Ocean
City, now a populous summer and winter
resort of the Atlantic coast, and with his
sons owned nearly the entire island on
which it is built. He was United States
internal revenue collector, State Assem-
150
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
blyman and prominently identified with
his section. He married Sarah Blake,
who bore him nine children, three of his
four sons becoming ministers and noted
for their success as community builders.
John Christopher Lake, eighth child of
Simon and Sarah (Blake) Lake, was born
at Pleasantville, Atlantic county. New
Jersey, September 2, 1847. He was an
inventive, mechanical genius and broke
away from home and family traditions.
He invented a number of improvements
in window shade rollers, and in Philadel-
phia, Pennsylvania, and in Aurora, Illi-
nois, manufactured lock and balance shade
rollers in great numbers. Later he estab-
lished a foundry and machine shop at
Toms River, and at Ocean City, New Jer-
sey, but after his retirement from manu-
facturing located his residence in Bridge-
port, Connecticut, where he continued
work as an inventor only, and experi-
mented with heavier-than-air flying ma-
chines. He married (first) Miriam Alary
Adams, daughter of Captain Elisha Adams,
a sea captain and a direct descendant of
Jeremy Adams, who was one of the foun-
ders of Hartford, Connecticut, in 1636.
He married (second) Margaret Corson.
Simon Lake, only son of John Christo-
pher Lake and his first wife, Miriam Mary
(Adams) Lake, was born at Pleasantville,
New Jersey, September 4, 1866, and there
spent the first eight years of his life. From
eight until fourteen years of age, he at-
tended the public schools of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, the family home, next at-
tending Clinton Liberal Institute at Fort
Plain, New York. He then returned to
Philadelphia, completing his school years
with a course in mechanics at Franklin
Institute. He was of a decidedly mechani-
cal turn of mind and as soon as his school
years were finished he began working
with his father in his Ocean City foundry
and machine shops. The practical work
of the foundry and machine shops de-
veloped him rapidly, and with the en-
larged opportunities that plant gave his
genius, he forged rapidly forward and
when, shortly afterward, his father went
to Aurora, Illinois, to open a shade roller
factory, the son, Simon, was left in full
charge of the Ocean City shops and foun-
dry.
His inventive genius early asserted it-
self, and when but fifteen years of age he
had conceived an idea of a submarine boat
and had made some progress. This idea
never afterward lay dormant, but other
ideas crowded his brain, and in 1888 he
was in Baltimore, selling and installing
steering gears he had invented for use on
vessels. He continued fully employed in
his particular field, finally working out his
plans for a submarine on what is known
as the "even keel'' type, a boat designed
to travel on the surface, submerged or on
the ocean bed, a type of which he is the
inventor.
In 1894, having secured his patents, he
located at Atlantic Highlands, New Jer-
sey, and during the winter of 1894-95
built (principally with his own hands) the
"Argonaut, Jr.," a small submarine, four-
teen feet in length, four and one-half feet
in width and about six feet between keel
and deck. The small size of the boat was
made necessary by the fact that he was
limited in capital, nobody being willmg
to advance him money to build a large
boat, his idea being considered a "crazy"
one. So he used his own money and
worked along slowly until he did succeed
in finding a friend in William T. Malster,
president of the Columbian Iron Works
and Dry Dock Company of Baltimore, the
first man to appreciate the possibility of
Mr. Lake being a genius instead of a "fool
inventor."
During the spring, the little craft that
was destined to revolutionize modern
151
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
methods of warfare — and, eventually,
modern methods of peaceful transporta-
tion — was completed, and during the
months of July and August, 1895, ^^'^^
thoroughly tested, remaining submerged,
under one test, for one hour and fifteen
minutes at a depth of sixteen feet. Air.
Lake, in his submerging tests, had two
companions, S. T. and B. F. Champion,
of Atlantic Highlands.
These successful tests, made in New
York bay, were witnessed by many, and
when, in November, 1895, the Lake Sub-
marine Company was organized, sufficient
capital was secured to build a larger boat,
but not enough to permit one the size the
inventor wanted. But he did as he did
with the first, — built according to his
means, the result being the "Argonaut,
I.,'' thirty-six feet in length. It was that
craft that successfully navigated two
thousand miles of Chesapeake bay and
Atlantic ocean coast, demonstrated that
she could navigate the surface, travel
along the bottom or submerge at any
depth and outride any storm, the first sub-
marine to navigate the ocean. The dem-
onstration ended December, 1898, when
the "Argonaut, I.," entered New York
harbor, after weathering the fierce winter
storms.
In 1901, another boat was built, by the
Lake Torpedo Boat Company, of which
Mr. Lake was president, named the "Pro-
tector," a boat superior to its predeces-
sors. With proverbial slowness to adopt
new naval or military inventions, the
L^nited States Government delayed action
in securing the "Protector" and she went
to Russia, then at war with Japan. Mr.
Lake accompanied his boat to Russia, in-
structed her purchasers how to operate
her and built a shipyard in Russia in
which he later built four other submarines
for the Russian Government. He also
sold several, built in the United States, to
Russia and Austria. It was not until 1910
that he obtained an order for three boats
of the "even keel" type from the United
States Government.
The value of the submarine is now too
well known to require argument. The
idea borne in the fertile brain of Jules
Verne found lodgment in the receptive
mind of a ten-year old boy of New Jer-
sey, who never abandoned that idea, but
through the years that followed, planned,
studied, suffered and labored under the
discouragement of lack of means, lack of
human sympathy in the face of derision of
his neighbors, and through the apathy of
his own government was deprived of
much of the glory to which he was en-
titled as the inventor and builder of the
first submarine to navigate the ocean.
To far-away Russia goes the honor of be-
ing the first to recognize the value of this
product of the brain of an American boy,
for he was but twenty-nine when he per-
fected "Argonaut, Jr." and sank beneath
the waters of New York bay to emerge
triumphantly one hour and fifteen minutes
later.
Mr. Lake has spent several years abroad,
in Russia, Germany and England, design-
ing, building and acting in an advisory
capacity in the construction of submarine
torpedo boats, and has also built many
submarines for the United States and for-
eign countries. He is president of the
Lake Submarine Company, the Lake Tor-
pedo Boat Company and the Merchant
Submarine Company. His inventions
cover a wide range and his fame as an
inventor is not solely based upon the sub-
marine torpedo boat. He is the inventor
of an apparatus for the locating and re-
covery of sunken vessels and their car-
goes ; of a submarine apparatus for use
in sponge and pearl fishing; of a heavy
oil internal combustion engine for marine
purposes and of other important devices
152
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THE NEV •■
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ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
and machines. He is a member of the
Society of Naval Architects and Marine
Engineers, American Society of Mechani-
cal Engineers, American Society of Naval
Engineers, Institute of Naval Architects
(London), Schiffsbautechnische Gesell-
schaft (Berlin), and other scientific so-
cieties.
He has resided for several years at Mil-
ford, Connecticut, where he purchased
and remodeled the Judge Fowler mansion,
filling it with rare paintings and artistic
treasures gathered abroad and in his na-
tive land. He has been president of the
Milford Village Improvement Association,
is a member of the Milford Board of Fi-
nance, member of the Masonic order and
the Knights of Pythias. His principal
business and office is in Bridgeport, Con-
necticut, where he is a member of the
Manufacturers' Association. He, also, has
an experimental laboratory at Milford,
and takes a deep interest in the material
prosperity and moral uplift of both com-
munities. His clubs are the Engineers',
of New York ; the Seaside Outing and
Algonquin, of Bridgeport. He is also a
member of The Society of Patriots and
Founders of America, Society of Colonial
Wars and Sons of the American Revolu-
tion.
Mr. Lake married, June 9, 1890, Mar-
garet Vogel, born in Baltimore, Maryland,
daughter of John Vogel and granddaugh-
ter of John Vogel, the latter coming from
Nuremberg, Germany, to Baltimore, in
1845. Children of Simon and Margaret
(Vogel) Lake: Miriam, Thomas E., and
Margaret.
BUCKINGHAM, WiUiam Alfred,
AVar Governor, Statesman.
In the annals of Connecticut, the name
of William Alfred Buckingham will ever
Iiold a preeminent place. He was a pa-
triot true to the best traditions of his na-
tive State, whose destiny he guided dur-
ing the most trying period of the nation's
history. Always a hearty supporter of
the abolitionist cause, he disregarded pri-
vate interests, and without taint of per-
sonal ambition he gave himself so whole
heartedly to the work of preserving the
nation that he inspired his fellow citizens
to emulate his devotion to the public good.
He was placed in the Governor's chair
for eight terms, serving twice as long as
any other Governor ; only five others of
Connecticut's sixty-four Governors have
served as many as four years. This fact,
more than any statements that might be
made, indicates the unfaltering confidence
and high esteem in which he was held by
the people ; and he received no honors
that were not justly his due.
Governor Buckingham was in the
seventh generation of one of Connecti-
cut's oldest families. Thomas Bucking-
ham, the progenitor of the family in
America, was a native of England, and
came to America in 1637 as one of the
company that sailed with the ministers
Davenport and Pruden and the merchants
from London, Hopkins and Eaton. In
1638 they settled in New Haven. At that
time he had four sons in his family, and
as his share in the enterprise amounted
to £60 sterling, he was allotted land in the
first division. In 1639 he removed to Mil-
ford, and was one of the Rev. Peter Pru-
den's company. Thomas Buckingham was
one of the seven charter members of the
church organized at New Haven, August
22, 1639, and his name appears on a list
of the free planters in Milford, November
29, 1639. His will was dated September
22, 1657. His wife Hannah, whom he
married in England, joined the New
Haven church February 9, 1639.
Their son, Rev. Thomas Buckingham,
was baptized November 29, 1646. He be-
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ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
gan his career as a preacher in 1665 at
Saybrook. He was ordained in 1670, and
remained over the church there until his
death on April i, 1709. He was one of
the founders and fellows of Yale College
from 1700 until his death. Rev. Thomas
Buckingham was a member of the synod
which convened at Saybrook in 1708, and
formed the platform for government of
the churches. His first wife was Hester,
daughter of Thomas Hosmer, of Hart-
ford ; they were married September 20,
1666, and she died June 3, 1702.
Their son, Daniel Buckingham, was
born October 3, 1673. He was justice of
the peace for many years, and held other
important town offices. He was promi-
nent in church affairs, and owned a large
acreage in Lebanon. He died March 25,
1725. On May 24, 1693, Daniel Bucking-
ham married Sarah Lee, of Lyme, Con-
necticut.
Their son, Daniel Buckingham, was
born April g. 1698; he married Lydia
Lord, on March 3. 1726.
Their son, Samuel Buckingham, grand-
father of Governor Buckingham, was born
in May, 1740, and died December 30, 1815.
He married Lydia Watrous, who died
June 12, 1833.
Their son. Deacon Samuel Bucking-
ham, was born at Saybrook in 1770, and
resided there until after his first child
was born. In company with some others
he built two fishing piers at the mouth
of the Connecticut river for catching shad.
He retained his interest in these fisheries,
which later became very valuable. In
1803 he removed to Lebanon and engaged
in farming, marketing his products in
Hartford, raising large quantities of the
choicest fruits of his day. Deacon Buck-
ingham was enterprising, industrious,
methodical, and possessed of unusually
good judgment, through the exercise of
which traits he acquired what was con-
sidered a large property in his time. In
181 5 he represented the town in the Leg-
islature, using his influence and personal
resources toward the maintenance of the
town schools. He was a deacon in the
church and a liberal supporter of church
endeavor and reform, being one of the
first to espouse the cause of temperance
reform. Such was his hospitality that his
house was known as "The Minister's
Tavern." On March 8, 1798, he married
Joanna, daughter of Nathaniel and Dinah
(Newton) Maston, of Colchester. She
was a superior woman, of great executive
ability and good judgment. She had six
children, of whom William Alfred Buck-
ingham was the second.
Like Abraham Lincoln, whom he loved
and knew intimately and who loved him
well, William A. Buckingham spent his
youth on a farm, receiving his education
in public and private schools of Lebanon,
his native town, and at Bacon Academy
in Colchester. After being graduated he
became a land surveyor for a short time,
but not finding this work congenial, he
returned to the farm, where he assisted
his father for three years. At the age of
twenty he entered the employ of an uncle
who was engaged in the dry goods busi-
ness in Norwich. This business he deter-
minted to master, and after two years
with his uncle he secured employment in
a wholesale house in New York, but re-
mained there only a short time. Return-
ing to Norwich in 1826, he established
himself in the dry goods business, and
four years later began the manufacture
of ingrain carpets, in addition to his other
business. This enterprise proved success-
ful. In 1848 Mr. Buckingham lent money
to a friend who desired to begin the manu-
facture of rubber shoes, and became so
interested in the undertaking that with a
few other men he organized the Hayward
Rubber Company, of which he was treas-
154
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
urer from the beginning. The venture
proved so profitable that he gave up his
other business interests to devote his
whole attention to the manufacture of
rubber goods. Under his management
the enterprise developed into one of the
leading industries of the State. He was
a man of splendid poise, keen perceptions,
accurate in his conclusions, and possessed
of an initiative and an indomitable will
that enabled him to overcome every diffi-
culty and surmount every obstacle in the
accomplishment of his purposes. These
qualities carried him successfully through
several financial panics and enabled him
tc build a large fortune.
William A. Buckingham was a public
spirited citizen, and naturally took a keen
interest in the questions and problems of
his day. He was not a politician, how-
ever, and never aspired to public office to
such a degree that he would seek it for
personal preferment. His fellow citizens,
recognizing the need for abilities such as
his in public service, repeatedly elected
him mayor of Norwich, his terms of office
covering the years 1849, 1850, 1856 and
1857. He served the city with the same
industry and regard for the people's wel-
fare that he gave his own afifairs, at the
same gaining an insight into the problems
of a public official that was to be of great
value to him in the trying years in which
he was to serve his State as its chief ex-
ecutive. During 1857 he was a presi-
dential elector.
In 1858 the new Republican party made
him its candidate for Governor. It will
be remembered that this was a time of
commercial disaster and political unrest.
Mr. Buckingham was then almost un-
known to the voters outside his own sec-
tion of the State, yet he received a ma-
jority of 2,449 votes at his first election.
Already the controversy with the South-
ern States over the question of slavery
was acute, and Governor Buckingham's
first message to the General Assembly
showed plainly his strong opposition to
the slaveholding power. His administra-
tion was so satisfactory to the people of
Connecticut that he was reelected in 1859
and i860. In the latter year every voter
in the Union had positive convictions as
to the momentous issues at stake, and the
political contest was nowhere sharper
than in Connecticut. Governor Bucking-
ham's opponent was the Democratic "war-
horse," Thomas Hart Seymour. Abra-
ham Lincoln was sent to aid in the cam-
paign, and he made six speeches in the
State. The Governor was Lincoln's com-
panion during his travels here, and usual-
ly made the speech introducing Lincoln
to the audience. Thus began a warm
friendship that ripened through the few
remaining years of Mr. Lincoln's life. The
contest was close, and the result was
awaited with feverish anxiety. Mr. Sey-
mour was given majorities in the larger
cities, while Governor Buckingham was
the choice of the smaller cities and towns,
and he won by a majority of only 541
votes. In 1861 he received a majority of
more than 2,000 votes.
In 1858 the total number of militiamen
in the State was only 2,045 ; so that when
Lincoln issued his first call for troops
(April 15, 1861) there was scarcely a regi-
ment of organized militia in the State.
W'ithout authority under the law. Gov-
ernor Buckingham, acting on his own in-
itiative and with characteristic wisdom,
issued a proclamation on April i6th for
troops to meet Lincoln's call for a regi-
ment from Connecticut. Men enough for
ten companies were called for, but fifty-
four companies enlisted ; and when the
Legislature was convened on the first
\\'ednesday in May it validated the Gov-
ernor's action and appropriated $2,000,000
for military expenses. It also authorized
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
the enlistment of ten thousand men. A
subsequent Legislature removed the re-
striction as to the number of men, and
gave the Governor authority and means
to enlist and equip as many soldiers as
the President might call for. Under this
authority and with the cooperation of his
fellow citizens. Governor Buckingham
raised 54,882 men, which was 6.089 more
than the State's quota. At that time the
population of Connecticut was 461,000
people, of whom approximately 80,000
were voters, and of these there were esti-
mated to be about 50,000 capable of bear-
ing arms. The Connecticut troops were
the first sent from any State fully
equipped for service. Connecticut's rec-
ord during the Civil War is one of which
her sons may ever be proud. Governor
Buckingham was especially concerned
that no State should send better troops
to the front, and that none should be
better equipped. He was constantly solic-
itous for the welfare and comfort of the
soldiers. "Don't let any Connecticut man
suffer for want of anything that can be
done for him. If it costs money, draw on
me for it," and "Take good care of the
Connecticut men." are examples of the
messages he frequently sent to the front.
As his eighth term drew toward a close.
Governor Buckingham declined to be a
candidate for reelection, it being his in-
tention to retire to private life for a much
needed rest. But during the troublous
days of the reconstruction period, men
were needed at Washington who had
breadth of view, who were not swayed by
prejudice, but arrived at conclusions after
calm, dispassionate consideration. His
fellow citizens decided that they needed
Governor Buckingham as their represen-
tative in the United States Senate, and he
accordingly took his seat in that body on
March 4, i86g. He was chairman of the
committee appointed by the Senate to in-
vestigate the Custom House frauds in
New York, and chairman of the Senate
Committee on Indian Affairs. His death
occurred before the completion of his
term, on February 5, 1875.
Governor Buckingham was a warm
friend of the cause of education. He gave
liberally to Yale College, and with one ex-
ception contributed more than any other
individual to endow the Norwich Free
Academy, of whose board of trustees he
was president. He was an active worker
in the temperance cause, and served as
president of the Connecticut State Tem-
perance Union. He was an earnest mem-
ber of the Broadway Congregational
Church of Norwich. In 1865 he was
moderator of the National Council of
Congregational churches in Boston, and
was a corporate member of the American
Board of Foreign Missions.
Some of the most distinguished men in
the country attended his funeral, and his
loss was widely mourned, for he had won
the lasting love of all who knew him. On
February 27, 1875, eulogies were delivered
in his memory in the United States Sen-
ate. Among those who paid eloquent
tributes to his life and character were
Senators Eaton and Ferry, of Connecti-
cut ; Frelinghuysen, of New Jersey ; Ste-
venson, of Kentucky ; Wright, of Iowa ;
Bayard, of Delaware ; Pratt and Morton,
of Indiana, and Thurman, of Ohio.
On September 27, 1830, Governor Buck-
ingham was married to Eliza, daughter of
Dr. Dwight Ripley, who was a famous
merchant of Norwich in the early years
of the nineteenth century. She died April
ig, 1868, aged sixty years. Eliza Coit,
born December 7, 1838, was the only child
from the union which grew to maturity;
she was married to General William A.
Aiken.
In the western end of the Capitol at
Hartford, the State of Connecticut has
156
THE ^^'J^lU
PUBLIC LIBP.^HY
^::i^^Z--:^
C-. t^fe^-^^^cV^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
placed a statue of the famous "War Gov-
ernor." It represents him in a sitting
posture. Olin L. Warner, of New York,
was the sculptor. The statue cost $10,000,
and $6,000 was appropriated for the un-
veiling ceremonies, which took place on
June 18, 1884. The statue was unveiled
by Governor Waller, and an address was
delivered by United States Senator Or-
ville H. Piatt.
No encomium could do justice to the
splendid personality and achievements of
Governor Buckingham, and in this brief
review it has been possible to touch only
the most striking features in his notable
career. The following quotation from the
"Norwich Bulletin" will give to the pres-
ent and coming generations, who were
not privileged to know Governor Buck-
ingham, a brief description of a character
worthy of emulation by all :
In private life. Governor Buckingham was char-
acterized by great sweetness of disposition and an
urbane courtesy in his social relations which won
the sincere regard of all with whom he was per-
sonally in contact. He possessed that polished
dignity of manner which we of this day character-
ize as the gentility of the old school, and the re-
finement of its minor details was strongly marked
in all his habits of life. * * * He was great
in his probity, patriotism and purity of life, and
he wielded a vast influence for good. In public
and in private life, like him who was loved of
God, he walked uprightly before men. And with
a full remembrance of all the honors which had
been pressed upon him, of all the great successes
of his life, no better or truer epitaph can be pro-
duced over his grave than that which he himself
would have desired: "A man of honor, and a
Christian gentleman."
SKINNER, Colonel William Converse,
Mannfactarer, Financier,
A man of pleasing personality, kindly,
considerate and courteous to all, a level
headed, finely poised man of affairs, quick
and decisive of action, conservative but
determined. Colonel William C. Skinner,
president of the Colt's Patent Fire Arms
Manufacturing Company, is the capable
executive of that corporation of world
wide fame. His personal desire was for
a professional career, but a throat trouble,
which developed during his term at Al-
bany Law School, thwarted that ambition
and gave him to the business world in
which he is so conspicuous a figure. He
is of distinguished Colonial and Revolu-
tionary ancestry, descending in direct line
from Thomas Skinner, who came to
America from England about 1650; from
Samuel Roberts, an early settler of Strat-
ford, Connecticut ; from John and Pris-
cilla (Molines) Alden, of the "May-
flower;" from Deacon Edward Converse,
of Charlestown and Woburn ; from Sir
Thomas Billing, of Rowell, England. His
collateral lines are many, his membership
in the Society of Colonial Wars being
based on nine ancestors with seven addi-
tional lines, and admission to the Sons
of the American Revolution was gained
on the service of Calvin Skinner and five
additional lines.
(I) Sergeant Thomas Skinner, the
American ancestor, was born in England
in 1617, and came to New England be-
tween the years 1649 and 1652, accom-
panied by his wife Mary and two sons :
Thomas (2) and Abraham. He settled at
Maiden, where in 1652 he was granted
"libertye and license to keepe an ordinary
there." He only kept the inn for a short
time, but in 1654 bought a lot of fifteen
acres with house, of Rowland Lahorne.
He was admitted a freeman, May 18,
1633, and March 3, 1678-79, he with seven
other proprietors and those interested in
the destruction of property by the Indians
during King Philip's War were present
at a meeting of a committee of the Gen-
eral Court held in Cambridge. In 1680
he was chosen selectman and given direct
oversight of the town of Maiden. The
157
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
same year he was made sergeant of the
Maiden Company of the First Regiment,
and in 1693-94, being then nearly eighty,
he deeded the old homestead at the south-
east corner of Cross and Walnut streets,
Maiden, to his son Abraham in consider-
ation for the future maintenance of him-
self and wife Lydia. Mary, his wife, died
at Maiden, and he married a second wife
Lydia (Shepherdson) Call, widow of
Thomas Call, and resided in the house
above mentioned. The old house stood
until torn down before 1798, but a large
rock on the lot known as Skinner's Rock
was not removed until 1887, it standing
as a monument of the olden time and
preserving the name of its former owner
for two centuries after he first became its
owner. Lydia Skinner died December
17, 1723.
(II) Abraham Skinner, son of Sergeant
Thomas and Mary Skinner, was born in
Chichester, England, came to New Eng-
land with his parents, and died in Maiden,
Massachusetts, prior to 1698. His wife
Hannah died January 14, 1725. He
served in the Mt. Hope campaign against
the Indians in 1675, and was in the Nar-
rangansett Fort in 1676.
(III) Abraham (2) Skinner, son of
Abraham (i) and Hannah Skinner, was
born in Maiden, Massachusetts, April 8,
1681, and died in Woodstock, Connecti-
cut, December 24, 1776. He married,
prior to 1718, Tabitha Hills, born in Mai-
den in 1690, and late in life they moved
with their son William to Woodstock,
where Tabitha (Hills) Skinner died July
13, 1771. They were the parents of Abra-
ham, William, Isaac, Tabitha, Abigail,
twin with Tabitha, Benjamin, Hannah,
Ebenezer and Jonathan.
(IV) Deacon William Skinner, son of
Abraham (2) and Tabitha (Hills) Skin-
ner, was born in Maiden, Massachusetts,
July 16, 1720, and died in Woodstock,
Connecticut, January 30, 1807. When a
young man he settled with his parents in
Woodstock, and throughout his long after
life was a pillar of the church and re-
garded as one of the most useful and re-
spected citizens of that community. He
was elected deacon of the South Church
in 1763, in which capacity he served with
"singular discretion, wisdom and fidel-
ity," for more than forty-three years.
William Skinner serv-ed at the siege of
Louisburg, in 1745, and in 1757 was com-
missioned ensign in the Fifteenth Com-
pany, Eleventh Connecticut Regiment.
William Skinner responded to the call
from Boston, Lexington Alarm, was a
member of Captain Ephraim Manning's
company, Woodstock (Connecticut)
Militia, and also a private in Captain
Paine's company. Eleventh Regiment,
Connecticut Militia, in September, 1776,
serving at New York. He married, in
1744-45, Thankful Mascraft, born Janu-
ary 23, 1721, and died in Woodstock,
April i6, 1805. They were the parents
of Calvin, William (2), Bethesda, Thank-
ful, Salva, Salva (2), Tabitha, Isaac and
Luther.
(V) Calvin Skinner, son of Deacon
William, and Thankful (Mascraft) Skin-
ner, was born at Woodstock, Connecticut,
October 12, 1746, and died at Thompson,
Connecticut, July 15, 1777, from the
effects of fever contracted in the camp at
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. He was a
private in Captain Joseph Elliott's com-
pany, Killingly (Connecticut) Militia,
marching, on the Lexington Alarm of
April, 1773, and a corporal in Lieuten-
ant Paine Converse's company. Eleventh
Regiment, Connecticut Militia. He
served around New York, went into camp
with General Washington's army at Val-
ley Forge, and endured the sufferings of
that terrible period until stricken with
fever. He married, at Thompson, Con-
f58
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
necticut, February 12, 1775, Eleanor
Porter, born there March 19, 1753, and
died at Royalton, Vermont, September
15, 1813. They were the parents of two
children, Sally and Calvin (2).
(VI) Calvin (2) Skinner, posthumous
son of Calvin (i) and Eleanor (Porter)
Skinner, was born at Woodstock, Con-
necticut, November 23, 1777, and died at
Royalton, Vermont, August 23, 1843.
When a boy he was taken by his mother,
sister, and stepfather, Lieutenant Zebulon
Lyon, to Royalton, Vermont, and when
he cam.e of age made an indenture with
his stepfather to care for him and his
wife and his two half-brothers until they
reached legal age. He later in life, by
careful saving and industry, acquired con-
siderable property. In 1809 Lieutenant
Lyon deeded him a large farm on White
river in Royalton, which has since been
known as the "Skinner" farm and home-
stead. He married, November 13, 1803,
Sally Billings, a woman of keen intelli-
gence and ready wit, who died in Royal-
ton, April 25, 1850 (see Billings XIV).
Both were devout members of the Con-
gregational church, giving generously to
the church of their means and personal
service. They were the parents of Eliza,
Susan, William, Lucretia, Lewis, Eleanor,
Calvin, died young; Calvin, of further
mention ; Martin and Richard.
(VII) Dr. Calvin (3) Skinner, son of
Calvin (2) and Sally (Billings) Skinner,
was born in Royalton, Vermont, May 22,
1818, and died in Malone, New York, Sep-
tember 24, 1903. He began his education
in the public schools at Royalton, Ver-
mont, and he prepared for college at the
Royalton Academy, later attending the
University of Vermont. In 1837, he be-
gan the stud}^ of medicine and graduated
from Dartmouth Medical College in 1840,
soon after taking a special course at the
College of Physicians and Surgeons in
New York. He began active practice at
Rochester, Vermont, but in 1842 removed
to Malone, New York, where he built up
a wide and lucrative practice, with special
success in surgery for which he had a
natural aptitude. In 1861, he was con-
tract physician for the Ninety-eighth
Regiment, New York State Volunteers,
recruited at Malone, New York, and in
1862 was appointed by General Morgan
one of the corps of volunteer surgeons to
assist the regular surgeons on the Penin-
sula. The same year, 1862, he was regu-
larly commissioned surgeon of the One
Hundred and Sixth New York Regiment,
and was with that command in Virginia
until disability compelled him to resign
in 1864 and return home. The disease
thus contracted gradually crippled him,
finally forcing him to retire from active
practice and confining him to the house
for the last ten years of his life.
In politics, Dr. Skinner was a Repub-
lican. His first vote was cast for Presi-
dent Harrison in 1840, and his last vote
for President McKinley in 1896. He, with
eleven others, organized the Republican
party in Franklin county. New York, in
1850, and in i860 he was an alternate dele-
gate to the National Convention that
nominated President Lincoln. He held
many responsible positions. He helped
to secure funds for St. Mark's, the first
Episcopal church in Malone, and was one
of the vestrymen for nearly fifty years ;
postmaster fourteen years, 1861-75 ; mem-
ber of the Board of Education, 1872-90;
one of the organizers of the Malone
Water Company and a director for over
forty years ; one of the original trustees
of the Northern New York Deaf Mute
Institution and attending physician as
long as he was able; for sixty years
member of the Franklin County Medical
Association, and a charter member of the
Northern New York Medical Association,
159
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
and its first treasurer. He belonged to
the Grand Army of the Republic, and
during the last years of his life was a
member of the Military Order of the
Loyal Legion of the United States.
Dr. Skinner married at Royalton, Ver-
mont, September 15, 1842, Jane Blodgett,
born at East Randolph, Vermont, March
21, 1818, and died at Malone, New York,
May 2, 1893, daughter of Samuel and
Hannah (Converse) Blodgett, the latter a
daughter of Jude and Abigail (Alden)
Converse, and a descendant of John and
Priscilla (Molines or Mullins) Alden, of
the "Mayflower," and of Lieutenant Jo-
siah Converse, Captain Josiah Converse,
Major James Converse, Lieutenant James
Converse and Edward Converse. Jane
(Blodgett) Skinner inherited many of the
sterling qualities of her New England
forebears, and by her extraordinary intel-
ligence, tact and sympathy proved her
husband's helpmeet in every sense of the
word. The gentleness, sweetness and
kindliness that permeated everything that
she said or did will ever be remembered
by her family and her friends. Dr. Calvin
and Jane (Blodgett) Skinner were the
parents of Eleanor Porter, Samuel Blod-
gett, Henry Carroll, Alice Leland, Wil-
liam Converse, Elizabeth Caroline, and
Emma Catherine, twin with Elizabeth.
(VIII) Colonel William Converse
Skinner, son of Dr. Calvin (3) and Jane
(Blodgett) Skinner, was born in Malone,
New York, January 26, 1855, and there
completed courses of grade and high
school study, graduating with the high
school class of 1872. He then entered
Trinity College, whence he was graduated
Bachelor of Arts, class of "76," later re-
ceiving from his alma matter the degree of
Master of Arts. During the next session
of the New York Legislature, he was
appointed clerk of the judiciary commit-
tee of the House, and while in Albany
attended lectures at Albany Law School.
He was deterred from further progress in
legal study by a serious throat trouble
and spent a year in Colorado to effect its
cure. After his return he located in Hart-
ford, Connecticut, there forming in 1882
a partnership with General Henry C.
Dwight, which connection continued for
eighteen years, Dwight, Skinner & Com-
pany becoming one of the best known
firms in the State in the wool trade. In
May, 1899, Colonel Skinner withdrew
from the firm and has since been con-
nected with the Colt's Patent Fire Arms
Manufacturing Company in official capa-
city. He was elected a director and vice-
president of the company, July 2, 1901,
and January 5, 1909, was elected president
of the company to fill the vacancy caused
by the death of President Grover. Presi-
dent Skinner resigned the office of presi-
dent, January i, 191 1, becoming chair-
man of the board of directors, holding
that position until the death of President
Charles L. F. Robinson, when he was
again elected president of this company,
July 13, 1916, whose position and import-
ance in the industrial and business world
is so well known.
In addition to his executive duties.
Colonel Skinner is a director of the Con-
necticut Mutual Life Insurance Company,
Hartford Fire Insurance Company, Phoe-
nix National Bank, Fidelity Trust Com-
pany and Smyth Manufacturing Com-
pany, director and vice-president of the
Society for Savings and of Jay O. Ballard
& Company, and trustee of Trinity Col-
lege. He served for years upon the staff
of Morgan D. Bulkeley, Governor of
Connecticut, with the rank of colonel, and
in political faith is a Republican. His
clubs are Farmington Country, Hartford,
Hartford Golf, the University and Union
League of New York City, the Metro-
politan and Army and Navy clubs of
160
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Washington, the Princess Anne of Vir-
ginia and Republican of Hartford. His
fraternity is I. K. A. of Trinity Col-
lege, and he is affiliated with St. John's
Lodge, No. 4, Free and Accepted Masons.
From his father he inherits membership
in the Military Order of the Loyal
Legion ; through his descent from John
Alden and other Colonial ancestors
membership in the Society of the May-
flower Descendants and the Society of
Colonial Wars, and from Calvin Skinner
membership in the Sons of the American
Revolution.
Colonel Skinner married, October 25,
1880, Florence Clarissa Roberts, born in
1857, died in 1904, daughter of Ebenezer
and Clarissa (Bancroft) Roberts, her
father a prominent business man of Hart-
ford, grandson of Samuel Roberts, an
officer of the Revolution, a descendant
of Samuel and Mercy (Blake) Roberts,
who settled in Middletown, Connecticut,
as early as 1691. William C. and Flor-
ence C. (Roberts) Skinner are the parents
of three children : Marjorie Roberts, born
August 6, 1881, married Walter S. Trum-
bull, a grandson of Lyman Trumbull, and
resides in New York City; Roberts
Keney, born October i, 1886, educated at
Trinity College, married Marion, daugh-
ter of Harry Stedman, of Hartford, and
has a son, Roberts Keney (2), and a
daughter, Florence ; William Converse
(2), born October 27, 1889, married
Edith King, of Hartford, and has a son,
Calvin Converse, and a daughter.
(The BiUings Line).
(I) The word Billing is Saxon, mean-
ing "place by the meadow." The family
name was originally de Billing, and in
England is traced to John Billing, of
Rowell, a patron of the Church of Colly-
Weston, also owning lands in Rushden.
He had two sons, John and Sir Thomas.
Conn— 3— 11 l6l
(II) Sir Thomas Billing, of Rowell,
was of the Inns Court and was called to
the bar. He was made sergeant-at-law
in 1453, and knighted in 1458 for taking
a prominent part with the Lancastrian
party. When the right to the crown was
argued (1466) he appeared at the bar of
the House of Lords as counsel for Henry
VI., leading the attorney and solicitor-
general. He was the principal law ad-
visor to Edward IV., and in 1465 was
made justice of the King's Bench, and in
1468 lord chief justice of the King's
Bench. In the spring of 1481 he was
stricken with apoplexy and expired in a
few days, after a tenure of office and
seventeen years in the midst of the civil
wars and revolutions. He was buried in
Bittlesden Abbey in Oxfordshire, where a
large blue marble slab was placed over
his body, having on it the figures in brass
of himself and lady. He is represented
in his official robes. This slab, and the
slab that covered his son Thomas, were
taken from the Abbey after the dissolu-
tion of monasteries, and placed at the
upper end of the center aisle of Wappen-
ham Church, where they now remain.
Sir Thomas, by his first wife, Catherine
GifTord, daughter of Roger Gififord, of
Twyford in Buckinghamshire, became
possessed of Gififord's Manor in the ham-
let of Astwell and parish of Wappenham
in Northamptonshire, afterwards called
"Billing's Manor," where he took up his
residence. The ancient manor house,
although curtailed in size, is still stand-
ing and now occupied as a farm house.
The eight children of Sir Thomas Billing
were all by his first wife, Catherine (Gif-
ford) Billing.
(Ill) Nicholas Billing, fifth and young-
est son of Sir Thomas Billing, was of
Middletown Malzor in Northamptonshire.
He died in 15 12, providing in his will for
masses of requiem to be celebrated in
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Bittlesden Abey for five years on each
anniversary of his death.
(IV) William Billing, fourth and
youngest son of Nicholas Billing, died at
Middletown Malzor in 1526.
(V) William (2) Billing, son of Wil-
liam (i) Billing, died in Middletown
Malzor in 1557, his wife Joan surviving
him.
(VI) Roger Billing, son of William (2)
Billing, inherited lands in Somersetshire
from his father, moved from Middletown
Malzor to Baltonsborough, where he died
December 16, 1596. From a parchment
document containing the names of the
principal landowners in the parish, pre-
served in the great chest in the Baltons-
borough Church, it appears that he was
possessed of considerable property there.
By his first wife Katherine, who was
buried at Baltonsburg, February 12,
1566-67, he had three children: Richard,
called in his father's will "the elder;"
Elizabeth and John.
(VII) Richard Billing, eldest son of
Roger Billing, moved to Taunton, Eng-
land, from Baltonsburg, England, and
was possessed of landed property. He
married Elizabeth, daughter of Ebenezer
Strong, of Taunton.
(VIII) William Billing, youngest son
of Richard Billing, had by his father's
will a house and land in Taunton, Eng-
land, which passed to his son William
who came to New England, and was sold
by William to his brother Ebenezer, of
Glastonbury.
(IX) W'illiam (2) Billing, son of Wil-
liam (i) Billing, of Taunton, England,
was of the ninth recorded English gener-
ation and the founder of this branch of
the family in New England. He was born
in Taunton, England, and died in Ston-
ington, Connecticut, March 16, 1713. He
disposed of his lands in Taunton, came to
New England about 1650, and is credited
with being one of the original proprietors
of Lancaster, Massachusetts, in 1654. He
was married at Dorchester, JNIassachu-
setts, February 5, 1658, the record thus
attesting: "William Billing was married
unto Mary by ]\Iajor Atherton, 5,
12.57." I" the year 1658 he joined the
company of William Cheeseborough at
Stonington, Connecticut, where he be-
came one of the largest land proprietors
in that and neighboring towns. His wife
Mary died in Stonington in 1718.
(X) William (3) Billing, son of Wil-
liam (2) Billing, died in Preston, Con-
necticut, and had by his wife Hannah a
son Joseph.
(XI) Joseph Billings, son of William
(3) and Hannah Billing (the "s" being
added by Joseph), was born January 28,
1692. He was a magistrate of Preston,
Connecticut. His wife Sarah was a
daughter of Nathaniel Larrabee, of Nor-
wich, Connecticut.
(XII) Samuel Billings, son of Joseph
and Sarah (Larrabee) Billings, was born
about 1718, and gave his life for his coun-
try, being killed in action at Groton
Heights, Connecticut, September 6, 1781.
He enlisted as a private for three years
service from Stonington, Connecticut,
joining Captain James Eldridge's com-
pany. First Regiment, Connecticut Line,
Colonel Jedediah Huntington, and served
his full term from January 15, 1777, to
January 15, 1780, when the British, under
command of Benedict Arnold, burnt the
towns of New London and Groton ;
Samuel Billings was one of the number of
Connecticut militia who hastened to the
defense of Fort Griswold and was one of
the brave defenders of the fort massacred
by the British, September 6, 1781. He
married, October 14, 1744, Grace, daugh-
ter of Henry Minor, of Montville, Con-
necticut.
(XIII) John Billings, son of Samuel
162
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Billings, the Revolutionary martyr, was
born at Alontville, Connecticut, Novem-
ber lo, 1751, and died at Royalton, Ver-
mont, August 22, 1832. He was also a
soldier of the Revolution, serving from
May 7, 1775, to December 10, 1775, in the
Fifth Company, Captain James Chapman,
the Sixth Regiment, Continental Line,
Colonel Samuel Parsons. The Sixth
Regiment was raised at the first call for
troops in April-May, 1775, and on June
17, was ordered into camp at Boston.
They were posted at Roxbury, forming
part of General Spencer's brigade, there
remaining until the term of enlistment
expired December 10, 1775. In 1776 the
regiment was reorganized, John Billings
leaving the service in 1778. He married,
in New London, Connecticut, about 1754,
Olive Noble, who died at Royalton, Ver-
mont, May 14, 1843.
(XIV) Sally Billings, daughter of
John and Olive (Noble) Billings, was
horn in Royalton, Vermont, January 21,
1782, and died there, April 25, 1850. She
married, in Royalton, November 13, 1803,
Calvin Skinner (see Skinner). Their son.
Dr. Calvin Skinner, married Jane Blod-
gett, and they were the parents of Colonel
William Converse Skinner, of the six-
teenth recorded generation of the Billings
family in England and America.
(The Converse Line).
(I) Deacon Edward Converse, the
founder of this line, was born in Wakerly,
England, January 30, 1590, and died in
Woburn, Massachusetts, August 10, 1663.
He was trial justice for many years in
Woburn, and in 1660 was a deputy to the
General Court. He married, in England,
before 1617, his first wife, Jane Clarke.
(II) Their son, Lieutenant James Con-
verse, born in England, 1620, died 1715.
He was a resident of Charlestown and
Woburn, Massachusetts, lieutenant of the
Woburn Company during King Philip's
War, and in 1679-83-84-85-86 and 8g
deputy to the General Court. He mar-
ried, October 24, 1643, ^t Charlestown,
his first wife, Anne Long, who died Au-
gust 10, 1691, at Woburn, daughter of
Robert Long, of Charlestown.
(III) Major James Converse, son of
Lieutenant James Converse, was born in
Woburn, Massachusetts, November 16,
1645, and died there July 8, 1706. For
his gallant defense of Storer's Garrison,
1691-92, he was promoted to the rank of
major and placed in command of all the
military forces of Massachusetts — in
Maine. He represented Woburn in the
General Court in 1679-92, 1699, 1702 and
1703, serving as speaker of the house dur-
ing his last three terms. He married,
January i, 1668, at Woburn, Hannah
Carter, born January 19, 1650.
(IV) Captain Josiah Converse, son of
Major James Converse, was born in Wo-
burn, Massachusetts, September 12, 1684,
and died in Brookfield, Massachusetts, in
1771. He was captain of the Woburn
Military Company, resided also in Leices-
ter and Brookfield, Massachusetts, repre-
senting the last named town in the State
Legislature in 1740-42-43-45-47 and 1750.
He married, December 30, 1706, at Wo-
burn, Hannah Sawyer, born November
25, 1689, and died June 18, 1747, at Brook-
field.
(V) Lieutenant Josiah (2) Converse,
son of Captain Josiah (i) Converse, was
born in Woburn, March 2, 1710, and died
September 11, 1775, in Stratford, Connec-
ticut. He was a resident of Woburn and
Leicester, Massachusetts, prior to his re-
moval to Connecticut; was lieutenant of
the Leicester military company, and rep-
resented that town in the State Legis-
lature in 1730. He married, at Leicester,
December 27, 1732, Eleanor Richardson,
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
born in Woburn in 1712, and died in
Stratford, Connecticut, August 6, 1785.
(VI) Jude Converse, son of Lieuten-
ant Josiah (2) Converse, was born in
Stratford, Connecticut, June 11, 1750, and
died in East Randolph, Vermont, October
23, 1816. He was a drummer boy at the
Lexington Alarm and rendered nine days
service under Captain Paul Blodgett,
marching from Stratford in April, 1775.
He was a private in the Third Company,
Second Continental Regiment, under
Captain Rogers Enos, Colonel Joseph
Spencer, May 9 — October 16, 1775. This
regiment was raised at the first call for
troops by the Connecticut Legislature,
marched to the camps around Boston,
took part at Roxbury and served during
the siege. He married, about 1772,
Abigail Alden, born in 1750 at Stratford,
Connecticut, and died in May, 1814, a de-
scendant of John Alden, of the "May-
flower."
(VII) Hannah Converse, daughter of
Jude and Abigail (Alden) Converse, was
born in Stratford, Connecticut, August 2,
1786, and died in Forestdale, Vermont,
June 10, 1855. She married in Randolph,
Vermont, March 9, 1805, Samuel Blod-
gett, born in Stratford, November 15,
1777, and died in Forestdale, Vermont.
May 2, 1859.
(VIII) Jane Blodgett, daughter of
Samuel and Hannah (Converse) Blod-
gett, was born in East Randolph, Ver-
mont, and died in Malone, New York,
May 2, 1893. She married, September 15,
1842, in Royalton, Vermont, Dr. Calvin
Skinner, and they are the parents of Colo-
nel William Converse Skinner, of Hart-
ford, Connecticut.
(The Alden Line).
(I) John Alden was born in England in
1599, and died in Duxbury, Massachu-
setts, September 12, 1687. He was one
of the signers of the "Compact," a docu-
ment drawn up and signed by the passen-
gers on the "Mayflower" for their gov-
ernment : was a member of the little army
of Pilgrims commanded by Captain
Myles Standish ; member of the Duxbury
Company in 1643 ! assistant to all the
governors of the colony, 1650-86; repre-
sentative to the General Court, 1641-49;
member of the Council of War, 1646-60;
acting deputy governor, 1664-77. He
married, in 1622, Priscilla, daughter of
William Molines (Mullins).
(II) Captain Joseph Alden, son of John
and Priscilla (Molines) Alden, was born
in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, in 1624,
and died there February 8, 1697. In 1643
he held the rank of captain in the com-
pany commanded by Captain Myles
Standish. He married Mary, daughter of
Moses Simmons, Jr., of Duxbury.
(III) Joseph (2) Alden, son of Captain
Joseph (i) Alden, was born in Bridge-
water, Massachusetts, in 1667, and died
there December 22, 1747, He married,
in 1690, Hannah Dunham, born in 1670,
and died in Bridgewater, January 14,
1747-
(IV) Daniel Alden, son of Joseph (2)
Alden, was born in Bridgewater, Massa-
chusetts, January 29, 1691, and died in
Stratford, Connecticut, May 3, 1767. He
married, in 1717, Abigail Shaw, born in
1694, and died July 12, 1755.
(V) Daniel (2) Alden, son of Daniel
(i) Alden, was born in Bridgewater,
Massachusetts, September 5, 1720, and
died in Lebanon, New Hampshire, May
18, 1790. He was a deputy to the Gen-
eral Court from Stratford, Connecticut,
twelve times, 1760-71, also justice of the
peace for Hartford county from May,
1766, to May, 1777. He married, in 1747,
Jane Turner, born in Weymouth, Massa-
chusetts, March 30, 1725, and died in
Lebanon, New Hampshire, May 6, 1817.
64
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(VI) Abigail Alden, daughter of Daniel
(2) and Jane (Turner) Alden, was born in
Stratford, Connecticut, in October, 1750,
and died in May, 1814. She married,
about 1772, Jude Converse. Their daugh-
ter, Hannah Converse, married Samuel
Blodgett. Their daughter, Jane Blodgett,
married Dr. Calvin Skinner. Their son
was Colonel William C. Skinner.
(The Roberts Line).
Samuel Roberts, American ancestor of
Florence Clarissa (Roberts) Skinner, is
believed to have been born in England.
He settled in Stratford, Connecticut, and
married Sarah, daughter of Edward Hin-
man, who was also the first of his family
in America. Their son, Samuel (2)
Roberts, was undoubtedly born in Eng-
land, lived in Middletown, Connecticut,
and died in 1726. He married Catherine
Leete, who died October 13, 1693. Their
son, Deacon Samuel Roberts, resided in
Middletown, Connecticut, as early as
1691, and died there in 1739. He mar-
ried, September 22, 1691, Mary Blake,
daughter of John Blake, of Maiden, Eng-
land, born January 16, 1673, and died De-
cember 16, 1724. Their son, Ebenezer
Roberts, born October 29, 1697, married,
March 17, 1721, Mary Johnson, and had
issue. Their son, Ebenezer Roberts, was
an officer of the Revolution, serving with
General Washington at New York, Tren-
ton and Yorktown. He married and had
a son, Ebenezer Cornwall Roberts, who
married and had a son, Ebenezer Roberts,
father of Mrs. William C. Skinner.
Ebenezer Roberts was born at West-
field, Connecticut, October 28, 1819, and
died in Hartford, Connecticut, March 7,
1896, and in collateral line was also a de-
scendant of Rev. Peter and Rev. Gershom
Bulkley and Charles Chauncey, second
president of Harvard College. He at-
tended public school until fifteen, then
entered the employ of N. and W. Keney,
advancing rapidly until 1855, when he
was admitted to a partnership. Later the
firm became Keney, Roberts & J. N.
Goodwin, later Roberts & Keney, later
Keney, Roberts & Company, finally
Roberts, Tucker & Goodwin. The house
was the oldest wholesale grocery concern
in the State and one of the most success-
ful, the Keneys and Mr. Roberts all
accumulating substantial fortunes. The
house established and ever maintained an
enviable reputation for integrity, fair deal-
ing and progressive spirit, Mr. Roberts
being also well known in Hartford for his
kindly manner, charity and activity in all
good works. He was a director of the
Hartford National Bank, Travelers In-
surance Company, National Fire Insur-
ance Company, Collins Company, For-
sythe Manufacturing Company, Andros
Paper Company, and trustee under the
will of Henry Keney. He never sought
nor held public office, and was a member
and regular attendant of the Park Con-
gregational Church.
Mr. Roberts married, January 18, 1843,
Clarissa Bancroft, who died January 12,
1883, daughter of Bela and Clarissa
(Root) Bancroft, of Granville, Massachu-
setts. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts were the
parents of an only daughter, Florence
Clarissa Roberts, who married Colonel
William C. Skinner.
On the day of the funeral of Mr. Rob-
erts the wholesale houses of Hartford
were closed from two until four p. m.,
and at a meeting of the board of directors
of the Hartford National Bank held
March 10, 1896, the following resolution
was adopted and ordered placed upon the
minutes of the board :
Mr. Ebenezer Roberts died at his home on the
seventh instant in the seventy-seventh year of his
age and since fifteen years old a resident of the
city. In him departed a good citizen, an honest.
163
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
deservedly successful merchant, leaving a good
name. Mr. Roberts has been a useful, conservative
director of this bank since 1870. To the members
of the board it is the loss of an honored associate.
With some of the older members he had longer
and more intimate relations, and these deeply feel
the absence of an old familiar friend.
U. S. Bridgman,
Cashier.
TUTTLE, Hon. Joseph Parsons,
Lawyer, Jnrist.
The legal profession of Hartford has
many representatives, yet none who are
more devoted to their profession, or any
more earnest in the discharge of profes-
sional duties than the Hon. Joseph P.
Tuttle, whose thorough knowledge of all
branches of law has enabled him to main-
tain a foremost position. Judge Tuttle is
a member of one of the oldest families in
New England, a family noted for its pa-
triotism, the members thereof having won
positions of prominence in political, pro-
fessional and mercantile circles.
(I) William Tuttle, the pioneer ances-
tor of the branch of the family here under
consideration, crossed the ocean from
England, accompanied by his wife Eliza-
beth, in 1635, and located in New Haven,
Connecticut, he then being twenty-six
years of age. It was said of him that "he
was a man of courage, enterprise, intelli-
gence, probity and piety, and that none of
the colonists stood higher socially than
he."
(II) Joseph Tuttle, son of William and
Elizabeth Tuttle, was baptized in New
Haven, Connecticut, 1640, and died there
in 1690. He married, in 1667, Hannah,
daughter of Captain Thomas Munson.
(III) Joseph (2) Tuttle, son of Joseph
(i) and Hannah (Munson) Tuttle, was
born in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1668.
He married, in 1691, Elizabeth, daughter
of Thomas Sanford, of Milford, Connecti-
cut.
(IV) Noah Tuttle, son of Joseph (2)
and Elizabeth (Sanford) Tuttle, was
born in New Haven, Connecticut, Octo-
ber 12, 1694. He married, December i,
1720, Rachel Hoadley. She died April 7,
1749-
(V) Joseph (3) Tuttle, son of Noah
and Rachel (Hoadley) Tuttle, was born
in New Haven, Connecticut, July 18,
1734. He resided on that part of the
paternal estate known in recent years as
the Townsend farm. During the Revolu-
tionary War his house and barn were
burned by the British. In 1799 he re-
moved to Durham, Connecticut. He mar-
ried, in 1761, I\Iary, daughter of Daniel
and Abigail (Denison) Granger, of Suf-
field, Connecticut.
(VI) Joseph (4) Tuttle, son of Joseph
(3) and Mary (Granger) Tuttle, was born
in East Haven, Connecticut, July 4, 1769,
and died in Durham, Connecticut, Janu-
ary 16, 1857. He purchased his father's
estate in East Haven. He enlisted his
services in the War of 1812 and became a
member of the Sixth Company, Connec-
ticut State Troops, under Captain Butler.
He married (first) -, and (second)
Phebe Smith.
(VII) Joseph Nelson Tuttle, son of
Joseph (4) and Phebe (Smith) Tuttle,
transformed his given names and always
wrote his signature as Nelson J. Tuttle.
He was born August 5, 1836, and died in
Hartford, Connecticut, January 18, 1910.
In 1886 he became a resident of Hartford,
and engaged in the carriage business
there until 1898, in which year he retired
from active pursuits. He was a staunch
adherent of the principles of the Demo-
cratic party, took an active interest in
public aiifairs, and served for six years
as a judge of probate. He was a member
of Evening Star Lodge, No. loi. Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons, of Union-
ville. He married Antoinette Clara Par-
166
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ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
sons, of Unionville, Connecticut, who
bore him three children, two of whom
attained years of maturity, namely, Jo-
seph Parsons, and Antoinette Frances,
who became the wife of J. Arthur Smea-
ton, of Springfield.
(VIII) Joseph Parsons Tuttle, son of
Nelson J. and Antoinette Clara (Parsons)
Tuttle, was born in Unionville, Connec-
ticut, June 12, 1865. He prepared for col-
lege in the high school of his native tovv^n,
and was graduated from Yale University
in 1889. Such was his industry and
capacity, that in addition to the regular
studies of his college course, he advanced
himself sufficiently in the study of law
so as to pass the examination for the
senior class of the Yale Law School, after
his graduation from the classical course.
He remained in the law school but a short
period of time, and then entered the law
office of Judge William F. Henney, under
whose competent instruction he pro-
gressed rapidly. On January 6, 1891, he
was admitted to the bar of his native
State, and immediately afterward began
the active practice of his profession. On
December i, 1893, he formed a partner-
ship with Albert C. Bill, under the firm
name of Bill & Tuttle, and this connec-
tion continued for two decades, when it
was dissolved at the time of Mr. Tuttle's
appointment to the bench. The partner-
ship was ideal in its warm friendship,
harmony of thought and action, both
partners being men of the highest integ-
rity, well versed in the law and its appli-
cation, and they enjoyed an extensive
patronage. On February 25, 1913, Mr.
Tuttle was appointed judge of the Su-
perior Court, his term to expire in 1921.
Previous to this, in 1891, he became a
member of the City Council, and served
until 1894. He was president of the lower
board during the first year. He also
served as clerk of the Hartford Police
Court from 1891 to 1893. He casts his
vote for the candidates of the Democratic
party, to which he has given his allegi-
ance since attaining his majority. Judge
Tuttle is a member of Hartford Lodge,
No. 88, Ancient Free and Accepted Ma-
sons ; Washington Commandery ; Knights
Templar ; Connecticut Consistory, Sov-
ereign Princes of the Royal Secret ; Sphinx
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine. He also holds mem-
bership in Crescent Lodge, Knights of
Pythias.
Judge Tuttle married, March 21, 1894,
Edith A., daughter of Walter S. and Ade-
laide (Phelps) Mather. They are the
parents of two children : Rubena and
Marion. The family is identified with the
Asylum Hill Congregational Church.
Judge Tuttle is a careful student, a
keen observer and an accurate thinker.
In all his professional duties he acquits
himself as is befitting the well equipped
man of affairs, being quick in grasping
the fundamental point involved in a ques-
tion, and he states his opinion in a lucid
manner, and as briefly as is consistent
with making his position clearly under-
stood. Personally he is popular, and
socially occupies as high a position as he
does professionally, and that is in the
front ranks.
DAVENPORT, John G.,
Clergyman, Historian, Antiqnarian.
The Rev. John Gaylord Davenport, D.
D., was born in Wilton, Fairfield county,
Connecticut, November 24, 1840, son of
Charles Augustus and Sarah Maria (Gay-
lord) Davenport, and is a descendant in
the eighth generation from, the Rev. John
Davenport, first minister of New Haven,
1638. His father, a farmer, and who
served in various school and militia
offices in W^ilton, died at the early age of
167
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
forty-one. He is a descendant in the sev-
enth generation from Deacon William
Gaylord, of Windsor, Connecticut.
Dr. Davenport passed from the public
school of his native place to the W^ilton
Classical Academy, and thence to Wil-
liams (Massachusetts) College, from
which he was graduated in 1863 with high
honors, being salutatorian and class day
poet ; and he received the master's degree
from his alma niatcr in 1866. For a year
he taught in a classical academy at Jewett,
New York. He was a student in the
Union Theological Seminary in 1865-66,
and for two years following served as a
tutor in Williams College, during the
same period studying divinity under the
distinguished Dr. Mark Hopkins. He
was ordained to the Congregational min-
istry in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on July
I, 1868, and served as pastor of Park
Street Church in that city for thirteen
years, 1868-1881 ; in the latter year going
to the pastorate of the Second Church of
Waterbury, with which he yet remains,
having been made pastor emeritus in
191 1. He is an old and valued member
of the Naugatuck Valley Association of
Congregational Churches and Ministers,
was Moderator of the General Associa-
tion of Connecticut in 1897; for fourteen
years was a corporate member of A. B. C.
F. M. and is still an honorary member of
the same.
Dr. Davenport has been a lifelong de-
votee of literature and history. His pub-
lished volumes include "The Fulfillment,"
1900; "Something Beyond, and Other
Poems," 1914; and "Life of Moses
Stuart ;" besides numerous historical arti-
cles for the periodical press, and many
addresses and poems for anniversary
occasions. He is at present preparing an
autobiographical volume which will prove
rich in local historical material. He is
a member of the Mattatuck, Connecticut
and National historical societies ; the
National Geographical Society ; the
Founders and Patriots of America, was
a governor of the Connecticut Society
and now for ten years is its chaplain ; was
also chaplain of the General Court, and
deputy governor during the governor-
generalship of the late Admiral Dewey ;
a member of the Civil Service Reform
Association of Connecticut, and the
American Hygiene Association. He is
a past grand worthy patriarch of the Sons
of Temperance; is a holder of Phi Beta
Kappa honors, and in 1893 received from
Williams College the degree of Doctor of
Divinity.
Dr. Davenport married, at Wilton, Con-
necticut, November 29, 1866, Alice,
daughter of George Burwell and Arethusa
Lincoln Westcott. Of this marriage were
born children: i. Clarence Gaylord, born
April 21, 1868; died in the service of his
countrj' during the Spanish-American
War, at Ponce, Porto Rico, 1898. 2.
Lilian Louisa, born June 23, 1874; now
wife of William A. Jones, of Wilton, Con-
necticut. 3. Mary Lindley, born March
12, 1877; now wife of Herbert J. Wilcox,
of Waterbury, Connecticut.
FULTON, William Shirley,
Man of Affairs.
William S. Fulton, a representative cit-
izen of W'aterbury, has won the regard of
the community in which his entire life has
been passed. He has worked his way
upward to responsible position with one
of the leading manufacturing establish-
ments of Waterbury, and has proved his
public spirit and interest in many of the
movements calling for the aid of all loyal
friends of the city by active participation.
William Edwards Fulton, father of
William S. Fulton, was born August 8,
1852. in Brooklyn, New York. It was
168
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
here that he passed his childhood and
early youth until he had reached the age
of thirteen, when his parents removed to
New York City, after which he made his
home there for a number of years. He
had begun his education in the Brooklyn
public schools and continued it in those
of Manhattan, attending the Thirteenth
Street Grammar School for a time. He
completed his education at the College of
the City of New York, from which he
graduated, and immediately entered the
woolen commission business in New
York. His unusual ability in the realm of
business was early apparent, and was
noted by no less a man than A. S. Chase,
the great Waterbury manufacturer, with
whom the younger man was acquainted.
The latter did not remain long in business
in New York, but was persuaded by Mr.
Chase to abandon it, and he therefore
removed to Waterbury, Connecticut, in
1873. Since that time he has been asso-
ciated with the various interests in the
city, and held many important posts in
that great establishment. But Mr. Ful-
ton's ability is of so large an order, and
his powers of organization and manage-
ment so unmistakable, that it was not
long before he became an important
figure in the financial and industrial
world irrespective of his connection with
the Chase concerns, and he is now iden-
tified with a number of the most impor-
tant institutions of the city, such as the
Manufacturers' Bank of Waterbury, of
which he is vice-president, the Colonial
Trust Company, of which he is director,
and the Dime Savings Bank, of which he
is a trustee.
Mr. Fulton is not one of those men who
are wholly wrapped up in business inter-
ests, although in his case the demands
made upon his time and energies are
exacting in the extreme. His viewpoint
is too broad, however, to permit him to
forget the other aspects of the life of his
community, and he is consequently active
in many of the movements undertaken
for the general advancement of the city.
An Episcopalian in religious belief, he is
a member of St. John's Church of that
denomination and most prominent in the
affairs of the parish, being a vestryman
and a liberal supporter of its philanthropic
work. He is a member of the Republican
party, but does not take an active part
in local politics, and is unambitious of
anything like political preference or pub-
lic office. Mr. Fulton is a member of the
local lodge of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows.
He married, October 23, 1877, Ida
Eleana Lewis, daughter of Edward C.
Lewis, a sketch of whom follows. To Mr.
and Mrs. Fulton three children have been
born as follows : Lewis Edwards ; Wil-
liam Shirley, of whom further ; and
Irving Kent, engaged in farming at Sal-
isbury, Connecticut, married Elizabeth
Warner, a daughter of Judge Donald T.
Warner, of that place.
William Shirley Fulton, son of William
E. Fulton, was born in Waterbury, Con-
necticut, November 23, 1880, and there
has ever resided. After preparatory study
he entered the Hotchkiss School, whence
he was graduated in 1899. In September
of the same year he entered Yale Univer-
sity, there completed the academic course
and was graduated with the class of 1903.
He then began a connection with the
Waterbury Machine Company and its
successor, the Waterbury Farrell Foun-
dry & Machine Company, which has
never been interrupted. He began as a
worker in the shop, but soon passed to a
position of office responsibility, and stead-
ily advancing he became in 1905 assistant
treasurer, and in 1906 treasurer. He con-
tinued in the last named position until
191 1, when the Waterbury Machine and
169
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
the Farrell Foundry companies consoli-
dated under the corporate title, The
Waterbury Farrell Foundry & Machine
Company. With the merging of the two
interests, Mr. Fulton was returned to his
former position, assistant treasurer, but
in 1914 was again elected treasurer, serv-
ing until 1916, when the additional dis-
tinction of vice-president was accorded
him by the board of directors. His decade
of service in the treasurer's ofifice has
given him a wide experience in corpora-
tion finance, and he has served the com-
pany faithfully and well, contributing to
its general prosperity by a wise adminis-
tration of his office. He has other and
varied business interests, among which
being a member of the board of directors
of the Colonial Trust Company, but gives
to the duties of his office the majority of
his interest and time. He is a member
of the Waterbury Club and the Country
Club of Waterbury, and seeks relaxation
from business cares in the recreations they
offer as well as in their social enjoyments.
Mr. Fulton married, January 10. 1906,
Rose Henkly Hayden. daughter of Ed-
ward Simon and Elizabeth Gilder (Kel-
logg) Hayden, former highly esteemed
residents of Waterbury, now deceased, her
father having been an inventor of a proc-
ess of separating metals by electricity.
Mr. and Mrs. Fulton have two children :
William Hayden, born March 12, 1907,
and Elizabeth, January 14, 1910.
LEWIS, Edward C,
Manafactnrer, Financier.
There are few men of the many who
have been connected with Waterbury's
manufacturing interests who started with
a feebler prospect of ever reaching the
eminent position to which he rose, and
fewer still who more richly deserve the
success attained. His life from the age of
ten years was devoted to some form of
manufacturing and in practical foundry
work, and in executive ability nor in the
art of managing men had he any superior.
The Bridgeport Iron Works, in which he
learned his trade, he afterward controlled,
and in Waterbury and surrounding towns
he had large manufacturing interests. He
came to this country a child of four, began
v.'ork at ten, yet such was his native in-
telligence, so keen his powers of observa-
tion and absorption that he became a well
informed man, managing with rare skill
the large interests committed to his care.
For forty years he was associated with the
Farrell Foundry & Machine Company, of
Ansonia, and in all that period there was
nc act committed against the welfare of
an employee, nor was an unkind word
spoken by any of the principals of that
corporation intended to wound or annoy,
or in any way mar the relations which
ever existed. In these davs of self as-
sertion and intense rivalry, such a record
is most unusual and reflects the greatest
credit upon Mr. Lewis and the Farrells,
father, son and grandson.
Edward C. Lewis, son of John and Mary
Lewis, was born at Welsh Pool, North
Waters, Great Britain, September 23,
1826, and died at Waterbury, Connecti-
cut, in 1901. When four years of age
he was brought to the United States by
his parents, who settled at Bridgeport,
Connecticut, where his father, a master
spinner, secured employment in the cotton
mills operated by Thatcher & Burnell.
The lad attended public school until ten
years of age. then began working in the
same mill as his father, continuing until
eighteen years of age. He then became
an apprentice in the Bridgeport Iron
Works, learning the moulder's trade and
becoming an expert in all that pertained
to foundry work, moulding, casting and
superintending. The skill and knowledge
170
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
he there acquired was the stepping stone
to his later success, and was won by hard
work and industrious application.
In 1847, being then twenty-one years
of age, he went to Birmingham, Connec-
ticut, as foreman in the foundry of Col-
burn &. Bassett, a prominent firm of iron
masters in their day. In 1847 he first
entered the employ of Almon Farrell,
superintending the erection and starting
of his original foundry and machine shop
at Ansonia, Connecticut, from which grew
one of the largest businesses of its kind
in the United States. Mr. Lewis returned
to Bridgeport in 1849, and for about a
year worked in the Bridgeport Iron
Works, the plant in which he learned his
trade. In 1850 he was again in Birming-
ham for a time in charge of the Birming-
ham Iron Foundry. He came to Water-
bury in 1852 as foreman of the Water-
bury Foundry Company, then controlled
by the Messrs. Farrell, of Ansonia. He
was in virtual charge of the Waterbury
plant and soon gave tangible evidence to
both his employers and his employees of
his fitness for the position. He soon ac-
quired an interest in the company, the
Farrells recognizing the fact that they
had secured the services of a superior
manager as well as a practical workman.
In a short time he became the active man-
ager and head of the Waterbury concern,
and later became treasurer of the Farrell
Foundry & Machine Company, of An-
sonia, a further testimonial to his ability.
It is also worthy of remark that from 1857
until his death he was a director of that
company.
The Farrell interests in Ansonia and
Waterbury were united until 1880, when
Mr. Lewis, wishing to become head of his
business that he might thereon indelibly
stamp the impress of his own individual-
ity, purchased the Farrell stock in the
Waterbury plant, became head, and ever
lemained the chief executive of the
Waterbury Foundry Company, in which
his was the controlling interest. He asso-
ciated with him as stockholders and direc-
tors young and virile men, whose quality
he had tested, namely: William E. Ful-
ton, George B. Lamb and W. Curtiss,
upon whom later the business of manage-
ment fell.
The years brought him prosperity and
high reputation, his interests extending to
many other manufacturing corporations
in Waterbury and other towns, his ac-
knowledged ability making him a desir-
able addition to any corporation. He was
? director of several financial institutions,
president of the Oakville Pin Company,
president of the Capewell Horse Nail
Company of Hartford, director of the
Manufacturers" National Bank and of the
Dime Savings Bank of Waterbury, and
regarded as one of the ablest and most
successful business men of his section of
the State. The term "self made" is a
hackneyed one and often misapplied, but
no other so well fits Mr. Lewis. While
he was endowed by his parents with su-
perior intelligence, a strong frame and a
stout heart, he had none of the advan-
tages of higher education, and his only
influential friends were those he won by
his own demonstration of ability to serve
them. His knowledge was practical,
gained by contact with men in the shop
with whom he worked shoulder to shoul-
der, and with men of high rank with
whom he sat in conclave around the direc-
tors' table or in executive session. He
was liberal and just in his dealings, pro-
gressive in his business methods, public-
spirited in his citizenship, popular with
all classes of men. Often his fellow citi-
zens persuaded him to serve them in pub-
lic office, but he was essentially a busi-
ness man and had little taste for office.
He served as a Republican in the State
171
EX CYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Legislature, elected from the Democratic
city of Waterbury in 1883, running
against an able Democratic opponent, and
in 1888 was the Republican nominee for
Congress from, the Second Connecticut
District. His opponent was Carlos
French, a popular Democrat of the Nau-
gatuck \'alley. by whom he was defeated,
Mr. Lewis, even with his great personal
popularity, not being able to overcome the
normal Democratic majority.
Mr. Lewis married, October 29, 1850,
Harriet M. Phippeny, of Hartford. They
were the parents of seven children, four of
whom are living: Edward F., born Au-
gust 10, 1862; Truman S., September 15,
1866; Ida E., married William E. Fulton ;
Mary S., married William J. Schlegel.
COOK, Charles Banister,
Mannfactnrer, Financier.
Charles Banister Cook, vice-president
and factory manager of the Royal Type-
writer Company of Hartford, Connecti-
cut, has arrived at the position which he
holds through sheer force of knowledge
and understanding of the compelling
forces which actuate every wheel and cog
in the plant which is under his super-
vision. Such knowledge cannot be gained
in a course of technical training. The
modern craving for efficiency has made
the mistake in its rapid haste toward
reform and its desire to conserve the
energy wasted under old methods, of put-
ting into executive positions in factories
men fresh from the technical courses of
colleges. The value of the college train-
ing must not, of course, be underesti-
mated, but it is more often than not, over-
estimated. Charles B. Cook is not a col-
lege trained man. He has traveled every
step of the way from apprenticeship to the
position which he now holds over a road
which has not been made smooth by any
efforts other than his own. To the grad-
uates of large universities, the condition
of hunting a job is practically unknown.
Mr. Cook walked the streets of New York
City for many months seeking a job, often
finding as many as one hundred and fifty
applicants at six o'clock a. m. for a posi-
tion which had been advertised for nine
o'clock. It is only by actually experi-
encing conditions that true and adequate
understanding of them can be gained.
Mr. Cook has a practical knowledge of
everything required of a man in the shop,
and knows what it is fair to expect of a
man in any position which is under his
management. Because he has worked
among them, he knows the psychological
conditions that affect men in their rela-
tions toward their work, toward their
subordinates, and toward each other, and
through intelligent handling of the prob-
lem which this presents has been able to
bring about the most friendly relations
between his subordinates and himself.
Content among workmen and goodwill
toward the company is of prime impor-
tance in increasing the efficiency of a plant.
Every comfort and convenience that the
most advanced students of factory con-
ditions recommend for better conditions
of working, health and happiness of em-
ployes has been installed in the plant.
Mr. Cook has profited by every step in
his career, turning every situation with
which he has had to cope to advantage ;
he has turned to his advantage the mis-
takes of other employers and superiors in
their attitude toward the men under them.
The result is that he is always accessible
to his men, and is sought as a sort of high
tribunal in affairs of importance. He
shows them that their advancement not
only benefits themselves, but is of advan-
tage to the factory. He believes in build-
ing up from material recruited inside the
plant, and a cause of his popularity with
172
^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
his men is his application of this principle
in the fact that he does not bring men
from outside the establishment to fill
higher and better positions. Mr. Cook's
motive in keeping in touch with his men
springs not only from a desire to promote
friendly feelings toward the company and
himself, but from a genuine desire to
encourage and educate his men in the art
of making the most of themselves, and
achieving the full possibilities of their
talents. It is an instinctive desire to lend
a helping hand to every fellow creature.
He was born a leader among men, and by
thoughtful observation and the study of
nearly all that has been writen on the
subject, has made himself masterful, ex-
ecutive, forceful, progressive and aggres-
sive, but without that disagreeable qual-
ity of pugnacity. His rule is one of reason
and persuasion, and he leads men to see
that their own self interest leads in the
direction in which he wants them to go.
Courtesy, thoroughness and system are
guiding principles in Mr. Cook's life. His
career is an example of the opportunities
which American industry presents to
every man who has the keenness to see its
possibilities and the courage to grasp
them in whatever form they are offered.
Despite the fact that he spent the long
working hours of the day in manual labor
in the shop, he studied at night to acquire
a thorough knowledge of the scientific
principles underlying his work, and to
keep abreast with the latest developments
in the mechanical world. He is a preacher
and exemplar of optimism, and has a con-
tagious enthusiasm for his work which he
imparts to all who come in contact with
him. He has endeavored, not by preach-
ing, but by an appeal to their reason to
set before his men the value of clean, up-
right living, and the advantage in mate-
rial things which results from it.
Charles Banister Cook, son of William
and Sarah (Sewell) Cook, was born at
Sydenham, England, October 14, 1875.
His father was the son of Samuel Roberts
and Ann (Carrier) Cook, residents of
Rochford, England, and was born in that
town, October 4, 1839. He attended the
Rochford National School, and was a
member of the Congregational church.
He married, at Runwell, Essex, March 29,
1867, Sarah Sewell, who was born at Bil-
lericary, Essex, England. He has been
an enthusiastic horseman all his life, and
has had charge of some of the famous
hunting stables of England.
Charles B. Cook was educated in the
parochial school of the Episcopal church
until he reached the age of nine years,
after which time he attended the Hazel-
tine Road Board School until he was
eleven years old. Then his formal educa-
tion ceased, and the excellent training
which he has since then acquired has
been the result of burning the midnight
oil into the "wee sma' hours" of the morn-
ing. He was ambitious and willing to
pay the price of the sacrifice which this
meant. As is always the case, those who
have bought education at a dear price,
appreciate it to an extent impossible of
conception to those who have taken it
casually. Mr. Cook has, therefore, ever
since been an active and ardent supporter
of every movement having for its objec-
tive the bringing of educational oppor-
tunities within the reach of those who in
early life have been denied them. At the
age of eleven years he went to work as
a gardener, and from that time until he
was fourteen found employment in such
unskilled labor as a child of his years
could perform. Upon reaching fourteen
years he became a messenger in the tele-
graph service of the government. (Tele-
graph is a government monopoly in Eng-
land). At seventeen he went into the
electrical department of the General Post
173
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Office, the first position in which his work
was mechanical.
Mr. Cook came to America at the age
of nineteen years, and went to Albany,
New York, where he was employed in a
large commercial house for two years.
He then decided to enter upon a mechan-
ical line of work and went to New York
City in search of work, searching for
many months before he finally secured a
position in the factory of the Underwood
Typewriter Company at Bayonne, New
Jersey, as stock boy. When he left that
company in 1907, he was one of the lead-
ers, in charge of eighteen hundred men,
and his rise was by no other forces than
his natural aptitude for the work, indus-
try, initiative and ambition to succeed,
qualities which win success wherever and
by whomever they are exercised, and
without which success by honorable
means is impossible. In 1907, Mr. Cook
became assistant factory manager for the
Royal Typewriter Company, then located
in Brooklyn, New York. The factory was
brought to Hartford, Connecticut, in
1908, and he had an important part in the
colossal task of transplanting a large
manufacturing plant. In Hartford the
difficulties experienced in Brooklyn from
a large floating working population have
been reduced to a minimum of about three
and one-half per cent. Manufacturers
have come to realize the expense involved
in training a workman, and that the in-
vestment is totally lost when the worker
leaves his job. Factories, therefore, which
have instituted departments for scientific
study of conditions have become alive to
the desirability of locating their plants
where workers are not drawn from a con-
stantly shifting population. In 191 1, Mr.
Cook was made factory manager, and on
January 6, 1913, was elected vice-presi-
dent and a director of the company which
now employs about two thousand hands,
and is excelled by no factory of its type,
as regards equipment. As has been men-
tioned before, it has all the latest appli-
ances for safe-guarding the life and
health of the employes, including an
emergency hospital and a trained fire
company. The factory also has a dining
room, a magnificent library, and a Mutual
Benefit Association.
Mr. Cook is connected in an advisory
and executive capacity with several finan-
cial and commercial organizations. He is
president of the Midwood Theater, Inc.,
of Brooklyn, New York, and a director of
the Hartford Morris Plan Bank. He has
always been deeply interested in educa-
tional affairs, and is a director of the
Young Men's Christian Association, and
of Hillyer's Institute, in the educational
departments of these institutions. He
was chairman of the building committee
that erected the present Young Men's
Christian Association Building, which is
one of the handsomest, most convenient,
and best equipped to be found in any city
of Hartford's size in the entire country.
Mr. Cook is vice-president of the Hart-
ford Chamber of Commerce. He is also
vice-president of the Rotary Club. He
is a Republican in politics, but has no fur-
ther connection with the political world
than that of the ordinary man of affairs,
interested in the political issues of his
day. He has, however, served on the Re-
publican town committee. He is now a
member of the Board of Education, in
which capacity he has done some very
valuable work for the city of Hartford.
He was the originator of the continuation
work of the High School, which provides
vocational training for young men. The
introduction of this form of training into
the high schools was the successful termi-
nation of a six years' battle against con-
servatism by Mr. Cook and those inter-
ested with him in the issue.
174
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Mr. Cook is a member of the American
Society of Mechanical Engineers ; of the
Society for Industrial Education ; of the
Hartford Lodge, No. 88, Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons; of Summit Lodge,
No. 44, Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows; and the Hartford Club.
Mr. Cook married Eliza, daughter of
Joseph Johnston, of Albany, New York.
Their children are : Dorothy Lansing,
Charles B., Jr., and Alan Sewell. The
family are members of Trinity Episcopal
Church.
Because of the fact that he is thor-
oughly conversant with every phase of
factory life, Mr. Cook is regarded as an
authority on it, and has written many
articles on efficiency, factory manage-
ment and allied subjects for technical
journals. He is the author of a book that
has had a very wide sale, entitled, "Fac-
tory Management." This covers factory
accounting and the human element of the
plant. The following excerpt gives in the
form of a resume Mr. Cook's ideas and
theories on the subject of cooperative in-
dustrial education, for which he has
labored unceasingly for several years:
After a great deal of time and thought in regard
to some way of procuring additional education for
our shop boys, it has strongly forced itself upon
me that a system of technical training, under
proper tutorage, and under the apprenticeship
system is what the manufacturers of Hartford
need to-day. Our shop boys, good and bad, as
far as ability goes, are being put into positions
whereby they are simply cogs in the wheel of a
great system, becoming specialists in a meagre
capacity, and the time comes when, too late to
turn themselves, advancement is out of the ques-
tion, due to their restricted experience. The boy
of well-to-do parents escapes this condition as he
can make changes without interference of the
stoppage of pay that goes to the needy family,
and who has a better educational foundation.
What we want in Hartford, and please let us
emphasize this, is an educational course, followed
and endorsed by most or all factories of this city
for the boys who are ambitious and have ability.
Under the present system of our factories, impor-
tant position are filled by men from outside, and
you will, I think, agree with me, that most of
them could have been filled from the ranks if the
employees had had the advantage of cooperative
education.
WELCH, Archibald Ashley,
Insurance Actuary.
Through the work of actuaries, life in-
surance has been reduced to an exact
science. In the earlier days of the busi-
ness complete reliance was placed upon
a single table of mortality rates, but now
that there are companies in our country
whose life has passed the half century
mark, such companies rely more upon
their own actuarial departments, and the
lesult of their own experience. This has
given those departments an added impor-
tance, and to-day no company can suc-
ceed that is weak in actuarial strength,
for the actuary is the mathematical sheet
anchor of his company, and on his exact-
ness in preparing the different tables of
figures hangs the weal or woe of that
company. For a quarter of a century Mr.
Welch has been an actuary, and that he
is to-day actuary and vice-president of the
Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company,
and has been chosen president of the
Actuarial Society of America is all the
proof that is needed to establish the high
value of his attainment. The four gener-
ations of his ancestors, beginning with
Rev. Daniel Welch, of the third gener-
ation, have been students or graduates of
Yale College, and there he entered but
did not graduate with his class, leaving
at the end of his junior year, but later re-
turned and received his degree.
Rev. Daniel Welch was a son of Thom-
as Welch, a large landowner of Windham
county, Connecticut, son of James Welch,
the American founder of the family, who
was a soldier in King Philip's War in
175
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
1676. He received land for his services
in that war at Voluntown, Connecticut,
and leaving Rhode Island, he settled upon
his land at Voluntown, where he died
prior to 1726. In 1702 he was living in
Plainfield, Connecticut. Rev. Daniel
Welch was a graduate of Yale, class of
1749, was ordained minister over the
church at North Mansfield, June 29, 1752,
and continued its pastor until his death,
April 29, 1782.
His son, Rev. Moses Cook Welch, D.
D., was a graduate of Yale, class of 1772,
taught school, studied law, but in defer-
ence to his father's wishes discontinued it,
served for a time in the Revolutionary
army, illness ending his service, then
studied divinity and succeeded his hon-
ored father as minister of the church at
North Mansfield, being ordained June 2,
1784. He continued in the ministry until
his death, April 21, 1824, having been
pastor of the same church forty years.
He was a member of the Yale College
Corporation, 1822-24, and received in 1824
the degree of Doctor of Divinity from
Dartmouth College. Many of his ser-
mons, addresses and essays have been
published.
His son, Dr. Archibald Welch, attended
medical lectures at Yale College, and was
licensed to practice in September, 1816,
but not until 1836 did he receive his de-
gree of M. D. from Yale, having then
been in successful practice at Mansfield
and Wethersfield, Connecticut, for twenty
years. He practiced at Mansfield, 1816-
32; at Wethersfield, 1832-48, and at Hart-
ford from 1841 until his death, 1853. For
ten years he was in charge of the medical
department of the Connecticut State
Prison, was secretary, vice-president and
president of the State Aledical Society.
He represented his district in the State
Assembly, was a strenuous advocate of
the temperance cause, well informed on
all questions of public interest, and a for-
midable antagonist in discussion or de-
bate. He was highly esteemed, was a
skillful physician, very hospitable, witty,
lively and entertaining in speech, gener-
ous with his wealth and freely helped
those in need. He met his death in the
disaster at Norwalk, Connecticut, when
ihe train upon which he was returning
with other prominent physicians from a
meeting of the American Medical Asso-
ciation, in New York, went into the river
through an open drawbridge.
His son, Henry Kirk White Welch, was
born at Mansfield, Connecticut, January
I, 1821, and died in November, 1870. He
was a graduate of Yale, class of 1842,
studied law, became a law partner of
Judge Nathaniel Shipman, was highly
rated as a lawyer, and was a director of
the old Continental Insurance Company.
He took a keen interest in public aflrairs,
filled many offices of public trust, repre-
sented Hartford in the General Assembly,
and was chairman of the high school com-
mittee. He was a man of high ideals, cul-
tured tastes, and the soul of honor. Mr.
Welch married, October 5, 1858, Susan
Leavitt Goodwin, of Hartford, daughter
of Edward and Eliza Amy (Sheldon)
Goodwin. Children: Archibald Ashley,
of whom further ; Edward G., born Janu-
ary 14, 1861, died in 1894; Frances G.,
born March 7, 1864, became the wife of
Bernard T. Williams ; Henry Kirk White,
born December 4, 1865, associated offi-
cially with the J. B. Williams Company,
of Glastonbury, Connecticut; Lewis S.,
born July 19, 1867, graduate of Yale, class
of 1889. and the first editor of "Yale Alum-
ni Weekly."
The Goodwin family, of which Mrs.
Henry Kirk White Welch was a represen-
tative, was founded in America by Ozias
Goodwin, who came with his brother.
Elder William Goodwin, and settled in
176
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Hartford, Connecticut, where Ozias Good-
win in 1639-40 had a house and lot "on
the highway leading from Seth Grant's
house to Centinal Hill." From Ozias
Goodwin and his wife, Mary (Woodward)
Goodwin, whom he married in England,
the line of descent was through their son,
Nathaniel Goodwin ; his son, Samuel
Goodwin ; his son, Samuel (2) Goodwin ;
his son, George Goodwin ; his son, Ed-
ward Goodwin, father of Mrs. Welch.
George Goodwin, born January 7, 1757,
died May 13. 1844. At the age of nine
years he became office boy to Thomas
Green, who founded the Flartford "Cou-
rant," October 29, 1764. From that time
until 1836 George Goodwin was connected
with the "Courant" as office boy, appren-
tice, editor and owner, and when in 1836
the paper was sold to J. L. Boswell one of
the stipulations of the contract was that
Mr. Goodwin should have the privilege
of working in the "Courant" office when-
ever he pleased, and until very neai the
close of his life he availed himself of this
light. Edward Goodwin, ]:is son born
December 7, 1800, was a graduate of Yale,
class of 1823. He entered the law school
of Judge Reeve at Litchfield, but at the
solicitation of his father gave up the study
of law and became editor of the "Cou-
rant." When his father retired from the
"Courant" in 1836, Edward Goodwin asso-
ciated with his father and brothers in the
firm of Goodwin & Company, publishers
and paper manufacturers, and in the firm
of H. & E. Goodwin until going out of
business in 1861. He was later deputy
collector of internal revenue, but from
1861 was practically retired from public
life. He was a man of strong natural
ability and cultivated literary tastes, a
student of classics and a. fine Latin
scholar. He married (second) Novem-
ber 3, 1820, Eliza Amy (Lewis) Sheldon,
born in Goshen, Connecticut, December
Conn— S— 12
29, 1798, died January 7, 1887, daughter
of Elihu and Clarinda (Stanley) Lewis, of
Onondaga county, New York, and widow
of Henry Sheldon, of Litchfield, Connec-
ticut. Edward Gooidwin died October 25,
1883, nearly three years after celebrat-
ing the golden anniversary of his second
wedding day. Children of second mar-
riage: Edward, married Annie S. Conk-
lin; Susan Leavitt, born March 31, 1834,
married Henry Kirk White Welch, of
previous mention ; Sheldon, born July 7,
1836, married Emma S. Messenger.
Archibald Ashley Welch, eldest son of
Henry Kirk White and Susan Leavitt
(Goodwin) Welch, was born at Hartford,
Connecticut, October 6, 1859, in which
city he has since resided. He passed
through all grades of the North School
and the high school, graduating in the
class of 1878. He then entered Yale Col-
lege, completing his junior year, then left
college to engage in business life. He
spent the years until 1890 as clerk in the
actuary's office of the Travelers' Insur-
ance Company of Hartford, resigning to
accept the office of actuary of the Phoenix
Mutual Life Insurance Company of Hart-
ford. In 1891 he completed his senior
year course at Yale, and was awarded his
degree of Bachelor of Arts, class of 1882.
He has continued as actuary of the
Phoenix until the present time (1917),
and in 1904 was elected second vice-presi-
dent, receiving the appointment of vice-
president in January, 1915. He is also
a trustee of the Society for Savings, and
a director of the Hartford Retreat, one of
the United States trustees for the Prus-
sian Life Insurance Company, and a
director of the Chamber of Commerce.
I'or fifteen years he served as chairman
of the high school committee, and is ex-
secretary and now vice-president of the
American School for the Deaf. He is an
ex-president of the Actuarial Society of
77
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
America, a member of the Hartford, Hart-
ford Golf, University, Farmington Coun-
try clubs, the Graduates Club of New
Haven, the University and Yale clubs of
New York City, and Delta Kappa Epsilon
and Delta Kappa fraternities. In religious
affiliation he is a member of the Christian
Science church, and in politics a Repub-
lican.
Mr. Welch married, October 24, 1889,
Ellen Bunce, daughter of James M. and
Elizabeth (Chester) Bunce. James M.
Bunce was a wholesale grocer of Hart-
ford, and vice-president of the Hartford.
Providence & Fishkill Railroad Company.
TRAUT, George Washington,
Manufacturer, Finaucier.
Three generations of this ancient Ger-
man family have contributed to the in-
dustrial and commercial greatness of New
Britain, Connecticut: Frederick A. Traut,
the founder; Justus A. Traut, his son;
George W. Traut, his grandson, all men
of education, mechanical genius and
wealth. Frederick A. and Justus A. Traut
have now passed to their reward, having
borne well their part in life's activities.
After over half a century of life in his
adopted city, Justus A. Traut thus ex-
pressed his sentiments as a proud and
loyal citizen of the United States: "A
man's nationality remains part of him al-
ways, and this is as it should be. I can-
not help feeling a double sense of loyalty
as if the roots of my life-tree were divided,
one-half still growing in the Vaterland,
while the other is thriving in the gener-
ous atmosphere of this glorious republic,
I'.nd more closely confined in the atmos-
phere and circle of my friends and busi-
ness associates of a lifetime in whose
midst I hope to enjoy many a year of
active and therefore happy usefulness."
Frederick A. Traut acquired a large
estate near Berlin, Germany, his fortune
arising from the invention of a wood ve-
neering machine which came into univer-
sal use. The political upheavals of his
period caught him in their meshes, caus-
ing him to sell his estate and remove to
the city of Berlin. Later he came to the
United States, located in New Britain,
Connecticut, where he was identified with
the firm of Hall & Knapp.
Justus A. Traut, son of Frederick A.
Traut, was born in Pottsdam, Germany,
m 1839, died in New Britain, Connecticut,
in 1909. He completed a course of study
in the gymnasium at Berlin when but
fifteen years of age, being the youngest
member of his class. His father in the
meantime had gone to the United States
and in 1854, after graduation, the son
joined his father in New Britain, that
"City of Inventions." He also obtained
a position with the firm of Hall & Knapp,
continuing until that company was ab-
sorbed by the Stanley Rule & Level Com-
pany in 1856. He then transferred his
services to the new owners, and for over
half a century contributed to its great-
ness. He inherited his father's inventive
genius and added to the family fame
through his many inventions, numbering
over three hundred, for which patents
were issued. The special line which occu-
pied the genius of this "king of inventors"
was the invention and perfection of tools
and instruments used by carpenters and
wood workers, also instruments of pre-
cision used by constructive mechanics
and engineers the world over. These,
v.'hen placed upon the market, with the
style and finish characteristic of every
tool and instrument which bore the trade
mark of the Stanley Rule i!v Level Com-
pany, gained the instant attention of the
trade and when placed in actual use quick-
ly demonstrated their practical value to
mechanic and engineer, ^^'hile tools and
78
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
■instruments gave him his fame as an in-
ventor, he went far afield, and there are
man)' inventions used in the home and
elsewhere which bear his name. He did
not confine himself strictly to the Stanley
Rule & Level Company, but was identified
with other manufacturing corporations as
director, and in 1888 organized the Traut
& Hine Manufacturing Company, of
which he was president until his death.
He was a great lover of out-of-door life
and a devoted student of nature. He
served on the board of directors of New
Britain General Hospital from its organi-
zation, and held many city and town
offices.
Air. Traut married Louisa B. Burck-
hardt, daughter of Christian B. Burck-
hardt, of Giessen, Upper Hesse Province,
Germany. They were the parents of two
sons who grew to adult years : George
W., of further mention, and Frank L.,
vice-president of the Traut & Hine Com-
pany. Mrs. Traut died in 1887.
George Washington Traut, elder son of
Justus A. and Louisa B. (Burckhardt)
Traut, was born in New Britain, Connec-
ticut, February 22, 1869. He was edu-
cated in the public schools, and at the
completion of his high school course in
1888 at once began work in the line of
activity in which his father and his grand-
father had won such enviable reputation.
He was endowed with their love of me-
chanical and manufacturing operations,
and had not his path led along the line of
executive and managerial responsibility,
he would have been as great a success in
the mechanical department. In 18S8 his
career as a manufacturer began with the
establishment of the Traut & Hine Manu-
facturing Company, of which his honored
father was founder and head. George W.
Traut was chosen treasurer of the com-
pany, and from 1888 until 1909 was also
general manager. The company has had
a most successful career and holds honor-
able position among the industrial enter-
prises of New Britain. On the death of
his father in 1909, Mr. Traut succeeded
him as president of the company, also
holding in connection with the executive
management the office of treasurer. He
is also a director of the Savings Bank of
New Britain, the New Britain National
Bank and the United States Fastener
Company of Boston. This record of the
business activities of three generations is
one of unusual interest, and stands as an-
other proof that in the transplanting
process German efficiency does not lose
its potency, but in this free soil and gen-
erous atmosphere gains additional force
and strength.
He has long taken a deep interest in the
New Britain General Hospital, of which
his father was one of the founders, and is
now a member of the board of directors.
He is a Republican in politics, and as a
member of Common Council rendered
valued service to the cause of good gov-
ernment. For twelve years he has been
a member of the Board of Education and
a warm friend of the public school system.
He is a member of the South Congrega-
tional Church ; Harmony Lodge, Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons ; Giddings
Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; Doric
Council, Royal and Select Masters, of
New Britain ; Washington Commandery,
Knights Templar; and Sphinx Temple,
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. His clubs
are the New Britain. Farmington Coun-
try and Turn Verein of New Britain.
From, his own experience and as a guide
to true success in life, Mr. Traut empha-
sizes : "Absolute honesty and faithful-
HL'Ss, perseverance in business afifairs and
fair treatment to every one." These are
the principles by which his own career
has been guided and from the fullness of
his success their value is proven.
179
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Mr. Traut married. May i, 1895, Amalie
A. B. Sternberg, daughter of A. C. Stern-
berg, of West Hartford. They are the
parents of five children : Justus A., died
in infancy; Elizabeth, Francesca I., Am-
alie L. and Anna C. The family home is
"Traut Lodge," New Britain.
BURRALL, John Milton,
Manufacturer.
The Burrall family in this line is of
pure English descent, the family one of
worth and influence in England from an
early period, and it has been represented
in this country for several centuries, its
members in the various generations rank-
ing among the prominent and progressive
citizens of this Commonwealth.
(I) The earliest known ancestor of the
line of the Burrall family herein followed
was William Burrall, a native of England,
a chemist and refiner of metals, who was
induced to come to America in 1715 by
the owner of copper mines in Simsbury,
Connecticut. The headquarters were
located in Boston, Massachusetts, where
Mr. Burrall resided for a time, removing
to Simsbury, Connecticut, about 1720.
He married (first) Joanna Westover, who
remained in England, and shortly after
his arrival here she died at Redworth,
England. He married (second) Hannah,
widow of Thomas Welton, of Waterbury,
to whom she was married March 9, 1714;
he died in Waterbury, April 9, 171 7. She
was born March 12, 1694, daughter of
Josiah and Hannah (Westover) Allford,
of Simsbury. William Burrall died in
Connecticut, 1723.
(II) Colonel Charles Burrall, son of
William Burrall, was born February 21,
1720, in Simsbury, Connecticut, and died
October 7, 1803. He settled in Canaan,
Connecticut, of which town he was one
of the grantees, probably before 1750, and
was its representative in the General
Court in 1760-61-62-63, 1766, 1769, 1770-
71-72-73-74, 1778-79, 1781-82-83, 1785-86-
87-88. In 1769 he was styled captain,
1770 major, and in 1778 and thencefor-
ward colonel. He received his commis-
sion as colonel from Governor Trumbull,
and led the troops of that State in the bat-
tle of Ticonderoga. His regiment was
the Fourteenth Connecticut Militia, which
did such good service under General
Gates in New York in 1777, and later at
Bennington, Vermont. He married for
his second wife, December 25, 1746, Abi-
gail Kellogg, born September 28, 1728,
and died January 28, 1789.
(III) Captain Charles (2) Burrall, son
of Colonel Charles (I) Burrall, was born
February 18, 1751, and died January 17,
1820. He also represented the town of
Canaan, Connecticut, in the State Legis-
lature in 1789-90, 1792-93-94-95. He mar-
ried Anna Beebe, of Canaan, Connecticut.
(IV) Charles (3) Burrall, son of Cap-
tain Charles (2) Burrall, married Lucy
Beach, and among their children was
John Milton, of whom further.
(V) John Milton Burrall, son of Charles
(3) and Lucy (Beach) Burrall, was born
in Canaan, Connecticut, January 8, 1817.
He was educated in the schools of Canaan
and Hartford Academy, and after com-
pleting his studies he served an appren-
ticeship at the trade of cabinetmaking in
Hartford, of which city he was a resident
four years. He then engaged in business
in Plymouth and conducted the same
until October, 1849, '" which year he
formed a partnership with George Root,
of Waterbury, and they established a fur-
niture store on East Main street, Water-
bury, under the firm name of J. M. Bur-
rall & Company. In 1852 a building was
erected at No. 60 Banks street, where the
partners conducted a furniture and un-
dertaking business under the name of
;8o
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Burrall & Root, and later the business
was conducted under the names of J. M.
Burrall & Sons and J. M. Burrall & Com-
pany. Mr. Burrall was one of the oldest
business men in Waterbury, also one of
the most successful, conducting his busi-
ness along honorable and straightforward
lines, winning and retaining the respect
and esteem of all with whom he had busi-
ness relations. He was also one of the
oldest directors of the Waterbury Na-
tional Bank, a director of the Waterbury
Savings Bank, a member of the Common
Council, a member of the Board of Relief,
a member of the District School Com-
mittee in 1859, in which work he took an
active interest, and was one of the orig-
inal members of the Citizens Engine
Company, No. 2, of Waterbury. Mr. Bur-
rall married (first) July 8, 1841, Mary
Louise Coley, born in Plymouth, Connec-
ticut, and died January 29, 1889. Their
children are : Charles Homer, who died
in Plymouth, Connecticut, October i,
1842 ; Lucy Marion, born May 8, 1844,
died March 9, 1866; Edward Milton, born
May 24, 1848, died November 4, 1901,
married. May 17, 1877, Mary Eunice
Booth, daughter of John C. Booth, men-
tioned at length in following sketch ; and
Charles William, of whom further. Mr.
Burrall married (second) April 9, 1894,
Mrs. Mary J. Bunnell.
(VI) Charles William Burrall, son of
John Milton and Mary Louise (Coley)
Burrall, was born in Waterbury, Connec-
ticut, April 10, 1850. He acquired a prac-
tical education in the schools of his native
city, and for many years thereafter he
was successfully engaged in business pur-
suits, having been a member of the J.
M. Burrall & Company, established by
his father, which was a very thriving
establishment, engaged in the furniture
trade. He is now (1916) living retired at
Union City, near Waterbury. He mar-
ried, October 2, 1872, Cora LeRoy Pritch-
ard, born in Waterbury, Connecticut, died
aged forty-three years, daughter of
George and Frances Jeannette (Scott)
Pritchard. Three children were born of
this marriage: John Milton, of whom
further ; Lucy Beach and Mary Frances,
both living unmarried in Waterbury.
(VII) John Milton (2) Burrall, only
son of Charles William and Cora LeRoy
(Pritchard) Burrall, was born in Water-
'bury, Connecticut, August 13, 1873. He
was educated in the local schools and a
business college. At the age of twenty-
one years he entered the works of the
American Ring Company, where he in
time mastered all the details of the busi-
ness and rose gradually to the positions of
secretary and general manager, in which
capacities he has served since 191 1. He
is possessed of personal qualities that
make him popular, and is very well
known in the city of Waterbury, in all of
whose interests he takes advanced
ground. He is a member of St. John's
Protestant Episcopal Church, and of the
Waterbury and Country clubs of Water-
bury. Politically he acts with the Repub-
lican party, and has filled important posi-
tions in the city government, among them
that of a member of the Board of Public
Safety, and alderman from the Third
Ward under the administration of Mayor
Hotchkiss. He has been very active in
promoting the interests of the State
Militia of Connecticut, and is a charter
member of Company H, Second Infantry.
In this he filled the offices of first lieuten-
ant, battalion adjutant of the Second Bat-
talion, and was very popular among his
comrades. Mr. Burrall is still a young
man and gives promise of further activi-
ties in promoting the advancement of
various interests of the city of Water-
bury, of which he is justly proud.
Mr. Burrall married in New York City,
i«i
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
May 20, 1905, Inez Hart, born in Newark,
New Jersey, daughter of Era Thomas
Hart, a prominent manufacturer of that
city. Mr. and Mrs. Burrall are the par-
ents of three children: John Milton,
born April 3, 1908; Henry Driggs, No-
vember 15, 191 1 ; Stephen Hart, February
21, 1913.
BURRALL, John Booth,
Business Man, Financier,
There is a very appropriate admiration
in this country for the type which we
most aptly term the self-made man, for
the man who has started from humble
beginnings and worked his way up to a
place of prominence in the community.
The admiration is appropriate because,
beyond question, these men are the most
characteristic of American types, the type
to which we owe the great material de-
velopment which this country has en-
joyed in the few centuries of its existence.
Yet we should not forget, because of our
admiration, that, although of rarer occur-
rence, although less typical, there is an-
other class that, as individuals, are
deserving of an equally great meed of
praise and approval. These are the men
who have started as children of wealth
and yet made themselves important and
worthy factors in the life of the com-
munity. For the temptations of wealth
are not less than those of poverty, nay,
rather more for in the latter case the sting
of necessity adds a compelling impulse to
our good resolutions to succeed, which,
in an environment of ease and plenty,
must undertake our salvation unaided.
The feeling of discouragement at having
to face the world without assistance is
doubtless bitter, yet it is not more diffi-
cult to overcome than the temptation not
to face it at all which those who are born
with silver spoons must contend against.
And then, too, that bracing and strength-
ening of the moral tissues that comes
with the necessity to labor from an early
age is lacking in the lives of those who,
in popular phrase, are called the for-
tunate, who must, if they would make
themselves laborers in the great fields of
human endeavor, make a conscious effort
to perform much that, with the other,
has become a mere habit. So it is that
we must yield an equal credit to those
who, having overcome the difficulties of
good fortune, are become a part of the
active portion of the community, who
have made their lives significant in the
general sum of human efTort. Such a man
is John Booth Burrall, of Waterbury,
Connecticut, one of the youngest, yet
most prominent, figures in the industrial
and financial world of that flourishing
city.
Mr. Burrall's father was Edward Mil-
ton Burrall, one of the most prominent
manufacturers of Waterbury during the
last generation, and president of the
American Ring Company, manufacturers
of artistic brass goods and other metal
work. He was a member of the Water-
bury Board of Hope, an early organiza-
tion connected with the church and Sun-
day school. IVIr. Burrall, Sr., met his
death on November 4, 1901, in New York
City, and is survived by his wife, who was
Mary Eunice Booth, of Waterbury,
daughter of John C. Booth, to whom he
was married May 17, 1877, and who is
now residing with her son, the Mr. Bur-
rall of this brief sketch.
John Booth Burrall was born on Octo-
ber 14, 1879, in Waterbury, Connecticut,
and received the earliest portion of his
education in the local private schools.
In the year 1884, having reached the ag6
of fifteen years, he was sent to the Taft
School at Waterbury, where he prepared
himself for a college course. In 1898,
I«2
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
after four years spent in this institution,
he matriculated at Yale University, where
he distinguished himself as an apt and
industrious scholar, and graduated with
the class of 1902. Shortly after Mr. Bur-
rail entered the employ of the American
Ring Company, of which his father had
recently been president, and thus began
his career in the business world in which
he was soon destined to become so impor-
tant a figure. The American Ring Com-
pany is one of the oldest concerns in
Waterbury, having been established as
early as the year 1810 and incorporated
in 1852. It has known over a century of
well nigh uninterrupted prosperity, and
of comparatively recent years under the
able management of the Burralls, father
and son, has grown to very large pro-
portions. For Mr. Burrall did not long
remain in a subordinate position, but be-
came treasurer of the corporation, and
president in 1914, an office which he holds
at the present time. But although he is,
perhaps, more closely identified with the
American Ring Company than with any
other concern, his business interests are
by no means limited to it and he is asso-
ciated with a great number of important
institutions, financial and industrial in
various official capacities. He is a mem-
ber of the executive committee of the
Colonial Trust Company, a trustee of the
Dime Savings Bank and a director of the
Morris Plan Bank, all of Waterbury. He
is also president of the Plume and At-
wood Manufacturing Company of Water-
bury, and a director in the following con-
cerns : The American Pin Company, the
Waterbury Castings Company, the
Homer D. Bronson Company and the
Waterbury Hotel Corporation.
Even for a man who had spent a long
lifetime in control of great business inter-
ests such tasks, as involved by the various
offices held bv Mr. Burrall, might well
prove an exacting burden which would
leave but little time for taking part in
any other aspects of the community's life.
It is all the more surprising, therefore,
to note in so young a man the ability to
discharge these tasks adequately and yet
reserve time for other occupations and
pastimes. For Mr. Burrall is a conspicu-
ous figure in the social life of Waterbury
and a member of many prominent clubs.
Among these should be mentioned the
University Club and the Yale Club of
New York City, the Graduates Club of
New Haven, the Waterbury, the Home
and the Country clubs of Waterbury and
the Country Club of Farmington, Con-
necticut. Mr. Burrall is an Episcopalian
in religion and a member of St. John's
Church in Waterbury.
The career of Mr. Burrall is as yet but
beginning, but it is a beginning of a kind
that promises brilliant things for the
future. To a man of his talents and ver-
satility very few doors are closed and his
many friends and admirers are not un-
warranted in looking forward to a large
accomplishment. For not the least of
Mr. Burrall's achievements is that he has
many friends, adding, as he does, to his
other talents that of winning and retain-
ing the affection of his associates.
On May 20, 1916, Mr. Burrall married
Margaret Fallon Barber, daughter ol
William Hassett and Agatha (Ottman)
Fallon, of New York City.
HAMPSON, Robert William,
Merchant.
Robert William Hampson, one of the
successful merchants of Waterbury, Con-
necticut, is a descendant of an excellent
English family, the seat of the family for
a number of generations being the city of
Manchester, which is the great center of
the cotton manufacture of the northwest
183
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of England, also a depot for all kinds of
textile fabrics, and does a very large
export trade.
Thomas and Sarah (Knight) Hampson,
grandparents of Robert William Hamp-
son, lived and died in Manchester, Eng-
land, and their son. Thomas Hampson,
father of Robert William Hampson, was
born in Manchester, in which city he
spent the greater part of his life, sub-
sequently emigrating to the United
States, making his home in New Haven,
Connecticut. He was accompanied by
his wife, Sarah (Aucock) Hampson, who
was of Smaith, Yorkshire, England, and
four of their five children, all of whom are
now living in the United States. Their
children are : Ada, the wife of Amos H.
Osborne, of Waterbury, Connecticut ;
Lewis, a resident of Springfield, Massa-
chusetts ; Phillip Henry, a resident of
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania ; Robert Wil-
liam, of whom further ; Charles Goodwin,
born in Hartford, Connecticut, and now
a resident of New York City. Thomas
Hampson (father) died in New Haven, in
1872.
Robert William Hampson was born in
Manchester, England, July i, 1868. He
was brought by his parents to this coun-
try, where he resided until he was four
years old, when, upon the death of his
father, he was sent back to England,
having relatives in Manchester, and in
the schools of that city he received his
education. At the age of fifteen years he
returned to the United States and at once
secured employment in the shipping room
and office of the Waterbury Button Com-
pany, Waterbury, Connecticut, where he
remained five years. He then entered the
employ of the L. F. Haase Company, who
conducted a retail wall paper, carpet and
drapery establishment. Shortly after-
ward he became secretary of the com-
pany, with whom he remained for eight
years. In 1900 he engaged in the furni-
ture business, forming the stock company
known as the Hampson-Sellew Furniture
Company, which continued until 1909,
and then, after erecting a new building
on the south side of Waterbury's Green,
the present firm of Hampson, Mintie &
Abbott, Incorporated, was formed. The
new corporation's success in the furniture
business has been phenomenal up to the
present time (1916) and promises still
better for the future. Its trade has
grown enormously and the partners have
established for it a reputation for integ-
rity and straightforward dealing second
to none in the city. Mr. Hampson now
occupies a prominent place among the
merchants and business men of the city
and is regarded by them as a leader. He
is an ex-president of the Waterbury Busi-
ness Men's Association now absorbed by
the new Chamber of Commerce. Mr.
Hampton is a conspicuous figure in the
general life of Waterbury, a thirty-second
degree Mason and a member of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He at-
tends the First Congregational Church of
Waterbury.
Mr. Hampson married, October 18,
1893, ^^ Waterbury, Connecticut, Annie
Russell, a native of that city, daughter of
Dr. Isaac N. and Flora (Sackett) Russell.
Dr. Russell died in 1902, having been for
many years one of the leading dentists of
Waterbury, and Mrs. Russell, a native
of Warren, Connecticut, resides at the
present time in Waterbury. Mr. and Mrs.
Hampson are the parents of one child,
Edmund Russell, born July 26, 1894. now
a student at Trinity College, Hartford,
Connecticut, class of 1918.
HULL, Hadlai Austin,
Liaxryer, Legislator, Soldier.
The Rhode Island Hull family which
descends from the Hulls of Somerset-
shire, England, is one of the oldest in
184
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
New England, and members of this fam-
ily have been prominent in business,
political and military circles for gener-
ations. In Hadlai Austin Hull, of New
London, Connecticut, a descendant of Jo-
seph Hull, an early settler of Rhode
Island, and his wife, Hannah (Perry)
Hull, a cousin of Oliver Hazard Perry,
the hero of the "Battle of Lake Erie," is
found a worthy representative.
Hadlai Austin Hull was born in Ston-
ington, New London county, Connecticut,
August 22, 1854, son of Joseph and Mary
Ellen (Fish) Hull, the former named
having served in the capacity of school
teacher, also actively engaged in the sea-
faring and whaling industry, and grand-
son of Hadlai Fish, a representative of a
family who were among the early settlers
of Stonington and Groton, Connecticut,
in the development and improvement of
which localities they took an active and
prominent part. On the maternal side
]Mr. Hull is a lineal descendant of John
P. Babcock, who was killed by General
Arnold at Groton Heights, Connecticut,
September 6, 1781.
Hadlai Austin Hull spent the early
years of his life amid rural surroundings,
gaining health and strength from the
various pursuits connected with the con-
duct of a farm, and considerable of his
time was also spent in a grist mill, thor-
oughly mastering the details of that line
of work. His preparatory education was
obtained by attendance at the Natchaug
High School in Willimantic, after which
he pursued a course of study in Amherst
College, which he attended for one year.
The following three years were spent as
a teacher, for which profession he was
well qualified, and then, having decided
upon the profession of law for his life-
work, he entered Yale Law School, from
Avhich institution he was graduated in
1880. In August of that year he began
the active practice of his chosen line of
work in his native town, and there re-
mained for a number of years, removing
thence to New London, where he con-
tinued his practice and made his home,
and the interest he displays in every case
entrusted to him, together with his ability
and thoroughness in every detail, is the
secret of the success which has attended
his efforts. During President Cleveland's
administration, Mr. Hull acted as collec-
tor of the port of Stonington; in 1884
represented that town in the State Legis-
lature ; was a member of the Stonington
Board of Education in 1884 ; for twelve
years served as prosecuting attorney of
the Criminal Court of Common Pleas of
New London county ; and on March 3,
1906, was appointed State's Attorney.
Mr. Hull displayed his patriotism by
offering his services to the government
of his country in time of need, which was
the period of the Spanish-American War,
when he recruited and became captain of
Company H, and later major of the Third
Battalion, Third Connecticut Volunteer
Infantry. He also organized the First
Company, Coast Artillery, in the Con-
necticut Militia, and is now a retired
major. Coast Artillery. He is a member
of the First Baptist Church of New Lon-
don, a thirty-second degree Mason and a
Shriner, and an adherent of the principles
and policies for which the Democratic
party stands, but casts his vote for the
candidates best qualified for office, irre-
spective of party affiliation. He is an
enthusiastic advocate of out-door sports,
his favorite pastime being baseball.
Mr. Hull married (first) March 31,
1878, Mary J. Jencks, by whom he had
one son, Hadlai. Mr. Hull married (sec-
ond) June 26, 1906, Ellen Brewster, by
whom he has one daughter, Eleanor.
185
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
RUSSELL, Thomas Wright,
Insnrance Broker.
Thomas Wright Russell, of the firm of
Allen, Russell & Allen, general insurance
brokers, of Hartford, Connecticut, was
born in that city, September i, 1880, son
of Thomas Wright and Ellie (Fuller)
Russell. In him are focused the strains
of many of New England's old families,
families whose members have distin-
guished themselves as founders and
patriots, serving their day and generation
in those useful occupations that contrib-
uted to the material upbuilding of the
various communities in which their lots
were cast ; others served efficiently and
honorably in legislative bodies and in
town offices; while in times of local or
national danger there were those who
proved their courage, loyalty and patri-
otism on the field of battle. Among the
names to which Mr. Russell traces his
lineage we may mention Stephen Terry,
of Windsor; Thomas Graves, of Hart-
ford ; Thomas Wright and Benjamin
Crane, of Wethersfield ; Elder John
Strong and Thomas Xash, of Boston and
New Haven.
According to Lower, a leading author-
ity on the origin of names, it is claimed
by the Duke of Bedford that the name of
Russell is derived "from the Lords of
Rosel, an ancient fief in the neighborhood
of Cherbourg in Normandy, who were a
younger branch of the barons of Brique-
bec. Hugh de Rosel, a benefactor of the
Abbey of Caen, accompanied the Con-
queror to England, and was rewarded
with possessions in County Dorset, the
principal of which were Kingston, after-
ward called Kingston Russell, and Ber-
wick.'' The name is a compound of two
Norman and French words, "roz," a
castle, and "el," synonym for "eau,"
water. The name was first given to the
tract of land, then to the castle and fam-
ily inheriting it. "Le Rozel" implied a
bold tower by the water. The name
originated with Hugh Bertrand, second
son of William, Baron of Briquebec in
Lower Normandy — Hugh being invested
with the castles of Bannerville and Le
Rozel about 1045. In the earlier gener-
ations in England the name was spelled
Rozel, Rosel and Rousell, the first being
used by the oldest son and the latter by
the younger members of the family.
Many branches of the family bear coats-
of-arms. The ancient armorial bearings
found in the Connecticut family are iden-
tical with those of the Earl of Bedford,
except the crest.
Three brothers, sons of the Duke of
Bedford, came to this country, but the
date of their coming and the location of
their settlement cannot be ascertained.
The members of the Russell family of
this sketch are direct descendants of one
of these.
Families of the name of Russell are
numerous in England. The following
English ancestry of John Russell, the
founder of the family in America, is from
a chart by J. R. Hutchinson, a distin-
guished English genealogist. While
some question has been raised as to the
relationship between the first William
Russell, of Ipswich, and the William, Rus-
sell who married Anne Arnold, Mr. Hut-
chinson after months of research became
convinced that he had established the
correct line of descent.
(I) Richard Russell was a yeoman of
Ebbeston, County Suffolk, England,
whose will was dated October 10, 1452,
and proved December 12, 1452. His wife
Joan died at Laxfield, and her will was
proved November 12, 1465. Their son,
(II) William Russell, a yeoman of
Laxfield, married Joan . He re-
ceived, after his mother's death, lands in
186
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Ebbeston and Laxfield devised to him in
his father's will. Their son,
(III) William Russell, of Laxfield and
Ipswich, received his father's lands after
his mother's death. He was dwelling as
an apprentice in Ipswich in 1521. His
son,
(IV) William Russell, was baptized at
St. Margaret's, Ipswich, March 17, 1537-
38. For many years he was sergeant and
mace for the borough of Ipswich. He
became a freeman in October, 1574, and
died prior to May, 1609. He married
(first) July 20, 1557, Elizabeth, daughter
of Thomas Whiting, a merchant, of Ips-
wich. William Russell was buried at St.
Margaret's, February 5, 1567-68. His son,
(V) William Russell, of Ipswich, mar-
ried, June 23, 1596, Anne Arnold. Their
son,
(VI) John Russell, was baptized in
April, 1597. He was made a freeman
August 6, 1623. He was a draper and
tailor. He left England in the ship "De-
fence,'' with his sons Jonathan and Philip,
and arrived in Cambridge, Massachusetts,
October 3, 1635. As no record of his wife
is found in this country, it is probable
that she died in England. John Russell
was made a freeman March 3, 1636; sur-
veyor of arms, 1638; custodian of lost
goods, 1639; was elected a surveyor in
1641 ; selectman, 1642-43; was chosen one
of three land recorders in 1644; clerk of
the writs in 1645, and constable in 1648.
His son, Rev. John Russell, was chosen
pastor of the church at Wethersfield,
1648-49. John Russell, Sr., came to that
town about 1651. He became a freeman
in Connecticut, May 17, 1655, and was
made a freeman in Hadley, Massachu-
setts, March 26, 1661, at which time he
was a resident there. In the following
May the Massachusetts General Court
appointed him to be "Clarke of ye writs
for Hadlev," and he held that office until
1681. He was a juryman in Northamp-
ton in 1662 and 1665 ; in 1663 he was
chosen clerk of the train-band, and was
selectman of Hadley in 1670. He was a
glazier, a trade that required some skill
in the days of diamond glass. He died
May 8, 1680.
(VII) Philip Russell, son of John Rus-
sell, Sr., was born in England. He went
to Wethersfield, Connecticut, with his
father and brother, and located in Hadley,
Massachusetts, a few years after his
father removed there. He followed the
same trade as his father, and took an
active part in town aiifairs. He was
chosen rate-maker, January 17, 1677-78;
was selectman the following year and
again in 1686; constable in 1683, and in
March, 1690, was appointed "Clarke of
ye writts" for Hatfield. He died May 19,
1693. He married, January 10, 1666, for
his second wife, Elizabeth, born January
14, 1642, daughter of Stephen and Eliza-
beth Terry, of Windsor. She was killed
by the Indians, September 19, 1677. Ac-
cording to Savage, Stephen Terry came
to this country in 1630, probably in the
"Mary and John ;" settled in Dorchester,
Massachusetts ; was admitted freeman
there. May 18, 1631, and held the office of
constable ; about 1636 he removed to
W'indsor, and there served as juryman
and constable ; about 1660 removed to
Hadley, was one of the first settlers,
served as constable and selectman, and
no man paid more taxes there than he.
His wife, whose name is unknown, died
in Windsor, Connecticut, in June, 1647.
Their son,
(VIII) Sergeant John Russell, was
born January 2, 1667, and died January
16, 1746. He married (first) April 9,
1691, Martha, born July 15, 1667, died
July 15, 1740, daughter of Nathaniel and
Martha (Betts) Graves, of Wethersfield.
Nathaniel Graves was born in England.^
187
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
about 1629, settled in Wethersfield, Con-
necticut; made freeman there. May 21,
1657; surveyor, 1661 ; fence viewer, 1669;
drew lands, 1670 ; married, January 16,
1655, Martha, daughter of "Goody Bets,
the school dame," a widow who main-
tained herself by keeping a school in
Hartford: he died September 28, 1682,
and his widow died April 13, 1701. His
father. Thomas Graves, was born in Eng-
land, before 1585, and came to New Eng-
land with his wife and five children prior
to 1645. His name is first found on the
records in Hartford in 1645. when the
family located there, and there he took an
active part in local affairs. He was one
of the promoters and organizers of the
town of Hadley, though well advanced
in years. He died there in November,
1662. His widow, Sarah Graves, survived
Tiim four years. The Graves family is a
numerous and old one in England, dating
back to the Conquest, and many of its
branches bore coats-of-arms.
(IX) Hezekiah Russell, son of Ser-
geant John Russell, was a farmer by occu-
pation, and settled in the State of Con-
necticut. His son,
(X) Hezekiah Russell, was born Feb-
ruary 13. 1739, and died August 2, 1816.
His birth occurred in Wethersfield on the
Connecticut river, where he resided until
be was sixteen years of age and then re-
moved to Northampton, Massachusetts.
He was a carpenter, and served as col-
lector. His name appears among a list
of officers of Massachusetts militia as
second lieutenant in the Third Northamp-
ton Company, Second Hampshire County
Regiment, commissioned April 5th, 1776
(vol. 28, 108) : appears with rank of lieu-
tenant on muster and pay roll of Captain
Oliver Lyman's company ; time of enlist-
ment, August 17, 1777: time of service
seven days ; residence Northampton,
marched to East Hoosac on an alarm
(vol. 21, 22); appears with rank of first
lieutenant on muster and pay roll of Cap-
tain Jonathan Wales' Company, Colonel
Ezra May's regiment ; time of enlistment,
September 22, 1777; time of discharge,
October 15, 1777; service, twenty-eight
days. Marched to Stillwater and Sara-
toga. Service against the insurgents by
order of Elisha Potter, sheriff of North-
ampton, May 6th to June iSth, i6th and
17th, 1782. At Springfield, June 12, 1782,
and at Hadley, June 13. 1782 (vol. 9, 429).
Appears with the rank of captain on pay
roll of Second Company, Second Hamp-
shire County regiment, September 27,
1784. The above is from the State records
of Massachusetts, and signed by William
L. Olin, secretary of the commonwealth.
Hezekiah Russell married, in Northamp-
ton, January i, 1767, Abigail Clark, who
died December 12. 1819, in her seventy-
eighth year. Children: Hezekiah and
Seth, twins ; Asa, Seth, Thaddeus. John
and Martha, twins : Abigail, and Nancy.
(XI) Thaddeus Russell, son of Heze-
kiah Russell, was born in Northampton,
Massachusetts, September 4, 1774, and
died when about fifty years old from
apoplexy, having been a stoutly built man.
He was a carpenter by trade. He mar-
ried, June 23, 1796, Mary Wright, who
died November 30, 1836, aged sixty-three
years. Their son,
(XII) Charles Russell, was born in
Northampton, Massachusetts, May 26,
1797, and died in Colerain, Massachusetts,
May 5 or 6, 1871. He removed from his
native place to Greenfield, Massachusetts,
from whence he removed to Colerain, and
there spent the remainder of his days.
He was a tailor and clothier. He was a
member of the ^Methodist Episcopal
church, and for a number of years had
charge of the choir. He married, January
I, 1823, Adeline Nash, born in Greenfield,
July 9, 1805, died in Colerain, September
188
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
23, 1882, daughter of Daniel Nash, who
was born in Greenfield, January 18, 1780,
married, September 7, 1802, Mary Mar-
shall, who was born May 9, 1782; they
settled in Duxbury, Vermont. His father,
Daniel Nash, was born November 4, 1742,
spent his life on or near the family home-
stead in Greenfield. Tradition says that
he and his brother Sylvanus, in company
with their father, built Nash's mills on
Mill river. He married Anna Atherton,
who died June 14, 1804; he died Febru-
ary 22, 1819. His father, Daniel Nash,
was born in Great Barrington, Massachu-
setts, September 13, 1715, and died in
what is now Greenfield, July i, 1790. He
settled in that part of Deerfield that is
now Greenfield, but it was probably about
the time of his marriage. When Green-
field was organized, July 3, 1753, he was
one of three men chosen as selectmen and
assessors, and was again elected in 1758.
In September, 1774, he was elected repre-
sentative to the Provincial Congress of
the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and
served on the Committee of Safety. He
was a blacksmith. He married (first) in
1741, Abigail Stebbins, who died Novem-
ber 26, 1749. His father, Daniel Nash,
was born in 1676, and died March 10,
1760. He was a blacksmith. In 1626 he
sold out in Northampton, and we next
find him in what is now South Hadley,
where he engaged in business as a black-
smith. From there he moved to Great
Barrington in 1739. He is mentioned in
the church records of that town as Deacon
Daniel Nash, a title which he must have
brought from some other church. He
married, June i, 1710, Experience, daugh-
ter of Jonathan and Mary (Strong)
Clark, and granddaughter of Elder John
Strong, a sketch of whom appears else-
where in this work. Jonathan Clark mar-
ried, March 20, 1679, Mary Strong. He
was the son of William and Sarah Clark,
who came to Dorchester, Massachusetts,
between the years 1636 and 1639. They
removed to Northampton about 1660,
where he became a leading citizen, hold-
ing many offices. He died July 18, 1690,
aged eighty-one years. Lieutenant Timo-
thy Nash, father of Daniel Nash, was
born in England, or at Leyden, Holland,
in 1626. His name is found for the first
time in the New Haven records under
date of December 3, 1645. He was made
freeman, March 4, 1654. The last men-
tion of him in the New Haven records is
dated April 23, 1660, and on February 11,
1660-61, he was given permission by
Hartford to come in as an "inhabitant
with us." On June 22, 1663, we find him
allotted land in Hadley, the town to "be
at the charge to bring up his Iron, Tooles,
and Household stufl:'e at this time now he
hath for his remouvall." He had prob-
ably been trained to his father's vocation
of gunsmith, but had probably changed it
into that of an ordinary blacksmith, one
of the trades most valued by the settlers.
He was an important citizens of the town,
a lieutenant in the militia, and represented
the town at the Massachusetts General
Court in 1690-91-95. He married Rebekah
Stone, probably in 1657. He died March
13, 1698-99, and his widow in March or
April, 1709. His father, Thomas Nash,
came to Boston, July 26, 1637, in Rev.
Jonathan Davenport's company. He was
a gunsmith. His name appears in the
Book of Records of the colony that settled
in New Haven. He was probably well
advanced in years when he came to Amer-
ica. Family tradition says he came from
Lancaster or Lancashire, England. He
was admitted freeman at New Haven,
May 19, 1651. He married Margery,,
daughter of Nicholas Baker, of Hertford-
shire, England. She must have died be-
fore he did, as she is not mentioned in
his will, which is dated 1657. He died
189
E>:CYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
May 12, 1658. Children of Charles and
Adeline (Nash) Russell: Thomas
Wright, mentioned below ; Charles N.,
George A., Mary J., Franklin C, Susan
E., John J., \\'illiam N., Leroy C,
Nancy E.
(XIII) Thomas Wright Russell, son
of Charles and Adeline (Nash) Russell,
was born in Colerain, Massachusetts,
May 22, 1824, and died in Hartford, Con-
necticut, April 23, 1901. He received his
formal education in the public schools of
his native town and a course of two years
in an academy. He was always a student,
however, and a lover of books. Reading,
travel and close observation made him a
man of culture and refinement. He be-
gan his business life by entering a dry
goods store in Mystic, Connecticut. He
remained there six years, and then re-
moved to Hartford and entered upon his
long career in the insurance business.
For a year and a half he traveled as gen-
eral agent of the Charter Oak Life Insur-
ance Company. In November, 1857, he
was chosen vice-president of the com-
pany, and continued in that office until
October, 1864, when he entered the serv-
ice of the Connecticut Mutual Life Ir
surance Companj- of Hartford. While he
was with the last named company its
directors obtained a charter for The Con-
necticut General Life Insurance Com-
pany, which was organized primarily with
the view of insuring at adequate rates
those persons who might be declined by
other companies as not being first class
risks. Mr. Russell was requested to take
the management of the new company,
which he did, after enlarging its scope so
as not to be limited to impaired risks.
For ten years he was secretary of the
Connecticut General Life Insurance Com-
pany, and then for a period of twenty-
three years and until his death, was its
valued and respected president. Under
his direction the company steadily
advanced and developed and took rank
as one of the safe, conservative and re-
liable institutions in the country.
Air. Russell took an active and promi-
nent part in the military, political and
religious life of his day. He was a Re-
publican with independent inclinations.
When he was a resident of Mystic he
represented the town of Stonington in the
State Legislature ; he served three terms
as a member of the Hartford Common
Council ; and was a member of the First
Company, Governor's Foot Guard, tak-
ing a special interest in the Veteran
Corps of that organization. For thirty-
three years he was a member of the Hart-
ford City Mission Society, and furthered
its interests materially by his wise coun-
sel. He was a deacon of the Park Con-
gregational Church for more than thirty
years. He became a member of the Colo-
nial Club at its organization. He was of
quiet disposition, afifable and courteous,
winning and holding many friends by
these attractive qualities and command-
ing their respect and confidence by his
unswerving devotion to truth and right.
He was a man of strong determination
and had the courage of his convictions.
Having, after careful consideration, deter-
mined upon a certain procedure as right
he permitted no obstacle to defeat the
accomplishment of his purpose. Mr.
Russell married twice, and by his first
marriage had no children. He married
(second) Ellie F. Fuller, of Boston.
Among their children was Thomas
Wright. Jr., of whom further.
(XIV) Thomas Wright Russell, Jr.,
attended the public schools of his native
city, Hartford, and graduated from the
Hartford High School in 1897. He then
entered Yale University, from which he
was graduated in 1901 with the degree
of Bachelor of Arts. His first business
190
TKE I"'E'^' Yor.K
PUBLIC LIBRARY
■' LENOX
ioKDATIONSj
^-^ Ji^J" S »rAl;.^-tS ^
^
o^^Z-Ci-t^ii^ ryf\ /l^iA^^^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
experience was gained in the employ of
the Connecticut General Life Insurance
Company, with which he was connected
for about one and a half years, resigning
then to engage in the insurance business
on his own account. He continued alone
until 1908, in which year his present part-
nership was formed — Allen, Russell &
Allen, general insurance brokers, the
company conducting a local business in
Hartford and vicinity. Mr. Russell is a
director of the Connecticut General Life
Insurance Company. He has always
taken an active interest in public affairs ;
he served for some years as a member of
the Republican town committee ; was a
member of the Common Council for three
years, holding the office of president for
the year 1906 ; and served for two years
on the Board of Aldermen, one year as
president of that body. He served one
term as member of Troop B, Connecticut
National Guard. He is an ex-president
of the Connecticut Life Underwriters'
Association, president of the Hartford
Golf Club, and a member of the Hartford
Club, Yale Club of New York, Graduates'
Club of New Haven, New Britain Club,
Waterbury Club, and Phi Beta Kappa
fraternity of Yale.
Mr. Russell married, January 16, 1912,
Dorothy Mason, daughter of Frederick
and Clara (Davol) Mason, of Bridge-
port, Connecticut. Children : Dorothy,
born August 13, 1914; Thomas Wright
(3), born July 19, 1916. Mr. and Mrs.
Russell are members of Immanuel Con-
gregational Church of Hartford.
BARBOUR, Lucius Albert,
Financier, Business Man.
Lucius Albert Barbour needs no intro-
duction to the readers of this work, as
his position as a leading financier and
business man of Hartford, as an authority
on military matters, and one of the most
distinguished ofificers in the militia of
Connecticut, make his name a familiar
one to a very wide circle that far over-
laps the boundaries of either city or State.
He is a member of a fine old Connecticut
family whose members have been closely
associated with the affairs of the region
from the earliest colonial times, and
whose strong and manly virtues and
abilities he has inherited.
In the direct line he traces his descent
from the immigrant ancestor, Thomas
Barber (as the name was then spelled),
who came from England to the American
colonies in the good ship "Christian," as
early as 1634, arriving in this country
March 16, 1634. Full of the splendid
spirit of enterprise that possessed so
many of his countrymen in that age and
which has been the determining element
in the character of our New World civili-
zation, Thomas Barber, then but twenty
years of age, pushed on into the wilds and
made his way to the settlement that
formed the germ or nucleus of the present
town of Windsor, Connecticut. Here he
settled in 1635, and took an active part
in the stirring events of that time, fight-
ing in the Pequot War and otherwise dis-
tinguishing himself. He married, Octo-
ber 7, 1640, Jane ; their married
life continued for twenty-two years, and
their deaths occurred but one day apart,
September 10 and 11, 1662.
Lieutenant Thomas Barber, son of
Thomas and Jane Barber, was born July
14, 1644, and died May 10, 1713. He was
a prominent citizen of Simsbury, Con-
necticut, where he followed the trade of
carpenter and built the first meeting
house. He married. December 17, 1663,
Mary Phelps, daughter of William and
Mary (Dover) Phelps. She died in 1687.
Samuel Barber, son of Lieutenant
Thomas and Mary (Phelps) Barber, was
191
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
born May 17, 1673, and died December
18, 1725. He married, December 17, 1712,
Sarah Holcomb, born 1691, died 1787,
daughter of Nathaniel and Mary (Bliss)
Holcomb.
John Barber, son of Samuel and Sarah
(Holcomb) Barber, was born December
4, 1719, and died December 27, 1797. He
married, January 22, 1746-47, Lydia Reed,
born December 18, 1726, died October i,
1806, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Hill)
Reed.
John (2) Barber, son of John (i) and
Lydia (Reed) Barber, was born Novem-
ber 29, 1749, died November 3, 1825. He
married, in 1773, Elizabeth Case, born
April 20, 1752, died May 26, 1817, daugh-
ter of Captain Josiah and Esther (Higley)
Case.
John (3) Barbour (the modern spelling
being adopted in his time), son of John
(2) and Elizabeth (Case) Barber, was
born February 18, 1783, died November
24, 1865. He married, October 13, 1803,
Delight Case, born October 15, 1773, died
April 13, 181 1, daughter of Elisha and De-
light (Griswold) Case.
Lucius Barbour, son of John (3) and
Delight (Case) Barbour, was born in
Canton, Connecticut, July 26, 1805, and
died February 10, 1873. He passed the
first fourteen years of his life in his native
town, and then accompanied his parents
to the town of Sheldon in the western part
of New York State. Upon attaining man-
hood he left the home of his parents and
traveled through the south and west as
a salesman, representing a dry goods
house. He was very successful in this
line of work and amassed a considerable
amount of money, a large portion of
which he invested in western real estate,
and he temporarily located at Madison,
Indiana, where a large portion of his prop-
erty was located. Here he engaged in the
dry goods business on his own account
and was successful from, the beginning.
He became a wealthy man owing to the
great rise in value of his real estate invest-
ments, in the selection of which he dis-
played rare judgment. After disposing
of his dry goods business in Madison he
removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, and there
engaged in the same line of business, once
more prospering greatly. Subsequently
he returned to the east, taking up his
residence in Hartford, Connecticut, and
there spent the remainder of his da3's.
He still continued to hold his western
possessions, and up to the time of his
decease derived a handsome return from
the same. Mr. Barbour was a man of
many excellent qualities, prudent and con-
servative, but possessing the kindest of
hearts, and always willing to aid every
enterprise that had for its object the
alleviation of distress. He was highly re-
spected in the community, and left an un-
blemished reputation as a heritage to his
successors, in addition to a large share of
this world's goods.
Lucius Barbour married, April 23, 1840,
Harriet Louise Day, born February 2,
1821, a daughter of Deacon Albert and
Harriet (Chapin) Day, formerly of West-
field, Massachusetts. Deacon Albert Day
was a very prominent Hartford business
man, and served as Lieutenant-Governor
of the State of Connecticut from 1856 to
1857. He was descended in the seventh
generation from Robert Day, of Ipswich,
England, where he was born in 1604,
approximately, from whence he came
accompanied by his wife and family to
New England on the ship "Elizabeth,"
settling in Cambridge, Massachusetts,
into which community he was admitted a
freeman, May 6, 1635. Four children
were born to Lucius and Harriet Louise
(Day) Barbour, as follows : Harriet
Louise, who died in childhood ; Lucius
Albert, of whom further ; Mary Adelia,
[92
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
who died in infancy ; Hattie Day, who
became the wife of Richard Storrs Barnes,
of New York City; he died December 25,
1914.
Lucius Albert Barbour, only son of
Lucius and Harriet Louise (Day) Bar-
bour, was born in Madison, Indiana, Jan-
uary 26, 1846. His parents removed to
Hartford, Connecticut, shortly after his
birth, and his associations are entirely
connected with that city. There he re-
ceived his education, graduating from the
high school with the class of 1864. He
gained his first experience in business life
as clerk in the Charter Oak Bank of Hart-
ford, was promoted from one position to
another, and at the expiration of two
years was promoted to the position of
teller, in which capacity he served for
about five years, resigning for the purpose
of making an extended tour of Europe in
order to supplement his studies. His
career in the banking world was but
temporarily interrupted, however, his
connection with the Charter Oak Bank
being renewed upon his return to the
United States, of which he became the
president in 1910. This office he con-
tinued to hold until the absorption of the
bank by the Phoenix National Bank in
1915, and in that year he was elected
president of the Colonial National Bank
of Hartford, an office which he holds at
the present time (1917). But his influence
in the business world is not by any means
confined to banking circles, his interests
extending into other departments, not-
ably, industrial and insurance. He was
formerly connected with the Willimantic
Linen Company, serving that concern as
president and treasurer for many years,
and is a director of the National Fire In-
surance Company of Hartford, and of the
firm of Landers, Frary & Clark of New
Britain.
But great as is his influence in the
business world, it is not in that connec-
Conn— 3— 13 1 93
tion that he is best known to his fellow
citizens and the people of the State, but
rather as a public officer, especially a
military officer and as a master of military
science. His first connection with the
Connecticut militia was in 1865, when, on
September 9, he enlisted in the Hartford
City Guard, which was at that time a
part of the First Regiment, and known
as Battery D. It was obvious from the
first that he possessed unusual aptitude
in the work, an aptitude that amounted to
a great talent, and was combined with the
utmost devotion which impelled him to
continual labor in the cause of his regi-
ment's advantage and indeed of the entire
service. It was not long before promotion
followed his efforts, but this advance,
like that in business, was checked for a
time by his travels in Europe, which
caused him to tender his resignation. His
knowledge of the details of military
affairs, to which he had applied himself
most diligently, was too great to permit
his associates to forget him, and in 1875,
after his return home from Europe, he
was elected major of the First Regiment.
In this position another ability made itself
apparent in addition to the others that
rendered him, a good soldier. This was
his natural ability to lead and direct men,
which soon told in the splendid discipline
of the troops under his charge. His skill
as an officer had the natural result in
securing his further promotion and he
rapidly advanced to the rank of lieuten-
ant-colonel, December 28, 1876, and , to
colonel of the First Regiment, June 26,
1878. Under his capable command the
regiment became a model one, its splendid
discipline and the perfect manner in
which it went through its drills and the
various field manoeuvers exciting admi-
ration everywhere. It appeared in the
review of troops at the Yorktown Cen-
tennial held in 1881 under the command
of Colonel Barbour, and its appearance
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
there gave to his reputation as an officer
a national character. Nor was this all, for
the well known English military critic
who was present as correspondent for
one of the great London dailies, paid him
a remarkable tribute of praise in his
articles. On November 12, 1884, he re-
signed as colonel of the First Regiment,
but later was appointed to the office of
adjutant-general of the State. His choice
to this office was highly approved by all
who were acquainted with the man, and
he amply fulfilled the expectations of his
admirers by the manner in which he
administered affairs.
While thus active in military matters,
General Barbour has been connected with
politics in a prominent manner in his
State, and has held many responsible
offices. He is a staunch Republican in
political belief, and has always supported
that party at the polls, being firmly con-
vinced that it stands for sound economic
principles and the most rapid progress
consistent with safety. In 1879 he was
elected to the State Legislature, and
served during the following term, making
a reputation for sincerity and unimpeach-
able probity in all his actions there. He
was a member of the committee of the
house that instituted "Battle Flag Day,"
and was very active in making prepara-
tions for its appropriate and adequate
celebration. Among the many interests
of General Barbour is that which he takes
in the local history of the region, illus-
trated by his membership in the Connec-
ticut Society of Colonial Wars, in which
he holds the office of secretary.
General Barbour married, February 8,
1877, Harriet Elizabeth Barnes, daughter
of Alfred Smith and Harriet Elizabeth
(Burr) Barnes, of Brooklyn, New York.
Mr. Barnes was the founder of the large
and well known publishing house of A. S.
Barnes & Company of New York City.
Mrs. Barbour, who was born in Brook-
lyn, New York, December 2, 1849, died
November 8, 1899, at the Barbour home
in Hartford, Connecticut. To General
and Mrs. Barbour two children were
born: Lucius Barnes, of Hartford, and
Harriet Burr, who became the wife of
George Alexander Phelps, of Pelham
Manor, New York.
General Barbour has for long been a
potent influence for good, not merely in
the business world, but in the general life
of the community. There is probably no
city in the world with higher and more
honorable business traditions than Hart-
ford, among whose merchants and finan-
ciers have appeared some of the best and
strongest men in the history of the State,
and to the best of these he has adhered in
an age which has, perhaps, not been too
strict in its observance of the more exact-
ing standards of the past. A conservative
in his instincts and feelings, he neverthe-
less is wholly in favor of that prudent
progress which is the most rapid because
devoid of haste. He thus occupies that
important place among his fellows that
is perhaps best described as keeping the
balance between the extremes of con-
servatism and radicalism, throwing his
influence at once against stagnation and
dangerous advance. His personality is a
pleasing one, especially to men, who
recognize in the frank, open manner the
sterling type of manhood which is at once
strong and flexible.
BEECHER, William J.,
Iiaipyer, Jurist.
The name Beecher belongs to that class
of English surnames, which were origi-
nally derived from the names of the
localities in which the first of the family
to adopt the name resided. The author-
ity Bardsley assign Beecher to a local
source, "one who lived by some promi-
nent beech tree." The name is a very
194
i^^-taru-a^j'Al'trJ-icv/Secfrfif
toJ'^ »f/^„'ra £■ Si-^ . AT Z'"
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ancient and honorable one, and is found
in authentic records as far back as the
middle of the thirteenth century. The
Beecher coat-of-arms is as follows :
Arms : Vaire, or and gules, on a canton or, a
stag's head cabossed sable. Crest : A demi-Iion
erased or, girded around the waist with a ducal
coronet or.
Many of the name of Beecher have been
distinguished in England, and since its
establishment in the New World, Beech-
ers have played prominent parts in the
affairs of the country. Henry Ward
Beecher, the famous preacher, was one of
the most famed of the Beechers, and in
the character of the great men of a gener-
ation past was to be found the character-
istics of the family — stern and rugged
honesty, a love of liberty, independence,
a broad tolerance, love of country, and of
family honor.
The late Judge William J. Beecher, a
member of a branch of the Beecher fam-
ily which has been established in Con-
necticut since the time when that now
flourishing State was a small and strug-
gling but infinitely brave and independent
colony, was born in Bridgeport, Connec-
ticut, March 5, 1859, the son of John and
Margaret Beecher. His parents later
removed to Easton, Connecticut ; there he
received his early education in the local
elementary schools, finishing at the
Staples Academy in Easton, where he
prepared for college. Having decided
upon the law as his profession, he entered
the Yale Law School to study to that
end, and was graduated from that insti-
tution in the class of 1880. On July i,
1880, he was admitted to the bar in New
Haven, and in August of the same year
he opened an office for practice in the city
of Bridgeport. Judge Beecher removed
to Newtown, which he made his home for
Ihe remainder of his life, on January 10,
1881. He is said to have been influenced
in this move by the late High Sherifl
Aaron Sanford. Upon coming to New-
town he had slight difficulty in securing
an office, and located temporarily in the
small rooms over the old tin shop of the
late Daniel Camp, later removed to suit-
able quarters over the present store o!
Robert H. Beers.
His maiden case, in so far as the qual-
ities in Judge Beecher which prompted
him to bring about its extraordinary de-
nouement were concerned, was character-
istic of his whole legal career. In the
course of his first case, circumstances
came to such a head that he found it
necessary to cause the arrest of his own
client, an event which shows clearly the
impeccable integrity and honesty of the
man. In October, 1892, he opened an
office in Bridgeport, retaining at the same
time his office at his residence in New-
town. In October, 1894, he formed a
partnership with Frank M. Canfield,
under the firm name of Beecher & Can-
field. The firm had offices in the Sanford
Building in Bridgeport, and in the sub-
sequent years Judge Beecher's success in
his profession became widely known
throughout the country, his victory in
several noted legal cases bringing him an
enviable reputation for legal acumen.
His practice was one of the largest in the
city in his day, and perhaps there could be
no truer indication of his worth than the
fact that he was deeply respected and
honored by his associates of the Fairfield
county bar. In this number were in-
cluded Justice George W. Wheeler, of the
Connecticut Supreme Court, and many
other men of note.
Judge Beecher was connected with a
large number of important and well re-
membered cases. He was chief counsel
for the late C. H. Peck, executor of the
estate of Elon Booth. Mr. Peck was re-
moved as executor by the late Judge M.
J. Bradley. This action was the cause
195
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of a widespread antagonism, and it was
generally felt at the time that it was
flagrantly unfair and a miscarriage of jus-
tice. The Superior Court, on an appeal
of the action, decided in favor of Mr.
Peck, and he was reinstated forthwith.
As chief counsel, Judge Beecher was asso-
ciated in his work on this famous case
with the late Attorney Samuel Fessenden,
of Stamford, and ex-Congressman De
Forest, of Bridgeport. The firm of
Beecher & Canfield were also employed
as counsel for the contestants of the will
of the late Horatio Lake, who cut off his
relatives and left the bulk of his property
to Yale University. Before the attorneys
on the other side of the case had fully
awakened to the situation, Messrs.
Beecher & Canfield made a house to house
canvass in Bethlehem, securing sworn
testimony taken before witnesses con-
cerning the ability of the late Mr. Lake
to execute a valid will. The direct result
was, that just before the case came to
trial at Litchfield the late Judge Hunt-
ington, of Woodbury, and the New Haven
and Hartford attorneys associated with
him, consented to a compromise whereby
Mr. Lake's heirs secured a substantial
amount.
Judge Beecher was very prominent in
the local affairs of Newtown, and
espoused every issue which he felt would
be to its ultimate advantage. He was un-
restrained by party lines, and gave his
support without prejudice to what he
thought right. He was eminently a fair
man, and was recognized as such. In
November, 1886, he was elected judge of
probate for the district of Newtown, and
served in that office for two terms. By
an unfortunate complication in the Demo-
cratic caucus. Judge Beecher was defeated
for renomination by a man who later
thoroughly demonstrated his incompe-
tence. Several warm contests were made
to defeat the man, but these failed. In
1906, however, Judge Beecher was named
on the Republican ticket. His value to
the community in the office was so gen-
erally recognized and acknowledged that
he was supported by the best elements in
the town, irrespective of party lines. He
was elected, as was the case in later elec-
tions when he ran on the Democratic
ticket. He commanded a very large vote
among the independent voters of the
town. Under his administration the office
was brought to a very high standard of
efficiency, and the arrangement and con-
dition of the probate records is said by
probate experts to be ideally perfect.
In addition to his connection with the
political life of Newtown, Judge Beecher
also took a keen interest in its business
life. He was intensely public-spirited.
The establishment of the Newtown Water
Company, an improvement which brought
material comfort and advancement to the
community, was largely due to his earnest
and persistent efforts in its behalf. After
much labor in the interest of the work,
he and one other citizen finally contrib-
uted a very large sum to complete the
project, which has been a beneficent one
to the residents of the borough. Judge
Beecher was also an ardent champion of
the cause of education, and gave much of
his time and attention to it in Newtown.
For ten years prior to his death he pro-
vided the sum of forty dollars in gold at
each annual commencement of the high
school, to be used as prizes awarded for
scholarship. Until his death, this fact
was not known to more than half a dozen
people in the entire town, so unostenta-
tiously was the gift made. For several
years Judge Beecher was a member of
the Borough Board of Burgesses, and for
two years prior to his death he was a
member of the Democratic State Central
Committee. He was well known in
Democratic and legal circles throughout
96
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
the State of Connecticut, and had many
friends among the Democratic leaders.
In 1901 he was chosen a director of the
Newtown Savings Bank, and remained in
that capacity until his death, serving the
last two years as a member of the loan-
ing committee. Judge Beecher was also
attorney for the bank, and was deeply
interested in the success of the institution,
of which the late Henry Beers Glover, his
wife's father, was the first president.
Judge Beecher was of that silent, reti-
cent type of men whose capacity for deep
feeling and friendship is very great. He
was intensely loyal to his friends, and
generous almost to a fault, refusing very
few appeals for aid. His counsel was
both sought and followed among the old
and young men of the town, and many
young men owe their start on a success-
ful career to him. He was a warm'-
hearted, sympathetic man, but withal re-
served, and often misunderstood because
of the forceful independence of his
nature. To the world in general he pre-
sented a cold and impassive front, and
only to those who knew him well was the
true depth and worth of his nature ever
revealed. Nevertheless he was a popular
man, and one thoroughly loved and re-
spected in the entire community.
Judge Beecher died on December 3,
1915, at his home in Newtown. Excerpts
from some of the resolutions passed by
the several large organizations of which
he was a member are appended hereto:
The following is taken from the reso-
lutions of the Fairfield County Bar Asso-
ciation :
Mr. Beecher came to the bar when Edward W.
Seymour, Lyman D. Brewster, Samuel Fessenden
(all of them now gone) were at the zenith of their
power. With such as these, associated or opposed,
he eagerly exerted his young and ardent energies ;
and from them he drew inspiration and learned
lessons which made him in his best days a trial
lawyer of no mean ability.
Though aggressive in the conduct of his cases,
he was singularly devoid of that form of self-
assertion which is based on conceit. Rather did
his strength as an advocate come from his intense
will to prevail in any legal cause which he deeme/
just.
He had a high ethical sense of his profession
As an officer of the Court, his fidelity was in fuA
accord with his attorney's oath. Good faith actu-
ated him in all his relations with the Court, and
the presiding judge might implicitly trust any
statement made by him as to matters of personal
knowledge or opinion. For pettifogging methods
he had nothing but contempt.
His fidelity to his client was equally worthy ol
note. He did not accept a case primarily because
there was a fee in it, but because he saw some
wrong to be righted, or some justice to be done.
The case he liked the most of all was where he
saw an opportunity for the strong to assist the
weak ; then he lavished his time and talents with-
out stint.
Judge Beecher was a man of public spirit. It
was but natural that a lawyer of his strong nature
should be foremost in the affairs of his town;
and for a score of years no important measure
was adopted in the town of Newtown without the
endorsement of his clear and positive mind.
The resolutions passed by the Board of
Trustees of the Newtown Savings Bank,
with which Judge Beecher was connected
for over fourteen years, contain the fol-
lowing :
During his long period of service he took a deep
interest in the welfare and growth of the bank
and gave his time and advice freely to promote its
best interests. He was a man of generous im-
pulses, a public-spirited citizen, and an able attor-
ney, an honored Judge of Probate for many years
and will be sadly missed in this community. In
his death we have suffered a great loss and the
depositors a friend and wise counselor * * *.
Judge F. F. Addis, friend of Judge
Beecher for over thirty years, said of
him :
For a period of more than thirty years I have
known Judge Beecher. During that time I have
always found him in the practice of his profession
to be always jealous in protecting the interests of
his clients. As an associate he was willing to take
the laboring oar, while as an opponent he was
forceful and skillful, but always just to his oppo-
nent. A hard fighter but a fair one. In my nearly
four years of contact with him in the deliberations
97
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of the Democratic State committee I always found
his conception keen and his judgment ripe. In his
social intercourse he was genial, whole hearted
and generous. He is one of the men the town
and State can ill afford to lose, and to converse
with him for any extended length of time seemed
to give to those around him an inspiration.
Judge Eugene D. Dempsey, in speak-
ing of Judge Beecher said :
There is not a lawyer in Fairfield county who
would be unwilling to speak a word of praise of
Judge Beecher. His career as a member of the
bar and as a probate judge was a chain of con-
scientious application to the interest of his clients
and to the just administration of his judicial
duties. His political life was not tempered by
conciliation and brought to him small comfort or
gain, yet he always believed in his position and
thereby gained the confidence of his party and
measured personal satisfaction. He thought deep-
ly of life and was prone to discuss its inequalities,
but consistently refrained from giving expression
to his ultimate conclusions. For those who
achieved in the practice of law, he had profound
respect and veneration, well knowing the trials
and difficulties attending such distinction. Always
realizing the value of exactness as applied to the
requirements of his profession, he became ac-
cepted as a draftsman of legal documents. Judge
Beecher will long be remembered as a loyal
lawyer, competent judge, and a worthy citizen.
Judge Beecher was married, on April 3,
1891, to Mary Blakeslee Glover, of New-
town, a daughter of Henry Beers Glover,
one of the most prominent citizens of the
town of his day, and first president of the
Newtown Savings Bank. The children of
Judge and Mrs. Beecher were : i. Florence
Glover Beecher. 2. Henry Glover Beecher,
who died at the age of four years. 3. Mar-
guerite Kathryn Beecher.
The Misses Florence G. and Marguerite
K. Beecher reside in the old family home
in Newtown, which was built by their
grandfather, Henry Beers Glover. Mrs.
Beecher died in Newtown on September
23, 1916, at the age of sixty-two years.
(The Glover Line).
fl) The Glover family has been promi-
nent in Connecticut from the earliest
Colonial days, and traces its descent to
the immigrant, Henry Glover. The Glover
coat-of-arms is as follows: Sable, a bend
argent, between three herons' heads erased
of the second. Henry Glover emigrated
fiom England, and located in the Massa-
chusetts Colony, in the town of Boston.
He is thought to have been about twenty-
four years of age when he arrived in
America, and shortly after his arrival he
journeyed to New Haven, where he set-
tled and remained for the rest of his life.
According to old records "he became rec-
onciled to the Church" in New Haven,
June II. 1644, and took the oath of allegi-
ance to the Colony, on July i, of the same
year. He died in New Haven, September
2, 1689, and his wife, Helena, died there,
March i, 1697.
(II) John Glover, son of Henry and
Helena Glover, was born in New Haven,
Connecticut, October 8, 1648, and died
January 29, 1679. He married Joanna
Daniels, on December 7, 1671.
(III) John (2) Glover, son of John (i)
and Joanna (Daniels) Glover, was born
in New Haven, Connecticut, November
20, 1674. He later removed to Stratford,
Connecticut, and resided there for about
sixteen years. He died June 30, 1752, and
is buried at Newtown, where the family
has since flourished. He married (first)
November 27, 1700, Margaret or Marjory
Hubbard, who died at Stratford, Connec-
ticut, March 14, 1704. On July 14, 1707,
he married (second) Mrs. Bathiah Beach
Bickley.
(IV) John (3) Glover, son of John (2)
and Margaret (Hubbard) Glover, was
born in New Haven, December 30, 1701,
was married on July 12, 1724, to Eliza-
beth Bennett, of Stratford. Although at
the time of the outbreak of the American
Revolution, John (3) Glover, was seven-
ty-six years of age. he enlisted in the
Dragoon Artillery, Third Troop, Connec-
ticut Militia, under Colonel Elisha Shel-
198
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
don, and served from the year 1777 until
the close of the war in 1783.
(V) John (4) Glover, son of John (3)
and Elizabeth (Bennett) Glover, was born
February 11, 1732, and died on July 2,
1802. He married Elizabeth Curtis.
(VI) Josiah Glover, son of John (4)
and Elizabeth (Curtis) Glover, was born
November 27, 1762, and died November
I, 1840. He married, September 4, 1792,
Rebecca, daughter of Abel Booth.
(VII) Abiel Booth Glover, son of Jo-
siah and Rebecca (Booth) Glover, was
born January 16, 1797, and died October
13," 1825. He married, May 5, 1822, Maria
Nichols, daughter of David Nichols. Their
children were : Mary Eliza, born May 5,
1823, died September 5, J 825; Henry
Beers, mentioned below.
(VIII) Henry Beers Glover, son of
Abiel Booth and Maria (Nichols) Glover,
was born in Newtown. Connecticut, De-
cember 8, 1824. He prepared for college
in the local school of the town, and en-
tered Yale University, from which he was
graduated with the class of 1820. After
leaving college he spent some time in
Cleveland, Ohio, but later returned to
Newtown, where he became one of the
most prominent citizens of the commu-
nity, a financial leader, successful mer-
chant, and eminent churchman. Mr.
Glover engaged in farming also on a large
scale, and for several years kept a store
on the site of the residence of the late
Charles H. Peck.
Mr. Glover was the principal organizer
and founder of the Newtown Savings
Bank, and its first president. For a num-
ber of years he served as a member of the
board of directors of the First National
Bank of Bridgeport. Although always
active in behalf of any issues which would
benefit the community, Mr. Glover was
never engaged in politics. He was a
staunch supporter of the Republican
party in questions of national importance.
but voted independently on local affairs.
He was for many years connected with
the Trinity Episcopal Church of New-
town, and gave liberally to its support,
being one of the most generous of the
contributors to the building fund for the
new church. He died at his home in New-
town, March 6, 1870.
Henry Beers Glover married Eliza
Blakeslee. She died May 17, 1875, aged
forty-nine years. Their children were :
William Booth born September 15, 1850;
Mary Blakeslee, born October 31, 1853,
married Judge William J. Beecher (see
Beecher) ; Florence Stanley, born July
28, 1854, married Abel Clark, died April
3, 1892; Maria Nichols, born May 7, 1859,
died May 15, 1859.
The death of Henry Beers Glover was
deeply felt in Newtown. The board of
directors of the First National Bank, of
Bridgeport, at a special meeting, held on
March 28, 1870. passed the following reso-
lutions :
Whereas, It has pleased an All-wise Provi-
dence to remove by death our late friend and as-
sociate, Mr. Henry Beers Glover, who for many
years was a prominent and efficient director of
this bank.
Resolved, That we sincerely deplore the loss of
our esteemed friend, endeared to us as he was by
his superior business capacity and his many social
virtues, and whose manly deportment has com-
manded our highest regard.
Resolved, That we tender to the family and
relatives of the deceased our sympathy in their
affliction, knowing that the bank and the com-
munity in which he lived, as well as his deeply
afflicted family, have experienced an irreparable
loss.
Resolved, That the President, Cashier, and
Messrs. Tomlinson and Nichols be appointed a
committee to attend the funeral services of our
deceased friend at his late residence in Newtown,
to-morrow at 2 o'clock P. M.
Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing resolu-
tions be transmitted to the friends of the deceased,
be entered upon the records of this bank, and pub-
lished in the papers of the city.
199
Ex\CYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
CUTLER FAMILY.
The name Cutler is of that class of pat-
ronymics which were originally derived
from the trades or occupations of their
bearers. Others of this class are Cooper,
Smith, Miller, Gardner, etc. When the
adoption of surnames became prevalent,
the first member of the Cutler family to
adopt the name was in all probability a
cutler by trade, or a maker of knives or
other cutting instruments.
Arms: (Stainborough Hall, County York, de-
scended from John Cutler, standard bearer of the
War of the Roses, temp. Henry VI.) Azure,
three dragons' heads erased, within a bordure or.
Crest : A wivern's head erased or, ducally collared
azure.
The English bearer of the name of Cut-
ler to whom the American family traces
its ancestry was Sir Admiral Gervase Cut-
ler, who was killed in 1645 in defense of
the Castle of Pontificiato. Sir Gervase
Cutler was a son of Thomas Cutler, who
was buried at Silkton, January 21, 1622.
Thomas Cutler was a descendant of Sir
John Cutler, standard bearer during the
War of the Roses, who was knighted in
the reign of Henry VI. Sir Gervase Cut-
ler married for his first wife, Elizabeth,
daughter of Sir John Bently. The child
of this marriage was Margaret, who mar-
ried Sir Edward Mosely ; there was also
a son, Gervase, who died young. Sir Ger-
vase Cutler married a second time Lady
Magdalen, the ninth daughter of Sir John
Egerton, Duke of Bridgewater, and of this
marriage there were nine children.
The New England ancestors of the Cut-
ler family in America were James, Robert
and John Cutler, immigrants from Eng-
land, who settled in Massachusetts in
1634. James Cutler came to \\'atertown,
Massachusetts, in 1634. The name of
Robert Cutler first appears on the records
of Charlestown, in 1636, where it is re-
corded that he was married. John Cutler,
Sr., with a family, was settled at Hing-
ham, Massachusetts, in 1637.
(I) James Cutler, born in England, set-
tled as early as 1634 in Watertown, Mas-
sachusetts, where the first record of the
family name in New England, in America
in fact, is to be found. He was one of the
original grantees of land in the northerly
part of the town on the road to Belmont.
He married Anna Grout, a sister of Cap-
tain John Grout, and tradition says that
they were both so opposed and persecuted
in England for their Puritanism that they
resolved to seek their fortunes in New
England, and accordingly came to Amer-
ica tmaccompanied by friends or near
relatives. There is no authentic record
by which to fix the year in which James
Cutler arrived here. His first child, James,
was born "Ye 6th day, 9th month, 1635."
He had that year passed all necessary pro-
bation and been received an inhabitant of
Watertown, having a house lot assigned
him. The lot contained eight acres,
bounded on the east by the lot of Thomas
Boylston, west and north by a highway,
i. e. by Common street and Pond road,
and south by the lot of Ellias Barron. In
the first "great divide," July 25, 1636, he
was assigned twenty-five acres, and three
acres in the further plain (now W^altham)
next to the river. In 1642 he had assigned
to him eighty-two acres in the fourth di-
vision, and four other farms. On October
2, 1645, he was one of the petitioners "'in
1 elation to Nashaway plantation, now
Weston." On December 13, 1649, James
Cutler and Nathaniel Bowman, for £70
bought of Edward GofTe, two hundred
acres in Cambridge Farms. James Cutler
sold his share of one hundred acres to
Bowman for £39, on March 4, 165 1. This
land was adjoining Rock Meadow and
near to or adjoining Waltham. About
ibis time he settled at Cambridge Farms
200
T
T::E r_V' ' uiK
PUB.'C LIBRARY
A ~-0P. LEWOX
IILD^K rc Jt:DATIONS
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(now Lexington), on what is known as
Wood street, and not far from the Con-
cord (now Bedford) line, a part of which
farm remained in the family until the heirs
of Leonard Cutler sold it. James Cutler
is supposed to have built one of the first
houses at the Farms. Vestiges of the
cellar of his house still remain. The house
was located some thirty rods from the
i:.resent highway, on an elevation com-
manding an extensive view. He made his
will on November 24, 1684, at Cambridge
Farms, at the age of seventy-eight years,
and died May 17, 1694, aged eighty-eight.
James Cutler buried his first wife, Anna,
September 30, 1644, and married (second)
on March 9, 1645, Mary, widow of Thomas
King. She died December 7, 1654, and he
married for his third wife, Phoebe, daugh-
ter of John Page, in 1662. His children
were: i. James, born September 6, 1635,
mentioned below. 2. Hannah, born May
26, 1638, married John Winter, and died
January 18, 1690. 3. Elizabeth, born No-
vember 28, 1640, and died October 30,
1644. 4- Mary, born March 29, 1644, mar-
ried John Collar, and removed to Sudbury.
5. Elizabeth, born May 20, 1646, married
John Parmenter, of Sudbury. 6. Thomas,
born 1648, and died at Lexington, July 13,
1722. 7. Sarah, born 1653, married, in
1673, Thomas Waight, settled in Weston,
Massachusetts, and died January 17, 1744.
aged ninety-one years. 8. Joanna, born
1660, married Philip Russell, and died No-
vember 26, 1703. 9. John, born May 19,
1663, and died September 21, 1714. 10.
Samuel, born November 18, 1664. 11.
Jemima, who married, September 22, 1697,
Zerubabel Snow. 12. Phoebe, died un-
married in 1684.
(II) James (2) Cutler, son of James (i)
and Anna Cutler, was born in Watertown,
Massachusetts, September 6, 1635. He
was a farmer, residing at Cambridge
Farms, near Concord line, and was a
soldier in King Philip's War. He made
his will on the 28th and died on the 31st
of July, 1685.
He married, June 15, 1665, Lydia, daugh-
ter of John Moore, of Sudbury, and widow
of Samuel Wright. She died in Sudbury
on November 23, 1723. Their children,
born at Cambridge Farms, were : i. James
(3). born May 12, 1666, and died Decem-
ber I, 1690. 2. Ann, born April 20, 1669,
married, September 26, 1688, Richard Bel-
vis, of Watertown. 3. Samuel, born May
2, 1672. 4. Joseph, twin of Samuel. 5.
John, born April 14. 1675, and died at Kil-
lingly, Connecticut, after 1727. 6. Thom-
as, born December 15, 1677, mentioned be-
low. 7. Isaac, born in 1684, at Killingly,
Connecticut and died there. June 18, 1758.
(HI) Thomas Cutler, son of James (2)
and Lydia (Moore-Wright) Cutler, was
born December 15, 1677, at Cambridge
Farms (now Lexington), where he re-
sided the greater part of his life. He was
constable in 1719, and selectman in 1729,
1731. 1733 and 1734. About the year 1750
he bought a farm in Western (now War-
ren), where he then went to live. Here
he made his will, September 15, 1759, and
died December 23, 1759.
He married (first) Sarah, daughter of
Samuel and Dorcas (Jones) Stone, who
joined the church in Lexington, July 4.
1708, and died January 10. 1750, aged
sixty-nine. He married (second) Lydia
Simonds, April 10, 1750, and with her was
dismissed to the church of Western, May
17, 1752, having owned the covenant at
Lexington, June 6, 1703. Children of first
wife, born at Lexington, were: I.Abigail,
born June 2. 1703. married Joseph Bridge,
of Lexington, November 18, 1722, and died
November 11. 1778. 2. David, born Au-
gust 28, 1705. mentioned below. 3. Amity,
born December 19, 1707. married John
Page, of Bedford. 4. Sarah, born January
19, 1710, married Israel Mead. 5. Mary,
201
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
born November 8, 1714, married Seth
Johnson, of Nottingham, New Hamp-
shire. 6. Hannah, born May 13, 1717,
died March 2, 1724. 7. Thomas, born Sep-
tember 30, 1719, died November 28, 1760.
8. Millicent, born July 29, 1722, and died
January 2, 1741.
(IV) David Cutler, son of Thomas and
Sarah (Stone) Cutler, was born August
28, and baptized September 9, 1705, at
Lexington. He joined the church in Lex-
ington, April 14, 1728. He resided in the
family homestead near the Bedford line.
He was surveyor of the township during
the reign of King George III.; served as
constable in Lexington in 1746, and as
selectman in 1749, 1750 and 1751. He
made his will, September 13, 1758, in
which is mentioned his wife Mary. He
left personal property inventoried at £573
iSs.
He died December 5, 1760, of small-pox,
which was particularly fatal in those days
because of the fact there was no known
way to combat its onslaughts. His wife
survived him, and died May 25, 1797, aged
ninety-three years. Their children, born
at Lexington, were: i. Abigail, born May
31, 1728, married Samuel Hodgman, of
Warren, May 7, 1755. 2. David, born July
15, 1730, and died probably at Bennington,
Vermont. 3. Joseph, born May 31, 1733,
mentioned below. 4. Isaac, born June,
1736, and died January, 1737. 5. Mary,
born April 12, 1738, married, September
15, 1757, John Page, of Hardwich, Massa-
chusetts, and died there. May 3, 1812. 6.
Solomon, born May 15, 1740, and died at
Rindge, New Hampshire. 7. Thomas,
born May 9, 1742, and died July 3, 1812.
8 Elizabeth, born August 4, 1744, mar-
ried. May 3, 1768, Benjamin Moore, of
Lexington. 9. Amity, born July 15, 1748.
married, November 17, 1766, Nathan
Leonard.
(V) Joseph Cutler, son of David and
Mary Cutler, was born at Lexington, Mas-
sachusetts, May 31, 1733, in the second
house which was built on the Cutler farm.
His residence in Warren was on the west
side of the river, and it was here that he
died February 7, 1816, aged eighty-three
years.
He married (first) May 6, 1755, Rebecca,
daughter of John and Esther (Prince)
Hoar, of Lincoln. Massachusetts, born
July, 1735, and died September 16, 1758.
He married (second) Mary, daughter of
]\Iajor Reuben Reed, of Warren, IMassa-
chusetts, on September 20, 1759. She was
born January 30, 1740, and died March
28, 1792. The children of Joseph Cutler
were: i. Converse, born March 3, 1756,
and died at Hardwich, Massachusetts, be-
fore 1815. 2. Joseph, born March 9, 1757,
and died February 23, 1857. 3. Rebecca,
born August 23, 1760, and married Dr.
William Cutler, November 2, 1780; she
died November 20, 1820. 4. Mary, bori*
March 23, 1762, married Joseph Batchel-
der. and died in 1784. 5. Anna, born Jan-
uary 3, 1764, married Joseph D wight in
1786. 6. Sally, born January 30, 1767,
married, January i, 1793, George Bur-
bank, and died October 14, 1833. 7. Lydia,
born December 2, 1769, married Artemas
Brigham, and died January 16, 1798. 8.
P.ethia.born May 15, 1773, married, March
2. 1794, Isaac Tyler, and died August 11,
1848. 9. Reuben, born May 29, 1775, and
died unmarried on September 14, 1838, in
Warren. 10. Hon. Nathan, twin of Reu-
ben, mentioned below.
(VI) Hon. Nathan Cutler, A. M., son
of Joseph and Mary (Reed) Cutler, was
born at Western (now Warren), Massa-
chusetts, May 29, 1775, and died June 8,
1861. He was graduated from Dartmouth
College in 1798, and was preceptor at
Middlebury Academy for one year there-
after. He then studied law with Judge
Chipman, of Vermont, and later at
202
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^^^^^
Jflaru tLitluiulnu ^'iitlrr
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Worcester, Massachusetts, and in the last
mentioned city he was admitted to the
bar in 1801. For a time he practiced in
his native town, but in 1803 removed to
Farmington, Maine, where he resided for
the remainder of his life. For about thir-
tv-five years he was engaged in the active
pursuit of his profession, and was deeply
interested in the educational and political
affairs of his town and State. He was
several times a member of the Legislature
of Massachusetts, before its separation
(1810-1811-1812-1819-1820). He was ap-
pointed Judge of the Court of Common
Pleas by Governor Berry in 1812, and de-
clined to accept the office. In 1819 he was
a member of the Convention that framed
the Constitution of the State of Maine,
and many times a member of the Legisla-
ture of that State. Upon the death of
Governor Lincoln, early in the year 1829,
by virtue of his office as President of the
Senate, Hon. Nathan Cutler became Gov-
ernor of the State of Maine. In 1829 he
was one of the presidential electors. He
was one of the incorporators of Farming-
ton Academy, and during his lifetime
president of the board of trustees. Gov-
ernor Cutler was much interested in clas-
sical studies, of which he was a lifelong
student, and he did much to inculcate a
love of learning in his associates.
He married (first) Hannah, daughter of
Isaac Moore, of Warren. Massachusetts,
on September 10, 1804. She died Febru-
ary 20, 1835. Seven of the nine children
of Governor and Mrs. Cutler grew to ma-
turity. He married (second) in 1856,
Harriet, widow of William Weld, and
daughter of Colonel Easterbrooks, of
Brunswick, Maine. The children of Hon.
Nathan and Hannah (Moore) Cutler
were: i. Mary Reed, born March 13,
1806; married, November 15, 1827, Robert
Godnow, of Hiram, Maine, and later re-
moved to Farmington, Maine ; she was
the mother of five children. 2. Nathan
Moore, born August 2, 1808, mentioned
below. 3. John L., born August 31. 1810,
and died April 8, 1814. 4. Elbridge Gerry,
born May 14. 1812, at Farmington, Maine,
and died at Reading, Pennsylvania, April
28. i84('i; he was graduated from Harvard
University in the class of 1834, and later
continued his studies at the Divinity
School at Andover, Massachusetts, and
at Yale Lhiiversity at New Haven. Con-
necticut ; after completing his studies he
was ordained a minister of the Congre-
gational church, and served in Belfast,
Maine, until his death. 5. Reuben, born
October 20, 1815, and died January 12,
1816. 6. John Lewis, born December 15,
1816. 7. Reuben, born December 13, 1819.
8. Hannah Moore, born October 16, 1821 ;
married. July 12, 1843, Philip Sidney
Page ; they resided at Maiden. Massachu-
setts, where she died March 10, 1855. 9.
Isaac Moore, born November 3. 1823, was
a sticcessful merchant of Portland, Maine,
but later removed to Maiden, Massachu-
setts.
(VII) Nathan Moore Cutler, son of
Hon. Nathan and Hannah (Moore) Cut-
ler, was born August 2. 1808. At the
age of sixteen years he entered Phillips
Academy at Exeter, New Hampshire.
After graduating from that institution
he attended Bowdoin College, but was
obliged to discontinue his studies on ac-
count of poor health. He then entered a
business career, first at Warren, Massa-
chusetts, and later at Bangor, Maine.
Under the administration of President
Martin Van Buren, he held the office of
debenture clerk in the Boston Customs
House. The collector of the port at the
time was George Bancroft. This position
he held until the time of his death on Oc-
tober 30, 1849.
He married, September 12, 1836. Colum-
bia Shearer, of Palmer, Massachusetts,
203
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
who died in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Their children were: i. Mary Columbia,
born February 7, 1839, residing in Maiden,
Massachusetts. 2. Martha Jane (Jennie),
born Alay 5, 1846, mentioned below. 3.
Hannah Moore, born September 21, 1848,
died March 31, 1870.
(VIII) Jennie Cutler, daughter of Na-
than Moore and Columbia (Shearer) Cut-
ler, is of the eighth generation in direct
-descent from James Cutler, who settled in
Watertown, Massachusetts, as early as
1634. She married John McClary, of Bos-
ton, Massachusetts, a sketch of whose
life is appended hereto. Both Mr. and
Mrs. McClary were born in Boston, Mas-
sachusetts.
McCLARY, John,
McClary Arms : Or, a chevron azure, between
three roses gules.
There is a duty which every .'American
owes the land which gives him his oppor-
tunity and fortune, a duty which, unless
embellished and ornamented by unusual
inducements, it is the custom of the aver-
age citizen to overlook. On every hand
one finds men whose talents and inclina-
tions fit them preeminently for public
service, but who shun this duty of patri-
otism because of the greater benefits, pe-
cuniary and of other natures, which accrue
to them from the field of business. The
country has its statesmen, but it needs in
the ranks of its servants and advisors the
trained and analytical mind of the busi-
ness man to solve the problems which face
the nation to-day — the problems within
its own borders. The talents of the ordi-
nary business men do not run to un-
ravelling the intricacies of international
law, but rather do they apply to and excel
in the management of questions of com-
merce, labor, reform, etc., which agitate
the public to-day. For men so endowed
to reject office and government service
because of selfish reasons is a blot upon
their citizenship. No man can truly up-
hold the ideals and standards of America,
who, being capable, refuses the high honor
of public service. It may with truth and
conviction be said of the late John Mc-
Clary, of Hartford, Connecticut, that he
did his duty to its full extent, in the long
years in which he faithfully served the
Government of the United States, sub-
serving every personal wish to its de-
mands, because of a high standard of pa-
triotism and honor which put country be-
for self.
Mr. McClary was of Scotch parentage,
the son of John and Ellen (Reilly) Mc-
Clary, natives of the tremendous ship-
building city of Glasgow, Scotland. The
Scotch are among the most intensely pa-
triotic people in the world, a people whose
love of home and country is a fire un-
quenchable, as is amply attested by his-
tory. The allegiance which his parents
brought to the land of their adoption was
equally strong in their son, and was the
moving factor in Mr. McClary's devotion
to his service in the offices of the govern-
ment, despite the fact that he was emi-
nently fitted for success in a field of busi-
ness which, when he finally entered it,
comparatively late in life, proved lucra-
tive and successful.
Shortly after their marriage, John Mc-
Clary, Sr., came to America with his wife,
settling in the city of Boston, where John
McClary, Jr., was born. When he was
quite young his parents moved to Wake-
field, Massachusetts. It was here that he
received his early education, attending
school until he reached the age of fifteen
years. While young McClary was still
in his thirteenth year, 1861, the Civil
War broke out, sweeping the country like
a fever, and drawing men to the colors in
a burst of enthusiasm which, to put it
tritely, was no respecter of age. Youth
and age stood side by side eagerly await-
204
IIBPARY
0-. I.'-' o.-.
, • , ,,D TiONS
*itfv
*>»
.%
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ing the chance to serve their country. All
the willingness and eagerness which he
could master did not stand Mr. McClary
in the stead which additional years would
have, and he found that enlistment was
barred to him because of his age. Two
years later, however, in 1863, he left
school, and was admitted to the army as a
member of the signal corps. From that
time until the close of hostilities he saw
active service with a branch of the army
which is constantly exposed to greater
danger than any other. To a man of spirit
and courage, to live through the soul-
stirring events of a great war is one of the
greatest fortunes which can befall him.
Mr. McCIary came into close contact with
many of the great events of those days,
wonderful yet terrible, and was one the
audience in the Ford Theatre in Washing-
ton, on the fateful night of the assassina-
tion of Abraham Lincoln, the genius who
had safely guided the country through the
storms of Civil War, by John Wilkes
Booth. Mr. McClary did not give up his
position in the Signal Service at the end
of the war, but retired for a period, and
leturning north, went to live with his
sister, Mrs. Mary Wetherby, in Spring-
field, Massachusetts, living with her for
a number of years.
During his residence in Springfield, he
became associated with Colonel Bartholo-
mew and James L. Thompson in the
American Express Company, with whom
he was connected for several years. Short-
ly after his marriage, Mr. McClary again
entered the Signal Service and went west
with his wife. The work to which he was
then assigned was in connection with the
Weather Bureau, and involved consider-
able sacrifice of personal wishes and in-
clinations, because of the fact that they
had constantly to be moving from one
section of the country to another. They
have resided all over the United States.
Mr. McClary's last post was in California,
where they were stationed about 1890.
In 1891 he gave up active service and they
returned to the east, making their home
in Hartford, Connecticut. Here he bought
out a woodworking factory and from that
time until his death devoted himself to
his business interests. In this enterprise
he attained a high degree of success, and
became known as one of the substantially
successful business men of the city of
Hartford, despite the fact that he had en-
tered the field of business at a time of life
when the majority of men are fairly estab-
lished in it.
Mr. McClary was keenly interested in
the political issues of the times, as an
observer, and as a member of the body
politic, but he never entered the political
field as a candidate for public office. He
was very active in the social and club life
of Hartford from the time of his first
residence in the city, and was a member
whose presence was counted upon and
whose voice was reckoned with in the
council of many important and influential
organizations in the city. He was a mem-
ber of the Grand Army of the Republic,
the Army and Navy clubs. He had at-
tained the thirty-second degree in the
Masonic order, and was a member of the
Washington Commandery, Knights Tem-
plar, and also of the Mecca Temple,
Mystic Shrine.
On September 28, 1868, while a resident
in the home of his sister in Springfield,
Massachusetts. Mr. McClary married Miss
Jennie Cutler, of Boston, a daughter of
Nathan M. and Columbia (Shearer) Cut-
ler, of that city. (See Shearer, on fol-
lowing pages). Mr. Cutler was a native
of Farmington, Maine, where his father
had established himself. The genealogy
of the Cutler family of which Mrs. Mc-
Clary is a descendant in the eighth gener-
ation is given at length on the preceding
205
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
pages. Mrs. McClary's grandmother was
Sarah (King) Shearer, a daughter of
Jesse King (3), of Palmer, Massachu-
setts, of an early and prominent family in
that neighborhood. Jesse King (3) mar-
ried Mary Graham, a daughter of Rev.
Mr. Graham, of Pelham, Massachusetts.
Both Mrs. McClary's parents died when
she was verj- young, and she was brought
•up by her aunt, Mrs. A. V. Blanchard, of
Palmer, Massachusetts. She resides in
the beautiful McClary home at No. 56
Highland avenue, Hartford, where all her
dearest associations are centered. She is
<leeply interested in charitable and philan-
thropic work, to which her late husband
devoted a large portion of his time. She
is active in community welfare work and
takes an unusual interest in the current
topics of the day. IMrs. McClary's home
engenders a charm of good feeling and
hospitality which is felt alike by the oldest
friend and the most casual visitor to it.
Mr. and Mrs. McClary had no children.
They were members of Christ Episcopal
Church in Hartford, in the parochial in-
terests of which she is still a figure of im-
portance.
Mr. McClary died on July 7, 1909, and
in his death Hartford lost a man who
meant much to its interests, a man whose
place was a truly enviable one in the com-
mercial life of the city, in its social life,
and in the estimation of scores of friends,
whose opinion of him is adequately ex-
pressed in the famous "Take him for all
in all, we shall not look upon his like
again."
SHEARER FAMILY.
According to Bardsley the surname of
Shearer is of the occupative class, and
signifies "the shearer," that is one who
sheared the nap of cloth, or a cloth shear-
man. ' The name is found in Lincolnshire,
England, as early as 1273.
Anns: Argent a fesse gules between three
torteaux, each charged with a mullet of the field
argent. Crest: On a chapeau a dexter hand
holding up by the band a garb, all proper.
The Shearer family herein dealt with is
of ancient Irish origin, and was founded
in the American colonies in the early part
of the eighteenth century. The progeni-
tor, James Shearer, was a native of Coun-
ty Antrim, Ireland.
(I) James Shearer, founder of the fam-
ily in America, was born in County An-
trim, Ireland, in 1678. In 1720 he emi-
grated to the New World, and settled in
the town of Union, Connecticut. He re-
mamed in Union for a period of six years,
and in 1726 his family and that of the
Nevins removed to Elbows, near the town
of Palmer, Massachusetts. He occupied a
central location in the district, his farm
being laid out east from Cedar Swamp
brook and south of Deacon Sedgwick's
farm. He was a man of considerable
prominence in the early community and
several localities in the vicinity were
named after him and his family. His
home was frequently used by the proprie-
tors of the town for their business meet-
ings. The children of James Shearer were :
I. John. 2. James, Jr. 3. Williams.
(II) John Shearer, son of James Shear-
er, was born in 1710, and accompanied his
parents to America in 1720. He later set-
tled in Brimfield, in the easterly part of
what is now Three River village. His
children were: i. Joseph. 2. John, born
March 22, 1746; married, I774- Jane
White. 3. William, married Jerusha
Perry. 4. Thomas. 5. David, married
Kate King, 1791. 6. Jonothan, born
March 29, 1762; married Hannah Dick-
inson. 7. Noah, married Terza Merrick
in 1791. 8. Daniel, mentioned below. 9.
Jane, married Wallace Little. 10. Betsey,
married William White.
(HI) Esquire Daniel Shearer, son of
206
THE r:LV' ■ jF'K
PUBL'CI'BP^.KY
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
John and Jane Shearer, was very promi-
nent in the local affairs of the town of
Palmer, Massachusetts, during- his entire
lifetime. He was active in the judicial and
political life of the place. He married
Sarah King. Their children were: i.
Elvira, married A. V. Blanchard, October
25, 1827. 2. Jane, married William Blanch-
ard, August 23, 1831. 3. Columbia, men-
tioned below.
(IV) Columbia Shearer, third daugh-
ter of Judge Daniel and Sarah (King)
Shearer, married on September 12, 1836,
Nathan Moore Cutler, son of the Hon.
Nathan and Hannah (Moore) Cutler.
(See Cutler VII.)
(King).
Among the pioneer settlers of the town
of Palmer, Massachusetts, and the imme-
diate vicinity, was John King, Esq., the
progenitor of the King family herein
under consideration. The theory has been
advanced that John King, Esq., was a
resident of the town of Springfield, Mas-
sachusetts, prior to his coming to Palmer,
as were many of the original settlers of
the place. There has, however, been no
proof to substantiate the theory. The
King family of Palmer, in subsequent
generations became large landowners, and
were numbered among the most promi-
nent and influential citizens of the town,
active in civic and religious affairs, office
holders, and public servants of ability.
Arms : Sable on a chevron, or, between three
crosses crosslet of the last, three escallops of the
first. An esquire's helmet surmounts the shield.
(I) John King, the progenitor of the
family and the immigrant ancestor, was
born in England in 1681. The date of his
coming to America is not known. Prior
to his emigration he was married in Eng-
land to Sarah , born in 1691. He
became the first settler of the Elbow dis-
trict, Hampshire county, Palmer, Massa-
chusetts, where he was the first to build
a crude log cabin, camping out, tradition
says, near the site of the old cemetery
during the first few days there. He finally
located near the small stream which after-
wards became known as King's brook.
The noted Tamor spring divided his prop-
erty from that of his neighbors. Richard
Combs, of Springfield, and Ebenezer jNIi-
rick, of the same place.
The following mention of the original
John King and his family is found on the
flyleaf of the first volume of the Rochester
Church Records :
On the i8th of May, 1729. then John King and
Sarah, his wife, who lived at a place called the
Elbows, in Hampshire Co., owned the covenant,
and their children were baptized, viz. : William,
Thomas, Joseph, Benjamin, Aaron and Sarah, by
me, who was sent by the proprietors of the land
to minister to them. Timothy Ruggles.
Had the visit been six months later, the result
might been different. — Hardwick History, per
Lucius Page, D. D.
The children of John and Sarah King
were: i. John, Jr., born in Boston, in
1715; married Margaret . 2. Jo-
seph, born in 1716. 3. Thomas, born in
1719; married Jemima . 4. Aaron,
mentioned below. 5. Benjamin, born in
1722; died June 7, 1756. 6. William, born
in 1720. 7. Sarah, born in 1723. S.Moses,
died April 26, 1729. 9. Hannah, born Au-
gust 8, 1729; died September 4, 1729. 10.
Mary, born December 30, 1730; married
Captain Sylvanus W^alker. 11. David,
born in April, 1733 ; married Mary
Graham. 12. Jonathan, born January 17,
1736.
(II) Aaron King, son of John and
Sarah King, was born in 1725. He was a
resident of Elbow District, Palmer, Mas-
sachusetts, all his life, and was a promi-
nent citizen of the place.
He married Sarah Kibbe. of Connecti-
207
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
cut. Their children were : i. Sarah, born
September 7, 1747 ; married Thomas Bliss,
April 25, 1765. 2. Aaron, born July 2,
1750; died October 22, 1754. 3. Joseph,
born August 20, 1752 ; died October 8,
i754. 4. Myrane, born September 7, 1755 ;
married Charles Eddy. 5. Isaac, born
June 20, 1757, returned to England. 6.
Jesse, mentioned below.
(III) Jesse King, son of Aaron and
Sarah (Kibbe) King, was born in El-
bow District, Palmer, Massachusetts, on
March 5, 1759. He was one of the most
prominent citizens of the town during the
greater part of his life-time, and was ac-
tively identified with local affairs. He
was also prominent in the militia and bore
the rank of captain.
He married, February 24, 1781, Mary
B. Greyham, daughter of Rev. Mr. Grey-
ham, of Pelham, Alassachusetts. Their
children were: i. Aaron, born October
15, 1782; married Eliza Ketchum. 2.
Sarah, mentioned below. 3. Myrana, born
July 7, 1786; married Timothy Ferrell.
4. Nabbie, born August 11, 1788, married
Gursham Makepeace, of Warren, Massa-
chusetts. 5. Mary L., born August 9,
1790; married Daniel King, of Palmer. 6.
Jesse, born August 8, 1792. 7. Isaac, born
July 2, 1795 ; married Abby Cutler, of
Warren, Massachusetts. 8. Joseph, born
November 19, 1798 ; married Mary E.
Chamber, and removed to Mobile, Ala-
bama.
(IV) Sarah King, daughter of Captain
Jesse and Mary (Greyham) King, was
born in Elbow District, Palmer, Massa-
chusetts, October 22, 1784. She married
Judge Daniel Shearer, Esq., of Palmer,
Massachusetts.
SMITH, Emor Armington,
Telephone Company Manager, Legislator.
Emor Armington Smith, District Com-
mercial Manager of the Southern New
England Telephone Company at Hart-
ford, is identified not only with the busi-
ness interests of his city, but also with
its political life, having served as a mem-
ber of the Connecticut Legislature.
Through his maternal ancestry, Mr.
Smith is numbered among the lineal de-
scendants of Roger Williams.
Emor Armington Smith was born Au-
gust 17, 1864, in Providence, Rhode
Island, and is a son of Jencks Appleby
and Harriet James (Medbury) Smith.
The ancestral record of Mrs. Smith is
appended to this biography. Emor Arm-
ington Smith was educated in the public
schools of his native city, and afterward
served an apprenticeship to the manufac-
turing jewelers' trade. He then spent
some time in the service of the Liver-
more Stylographic Pen Company, and in
1882 became chief operator of the Provi-
dence Telephone Company. This posi-
tion Mr. Smith retained until October,
1884, when he entered the service of the
Southern New England Telephone Com-
pany. Remaining in his native city until
he attained his majority, he has since
then, filled various positions in different
parts of Connecticut, each change bring-
ing with it increased responsibility. On
April I, 1904, he was appointed to his
present position as commercial manager
of the Hartford and Waterbury District,
and under his aggressive methods the
number of telephones in use has been
greatly increased. Not only this but the
business in general has received an added
impetus and has been brought into a
highly flourishing condition.
When in Providence, Mr. Smith served
five years in the United Train of Artillery,
and since coming to Hartford he has
taken an active interest in public afifairs.
For five years he was a member of the
Common Council and Board of Aldermen,
serving for one year as president of the
board and ex officio acting mayor during
208
rAtji'ntneai^Msferica/Sfra^
-[.-- Y'~\'' "OP-"^
--•j: l'bpary
"ilONS
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
the absence of Mayor Henney in Europe.
In 1905 Mr. Smith became a member of
the Connecticut Legislature, serving on
the committee on cities and boroughs,
and holding the position of chairman of
the committee on assignment of seats.
During his term many acts were passed
for the city of Hartford which were due
largely to his efforts. The most useful
of these was the law establishing the
Hartford Board of Finance. Another
important board created was the Board
of Contract and Supply, A seat in the
Chamber of Commerce is occupied by Mr.
Smith. He affiliates with St. John's
Lodge, No. 6, Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons, of Norwalk ; the Royal Arch
Chapter, of Norwalk, and Hamjlton Coun-
cil, of Meriden. He is a charter member
of A. H. Hall Council of the Royal Ar-
canum,, of which he is past regent. His
clubs are the Republican, City and Hart-
ford, and in the last named he holds the
office of secretary. He is a member of
the Institute of Electrical Engineers of
New York City. He is a member of St.
Andrew's Protestant Episcopal Church,
of Meriden.
Mr. Smith married, June 10, 1891, Anna
C, daughter of James and Catherine
(Morgan) Murray, of Norwich.
The record of Mr. Smith is that of an
able and useful citizen — an enterprising
business man and a disinterested public
official.
(The Medbury Line).
(I) Josiah Medbury was born Septem-
ber II, 1776, and married Phoebe Rhodes
(see Rhodes line). Twelve children were
born to them.
(II) Thomas, son of Josiah and Phoebe
(Rhodes) Medbury, was born April 25,
i8or, and married. June 18, 1826, Eliza-
beth J. Armington, who was born No-
vember 12, 1806.
(HI) Harriet James, daughter of
Thomas and Elizabeth J. (Armington)
Medbury, was born June 7, 1836, and be-
came the wife of Jencks Appleby Smith,
as stated above.
(The Rhodes Line).
(I) John Rhodes was born in 1658, and
married, February 12, 1685, Waite Water-
man (see Waterman line). The death of
John Rhodes occurred August 14, 1716.
He and his wife were the parents of eight
children.
(II) John (2), son of John (i) and
Waite (Waterman) Rhodes, was born
November 20, 1691, and married, April
29, 1714, Catharine Holden, who died
July 25, 1731, leaving nine children. John
Rhodes survived his wife many years,
passing away in 1776.
(III) Charles, son of John (2) and
Catharine (Holden) Rhodes, was born
September 29, 1719, and married, Janu-
ary 31, 1739, in Warwick, Deborah
Greene, who was born February 4, 1721.
They were the parents of eleven children.
Charles Rhodes died early in 1777, at
Cranston, Rhode Island.
(IV) Peter, son of Charles and De-
borah (Greene) Rhodes, was born Feb-
ruary 24, 1742, and married, March 22,
1761, Hester Arnold, who was born Octo-
ber 23, 1740. Nine children were born to
them. The death of Peter Rhodes
occurred March 16, 1823.
(V) Phoebe, daughter of Peter and
Hester (Arnold) Rhodes, was born Feb-
ruary 14, 1768, and became the wife of
Josiah Medbury (see Medbury line).
(The Waterman Line).
(I) Resolved Waterman was born in
1638, and married, in 1659, Mercy Wil-
liams (see Williams line). Resolved
Waterman died in 1670, and the death of
his widow occurred in 1703.
(II) Waite, daughter of Resolved and
Conn— ■)— 14
209
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Mercy (Williams) Waterman, was born
in 1668, became the wife of John (i)
Rhodes (see Rhodes line), and died in
1711.
(The Williams Line).
(I) Roger Williams, founder of the
colony of Rhode Island, was born in 1599,
in Wales, and was a clergyman of the
Church of England. In 163 1 he arrived
in Boston, accompanied by his wife Mary,
and about 1636, being driven from the
colony on a charge of heresy, he jour-
neyed through the wilderness with a num-
ber of his adherents and founded the town
of Providence. After half a century of
usefulness he died, in 1683, in Rhode
Island.
(II) Mercy, daughter of Roger and
Mary Williams, was born in July, 1640,
and became the wife of Resolved Water-
man (see Waterman line).
ANDERSON, Joseph, S. T. D.,
Clergyman, Antiquarian, Historian.
The Rev. Dr. Joseph Anderson, an
eminent New England clergyman of the
Congregational faith, an antiquarian, and
an author of note, came of ancestry rep-
resenting several Scottish clans. His
paternal forebears resided in the North
Highlands, while on the maternal side he
was lineally descended from the families
of MacBain, Cameron, and Grant. He
was born at Broomton, Easter Ross,
Scotland, December 16, 1836. The only
child of William and Mary (Rose) An-
derson, he came with his parents to the
United States in 1842, spending his child-
hood in Delaware county. New York, and
in Astoria, Long Island.
As a lad he was much given to out-of-
doors sports, which may account for his
exceptionally robust constitution. He
was naturally inclined to books and
study, however, and at the age of five
years could read the Bible easily. When
he was thirteen years of age the family
removed to New York, the father having
been for many years a manufacturer of
fine paints in that city. The early edu-
cation of the son, begun in Scotland, was
now continued in one of the New York
public schools, and from the latter Dr.
Anderson entered the College of the City
of New York, then known as the Free
Academy. He was graduated from that
institution in 1854 as valedictorian of his
class, and from the Union Theological
Seminary in 1857. He was a member of
Phi Beta Kappa. After completing his
seminary course he returned to the Col-
lege of the City of New York as tutor in
Greek and Latin. In 1874 he declined
an offer of the chair of English Litera-
ture in Michigan University. He re-
ceived the degree of RIaster of Arts from
his alma water in 1857, and enjoyed the
distinction of being the first alumnus to
be invited to deliver the baccalaureate
address at commencement. In 1878 Yale
College conferred upon him the honorary
degree of Doctor of Sacred Theology.
Elected a fellow of Yale University in
1884, for several years before his death
being the senior member of the corpora-
tion, he served that institution for more
than thirty years, and was recognized as
a champion of liberal studies. He also
did much to lay the foundation for educa-
tional progress at Yale.
Dr. Anderson was ordained to the Con-
gregational ministry in 1858, and became
successively the pastor of three "first"
churches in Connecticut cities : The First
Church of Stamford, 1858-61 ; the First
Church of Norwalk, 1861-64; and the
First Church of Waterbury, 1865-1905.
He began his work in Norwalk on the
first Sunday of the Civil War, while his
pastorate in Waterbury dated from April,
1865, and continued for four decades, his
210
W7-^^
(1
W^
i>W lUciev,
At'Vv
"-TOR. LENOX
IJLDLN PCUr--DATIONSJ
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
resignation having been tendered on the
fortieth anniversary of his settlement.
He became pastor emeritus in 1905, and
was succeeded by the Rev. Charles A.
Dinsmore, D. D., the present pastor. As
clergyman and preacher, Dr. Anderson
won distinction, showing catholicity of
spirit and a "wide humanness." In creed
he was a liberal Congregationalist, hav-
ing been among the first of New England
ministers to advocate the so-called New
Theology. He did valuable work in be-
half of church federation, and in 1885 was
leader in a movement to establish the
American Congress of Churches. His in-
terest in missions was lifelong and keen,
and during a summer vacation in semi-
nary days he labored as a missionary of
the American Sunday School Union in
Northern Illinois, in this pioneer work
traveling more than a thousand miles on
foot. He was moderator of the General
Association of Connecticut in 1877 and
again in 1890, and moderator of the Gen-
eral Conference of Congregational
Churches of Connecticut in 1878: dele-
gate to the International Council of Con-
gregational Churches held in London in
1891 ; president of the Connecticut Bible
Society during the years 1884-1904; direc-
tor of the Missionary Society of Connec-
ticut, 1885-1906; and a corporate member
of the American Board of Commissioners
for Foreign Missions.
As a scholar. Dr. Anderson was ver-
satile and thorough. His interests were
wide, but he gave special attention to
history and philology, selecting as his
jiarticular field of research the relics and
history of the North American Indians.
In collaboration with the Bureau of Eth-
nology at Washington, he also specialized
in the languages of the Algonkian family.
In connection with this work he accu-
mulated a valuable library of books and
pamphlets and a representative collection
of stone implements. Although he left
no original volumes of importance, he
gained considerable reputation as a
writer, and was the author of a number
of valuable papers on local history. In
pddition to these he published various
poems and sermons, as well as articles in
nagazines. He also delivered many
addresses, several of which have appeared
ir. print. An incomplete list of his pub-
lications may be found in the Annual Re-
port of the American Historical Associ-
ation for 1889, pages 174-176. In 1872-73
he was the editor of the "Waterbury
American," one of the leading news-
papers of New England. In 1892 "The
Churches of Mattatuck" was published
under his name as editor. He was like-
Vvise the editor and joint author of "The
'('own and City of Waterbury, Connec-
ticut," a work of exceptional historical
interest, appearing in three volumes in
1896. lie was a member of the American
Historical Association, the American Phil-
ological Association, the American Anti-
quarian Society, the National Institute of
Social Science, the Connecticut Historical
Society, and the New Haven Colony His-
torical Society.
During his last years his interests
centered in The Mattatuck Historical So-
ciety of Waterbury, of which he was one
of the charter members. Following the
bicentenary of the town of Waterbury,
when special enthusiasm was aroused
concerning local history, this society was
founded on the evening of Forefathers'
Day, 1877, under the leadership of the
late Hon. Frederick J. Kingsbury, who
was its first president and its chief offi-
cer for nearly thirty-three years. When
the society was reconstructed in 1902,
Dr. Anderson became one of its vice-
presidents, holding that office until the
death of Mr. Kingsbury in 1910, when he
succeeded to the presidency, thus becom-
211
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ing its second chief officer. He was ap-
pointed curator of the collections of the
society in 1902, and chairman of the
Memorial Committee in 1915, holding
these various offices until his death.
Through the generosity of friends, the
Indian relics and other stone implements
accumulated by Dr. Anderson were pur-
chased and presented to The Mattatuck
Hij^torical Society, and served as the
nucleus of its museum exhibit. The
books and pamphlets used in connection
with these relics were purchased by the
late Elisha Leavenworth, the benefactor
to whom the society owes its present
staca-i. and this gift forms the nucleus of
a valuable library, as these works espe-
cially relate to the races of men, the stone
age in Europe and America, and the
American Indians.
Di. Anderson made his first visit to his
native land in 1863. After resigning his
pastorate in Waterbury, he with his wife
spent a winter in Porto Rico with his
son. On returning to Connecticut in the
sprin^^ of 1906, he made his home in
W'oodmont on Long Island Sound, a
summer colony of which he was the pio-
neer settler in 1874. He was warden of
this borough from 1904 to 1908. In 1891,
after attending the Internationa! Council
of Congregational Churches in London,
he made a trip through England and
Scotland and in some of the more north-
erly countries on the Continent. He
traveled more extensively in 1907, when
he visited Italy, Egypt and the Holy
Land. After the death of Mrs. Anderson,
he closed his home at Woodmont and
Hgain took up his residence in Water-
bury. During previous years spent in the
latter cit-^, he served several sessions on
the Roard of Education. In National
prlitic-;. he usually voted the Republican
ticket.
On January 24, 1859, Dr. Anderson was
married to Anna Sands, daughter of
Thomas Jefferson and Dorothy (Hamil-
ton) Gildersleeve, of Brooklyn. After a
long illness, Mrs. Anderson died at
'"Winnituxit,'' the home in Woodmont,
April 6, 1914. Five children were born to
them : William, whose death followed a
brief illness in 1884; Mary Rose, who
died November 25. 1889, a year after her
marriage to Dr. Carl E. Munger; Joseph,
Jr., who died early in 1917, leaving a
widow and two young daughters ; and
Isabel Hoyt and Anne Sands, twins, the
former dying in infancy, and the latter
being the sole survivor of the family.
Increasing ill health made the last year
of Dr. Anderson's life one of depression
and sufifering. The hope of deriving
benefit from a more northerly climate led
his physician to consent to his attendance
on the Congregational Conference at Star
Island, or Isles of Shoals, in August, 1916.
After a short stay, however, symptoms
so alarming appeared that he started at
once for home. He was only able to
reach Portsmouth, New Hampshire,
where he was hurried to a hospital, his
death taking place there August 18, 1916,
in the eightieth year of his age. Funeral
services in charge of the Rev. Dr. Dins-
more were held in the First Congrega-
tional Church, Waterbury, on August 23,
and were largely attended. Interment
followed in the Riverside Cemetery,
Waterbury, beside his wife, in the lot
belonging to the church with which he
was so long associated.
BULKELEY, Morgan Gardner,
Soldier, Statesman. Man of Affairs.
In the long list of eminent men who
have borne the name Bulkeley since
Baron Robert de Buclough, who flour-
ished during the reign of King John of
England, down through the centuries to
212
<^^:.^^(^^c
.T'ONS
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
the present, no man has more worthily
borne it than Morgan Gardner Bulkeley,
ex-soldier, mayor. Governor, United
States Senator; a banker, public-spirited
citizen ; now and for thirty-eight years
past president of one of the great Amer-
ican corporations, The Aetna Life Insur-
ance Company.
From the coming of Rev. Peter Bulke-
ley, fellow of St. John's College, Cam-
bridge, minister of the Gospel, non-con-
formist, who came to Massachusetts in
1634, the lineal descent to Morgan G.
Eulkeley is through a line of most emi-
nent ministers, lawyers and business
men. In the second American generation,
Rev. Gershom Bulkeley, son of Rev.
Peter Bulkeley, was one of the intellec-
tual giants of his day ; a graduate of
Harvard in 1655, he had no superior in
.'scholarship, none as a minister, a con-
troversialist or linguist. He was further-
more a brave soldier, a skilled surgeon
for his day, and a leader in public affairs.
He was minister at New London and
Wethersfield and first of the name in
Connecticut.
Rev. John Bulkeley was first settled in
1703 over the church at Colchester, of
which he was one of the first settlers and
minister. He was a graduate of Harvard,
class of 1699, and ranked exceedingly
high among the clergy of his day. He
wrote and published much, and in the
strength of his intellectuality equalled if
he did not surpass his father. He was
classed by Rev. Dr. Chauncey in 1768 as
one of the three men most eminent for
strength of genius and power of mind
that New England ever produced.
His son, "Hon. Judge (John) Bulkeley,
of Colchester, who for a number of years
was a great honor to an uncommon vari-
ety of exalted stations in life." was a
graduate of Yale, class of 1725. He was
eminent in the legal profession, assistant
of the province, judge of superior and
probate courts, and colonel of his regi-
ment.
His son. Colonel Eliphalet Bulkeley,
responded to the Lexington Alarm as
captain of Colchester troops, and in 1780
was commissioned lieutenant-colonel.
He served as a captain of volunteers at
the siege of Boston under Colonel James
Wadsworth.
His son, John Charles Bulkeley, mar-
ried Sally Taintor, and they were the
parents of Eliphalet Adams, father of
Morgan G. Bulkeley.
Eliphalet Adams Bulkeley was a grad-
uate of Yale, class of 1824, a lawyer of
East Haddam, president of the East Had-
dam Bank, assemblyman and State Sen-
ator. In 1846 he moved to Hartford,
where he practiced law, was elected to
the State Legislature in 1857, was first
Republican speaker of the house, 1857,
and one of the founders of the Repub-
lican party in his State. His later years
were given wholly to the development of
the life insurance business, the business
that has made Hartford famed the world
over. He was the first president of the
Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Com-
pany, and one of its organizers; in 1846
the organizer of the Aetna Life Insur-
ance Company, and its president from
1850 until his death, stricken at his desk
in the Aetna offices. He was possessed
of a marvelous memory, and prompt in
keeping every engagement ; for eighteen
years he never failed to preside at the
meetings of the Pearl Street Ecclesias-
tical Society ; regularly attended the
school meetings in his district ; never
failed to vote, and urged others to never
neglect so important a duty. He won
fortune in his many business enterprises,
possessing a sagacity in investment and
a sound judgment that rendered him in-
valuable to the Aetna companies — bank-
213
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ing, fire and life insurance. His splendid
capacity and unimpeached character won
for him the highest respect of his fellow-
men, and although during his last years
he was almost blind, literally "died in the
harness," being stricken at his desk in the
president's office of the Aetna Life In-
surance Company. He died February 13,
1872, aged sixty-nine years.
He married, January 13, 1830, Lydia
S Morgan, of Colchester, a woman of
strong character and high ideals, possess-
ing those womanly graces that enabled
her to exert a beneficial influence over not
only her own family but over the com-
m.unity. Their sons all became promi-
nent in law, business and public life, the
eldest. Captain Charles Edwin Bulkeley,
giving up his life during the Civil War,
and in command of Battery Gareshe, Vir-
ginia, February 10, 1862. William
Henry, a younger son, was Lieutenant-
Governor of Connecticut, and a highly
connected business man. Their first born,
a daughter, died in infancy ; their last
born daughter, Mary J., married Lever-
ett Brainerd ; the youngest child, Eli-
phalet Adams (2), died in infancy.
From so eminent an ancestry comes
Morgan Gardner Bulkeley, of the twen-
tieth recorded generation of his family
and of the eighth American generation.
That he measures up to the full Bulkeley
standard is the greatest praise that can
be bestowed upon him. Now almost an
octogenarian, with a record of achieve-
ment in public and business life either of
which would dignify the record of any
man, he is yet the active forceful man of
afifairs, the interested citizen, and the pro-
jector of new enterprises. A history of
the last half century of his life is almost
a history of the Aetna Life Insurance
Company, a political history of the city
of Hartford, and the State of Connecticut.
To determine the mainspring of so
wonderful a life, after passing by and
giving due credit to heredity and environ-
ment, one is led irresistibly to the con-
clusion that resourcefulness and decision
have led him triumphantly from office
boy to president, from the soldier boy of
1861 to a seat in the United States Sen-
ate, from the timid voter of 1858 to the
executive chair of his native State in 1889.
Those traits, resourcefulness and decision,
have made him the sound financier, the
able executive, the wise legislator and
the valuable citizen. That he possesses
all the sterling qualities of manhood, a
strength of character that still shines
brightly, is but natural ; but resourceful-
ness and decision have been the qualities
that have accentuated his others, and
have placed his name at the very top of
Connecticut's Roll of Fame.
]\Iorgan Gardner Bulkeley was born at
East Haddam, Connecticut, December 26,
1837, his home being in that village until
he was nine years of age. His parents
then moved to Hartford, where he at-
tended the public schools until fourteen
years of age. He then in 185 1 entered
the employ of the Aetna Life Insurance
Company in perhaps its humblest posi-
tion, office sweeper, at a salary of one
dollar weekly. After a short time he left
that job to become bundle clerk in the
Brooklyn mercantile house of H. P. Mor-
gan & Company. There he started his
upward way, proved his mettle, and in
seven years was admitted a partner. This
brought him to the Civil War period, and,
true to example of his race, he quickly
decided to bear his part in the conflict to
decide whether a government "of the
people, for the people and by the people"
should be destroyed. He enlisted in i86i
in the Thirteenth Regiment, New York
Volunteer Infantry, went to the front, and
served with credit during the period lead-
ing to and including the Peninsular cam-
214
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
paign of the Army of the Potomac. He ticns, there have been crises when only
then returned to his Brooklyn business, the skill of the pilot could save the ship
there continuing until the death of his from being swept from her moorings and
father, president of the Aetna Life Insur- dashed to pieces upon the rocks of finan-
ance Company, on February 13, 1872. cial disaster. But in such times, now
As soon as possible he returned to happily passed, the qualities that distin-
Hartford and assumed the management guish Mr. Bulkeley only shone the
of the family estate. He m,et all the de- brighter, and never has he been obliged
mands made upon him, and soon im- to surrender the helm to another. Sa-
pressed himself upon the business life of gacious, keen, high principled and able,
Hartford, an impression that has been he has ever and does command the re-
deep, lasting and most beneficial. The
earliest monument to his business saga-
city and enterprise stands in the United
States Bank, which he founded and con-
ducted as its executive head from 1872
until 1879. There he displayed the abil-
ity of the financier with the sound judg-
spect of the leaders of the financial world,
and ranks with them, in every phase of
ability.
His corporate interests further include
directorships in the Aetna Fire Insur-
ance Company, the United States Bank
which he founded, and the Hartford Elec-
ment of the capable business man, that trie Light Company, while his private
made him a desirable acquisition to other business is widely extended.
and greater corporations.
In 1879 Thomas O. Enders, who had
succeeded Eliphalet A. Bulkeley as presi-
dent of the Aetna Life Insurance Com-
pany, retired from that of^ce and was
succeeded by Morgan G. Bulkeley. With
the exception of the seven years term of
President Enders, the Aetna has been
under the Bulkeley executive manage-
ment since 1850. The only criterion by
which to estimate the strength and value
of that management is the last annual
report of the Aetna, an institution that
stands as a model of solidity, progress
and liberal construction of its contracts
with the insuring public.
Thirty-eight years Mr. Bulkeley has
guided the destinies of the Aetna, his
powers of organization, managerial and
executive skill and able financiering per-
vading every chapter of the company's
history. There have been times of severe
trial in the Aetna's historv — times when
On this record alone the fame of Mr.
Bulkeley might securely rest, but to it
he has added a long term of public serv-
ice of exceptional honor. Three years
after his return to Hartford (1872) he
was elected councilman, and the follow-
ing year alderman. Men knew that he
was in public life, his city legislative
"light" not "hidden under a bushel,'' and
in 1880, when there was a demand for a
strong man in the executive chair, he
was chosen mayor and held in that office
for eight years. Perhaps those eight
years brought him closer to the lives and
hearts of his people than has any other
public service he has performed. He con-
scientiously and ably filled every require-
ment of the office, exercised vigilant care
over city finances, but, as afifecting the
welfare and happiness of the people at
large, his administration was exceptional.
Each year he spent many times the
amount of his salarv in benevolences
the resourcefulness and decision of its afifecting Hartford's poorer classes, in
executives were tested to their utmost ; utilizing the opportunities afforded by the
and, in common with all financial institu- Connecticut river, and in improvements
215
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
along the river ; free excursions, fresh
air for the babies and the feeble, were
fully paid for from his purse, and no
sanitary or work of uplift neglected.
This period of his public life ended in
1888, and in even the most distant part
of the State there was a call for him to
"come up higher." When the Republican
State Convention of 1888 met, he was
nominated for Governor by acclamation.
The verdict of the polls was intensely
gratifying to him, and he assumed the
duties of his office in January, 1889, with
the knowledge that he possessed the
entire confidence of the people over whom
he was to preside. He met the expecta-
tions of that people, and as Governor
lidded fresh evidence of his wisdom, pub-
lic-spirit and executive ability. Then
came the trying situation of 1891, when,
there being under Connecticut's peculiar
law no choice by the people, and later a
deadlocked Legislature, grave questions
arose, not only affecting a successor in
the Governor's chair, but State appropri-
ations and State finances. In this crisis
Governor Bulkeley displayed that re-
sourcefulness and decision that never was
more in evidence than then. He held the
Governor's office until a successor was
chosen in 1893; advanced from the funds
of the Aetna Life Insurance Company, on
his own guarantee of repayment, all
moneys needed to maintain the State
institutions, the Legislature having failed
to make any appropriation, and by his
tact, judgment and loyal devotion, saved
State honor, and brought order out of
political chaos.
In 1893 he was named for United States
Senator, but withdrew in favor of Gen-
eral Hawley, whom he succeeded in that
high office in 1905. He represented Con-
necticut in the United States Senate until
lOii, and during that time displayed in
full earnestness and eflfectiveness his
great public spirit, his political acumen,
his opposition to corporate influences, and
his great ability. With the expiration of
his senatorial term in 191 1, he retired from
active political life, having received the
highest honors his State could bestow.
There is one monument to Mr. Bulke-
ley that it was his privilege to inspire,
follow to completion, and dedicate — the
great bridge at Hartford spanning the
Connecticut river. After the burning of
the old bridge in 1895, he saw in his
vision the great structure as it now
stands : and when in 1897 he was chosen
president of the board of bridge commis-
sioners, he began in deadly earnest a
work that did not cease until the com-
pletion in 1908 of that unrivaled bridge
that spans the Connecticut at its most
important point. So deeply did the com-
pletion of this great work, the result of
his inspiration and largely the result of
his efforts, affect Mr. Bulkeley. that he
conceived, largely planned and made pos-
sible by his generosity, those three won-
derful days devoted to its dedication in
October, 1908. Hartford gave itself to
festive and triumphant celebration — his-
torical pageant, patriotic jubilee, and
every form of rejoicing marking the com-
pletion of a wonderful, useful, enduring
structure, the symbol of a new chapter
opened in municipal and State progress.
That the city realized to whom "honor
was due," a memorable meeting held in
Parson's Theatre, December 3, 1908, tes-
tifies. That gathering was held expressly
to do homage to Morgan G. Bulkeley for
his great service to his fellowmen. At
its close the hearty enthusiasm, displayed
in a truly New England manner, culmi-
nated in the presentation to the guest of
honor of a magnificent silver service com-
prising one hundred and fifty-six pieces.
In 191 1 further appreciation of his suc-
cessful efforts in improving Connecticut
216
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
river landings was shown in the presenta-
tion of a silver loving cup. The broad
boulevard, the park on the east side, to-
gether with the great bridge, will yield
benefit, pleasure and profit to coming
generations, and keep the memory of his
great public service ever green. He was
also president of the State Commission to
erect the State Library, and also of the
Town Commission to erect the Soldiers'
Memorial monument in Bushnell Park.
For forty years Mr. Bulkeley has been
a guest at Fenwick and Fenwick Hall,
and has given freely time and money to
its improvement. He and a few associ-
ates working for an ideal family sea-
shore resort, secured a special charter
from the Legislature, making the one
hundred acres of the peninsula a separate
borough. They bought up the hundreds
of building lots, withdrew them from the
market, and converted them into fine golf
links. Recently a fine State road was
built to connect Fenwick with Saybrook
village.
With such an ancestry as his, there is
scarcely a patriotic or Colonial society
to which he is not eligible. Those whose
privileges he has availed himself of are:
The Society of the Cincinnati, Sons of
the Revolution, Society of Foreign Wars,
Society of Mayflower Descendants. So-
ciety of Colonial Wars, Society of the
War of 1812, Grand Army of the Re-
public, and the Military Order of the
Loyal Legion. He is a member of the
Masonic order, the Congregational
church, and the Hartford Club and other
social organizations. There is no subject
affecting the welfare of his fellowmen in
which he is not interested ; no charity,
philanthropy or institution of his city re-
quiring public support, but has but to
indicate their need no friend to whom he
will not extend a helping hand. Great as
is his past achievement, he does not live
in retrospect, but in the great present,
with its opportunities, responsibilities
and possibilities — a man of yesterday, a
man of to-day, planning for the work of
to-morrow.
Mr. Bulkeley married, February 11,
1885, Fannie Briggs, daughter of James
and Caroline A. Houghton, of San Fran-
cisco, California. They are the parents
of Morgan Gardner (2nd), Elinor Hough-
ton, and Houghton.
ST. JOHN, Howell WiUiams,
Actnary Aetna Iiife Ininrance Company.
Howell Williams St. John, of Hartford,
Connecticut, actuary of the /Etna Life
Insurance Company, is a descendant of
a number of the old colonial families of
New England, families that have been
true patriots, withholding no service or
sacrifice in time of war, and proving their
sterling character and worthy citizenship
in the less trying times of peace, by ex-
emplifying the highest ethical ideals in
personal conduct.
The name of St. John in early days was
also spelled Sension and Sention, the lat-
ter two styles being evidently a phonetic
representation of a very short pronuncia-
tion of St. John. Who were the imme-
diate antecedents of Matthias St. John,
the immigrant ancestor of the family
herein followed, has not been ascertained.
In volume liv, page 341, of the "New Eng-
land Historical and Genealogical Regis-
ter," an English writer says :
I believe these families (St. John, Throckmor-
ton, Willoiighby. and Sands) are the four great
pillars of Elizabethan England, replacing the
great feudal earls.
The St. John family was essentially English,
and brethren of the royal family of Tudor by the
half-blood, hence their powerful position. In the
first generation they were divided into two sec-
tions — the senior line at Bletsoe in Bedfordshire;
and the junior line at Lidiard Tregoze, in Wilt-
217
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
shire. Both these locahties were hotbeds of puri-
tanism, and many of our early pioneers were con-
nected with the two St. John houses. In the
struggle for reUgious and political liberty, two
St. Johns, a cadet of either house, were especially
prominent. From the Bletsoe line came Oliver
St. John, the terrible solicitor-general (Cromwell's
"black lanthorn'O, who brought successively to
the block the heads of Thomas VVentworth, Wil-
liam Laud and Charles Stuart by his sledge-ham-
mer logic drawn from the constitutional practice
of England. Sir Oliver St. John attracted over
to Ireland many of the most ardent spirits of
Puritanism and many of his own cousenry, and
the trumpet of the court faction on St. John's
recall doubtless drove many of these adventurers
into Ireland to cross the ocean to New England.
At least we know that many of our early settlers
had been in Ireland. Viscount Grandison was the
second son of Nicholas St. John and Elizabeth
(Blount) St. John. His younger brother Richard
was ancestor of the Irish St. Johns, and, I think,
possibly of our Matthew St. John, who, by the
way, lived in St. Botolph, Bishopsgate, London,
before going to Connecticut.
Matthias St. John (Sension or Sen-
tion), who is the first of the family found
in America, arrived in Dorchester, Massa-
chusetts, 1631-32, and was made a free-
man there on September 3 of the follow-
ing year. On January 14, 1635, he re-
ceived a grant of twenty acres "at the
bounds betwixt Roxbury and Dorches-
ter." Subsequently he became possessed
of other lands. In 1638 he sold his house,
and two years later removed to Wind-
sor, Connecticut. Soon after his arrival
in 1640 he was granted a lot in the Pali-
sades containing ten roods. As late as
1890 this was occupied by Mrs. Anson
Loom,is. "Mathewe Sension" was a
grand juror, November 19, 1643, and in
December, 1644. The name of Matthias
Sension appears on a list of settlers in
Wethersfield between the years 1636 and
1645. He was a juryman at Hartford on
March 28, 1650, and again on May 7 of
that year. On June i, 1654, "Matthias
Sension of Wethersfield" was brought be-
fore a particular court at Hartford be-
cause "he had sold syder to Indians by
which they was Drunke." He was also
both plaintiff and defendant in a number
of small civil cases. In 1654 he removed
to Norwalk, Connecticut. His name ap-
pears in a list of freemen of Norwalk
dated October 11, 1669. He was chosen
townsman, February 15, 1660. He died
in Norwalk, in October or November,
i66g.
His son, Matthias St. John, was born
in 1630, and died in December, 1728-29.
He served as selectman of Norwalk; was
fence viewer in 1659, and we find his
name in connection with various town
affairs. He married Elizabeth .
His son, Matthias St. John, was bom
in Norwalk, Connecticut, 1667-68. His
name appears in connection with a num-
ber of town proceedings. On February
21, 1700-01, he or his son was appointed
to beat the drum on Sabbath days. His
name also appears on record in connec-
tion with a number of real estate transac-
tions. In 1712 he received a grant of
home lot No. 16 from, the proprietors of
Ridgefield. In 1714 he was a grand juror,
and in 1717 served as sexton of the church
for an annual stipend of thirty-five shil-
lings. In 1716 he received a grant of fif-
teen and a half acres in Ridgefield. He
married, about 1690, Rachel, born Decem-
ber 16, 1667, daughter of Jonathan and
Abigail (Marvin) Bouton. Matthias St.
John died in Wilton, Atigust 17, 1748.
His son, Benjamin St. John was born
in Norwalk, Connecticut, about 1700. He
was fence-viewer, 1726-40; surveyor of
highways, 1730-36; grand juror in 1732;
tythingman, 1749. He married (first)
Mary , born in 1708, and died De-
cember 3, 1774. He removed to New
Canaan in 1744, and he and his wife
joined the church there by letter that
year. He died in 1782.
218
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
His son, Matthias St. John, was born
in Norwalk, Connecticut, in 1734, and
died in New Canaan, March 20, 1819. He
was surveyor of highways, 1773; grand
juror, December 7, 1778; was corporal in
Lieutenant Curtis's company. Ninth Regi-
ment Connecticut Militia, from October
25, 1776, to January 25, 1777; ensign of
the Ninth company alarm list. Ninth
Regiment, in October, 1779. He served
sixteen days in Captain Samuel "Hand-
ford's" company of militia, Colonel Jona-
than Hart's regiment, in alarm for relief
of Fort William McHenry. He married
(first) June 28, 1758, Naomi, born in
1734, died August 27, 1780, daughter of
Abraham and Naomi (Pond) Weed, of
New Canaan. Matthias St. John and wife
were admitted to the church, March 25,
1759-
His son. Colonel Enoch St. John, was
born in New Canaan, Connecticut, Octo-
ber 14-15, 1765, and died there, April 23,
1846. He was surveyor of highways,
1790-99; lister. 1793; was pensioned at
forty dollars, March 4, 183 1. He mar-
ried, in Norwalk, November 17, 1788,
Sibyl Seymour, born August 3, 1765, died
July 22, 17 — , daughter of Thomas and
Sarah (Rockwell) Seymour.
His son, Samuel St. John, was born in
New Canaan, Connecticut, August 25,
1793, and died at Hartford, Connecticut,
July 21, 1866. For many years he en-
gaged in the cotton commission business
at Mobile, Alabama, and at New Orleans.
Louisiana. He left the south long before
the Civil War, retiring from active busi-
ness life with a competence somewhere
in the thirties. He resided at Newport,
Rhode Island, and subsequently in New
Canaan and Bridgeport, Connecticut.
"He was the first man to write letters
upon the Government being the only au-
thority and power for creating a currency
and supplying it to the people. From this
originated the 'Greenbacks,' so-called,
and the National Banking System. To
him was issued the first insurance policy
in the United States, not, however, on his
own life. He furnished the $10,000 to
Texas to accomplish her Independence."
He married, in Baltimore, in November,
1826, Sophia Jenkins, born in Brooklyn,
Connecticut, August 19, 1798, and died in
Bridgeport, Connecticut, December 27,
1855, daughter of Howell and Dorothy
(Wheat) Williams, of Brooklyn, Connec-
ticut. Of their five children, three grew
to maturity, namely: William Henry,
born in October, 1829, and died January
26, i860; Howell Williams, of whom fur-
ther ; Caroline Grosvenor, born August
27, 1832, married James Campbell, and re-
sided in Pasadena, California.
Their son, Howell Williams St. John,
was born in Newport, Rhode Island, near
the old stone mill, April 3, 1834. He was
prepared for college under private tutors,
was for some time a pupil of Stiles
French, a noted educator, and later grad-
uated from Sheffield Scientific School, a
mem,ber of the class of 1855, under Pro-
fessor William A. Norton, in the civil
engineering course, with the degree of
Bachelor of Philosophy. He then fol-
lowed engineering in Central Texas and
Iowa. His maternal uncle, Samuel May
Williams, planted the first American
colony in Texas, in association with
Stephen F. Austin, and the land appor-
tioned them was termed the Austin and
Williams grant. Mr. St. John located the
line of the Houston & Texas Central rail-
road, and after following his chosen vo-
cation, civil engineering, in Texas for a
number of years, removed to Iowa, where
he associated with Mr. T. A. Wilcox, who
later became his brother-in-law, and they
there engaged in locating railroads. Dur-
ing this period the panic of 1857 occurred,
and their business was deferred in conse-
21Q
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
quence. Mr. St. John then went to Clear-
water, Minnesota, where he engaged for
a number of years in the manufacturing
business with his brother-in-law, James
Cambell. He also served as private in
the Kandiyohi Rangers ; they were
mounted, and patrolled the frontier to
guard against Indians ; in the State serv-
ice under Captain Nelson ; that was in the
early sixties.
During the latter years of the Civil
War, Mr. St. John returned to Connec-
ticut and in October, 1867, entered the
employ of the ^tna Life Insurance Com-
pany in the capacity of actuary under the
presidency of the father of Morgan G.
Bulkeley, the present president and chief
executive of the company. Mr. St. John
was the first incumbent of that office, and
has preformed the duties op to the pres-
ent time (1917) and is probably the old-
est actuary now active in the profession.
He is ex-president of the Actuarial Soci-
ety of America, in the founding of which
he was one of the prime movers, and
served as its second president. He is a
member of the Connecticut Historical
Society ; the American Economic Society ;
and formerly of the American Statistical
Society, of which he was one of the early
members ; the University Club of Hart-
ford : was made a Mason in St. Mark's
Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Ma-
sons, of Granby, Connecticut, also took
chapter degrees there ; became a member
of the Council, Royal and Select Masters,
while a resident of Mobile ; he was the
only northern man then given the de-
grees in that lodge.
Mr. St. John married Elizabeth E.,
daughter of Justus Wilcox, M. D., of
Granby, Connecticut. They have one
son, William Henry St. John, of Hart-
ford.
(The Winiams Line).
The Williams family is undoubtedly of
Welsh origin, though the immediate ante-
cedents of Robert Williams, the immi-
grant ancestor, have not been traced. A
memorandum found among the papers of
an early member of the family gives the
following description of the coat-of-arms :
"He beareth sable — a lion rampant — ar-
gent — armed — and langued gules" — by
the name of Williams, of Flint, in Wales,
and in Lincolnshire, and Matthew, of
Yorkshire ; which families are indeed now
one and the same, for John Williams,
Esq., in the time of Edward IV., married
the daughter and heiress of Jonathan
Matthew, Esq. His son assumed the sur-
name of Matthew, which he retained ever
since. Their crest is a moor cock. This
pedigree is from Thoresby's Ducatua, etc.
"This coat belongeth to the family of
Williams." The engraving accompany-
ing the above description in the book re-
ferred to shows a common cock instead
of a moor cock, and subsequent investi-
gation indicates the correctness of the en-
graving, and with this the side motto,
Cognosce occasioiicni ("Watches his op-
portunity" — agrees). The motto of the
family is Y fyno Dwy Y fydd, meaning
"What God willeth, will be."
It has been generally believed that Rob-
ert Williams, the immigrant ancestor of
the family, came from Roxbury to Amer-
ica. He was admitted freeman in Rox-
bury in 1638. He evidently sympathized
with the Puritans in England, and no
doubt emigrated to escape the persecu-
tions to which they were subjected. He
married (first) Elizabeth Stratton, who
bore him four sons. She died July 28,
1674, aged eighty years. He died at Rox-
bury, September i, 1693. There is some
discrepancy of opinion in relation to his
age, but as he survived his first wife for
nearly twenty years, and she was eighty
at her death, the presumption is that he
lived to be nearly if not quite one hun-
dred years old.
His son, Samuel Williams, was bom in
220
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
1632, probably in England, the eldest of
the four sons. He settled in Roxbury,
Massachusetts, where he became a free-
man in March, 1658. He was a man of
considerable repute, and was deacon of
the church for many years. He married
Theodosia, daughter of Deacon William
Park, who was a man of note and prop-
erty in Roxbury and was a representative
to the General Court for many years.
Deacon Park died May 11, 1685, aged sev-
enty-five years. Deacon Samuel Williams
died September 28, 1698, aged sixty-five
years. His widow married Stephen Peck,
and died August 26, 1718, aged eighty-one
years.
His son, Samuel Williams, born April
15, 1655, died August 8, 1735. He mar-
ried for his first wife, February 24, 1679,
Sarah May, who died December 29, 1712.
His son, Samuel Williams, born April
6, 1681, died August 13, 1751. He mar-
ried Deborah Scarborough, who survived
him ten years, and was killed by the over-
throwing of her chaise.
His son, William Williams, was born
April 24, 1698, died June 21, 1766. He
married, October 20, 1720, Sarah Stevens,
of Roxbury, and moved to Pomfret in the
same year. She died June 6, 1786, in her
eightieth year. Mr. Williams was dea-
con of the first church in Roxbury.
His son, Samuel Williams, died Febru-
ary 4, 1805, aged eighty-nine years. He
was married three times ; by his first wife
he had four children, and by his second
wife three who grew to maturity.
His son, William Williams, married
Martha Williams, of Roxbury.
His son, Howell Williams, was born
June 24, 1769, died July 18, 1819. He
married Dorothy Wheat, born February
4, 1768, died July 14, 1823. They were
the parents of Sophia Jenkins Williams,
born August 19, 1798, who became the
wife of Samuel St. John. Jr., and the
mother of Howell W. St. John.
HYDE, William Waldo,
liavrycT, Enterprising Citizen.
Beyond argument one of the foremost
men of the Connecticut bar, Mr. Hyde in
ability and achievement was comparable
with the best lawyers of any period of the
State's history. A keen intellect, allied
with the judicial temperament, force of
character, and poise of judgment, pro-
duced the able lawyer; a charming per-
sonality won him warm friendships ;
while his courage, independence and pub-
lic spirit won the respect and confidence
that gave his leadership force. His vision
rose above the needs and aspirations of
his home city, Hartford, though they
never ceased to concern his great heart,
and in a large sense and wholly through
his own impressive personality he be-
longed to the State. In all gatherings of
men, large or small, which had the good
fortune to number him among them, his
force, poise and quality were instinctively
felt. He did not have to argue himself
into the good graces of men, his mental
and emotional attitude being convincing
of themselves, where his conclusions did
not always win the sympathy of his
hearers. One knew that he was striking
at what he believed to be the truth, and
the idea of his ever faltering in the line
of conduct he had adopted for his guid-
ance, was never expressed.
Few men have ever so succeeded in
winning the affection of a community, an
afTection that came not because he sought
for popularity, but because it was his
due. He never sought office, nor did he
ever shirk a public duty. No man was
more independent in forming opinions or
more ready in expressing them. He was
incapable of currying favor ; his warm
heart, his genial sympathetic disposition,
his public spirit, combined to win that
favor. Great as were his legal attain-
ments, great as was his public service.
221
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
they pale before the fact that men loved
him. and that:
None knew him but to love him,
None named him but to praise.
Mr. Hyde traced his paternal ancestry
in America to William Hyde, born in
England, one of the founders of Hartford,
also of Norwich, Connecticut — a gentle-
man of wealth and importance. The line
of descent is through Samuel, the only
son of William Hyde, born 1637, died
1677, a leading citizen of Norwich W'est
Farms ; he married Jane Lee. Thomas,
son of Samuel Hyde, born in July, 1672,
died April 9, 1755, married Mary Backus.
Their son. Captain Jacob Hyde, born
January 20, 1703, married Hannah Kings-
bury, who bore him Ephraim. April 23,
1734; he married Martha Giddings.
Nathaniel, son of Ephraim Hyde, was
born at Stafford, Connecticut, March 7,
1757, and was an iron founder. His first
wife, Sarah Strong, bore him a son Alvan,
who succeeded his father in business, and
was for many years an iron manufac-
turer of Stafford. He married Sarah
Finney, whose second child, Alvan Pin-
ney Hyde, married, September 12, 1849,
Frances Elizabeth Waldo, daughter of
Judge Loren P. Waldo, with whom his
son-in-law was associated in legal prac-
tice. Their eldest son was W'illiam
W^aldo Hyde, to whose memory this trib-
ute of respect is dedicated.
The Waldo ancestry traces in America
to Cornelius Waldo, first mentioned in
Salem (Massachusetts) records July 6,
1647. He married Hannah, daughter of
John Cogswell, who came from England
on the ship "Angel Gabriel." Their son.
John Waldo, a soldier of King Philip's
War, married Rebecca Adams. Their
son, Edward Waldo, teacher, farmer, dea-
con, deputy and lieutenant, built a house
in that part of Windham, now Scotland,
about 1 714, that is yet standing, occupied
by a descendant. He married (first)
Thankful Dimmock. Their son, Edward
(2) Waldo, married Abigail Elderkin.
Their son, Zachariah. an eminent citizen,
was a soldier of the Revolution from
Canterbury. Zachariah married (first)
Elizabeth Wright. Their son, Ebenezer
Waldo, born in Canterbury, died in Tol-
land, Connecticut, a man of prominence ;
he married Cynthia Parish. Their son,
Loren Pinckney Waldo, born February
2, 1802, died 1881, became one of the
leading lawyers of Connecticut, filled
many offices in State and Nation, member
of Thirty-first Congress, judge of the
Superior Court of Connecticut, one of
the leading Democrats of his day. He
married Frances Elizabeth Eldridge, a
granddaughter of Charles Eldridge, se-
verely wounded in the massacre at Fort
Griswold, and of Captain Elijah Avery,
killed in the same massacre. Their
daughter, Frances Elizabeth Waldo, mar-
ried, September 12, 1849, Alvan Pinney
Hyde. Their son was William Waldo
Hyde.
From such distinguished paternal and
maternal ancestry came William Waldo
Hyde. He was born in Tolland, Connec-
ticut, March 25, 1854, died in Hartford, at
the Charter Oak Hospital. Saturday, Oc-
tober 30, 191 5. When he was ten years
of age his parents removed to Hartford,
where in connection with Judge Loren
P. W^aldo and Governor Richard D. Hub-
bard. Alvan P. Hyde became a member
of one of the leading law firms of the
State, that of Waldo, Hubbard & Hyde.
Until 1872, William W'aldo Hyde at-
tended the public schools of Hartford,
finishing with the high school graduating
class of 1872. He then entered Yale Uni-
versity, whence he was graduated with
the Bachelor of Arts degree in the class
of '76, a class distinguished in the qual-
!22
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ity of its members. Among his class-
mates were Arthur Twining Hadley,
president of Yale ; Otto T. Barnard, and
General Theodore A. Bingham, of New
York; Dr. E. J. McKnight, of Hartford;
and Elmer P. Howe, the widely known
Boston lawyer.
Logically, he was destined to become a
lawyer, heredity and environment almost
compelling that profession. Fortunately
his personal inclinations agreed with the
logical view, and after two years' study
under his honored father and a year at
Boston University Law School, he was
in 1878 admitted to the Connecticut bar
at Hartford. His first experience in law
practice was as clerk in the office of
Waldo, Hubbard & Hyde. At Judge
Waldo's death in 1881 the firm reorgan-
ized as Hubbard, Hyde & Gross, the part-
ners being Governor Hubbard, Alvan P.
Hyde and Charles E. Gross, but later
William Waldo Hyde and Frank E. Hyde
were admitted. On Governor Hubbard's
death the four remaining partners re-
organized as Hyde, Gross & Hyde. When
the death of Alvan P. Hyde again dis-
rupted the firm, Charles E. Gross, Wil-
liam Waldo Hyde and Arthur L. Shipman
formed the firm of Gross, Hyde & Ship-
man. Later, Charles Welles Gross, a son
of the senior partner, and Alvan Waldo
Hyde, a son of William Waldo Hyde,
were admitted to partnership.
Mr. Hyde was identified with muc'n
important litigation in the State and Fed-
eral courts, appearing before State and
United States Supreme Courts in cases of
unusual importance and involving mo-
mentous issues. For twenty-five years he
was general counsel of the board of water
commissioners, and was the leader in the
passage of the special act of General As-
sembly legalizing the acquisition of the
Nepaug property. From April, 1910. to
May, 191 2, he was corporation counsel.
and in March, 1914, was appointed by
Mayor Cheney a member of the city char-
ter revision committee, and to present the
revised charter to the General Assembly
of 1915. His last appearance in the Su-
preme Court was early in the m.onth of
October, 191 5, when he argued the case
of the Hartford Board of Water Commis-
sioners against property owners, on de-
fendants' appeal from a decision by Judge
Case, of the Superior Court.
Another important work of his last
two years was as trustee of the Connec-
ticut Company, appointed with four
others to take over that company. To
this work he brought wide experience and
ripened judgment that rendered him a
most valuable addition to the board. He
declined many oflfers of financial trust,
devoting himself to his large and weighty
practice, though always responding to
every call to the public service.
From 1885 to 1899 he was actively iden-
tified with civic affairs other than legal.
From 1885 to 1891 he was a member of
the board of school visitors, and acting
school visitor, or superintendent of
schools during that period. In that capa-
city he labored earnestly to bring the
schools to a higher plane of efficiency, a
work in which he succeeded. From 1888
to 1891 he was a m.ember of the board of
street commissioners, also from 1897 to
1899, and president of the board in 1890,
1891 and 1899. In 1895 and 1896 he was
a member of the board of health.
A Democrat in politics, Mr. Hyde in
1892 as candidate for mayor carried Hart-
ford for the Democracy for the first time
in a decade in an important city election.
He had as an opponent on the Repub-
lican ticket. General Henry C. Dwight,
who polled 3.828 votes against Mr. Hyde's
4,607. He is yet spoken of as "one of the
best mayors Hartford ever had."
Neither legal life, to which he brought
23
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
an inherited and personal love; nor pub-
lic life, which he met as a duty of good
citizenship — filled the measure of his
activity. He was a trustee of the Con-
necticut Hospital for the Insane, and a
director of the Dime Savings Bank. As
a member of South Congregational
Church he met the responsibility of a
churchman as he met every other obliga-
tion of life. In social intercourse he m,et
his fellowmen in club, fraternity and so-
ciety, and with them pursued the highest
objects of each. His clubs were the Hart-
ford, Hartford Golf, Country, University
(New York), Yale (New York), Gradu-
ates (New Haven), and Nayasset of
Springfield, Massachusetts. His patriotic
and Colonial ancestry rendered him
eligible to about every organization of
note based on Colonial residence and Rev-
olutionary service. He was affiliated with
the Society of Mayflower Descendants in
Connecticut, the Colonel Jeremiah Wads-
worth Branch of the Connecticut Society,
Sons of the American Revolution, and of
the Society of Colonial Wars in Connec-
ticut. In fraternity, his affiliations were
entirely Masonic, and included all de-
grees of the York Rite and of the Scot-
tish Rite up to and including the thirty-
second. He was a Master Mason of St.
John's Lodge, Free and Accepted Ma-
sons ; a companion of Pythagoras Chap-
ter, Royal Arch Masons ; a cryptic Ma-
son of Wolcott Council, Royal and Select
Masters ; a sir knight of Washington
Commandery, Knights Templar ; and a
noble of Sphinx Temple, Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine. In Scottish Rite, he held
the fourteen degrees of Charter Oak
Lodge of Perfection ; the degrees of Hart-
ford Council, Princes of Jerusalem ; Cyrus
Goodell Chapter of Rose Croix ; and of
Connecticut Consistory, Sovereign Princes
of the Royal Secret, Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite.
This necessarily brief review of the life
activity of a great man would be incom-
plete did it not refer to that under side
of his nature, not so well known to the
public as his legal and civic greatness.
His love of fun, his genial good nature,
and the charm of his social qualities, were
known and appreciated only in fullest
measure by those privileged to call him
friend. He had a quick sympathy which
lesponded instantly to the good fortune
or misfortune of his friends ; and the
warmth of his congratulations made suc-
cess sweeter ; while his word of consola-
tion lightened the heaviness of sorrow,
and he was always ready to help the weak
one or aid the discouraged. His cour-
tesy to young lawyers was unfailing, and,
while an opponent at the bar to be
dreaded, he was always willing to extend
any courtesy to opposing counsel, consist-
ent with the proper conduct of his case.
There was another element of his char-
acter worthy of special note — his courage
and adaptability. It was said of his
father, that "as a rough and tumble fighter
in court he had no superior. All cases
were the same to him. Cases involving
bookkeeping, patents, contracts, the usual
run of disputes of all kinds, and criminal
cases, he could try with equal facility, and
his courage never failed him." The son
inherited many of his lawyerlike charac-
teristics from that father, and men called
him a man of "indomitable courage,"
pursuing what he believed a proper
course in the face of all obstacles and
any opposition. A quiet man, yet, when
aroused, one of the most eloquent.
Mr. Hyde married, December i, 1877,
Helen Eliza Watson, his classmate in
high school, daughter of George W. Wat-
son, of Hartford, who survives him, with
two children — Elizabeth; and Alvan
Waldo Hyde, the latter his father's part-
ner in the firm of Gross, Hyde & Ship-
224
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
man ; he married (first) Helen Howard,
who bore him two children: Helen
Waldo and Elizabeth Howard ; he mar-
ried (second) Theresa MacGillivray, and
has two children : Jeannette jMacGilli-
vray, and William Waldo Hyde (2nd).
ENGLISH, Joel L.,
liife Insurance Official.
The English family is one of the oldest
in New England, its progenitor, Clement
English, who was the first of the name in
America, living in Salem, Massachusetts,
as early as 1667, and being married there
on August 27 in that year to Mary
W^aters, like himself a resident of the
town. He is spoken of as a wealthy mer-
chant, who stood high in the esteem of
his fellow citizens, and his death occurred
there December 23, 1682.
Benjamin English, son of Clement
English, was born in Salem, October 19,
1678, and removed to New Haven, Con-
necticut, about 1700. He married (first)
at Salem, June 8, 1699, Sarah Ward, who
died December 9, 1700. He married (sec-
ond) April 21, 1703, Rebecca Brown, of
East Haven, who died May 6, 1768. By
his first wife a son was born, May 19,
1700. The children of the second wife
were: Sarah, born February 7, 1704-05;
Benjamin, October 8, 1705; Mary, Febru-
ary 10, 1707-08; Joseph, 1709; Mary,
1714; Clement, October, 1716.
There is little doubt that one of the
sons just mentioned was the father of
Richard English, who was the great-
grandfather of Joel English, the subject
of this sketch.
Richard English married, in 1762, Free-
dom, born in Hebron, Connecticut, 1747,
a daughter of Captain John Strong. She
died October 6, 1839. Captain Strong was
born September 5, 1723. Until 1769 he
was probably a resident of Hebron, Con-
necticut. From 1769 to 1772 he engaged
in farming at Hartford, Vermont. Dur-
ing this period we find his name on rec-
ords as town clerk and as a surveyor. In
1773 he and a few others began the set-
tlement of W'oodstock, Vermont. He and
his son-in-law, Benjamin Burtsch, erect-
ed a log house and opened the first tavern
in the town. In 1775-76 he was one of
the Council of Safety for Cumberland
county, and in the following year served
as captain of a company of rangers under
General Schuyler. He was a member of
the Vermont Legislature, 1777-78-79-82,
and held various town offices. He also
rendered valuable service in connection
with public fairs, and enjoyed a high
place in the esteem of his fellow citizens.
In 1778-79 he built a saw mill and grist
mill, which he conducted at the same
time that he kept the tavern. He was a
man of great enterprise and his ventures
were uniformly successful. In the year
1804 he removed with his grandson, Ben-
jamin Burtsch, Jr., to Argenteuil, Can-
ada, where he died two years later. His
first wife, whose name is not known, died
at Woodstock, January 15, 1784, at the
age of sixty years.
His father. Lieutenant Jedediah Strong,
was born January 15, 1700, and was a
farmer at Lebanon, Connecticut, all his
life. On December 4, 1722, he married
Elizabeth Webster, a daughter of Captain
John and Elizabeth Webster, who was
born February 26, 1700-01. Captain Web-
ster was born at Northampton, Massa-
chusetts, September 11, 1672 (also given
as February 26, 1673). He was one of
the original proprietors of Lebanon, Con-
necticut, and it was there that he died
November 3, 1735.
His father, Thomas Webster, married
June 16, 1663, Abigail Alexander, a daugh-
ter of John Alexander, of Northampton,
Massachusetts. Before his marriage
Conn— 3— 15
225
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Thomas Webster was a resident of Farm-
ington, Connecticut, where several sales
of land by him are recorded, between Oc-
tober, 1651, and 1656. He was a resident
of Northampton as late as 1670, but we
find him in Northfield, Massachusetts,
soon after that. He was driven from
there by the Indian attacks in 1675, and
resided at Hadley from 1676 to 1682.
After the close of King Philip's War,
however, he returned to Northfield, where
his death occurred. His estate was in-
ventoried October 20, 1686, and his wife
Abigail died before 1690.
His father. Governor John Webster,
the immigrant ancestor of the most nu-
merous family of Websters in America,
was a native of Warwickshire, England.
He came to Massachusetts probably dur-
ing the period between 1630 and 1633, and
lived for a time at Newton. From there
he went to Hartford, Connecticut, prob-
ably with the Hooker Company, which
founded the city. He was one of the
eleven out of the one hundred and fifty-
three original settlers of Hartford who
■received the distinction of "Mr." From
1639 to 1659 he was continuously in pub-
lic office, and was elected Governor of
Connecticut in 1656, holding that office
during the year. Besides this he also
held the office of deputy to the General
Court, chief magistrate and deputy gov-
ernor. He was one of the most impor-
tant men in the colony, and a more de-
tailed account of his career is to be found
elsewhere in this work. On April 5, 1661,
"the Puritan and Pilgrim of two Hemis-
pheres, the Faithful Judge, the Deputy
Governor and Governor of an Incipient
American State, the public-spirited citi-
zen and public servant, in old age an
exile for conscience ***** closed his
labors." His widow, Agnes Webster,
died in 1667.
Jedediah Strong, Jr., father of Lieuten-
ant Jedediah Strong, was born August 7,
1667, and married, November 8, 1688,
Abiah Ingersoll, born August 24, 1663, a
daughter of John and Abigail (Bascom)
Ingersoll. He was a farmer at North-
ampton, Massachusetts, until August 24,
1696, when he removed to Lebanon, Con-
necticut. His name frequently appears
in the records of that town as a member
of committees having in charge impor-
tant public affairs. He met his death at
the hands of the Indians, being killed by
them at Wood Creek, New York, October
12, 1709. His widow died November 20,
His father, Jedediah Strong, was born
May 7, 1637. He was twice married, his
first wife with whom he was united No-
vember 18, 1662, being Freedom Wood-
ward, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth
Woodward, of Dorchester and North-
ampton, Massachusetts. Mr. Strong was
engaged in farming at Northampton until
1709, when he removed with his family to
Coventry, Connecticut, where he died
May 22, 1733. His wife had already died
May 17, 1681.
His father, Elder John Strong, was
born at Taunton, England, in 1605, and
came to this country in 1630, arriving in
Massachusetts on May 30 of that year.
In 1635 he was one of the founders of
Dorchester, and on March 9, 1636, was
admitted a freeman at Boston. On De-
cember 4, 1638, we find him a resident
proprietor of Taunton, Massachusetts.
He was a prominent man in the com-
munity, and held the office of deputy to
the General Court at Plymouth in 1641-
43-44-45. He next removed to Windsor,
Connecticut, where he was one of a com-
mittee appointed "to superintend and
bring forward the settlement of that
place." In 1659 he was active in found-
ing and settling Northampton, Massa-
chusetts, where he engaged in business
226
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
as a tanner, was one of the most pros-
perous citizens and ruling elder of the
church there. He married, in December,
1630, for his second wife, Abigail Ford,
who died July 6, 1688. He died April 14,
1699. A more detailed account of his life
is to be found elsewhere in this work.
Joel English, son of Richard and Free-
dom (Strong) English, was born Decem-
ber 9, 1766, at Andover, Connecticut.
When about the age of twelve years, he
was bound out as an apprentice to Ben-
jamin Burtsch in Woodstock, Vermont,
and was sent to work tending the saw and
grist mill of Strong & Burtsch. During
these years his fare was meager and very
plain, and the growing boy, possessed of
a healthy appetite, often found it neces-
sary to appease his hunger to take the
meal made at the mill, mix it with water
and bake it at the fireplace there. At the
home of ■Mr. Burtsch the young man be-
came acquainted with his cousin, Tri-
phena, who was born June 12, 1770, a
daughter of Benajah Strong, and they
were married July 25, 1788. They made
their home with Mr. Burtsch for about
two years after their marriage, but in
1789 Mr. English purchased a farm of one
hundred acres, and in 1793 bought a saw
mill, which had been built a few years
before on a hundred acre lot just below
his first purchase. Two years later, in
partnership with a Mr. Bennett under the
firm name of Bennett & English, he
bought the Davis Grist Mill. Both these
m.ills were enlarged and improved and
from that time on the place was known
as English's Mills. Joel English and
wife first occupied a log house, but in
1804 they began the erection of a frame
hL'use in which he lived during the re-
mainder of his life. He also laid out a
road which branched from the Bridge-
water road and ran south of this house,
and which later became the established
line of travel. Triphena (Strong) Eng-
lish died December 28, 1846. She was a
member of the Christian church at Wood-
stock for thirty-nine years. Her father,
Benjamin Strong, born January 17, 1734-
35. was a son of Lieutenant Jedediah
Strong, who has already been referred to
in this article. Benajah Strong was
twice married, his first wife having been
Polly Bacon, of Lebanon, Connecticut.
He removed to Hartford, Vermont, in
1764, where he was one of the first set-
tlers, and in the following year held the
office of town clerk. In 1774 he was con-
stable and commissioner of highways.
His first wife died August 8, 1790, and
after his second marriage he removed to
Bethel, Vermont, and resided there until
his death in March. 1815.
Henry W. English, son of Joel and
Triphena (Strong) English, was born
January 27, 1805, at Woodstock, Ver-
mont. He was a justice of the peace for
over forty years, held other important
town offices and served as selectman for
a considerable period. He inherited his
father's saw and grist mjll and was en-
gaged in operating them all his life. He
also had a fifty acre farm. He married
Eliza A. Steele, a daughter of Stephen
and Chloe (Hubbard) Steele, and they
were the parents of six children, five of
whom grew to maturity. The children
were as follows : Hiram S., deceased ;
Caroline Louisa, deceased ; Charles H.,
of Woodstock, Vermont ; Joel Lathrop,
with whose career this sketch is particu-
larly concerned ; Chloe T., who became
the wife of Charles' Adams, of Peacham,
Vermont. Henry W. English died April
2 1887, and his wife November 11, 1880.
Joel Lathrop English, son of Henry W.
and Eliza A. (Steele) English, was born
October i, 1843, ^^ Woodstock, Vermont.
He received his education at the local
public schools, at Randolph Academy and
227
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Woodstock Academy, located respec-
tively in the towns of the same names.
He was one of the first men in the country
to learn shorthand, and in 1867 became
stenographer and general clerk to Thomas
O. Enders, secretary of the Aetna Life
Insurance Company. He continued in
this position until 1872, when he was
elected secretary of the company to suc-
ceed Mr. Enders. This position Mr.
English held until February, 1905, when
he was elected to his present responsible
position as vice-president of this great
concern. Mr. English is at the present
time one of the oldest and best known
life insurance men now actively connected
with the business. He is a member of
the Hartford Club.
On November 20, 1878, Mr. English
was married to Mabel B. Plimpton, born
February 18, 1861, a daughter of Andrew
Seabury Plimpton. Mr. Plimpton was
born February 21, 1823, and married, in
February, 1855, Lucinda F. Bacon, a
native of Norwich, Connecticut, born
June 3. 1830, and a daughter of Edmond
Bacon, of that place. For many years
Andrew Seabury Plimpton was a promi-
nent hotel keeper in Hartford, and he
later built the Plimpton House at Watch
Hill, which he conducted for a number of
seasons. At the same time he managed
the Dixon House at Westerly, Rhode
Island. He was one of the best known
hotel men in Connecticut and Rhode
Island, and died at the age of seventy
years.
His father, Chauncey Plimpton, was
born May 5, 1796, and died May 21, 1837.
He married, December 3, 1817, Calista
Bacon, a daughter of Deacon Daniel
Bacon, of Charlton. She died in the
month of May, 1878.
His father. Esquire Oliver Plimpton,
was born September 7, 1758, and died
April 26, 1832. He was a prominent
farmer in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, and
it was said of him that "his farm, garden
and buildings exhibited discreet manage-
ment, good taste and convenience. The
visitor always enjoyed a pleasant and
social interview in his accomplished fam-
ily. His appearance was dignified and
commanded respect." He was active in
local affairs of a public nature and served
several terms as a member of the General
Court, besides holding the office of magis-
trate for many years. He possessed a splen-
did intellect and quick perception, and
although not formally trained in the law,
he was noted for the accuracy of his de-
cisions. He was thrifty and prudent, and
his land, exclusive of buildings, was ap-
praised in 1798 at three pounds, eleven
shillings, the central portion of what is
now Globe Village now occupies what
was originally his farm. He was active
in the afifairs of the community, and
served in the Revolutionary War.
His father, Lieutenant Gershom Plimp-
ton, was born January 14, 1734-35, and
died January 27, 1808. He married,
March 2, 1758, Martha Marcy, born Au-
gust 27, 1740. died January 15, 1825, a
daughter of Colonel Moses Marcy, of
Sturbridge. Lieutenant Plimpton had
great skill in hunting and fishing, and in
1753 he traveled on foot from Medford to
Sturbridge, carrying his pack, gun and
ammunition. In 1759 he bought at Stur-
bridge ten acres of land from his father
and built a fulling mill at what is now
Globe Village. He was the first to use
the water power at that location, and he
later built a grist mill there in partner-
ship with his son, Gershom, Jr.
His father, William Plimpton, was
born May 26, 1700, and died April 29,
1770. He married, in 1725, Keziah
Dwight, a daughter of John and Elizabeth
Dwight, born September 8, 1705, and
died November 11, 1776. In 1724 the
228
THE flLV '''OPK
PUBL'C LIBRARY
ASTOP. L- OX .
TTLDLN rC ,i D T iONS
i /Jf?^^^^C^>^'
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
town of Medfield gave permission to Wil-
liam Plimpton to dam the brook near the
meeting house to meet the requirements
of a fulling mill. He took a prominent
part in the establishment of the Baptist
church at Medtield. and was one of the
proprietors of Sturbridge.
His father, Joseph Plimpton, was born
March 18, 1677, and died October 21,
1739. He married (first) in 1699, Pris-
cilla Partridge, who died in 1738. He
was a farmer and a prominent citizen,
was member of the General Court from
1720 to 1721 and 1731. He was commis-
sioned lieutenant by Governor Drummer
in 1723, was one of the proprietors and
took an active part in the settlement of
New Medfield, or Sturbridge, and was
moderator of ten meetings of the proprie-
tors.
His father, Joseph Plimpton, was born
October 7, 1653, and died June 22, 1702.
He married, November 3, 1675, Mary
Morse, a daughter of Samuel Morse. He
worked as a weaver. In 1681 he received
a grant of land from, the town of Medfield.
His father, Sergeant John Plimpton,
was born about 1620. He was well edu-
cated and became a Puritan, which led to
much persecution from his family who
were zealous Catholics. He dared not
register, but left his native land secretly,
and landed in New England penniless
and in debt for the expense of his passage.
He became a member of the Dedham
church, January 20, 1643, was admitted a
freeman the same year, and also joined
the organization now known as "The An-
cient and Honorable Artillery Company
of Boston." On March 13, 1644, he mar-
ried Jane Dammin. He was one of the
original proprietors of Medfield, but did
not remove there until 1652. We find
him referred to as "Goodman Plimpton."
His name appears on a list of contribu-
tions to Harvard College. He held num-
erous offices such as surveyor, constable
and fence viewer, and rendered valuable
service in connection with other public
matters. In 1673 he removed to what is
now Deerfield. There he was appointed
sergeant and rendered much important
service in King Philip's War. He was
among the prisoners captured and taken
to Canada at the time of the Deerfield
massacre. When the Indians and their
captives reached Chamblee, Sergeant
John Plimpton was burned at the stake.
To Joel L. and Mabel B. (Plimpton)
English was born one son, Robert Bacon,
whose birth occurred July 27, 1884; he
graduated at Yale in 1908, and is at pres-
ent employed in the office of the Aetna
Life Insurance Company ; he married
Emily Gildersleeve, daughter of Ferdi-
nand Gildersleeve, of Gildersleeve, Con-
necticut. Mr. English is a Republican
in politics, but has never aspired to office.
He has always taken an active interest
in public afifairs, and has given his support
to those movements and enterprises that
promise to enhance the public welfare.
SPENCER, Alfred, Jr.,
Banker.
In studying the lives and character of
prominent men, we are, naturally, led to
inquire into the secret of their success and
the motives that prompted their action.
Success is a question of genius, as held
by many, but is it not rather a matter of
experience and sound judgment? For
when we trace the career of those who
stand highest in public esteem, we find
in nearly every case that there are those
who have risen gradually, fighting their
way in the face of all opposition, as was
the case of Alfred Spencer, Jr., who
advanced from the position of messenger
to bank president, with only one change
of employers in a career covering a period
229
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of forty-four years. Self reliance, con-
scientiousness, energy, honesty, these are
the traits of character that insure the
highest emoluments and greatest success.
To these may we attribute the success
that has crowned the efforts of Mr.
Spencer.
The Spencer family is one of the oldest
in Connecticut, and has been traced back
through eleven generations to Michael
and Elizabeth Spencer, who were resi-
dents of Stratford, in Bedfordshire, Eng-
land, in the middle of the sixteenth cen-
tury. Their son, Jared Spencer, was bap-
tized in Stratford, May 20, 1576. He
came with his wife Alice and five sons to
America, in 1632, and located at Cam-
bridge, Massachusetts. One of the sons,
John, returned to England, one remained
in Cambridge, two settled at Hartford,
and one in Haddam, Connecticut.
Thomas Spencer, the eldest, known as
Sergeant Thomas Spencer, the progenitor
of the Suffolk branch of the family, was
born March 27, 1607, in Stratford. In
1635 he and his brother William came to
Hartford with Rev. Thomas Hooker's
company. He was an inhabitant of Cam-
bridge, Massachusetts, as early as 1633,
and is supposed to have been the Thomas
Spencer who took the freeman's oath,
May 14, 1634. In 1639 he had become a
resident of Hartford, Connecticut, owned
land there, and was chosen a sergeant of
Hartford, March 7, 1650. He was chim-
ney-viewer in 1650; constable, 1657; and
surveyor of highways in 1672. He owned
land in Soldier's Field, indicating that he
had served in the Pequot War in 1637,
and in 1671 was granted sixty acres of
land by the General Court "for his good
service in the country." His will was
dated September 9, 1686, and he died Sep-
tember II, 1687. Nothing is known of his
first wife.
She was the mother of Thomas Spencer,
born in Hartford, settled in Suffield in
time to be a voter at the first town
meeting. There he engaged in farming
until his death, July 23, 1689. He mar-
ried Esther, daughter of William An-
drews. She died in SufHeld, March 6,
1698.
Their second son, Samuel Spencer, was
born in Sufheld, where he was a farmer,
and died November 23, 1743. He mar-
ried, March 18, 1700, Elizabeth, daughter
of Daniel Mascroft, of Roxbury, Massa-
chusetts, and they had two sons, Thomas
and Daniel.
The senior son, Thomas Spencer, was
born January 13, 1702, in Suffolk, was a
farmer, served as lieutenant in the French
and Indian War, and died February 4,
1754. He married, December 15, 1720,
Mary Trumbull, a relative of Governor
Jonathan Trumbull, of Connecticut. She
was born December 2, 1701, in Suffolk,
and died in 1755.
Their youngest son, Hezekiah Spencer,
born December 16, 1740, was a farmer in
Suffolk, and died August 3, 1797. He
married, March 4, 1762, Olive Nott, born
October 11, 1735, in Wethersfield, and
died February 2, 1771.
Hezekiah (2) Spencer, their son, was
born April 30, 1766, and died October i,
1820. He was a farmer, and a leading
member of the Congregational church.
He married, June 5, 1793, Jerusha Nelson,
born December 17, 1771, in Suffolk, and
died August 17, 1854.
Their second son, Alfred Spencer, was
born July 12, 1801, on the homestead, and
died October 17, 1838. He married, Octo-
ber 16, 1823, Harriet King, born Septem-
ber 30, 1802, in Suffield, died December
15, 1844.
Their son, Alfred Spencer, born Janu-
ary 21, 1825, in the Spencer homestead,
died December 30, 1891. He was edu-
cated in the district school and at the
230
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Connecticut Literary Institute, became a
large land owner, and dealt extensively in
tobacco. He married, March 26, 1846,
Caroline Frances Reid, of Colchester,
born October 22, 1827, died August 31,
1898. They had children : James P.,
Harriet A., Alfred, mentioned below ;
Mary Reid, Clinton, Carrie E., Jennie,
Samuel Reid.
Alfred Spencer, Jr., was born October
29, 1851, and his youth was spent in much
the same way as that of other boys reared
in a rural environment. He was educated
at the Connecticut Literary Institute, and
at the Edwards Place School at Stock-
bridge, Massachusetts. In 1872 he entered
the employ of the First National Bank
of Suffield, and rose during the twenty
years he was with that institution through
the various positions to cashier. In 1891
he was offered and accepted the position
of cashier of the Aetna National Bank of
Hartford, and eight years later, in 1899,
was elected president, and continued as
president when that bank and the Hart-
ford Bank (which was established in
1792) were combined. Mr. Spencer is a
very active member of the Masonic frater-
nity, whose broad and generous principles
and practices are in accord with his
nature. He is a member of Apollo Lodge,
No. 59, Ancient Free and Accepted Ma-
sons, of Suffield : of Washington Chapter,
Royal Arch Masons ; Sufifield Council,
Royal and Select Masters ; Washington
Commandery, Knights Templar, of Hart-
ford, Connecticut, of which he is treas-
urer; Scottish Rite bodies of Hartford.
of which he is treasurer; and Sphinx
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine, of Hartford, Connec-
ticut, of which he has been treasurer since
its organization. Mr. Spencer takes an
active interest in politics, and is identified
with the Republican party, believing that
it stands for sound economics, but he has
never been an aspirant for political office.
He married, in 1879, Ella Susan
Nichols, of Suffield. Children: Alfred
Francis, born February 21, 1881 ; Herb-
ert, January 13, 1883.
There is nothing phenomenal in Mr.
Spencer's rise in the banking world. It
is the natural result of adhering to his
resolution formed at an early date to
master the banking business. He has
allowed nothing to swerve him from the
path. The business community has con-
fidence in the soundness of his judgment,
and his sterling character and genial per-
sonality have won universal respect and
a host of friends.
ATTWOOD, William Elijah,
Financier.
American history teems with the deeds
of men who, without the advantageous
aids of advanced education or- influential
friends, have through sheer force of char-
acter developed along some particular line
and won the highest position in that par-
ticular business or profession. But no-
where can a more striking illustration of
the power of the individual to rise above
his circumstances or surroundings be
found than is afforded by the life achieve-
ment of William E. Attwood, president
of the New Britain Trust Company. It
was fortunate for Mr. Attwood that he
found his true sphere so early in life, and
that when found he recognized that op-
portunity had "knocked at his door."
Fifty-four years have now passed since
he made his advent into the world, and
all but thirteen of them have been spent
in actual business. Six of those years
were spent in another line of business,
but at the age of nineteen he "found him-
self" and from that time his rise was
rapid, but no promotion found him, unpre-
pared for the advanced position, as he
aimed high and fitted himself accordingly.
William E. Attwood was born at East
231
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Haddam, Middlesex county, Connecticut,
February 24, 1864, son of William Henry
and Josephine (Bishop) Attwood, and
grandson of Whiting Attwood, who was
born in East Haddam in 1787. At the
age of thirteen he completed his attend-
ance at public school, and became clerk
in the East Haddam postofifice, a part of
his duty being to keep the books for a
coal and lumber yard business operated
by the postmaster, W. C. Reynolds. For
six years he filled this dual position of
postoffice clerk and bookkeeper, continu-
ing with Mr. Reynolds until 1883, becom-
ing an expert accountant and familiar
with the systematic methods of the post-
office department. In 1883 he resigned to
take a position as bookkeeper in the Na-
tional Bank of New England at East Had-
dam, a position he held four years, adding
to his commercial knowledge the experi-
ence that can only be obtained in a bank-
ing position. He did not content himself
with merely performing the duties
assigned him, but went out for other and
more advanced work, always being able
to take a higher position when it offered.
In 1887 his first important call came and
found him ready, the promotion necessi-
tating a removal from his native village
to New Britain, which has since been his
heme. He became cashier of the Me-
chanics' National Bank of New Britain
in 1887, and in that position spent thirteen
years, winning well earned reputation as
an efficient, thoroughly reliable, well in-
formed bank official. In 1900 he was
elected vice-president, and in 1905 reached
the president's chair, as thoroughly fur-
nished and equipped for executive control
as he had been to fill his previous posi-
tions. He continued president of the Me-
chanics' National Bank until 1907, com-
pleting a term of service as cashier and
executive, covering a period of twenty
years, years of broadening growth in the
man, years of prosperity and success for
the institution. In 1907 the Mechanics'
National Bank liquidated its business,
combined with the Hardware City Trust
Company and formed the New Brit,
Trust Company, Mr. Attwood being
elected president of the last named, an
office he fills at the present time. Since
1893 he has also been treasurer of the
Burritt Savings Bank of New Britain,
thus completing the cycle of banking
corporations, national trust and savings,
each operating under entirely different
laws, each having different fields of oper-
ation, with which Mr. Attwood has held
intimate relation as financial manager and
executive. This versatile banking ability
does not, however, carry him beyond
financial institutions, all his energy and
ability being confined to his own spe-
cialty. He holds intimate relation with
all classes of business men as their banker
and financial adviser, but has no connec-
tion with other corporations. He is a
member of the Bankers' associations, both
State and National ; belongs to Middlesex
Lodge, No. 3, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, of East Haddam ; is a member
of the New Britain Club, its president
1909 and 1910; is a communicant of St.
Mark's Protestant Episcopal Church,
vestryman, 1905-08, and in politics is a
Republican. He responded to the call
of his fellow citizens, serving them in
public capacity as a member of the Board
of Education, 1899-1910; member of the
General Assembly, 1901-03, and State
Senator in 1905-07; he rendered valuable
service, serving in both houses as chair-
man of the committee on banks.
Mr. Attwood married (first) October
II, 1887, Alice Belden Seward, of East
Haddam, who died in 1905. Their only
child died in 1900. He married (second)
June 2, 1906, Fannie Canfield Wetmore,
of Meriden, Connecticut. Children of
second marriage: William E., Jr., and
Margaret Wetmore.
232
. :li,', ij I c Ji:D..T.ONS
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
BROADHURST, Leon Parker,
Banker, Man of Affairs.
In the promotion of Leon P. Broad-
hurst to the position of president of the
Phoenix National Bank of Hartford,
which occurred in November, 1915, was
registered the recogniton of merit. He
is the youngest bank president in the
State, and has gained a prominent posi-
tion in the financial world, through those
qualities which inspire confidence and
esteem wherever found. His advance-
ment is the result of unflagging industry,
close and studious attention to details,
high moral principle and sound judgment.
His ancestors were English, those on the
paternal side of comparatively recent
immigration to this country.
His grandfather, John Broadhurst, was
a native of Macclesfield, England, and
started for America to take charge of the
weaving department of Cheney Brothers,
silk manufacturers of Manchester, Con-
necticut. In those days it was customary
for the boss weaver to provide his own
help, and nearly all the passengers on the
ship were on the way to work under Mr.
Broadhurst's directions in the mill. An
epidemic of typhus fever broke out on the
ship, and was fatal to many of the pas-
sengers, including all of John Broad-
hurst's family except two sons and a
daughter. In their usual open-handed
way, the Cheney Brothers took charge of
this family. John Broadhurst was placed
in the Hartford Orphan Asylum, and
Thomas and the sister were taken into
one of the Cheney families ; the latter died
at the age of fifteen years. John Broad-
hurst grew to manhood and settled in
California.
Thomas Broadhurst, father of Leon P.
Broadhurst, remained in the Cheney fam-
ilv for a number of years, and was appren-
ticed to Hubbard & Broadhead, a firm of
tanners in Glastonbury, Connecticut, with
whom he remained until he was nearly
twenty-one years old, after which he
entered the employ of the Cheney Broth-
ers as a machinist, with whom, he con-
tinued some twenty years. After leaving
the employ of this firm he located in Hart-
ford, where he continued at his trade until
his death. He was a member of the
Knights of Pythias of Hartford.
Mr. Broadhurst's maternal ancestors
were among the earliest of the Connec-
ticut colonists, and have been traced back
in England to Thomas Lyman, or Leman,
as the name was sometimes spelled. Like
other ancient names, this one was spelled
in various ways by the earliest recorded
generations of the family. Thomas Ly-
man lived in the reign of Henry HI. In
1275 he was fined twenty pence by Walter
de Sterteslegh, sherii? of Wilts, for default
in attending a certain inquisition to which
he had been summoned. The generations
have been traced from him consecutively
to Thomas Lyman (the great-great-
grandfather of Richard Lyman, the orig-
inal American immigrant), who married
Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Lambert.
She was the great-granddaughter of Sir
William Lambert and Johanna de Um-
freville. The Lambert genealogy has
been traced back without a break to Sir
Radulphus Lambert, knight, grandson of
Lambert, Count of Loraine and Mons,
who came to England with his kinsman,
William the Conqueror, and was present
at the battle of Hastings. He had a grant
of lands and manor in the county of York,
his chief seat being at Skipton, in Cravin,
county of York. He married Alidnora,
daughter of Sir Ralph de Torey, a Nor-
man nobleman, who came into England
with William the Conqueror, and was one
of his chief generals at the battle of Hast-
ings in 1066. Johanna de Umfreville's
genealogy has been traced back to Sir
233
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Robert de Umfreville, knight, Lord of to Northampton, where, in December of
Tours and Vian in Normandy, who came that year, Richard Lyman was chosen as
to England with William the Conqueror, one of the selectmen. He sold his father's
and became possessed of manors, lands household in Hartford in 1660. He was
and castles. She was also a descendant baptized February 24, 1617, at High
of Alfred the Great, King of England. Ongar, and died June 3, 1662, at North-
Thomas Lyman, above referred to, was a ampton. He married Hepzibah, daughter
resident of Navistoke, County Essex, in of Thomas Ford, of Windsor, and resided
the time of Henry VII. His son, Henry for some time in East Windsor, near the
Lyman, of Navistoke, was the father of Hartford line, on part of the Ford estate.
John Lyman, of High Ongar, whose son, Their eldest son, Richard (3) Lyman,
Henry Lyman, lived with his wife Eliza-
beth at High Ongar. Their son, Richard
Lyman, was born in High Ongar, Essex
county, England, and was baptized there
October 30, 1580. He married Sarah,
daughter of Roger Osborne, of Halstead,
in Kent, England, and came to America
with her husband and four children in
1631. She died in Hartford, Connecticut,
about 1640. soon after the death of her
husband. The family embarked for Amer-
was born in Windsor, Connecticut, in
1647, ''"d married, in Northampton, May
26, 1675, Elizabeth, daughter of John
Coles, of Hatfield. They resided in
Northampton until 1696, when they re-
moved to Lebanon, Connecticut, where
he died November 4, 1708. Their second
son, Richard (4) Lyman, was born in
April, 1678, in Northampton, and re-
moved to Lebanon with his family in
1696; married, April 7, 1700, Mary
ica in the ship "Lion." about the middle Woodward ; died June 6, 1746. Their son,
of August. 1631. They settled first in Deacon Thomas Lyman, was born July
Charlestown, Massachusetts, and united 6, 1704, in Lebanon Crank, now Franklin.
with the church in Roxbury. Richard
Lyman became a freeman, June 11, 1635,
and in October, 1635, he and his family
formed part of a company of about one
hundred persons, who started through the
wilderness to Connecticut. The trip was
made in fourteen days. The Lymans
located in Hartford, where he was one of
the original proprietors, and died in Au-
He married Mary Guile, a woman of
estimable character and consistent, Uni-
term and religious life, who died July 4,
1797, in the ninetieth year of her age.
1 homas Lyman was deacon for many
years. He was a tanner and died from
injuries received by a fall in the bark
mill of his tannery. Their son, Deacon
Joseph Lyman, was born in Lebanon,
gust, 1640. Richard Lyman is reported July 6, 1744, married, April 9, 1767, Sarah
to have begun life in the New World as Ldwards, born March 28, 1746, daughter
a man of "considerable estate, keeping of Thomas and Rebecca Edwards. He
two servants." He lost many of his
cattle on the journey to Connecticut, and
also suffered illness owing to the expos-
ures incident to the journey. From the
death of their father until their settlement
settled in what is now Manchester, was
a farmer and tanner ; deacon in the
church. He died February 20, 1820. His
wife died April 2, 1814. Their eldest child,
Dpniel Lyman, was born January 5, 1768,
in Northampton, little is known of the died in December, 1854 ; settled a few rods
sons, Richard, John and Robert. They east of his father's place on the Hartford
were assessed in Hartford in 1655, and and Providence turnpike, ten miles from
they probably removed in the same year Hartford. He married Lydia Martha
234
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Brewster, of Lebanon, about 1794, born
May 7, 1772, daughter of Wadsworth
Brewster, and a direct descendant of
Elder William Brewster, of the "May-
flower." Their third child. Deacon Milton
Lyman, was born November 15, 1795, in
Manchester, Connecticut, was a wagon
maker, resided at Marshall, New York,
for about fifty years, and died there Octo-
ber 16, 1870. He married for his second
wife, November 15, 1820, Olive Parker,
of Marshall, Oneida county, New York.
Their third child was Daniel Parker Ly-
man, born May 17, 1823, at Marshall,
married at Manchester, Connecticut,
March 31, 1846, Mary Jane, second
daughter of Deacon Daniel Russell, of
Ellington, Connecticut. Ellen Maria,
their second child, was born July 28, 1851,
and married, January 25, 1870, Thomas
Broadhurst. They had two children :
Leon Parker and Mildred. The latter be-
came the wife of Richard T. Huntington,
Jr., of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Leon Parker Broadhurst was born June
14, 1871, in South Alanchester, Connec-
ticut, and removed with his parents to
Hartford in 1880. Here he attended the
grammar and high schools, and after lay-
ing aside his books became a clerk in the
Charter Oak National Bank, where he
continued some six months, and then en-
tered the employ of the State Bank in a
similar capacity. On the first of October,
1890, he severed his connection with the
State Bank, and entered the employ of
the institution of which he is now execu-
tive head. With the determination to
advance himself he early set about the
study of the principles and practice of
banking, and was keenly observant of all
that went on about him. By intelligent
application and diligence, he attracted the
attention of his superiors, and his work
was observed and approved by the man-
agement. Through successive promotion
he came to be made teller of the bank in
February, 1899; was made assistant
cashier in January, 1901 ; cashier in Octo-
ber, 1904; vice-president in January, 1913,
and upon the death of Frederic L. Bunce,
Mr. Broadhurst was advanced to his pres-
ent position, president. November 19,
1915. The Phoenix National Bank was
organized in 1814, and is one of the four
largest banks in the State of Connecticut,
and has the largest deposits of any com-
mercial bank of the State. It is apparent
that Mr. Broadhurst has been honored
and that the promotion is a tribute to
exceptional ability. He is a typical mod-
ern business man, progressive and aggres-
sive, yet with sufficient caution and con-
servatism in his makeup to safeguard him
against visionary or speculative ventures.
His splendid executive ability has already
been demonstrated. Modest, quiet, and
unassuming in manner, he is cordial and
unfailingly courteous to all — qualities that
are of prime importance in the chief
executive of a large financial institution.
While Mr. Broadhurst's life has been a
very busy one, he has found time to take
an active part in the conduct of other
important enterprises. He is a director
of the Glazier Manufacturing Company,
the Atlantic Screw Works, C. H. Dexter
& Sons Company, Incorporated, of Wind-
sor Locks. While in no sense of the word
a politician, Mr. Broadhurst has always
been actively interested in those move-
ments and measures that promise to en-
hance the public welfare, and when the
call came, he has not sought to evade his
duty as a citizen in official position. He
served four years as a memljer of the
Council and two years as a member of
the Board of Aldermen of Hartford, serv-
ing four years as a member of the Board
of Finance. He is a member of the Re-
publican Club of Hartford, the Hartford
Club, the Hartford Golf Club, and the
235
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Hartford x\utomobile Club. He has been
active in promoting military interests, and
served five years as a member of Com-
pany F, First Regiment, Connecticut Na-
tional Guard, known as the Hartford City
Guard.
On May 22, 1895, Mr. Broadhurst mar-
ried Alice, daughter of George Best, of
Hartford, and his family includes three
children: Katharine L., Nellie T. and
Grace A. Mr. Broadhurst and family are
connected with the Asylum Hill Congre-
gational Church of Hartford.
PRIOR, Charles Edward,
Financier, Musical Composer.
Charles Edward Prior was born Janu-
ary 24, 1856, at Moosup, in the town of
Plainfield, Windham county, Connecticut,
the son of Erastus L. and Sarah Ladd
(Burleson) Prior. When he was about
four years old, his parents moved to
Jewett City, Connecticut. In his youth-
ful home he was surrounded by the best
influences, his father having been a man
of strong moral and religious character,
a deacon in the Baptist church, and his
mother a woman of more than average
intellectual and spiritual force.
He received a good education in the
Jewett City schools, and at an early age
developed a marked fondness for the
study of nature and for the art of music.
This taste is sometimes supposed to indi-
cate a lack of talent for practical things,
but it was not so in his case, for while he
has devoted much time to the study and
enjoyment of nature, poetry and music,
this predilection has never interfered in
the least with his interest in practical
afiFairs. When but fourteen years of age,
he became the organist of the Congrega-
tional church at Jewett City, and held the
position for more than eight years, during
a portion of which period he studied at
the Worcester Conservatory of Music.
He resigned to become organist and choir
lender at the Jewett City Baptist Church,
of which he became a member in early
life.
He worked for a number of years in
the railroad station and express office in
Jewett City, and in 1873 entered the em-
ploy of the Norwich & Worcester Rail-
road Company in their Norwich office,
where he remained one year. In 1875 he
became bookkeeper and paymaster for the
Ashland Cotton Company at Jewett City,
and in 1883 he was elected secretary and
treasurer of the Jewett City Savings
Bank. Two years later he became a
member of its corporation, and four years
later was made one of its directors. A
new bank building was erected during his
term of service, and his management of
the aflfairs of the bank was highly compli-
mented by the State Bank Commis-
sioners. In January, 1895, he resigned his
offices in the Jewett City Bank to accept
the position of assistant treasurer of the
Security Trust Company of Hartford,
then known as the Security Company.
In March, 1896, he was promoted to the
responsible position of secretary and
treasurer of the company, and in Novem-
ber, 1904, he was elected vice-president
and treasurer, which offices he continues
to hold at this date, 1917.
Mr. Prior has been a man of tireless
energy, and has evidently enjoyed being
active and useful. For eighteen years
(from 1898 to 191 7) he was a member of
the auditing committee of the Connecti-
cut Mutual Life Insurance Company. In
July. 1910. he was elected a trustee of the
State Savings Bank of Hartford, and for
several years past has been a member of
its finance committee. He has held many
offices in religious and kindred organiza-
tions, having been treasurer of the Con-
necticut Sunday School Association for
236
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
several years, and later its auditor ; treas-
urer of the Connectictit Peace Society ;
president of the Hartford Baptist Union
from 1901 to 1907; vice-president of the
Connecticut Baptist Convention from
1905 to 1907, and treasurer of the con-
vention from 1907 to date. For four
years he was superintendent of the Sun-
day school and president of the Young
People's Society of the Asylum Avenue
Baptist Church, Hartford. He has also
served as treasurer of the Baptist Young
People's Union of Connecticut, as treas-
urer of the Twentieth Century Club of
Hartford, and as a member of the board
of managers of the Hartford Young Men's
Christian Association. Mr. Prior enjoys
the rather unusual honor of being con-
nected with two theological seminaries, as
he is a trustee of the Hartford Seminary
Foundation and of the Newton Theolog-
ical Institution. He is also a trustee of
the Ministers' and Missionaries' Benefit
Board of the Northern Baptist Conven-
tion, and president of the George M. Stone
Brotherhood of the Asylum. Avenue Bap-
tist Church, Hartford.
In 1883, in collaboration with the Rev.
C. W. Ray, D. D., of Philadelphia, one
of his former pastors, he published his
first musical work, "Spicy Breezes," a
book of Sunday school songs. In 1890 he
edited "Sparkling and Bright," in connec-
tion with J. H. Tenney. This work was
enthusiastically received and won for him
wide renown as a composer of Sunday
school music. In 1892, in association with
Professor W. A. Ogden, he issued a third
successful book of songs entitled, "Our
Best Endeavor." In politics Mr. Prior
is a Republican with independent tend-
encies. He was for several years treas-
urer of the town of Lisbon. In fraternal
circles he became affiliated with several
Masonic bodies early in life. He is a
past master of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 75,
Free and Accepted Masons, of Jewett
City ; a member of Franklin Chapter,
Royal Arch Masons ; of Franklin Coun-
cil, Royal and Select Masters, and of Co-
lumbian Commandery, Knights Templar,
all of Norwich ; and of Hartford Chapter,
Order of Eastern Star. Perhaps next to
Mr. Prior's love of music may be men-
tioned his passion for poetry and good
literature. He has a fine library, selected
with intelligent discrimination, and a
large number of scrap books upon which
he has bestowed much labor, and in which
he takes pardonable pride.
Mr. Prior is a member of the Twen-
tieth Century Club, of Hartford, the Con-
necticut Historical Society, the Hartford
Bird Study Club, the Stam.p Collectors'
Club of Hartford, and has been for many
years an honorary member of the Wor-
cester County (Massachusetts) Musical
Association.
Mr. Prior was married in 1875 to Mary
Eleanor Campbell. Of the four children
born to them, three daughters died in
infancy. Their son, Charles Edward
Prior, Jr., is secretary of the Security
Trust Company, and treasurer of the Con-
necticut Bible Society. Mr. Prior, Jr., is
widely known as an accomplished tenor
soloist, having sung in the Hartford
churches for twenty years or more.
LINSKEY, John Joseph,
Man of Enterprise.
Mr. Linskey is a native son of Connec-
ticut and well known in the State, in fact
all over New England, as a promoter and
developer, specializing in land and build-
ing improvement. He has developed
tracts in many parts of New England, and
in both Waterbury and Bridgeport, "Fair-
lawn Manor" is evidence of his efficient
handling of properties.
Mr. Linskey is a son of Martin Linskey,
237
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
born in County Galway, Ireland, where
his youth was passed. When a young
man he came to the United States and
found his way to Guilford, Connecticut,
where he became an iron molder, and yet
resides, aged seventy-three years. He
married Ellen Hannon, also born in Gal-
way, who died at Guilford, aged fifty-five
years, the mother of seven sons and seven
daughters, all living save a son William,
who died in infancy. Children: i. John
Joseph, of further mention. 2. Mary,
twin with John J., married (first) Daniel
O'Leary, of Bridgeport, now deceased ;
(second) Charles Noemeyer, of New
Haven, Connecticut. 3. Kate, married
Matthew Lahey, of New Haven. 4.
Dennis, married Nora Keefe ; residing in
Naugatuck, Connecticut. 5. Theresa, mar-
ried Benjamin Parker, of New Haven. 6.
Martin (2nd), residing in Naugatuck,
Connecticut, married Elizabeth Clyne. 7.
Thomas, married Margaret Skinner ; re-
sides in New Haven. 8. Nicholas, married
Daisy Larkins ; resides in Guilford, Con-
necticut. 9. Daniel, married Annie Ma-
line ; also of Guilford. 10. Elizabeth, mar-
ried John Flannigan, of Brooklyn, New
York. 1 1. Jennie, married Daniel O'Neill,
of Guilford. 12. Lillian, married Joseph
Brennan, of New Haven. 13. Ellen, mar-
ried William Brown, of Brooklyn, New
York.
John Joseph Linskey, eldest son of Mar-
tin and Ellen (Hannon) Linskey, was born
at Guilford, Connecticut, April 24, 1862,
and there resided until he was eighteen
years of age. He was educated in the
public schools and at Guilford Academy,
being an apt pupil and a good student.
At the age of eighteen he began work as
a wage earner, going to Naugatuck, Con-
necticut, where for two years he was an
employe of the Naugatuck Malleable Iron
Company. He had then attained his ma-
jority, and being able to command suffi-
cient capital opened a grocery store. He
was energetic and capable, public-spirited
and progressive ; his store soon gained
popular favor and support; he prospered,
and in course of time opened a second
store in Naugatuck, of which his brother
was manager. For seventeen years he
continued in successful business as a gro-
cer, and during four years of President
Cleveland's second term served as post-
master of the Union City office. About
1905 he retired to engage in the real estate
business at Naugatuck, a line of activity
in which he has been very successful, be-
ing sole owner of same. From a local
business he became interested in the de-
velopment of land areas in other parts of
New England, many important land de-
velopments of suburban properties having
been carried to a successful issue under
his management. On March 20, 1916, he
moved his office to Waterbury, where he
is well known through his development of
the "Fairlawn Manor" tract.
Mr. Linskey is essentially a business
m.an, and has not taken active part in
public afi'airs. He won success as a mer-
chant, and is an authority on land promo-
tion and suburban values, sound in his
judgment, upright and honorable in his
methods. He is a Democrat in politics, a
member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic
Church at Union City, and a member of
the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks.
He married, at Naugatuck, October 23,
1888, Louise Theresa Clancy, born there
in 1868, daughter of Thomas Clancy, born
in Ireland, died in Naugatuck, Connecti-
cut, at the age of sixty years. Mr. and
Mrs. Linskey are the parents of a family
of nine as follows : i. Ellen A., a graduate
of Monroe Business College in Water-
bury ; now her father's assistant as sten-
ographer and clerk. 2. Thomas F., mar-
ried Agnes Wallace and has two daugh-
238
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
tcrs : Constance, and Rose Marie. 3.-4.
Louise, a graduate of the Naugatuck
High School ; and Marie R., both residing
at home. 5. Madeline R., a student at
Naugatuck High School. 6. John Joseph
(2nd), attending Salem School. 7. Wil-
liam L., attending Salem School. 8. Mar-
garet, died in infancy. 9. Francis, attend-
mg Oak street school, Naugatuck.
BENNETT, Charles Joseph,
Public Official, Author, Civil Engineer.
The record of a busy life, a successful
life, must ever prove of interest and profit
to those who look at it carefully, who
attempt an analysis of character and trace
back to the fountain head the widely di-
verging channels which mark the onward
flow. Among the men who have led busy
and successful lives must be mentioned
Charles J. Bennett, State Highway Com-
missioner at Hartford, whose career has
been characterized by fidelity, honesty
and enterprise, and as a public official,
citizen and Christian gentleman he com-
mands the respect and admiration of all
with whom he is associated.
The paternal ancestors of Charles J.
Bennett were residents of Yorkshire,
England, where they lived for many
years, tracing back to the days of Wil-
liam the Conqueror. Joseph William
Bennett, great-grandfather of the Mr.
Bennett of this review, was a manufac-
turer of woolen goods at Leeds, England,
a prosperous and influential resident of
that thriving city. His son, Joseph Wil-
liam Bennett, Jr., was a dyer by trade,
proprietor of a dye shop at Leeds, which
he conducted in a successful manner. His
son, William T. Bennett, was a native of
Leeds, England, and died in 1894, aged
fifty years. He was reared in his native
land, studied in Belgium and Flanders,
and prior to his marriage resided in
Frome, England, remaining there for a
number of years. He studied chemistry
in the shop of Reed, Holliday & Company,
making a specialty of dye stufi^s and
colors. In the year 1880 he emigrated to
this country. He first located in the city
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he
was employed in a manufacturing plant
as a dyer, in which line of work he was
highly proficient. Later he located in
Amsterdam, New York, where he con-
ducted a dye house and also engaged in
the manufacture of shoddy. He married
Lydia R. Perkins, a native of Road, Eng-
land, daughter of William Perkins, who,
as also his ancestors, conducted a mill
there, a woolen mill run by water power.
Two children were born of this marriage,
William, a resident of Toronto, Canada,
and Charles Joseph. Mr. and Mrs. Ben-
nett were members of the Episcopal
church.
Charles Joseph Bennett was born in
Frome, England, February 9, 1878. He
accompanied his parents to the United
States, attended the public schools of
Amsterdam, was graduated from the
Amsterdam High School in 1897, then
entered Union College, from which in-
stitution he was graduated in 1901 with
the degree of B. E. He is a member
of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity of that
college. After his graduation he entered
the employ of the city engineer of Am-
sterdam, but in the following year, 1902,
entered the employ of the Metropolitan
Street Railway Company of New York
City. In 1903 he changed to the New
York Central Railroad, and in 1905 came
to Hartford, Connecticut, with the New
York, New Haven & Hartford Railway
Company. In 1909 he entered the employ
of the State of Connecticut, working on
the Saybrook Bridge. In 1910 he was
appointed superintendent of streets in
Hartford, and in 1913 was appointed State
239
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Highway Commissioner by the Governor
of Connecticut, in which capacity he is
serving at the present time (1917)- Prior
to his assuming the duties of this office
the highway department was a political
machine, covering every town in the State
of Connecticut politically. The highway
department was made an issue in the first
campaign of Governor Baldwin. He won
the election on his promise to reform the
highway department. He failed to re-
form it because a partisan Senate rejected
his nomination of a new highway com-
missioner. Two years the people re-
turned him to office and gave him a
Senate controlled by his own party.
Commissioner Bennett was then placed at
the head of the highway department. In
the session of 1915 Commissioner Bennett
came up for reappointment. The Gov-
ernor was urged to reappoint him, which
he accordingly did, and as long as he
remains in that office the interests of the
State will be carefully subserved. His
honesty and integrity have never been
questioned by any one and his compe-
tency is evidenced by the improvements
in the roads during his tenure of office.
Commissioner Bennett has written a
section for a handbook on "Highway
Engineering" published by Wiley & Sons.
He has written to some extent for tech-
nical journals ; has lectured at Columbia
and Sheffield Scientific School at Yale,
and has delivered popular lectures
throughout Connecticut and other States
or road questions and engineering topics,
which have been largely attended and
which have proven of benefit to those
interested in such matters. He is a mem-
ber of the American Society of Civil Engi-
neers, the International Permanent Con-
gress de la Rute. a director in the Massa-
chusetts Highway Association, and a
member of the American Highway Asso-
ciation, American Road Association, Na-
tional Highway Association, National
Society of Civil Engineers, Connecticut
Society of Civil Engineers, Rotary Club,
and the University Club.
Mr. Bennett married, in August, 1905,
Marguerite Balch, daughter of Dr. W. V.
Balch, of Galway, New York, and a de-
scendant of John Balch, an early settler
of Massachusetts. They are the parents
of four children: Elizabeth J., Alison
Margaret. Charles William and Gordon.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are members of St.
John's Episcopal Church, West Hartford,
in which he has served as vestryman for
a number of years.
ABRAMS, Alva E., M. D.,
Physician.
An honored physician of the city of
Hartford, Connecticut, since 1884, Dr.
Abrams holds prominent position among
the men who are recognized as leaders of
the medical profession in Connecticut. In
business and public life men are often
assisted to positions of prominence by
fortuitous circumstance, apparently quite
apart from their own personal endeavor.
There is but one way to gain recognition
in the medical profession and that is by
results actually accomplished in relieving
the ills of mankind. The price is a life-
time of devotion to the profession, and
constant, conscientious study that ability
may be gained to observe phenomena
accurately, to correlate and interpret facts
intelligently, and with wisdom to apply
to the individual case the knowledge thus
acquired. These are the means coupled
with a natural aptitude for his work by
which Dr. Abrams has earned his present
position as a leading practitioner and
authority.
The branch of his family to which Dr.
Abrams belongs springs from Benjamin
Abrams, a farmer and early settler of
240
Ti;>; Y.V<' ^-"^
y\-'-r LIBRARY
J. ..
'1
■ TOP LENOX
r .1
^;_ ,; fCUr^DATIO'
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Greene county, New York. His son,
Benjamin (2) Abrams, was also a farmer
of Greene county, his sons settling in
Greene, Albany and Schenectady counties,
New York. Elnathan Abrams, son of
Benjamin (2) Abrams, located in Duanes-
burg, Schenectady county, was a farmer
and there died in 1861, aged sixty-one.
He married Anna Strong.
J. Danforth Abrams, son of Elnathan
and Anna (Strong) Abrams, was born in
the town of Duanesburg, Schenectady
county, New York, in 1836, and gave up
his life in his country's service in 1865
at Fortress Monroe, Virginia. He was
engaged in farming until his enlistment
in Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-
seventh Regiment New York Volunteer
Infantry. He married Susan Ladd, of the
seventh generation of the family founded
in New England by Daniel Ladd, who
took the oath of supremacy and allegi-
ance in London, England, March 24, 1633,
prior to taking passage on the ship "Mary
and John" for New England. He was
granted land in Ipswich, February 5, 1637.
He died in Haverhill, July 27, 1693, his
widow Ann, February 9, 1694. The line
of descent is through the founder's son,
Ezekiel Ladd; his son, Nathaniel Ladd;
his son, Ezekiel (2) Ladd; his son, Wil-
liam Ladd ; his son, Lemuel Ladd ; his
son, Elijah Ladd, born October 22, 181 1,
married Harriet Bently ; their daughter,
Susan Ladd, who married J. Danforth
Abrams. They were the parents of two
sons: Alva E., of further mention; and
Elijah.
Dr. Alva E. Abrams was born in
Duanesburg, New York, June 28, 1856.
After public school attendance, he pre-
pared at a school in Little Falls, New
York, after which he entered Cornell
University, continuing there until his
junior year. He then taught school for
two years, in the meantime studying med-
icine under the preceptorship of Dr. Delos
Braman, of Duanesburg. He continued
study in the medical school of the Univer-
sity of New York and in Albany Medical
School (Albany, New York), receiving his
Doctor of Medicine degree from the latter
institution with the class of 1881. After
a term of service as interne at St. Peter's
Hospital, Albany, he began the private
practice of his profession in Duanesburg,
continuing until 1884. With the year
1884, Dr. Abrams was introduced to Hart-
ford professional life as an associate of
Dr. J. A. Stevens, with whom he prac-
ticed for three years. He then spent a
year in private practice in CoUinsville,
Connecticut, returning to Hartford upon
the death of Dr. Stevens, in 1887, resum-
ing the practice they had jointly con-
ducted until Dr. Abrams' withdrawal. He
has gone steadily forward in public favor,
his continually growing practice having
attested the confidence reposed in him as
a physician of skill and a citizen of high
repute. He is a member and ex-president
of the Hartford City Medical Society, the
Hartford County Medical Society, the
Connecticut State Medical Society, mem-
ber of the American Medical Association,
the American Laryngological, Rhinolog-
ical and Otological societies, and in 1897
was sent as a delegate to the International
Medical Congress which met in Moscow,
Russia. He is medical examiner for a
number of leading insurance companies,
belongs to the Hartford Scientific Society
and the Twentieth Century Club. Both
he and his wife are members of Immanuel
Congregational Church, he having served
that body as deacon for many years.
Dr. Abrams married, July 26, 1877,
Jessie Davis, daughter of Rev. D. Cook
and Euphemia (Murray) Davis, of Brook-
lyn, New York. They are the parents of
three daughters: Mabel, married R. La
Mott Russell ; Efifie, married Professor
Walter Clark; Jessie, married Warren
Currier.
Conn— S— 16
241
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
OLDS, Alfred Allen,
Leader in Tobacco Industry.
There are few families that can claim a
more honorable antiquity than that of
Olds, represented at the present time by
Alfred Allen Olds of Hartford, Connecti-
cut, and by many branches in both the old
world and the new. The origin of the
name is undoubtedly to be found in the
nickname "The Old,"' and in the faculty
such nicknames have of adhering to the
children and descendants of him who is
first so designated. The present Mr. Olds
can trace his descent uninterruptedly from
a period so remote as that of the end of
the twelfth century, from an ancestor
who flourished during the reign of Rich-
ard the Lion Hearted. The name, as is
the case with so many names that have
descended to us from early times, was
found in a great variety of spellings, such
as Old, Olds, Ould, Wold and many
others. The Olds arms are thus de-
scribed : Gules, on a mount in base vert
a lion sejant guardant. Crest: A lion
sejant guardant proper, supporting an an-
tique shield gules, charged with a fesse or.
The founder of the family so far as our
records extend was one Roger Wold, of
Yolthorpe, Yorkshire, who is described
as a thane, and who lived on his estate in
that country between the years 1189 and
1 199. The title of thane is comparatively
well known to modern ears from the fact
that one of Scott's chief characters in the
story of "Ivanhoe," Cedric the Saxon,
held it. It is an ancient Saxon title, and
after the advent of the Normans suffered
a decline which placed it among the low-
est of those who held feudal estates.
Roger Wold, of Yolthorpe, was not only a
contemporary of Cedric the Saxon, but a
neighbor, their estates being at no very
great distance from one another. Both
from the name and the title we draw the
knowledge that this same Roger was of
good old Anglo-Saxon ancestry, and it
was he and such as he who formed the
foundation upon which the later English
race was built up. We possess no record
of this worthy thane, but we are acquaint-
ed with the names of his children, as fol-
lows : Agnes, who married Godfrey Eme-
bf.rg, a son of William, Emeburg, of Flix-
tune, Yorkshire ; William, who is men-
tioned below ; Roger, a chaunting monk
of Whitby, and John, a minstrel to the
king, who appears to have been a man of
considerable talent and was the author of
a miracle play "St. Cuthbert," which was
performed at York on the twentieth of
March, probably of the year 1223.
His son William married Alice Eme-
burg, a daughter of William Emeburg, of
Flixtune, Yorkshire, and lived during the
reigns of John and Henry III. We find
his seal appended to a deed now in the
possession of the British Museum, but we
know very few details concerning his life.
They were the parents of the following
children : John Le Olde, who is men-
tioned below ; Roger Wold, of whom very
little is known; Thomas, who married a
lady of the name of Christiana, and who
accompanied his brother Robert to the
south ; Robert Old, who went south from
his native Yorkshire with an unknown
destination, but whom we find was ob-
liged to stop at Cambridge for lack of
means to carry him farther, and there
entered the service of Lord Granteste,
"for villeinage, socage," or "as a free-
man."
John Le Olde, son of Thomas Le Olde,
lived at Liddington, near Cirencester,
where he was a manucaptor for Sir John
de Langleye, knight of the shire for Glou-
cester. This position of manucaptor was
one of considerable consideration, and
from it we learn the fact this representa-
tive of the family had amply maintained
242
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
its original dignity. John Le Olde lived
to a great age, and we know of three of
his children, though no record comes
down to us of his marriage. The three
children were Richarde, Christian and
Agnes, who became a nun.
His son Richarde was born in 1250, and
his name appears first on the pedigree of
the Old family of Rowton in Shropshire,
v.here it was the origin of the numerous
branches bearing this name in that coun-
ty. Richard Old lived himself at Rowton,
but we know little concerning him and
have no record of his marriage. His chil-
dren were as follows : William, of Momr
ersfield, county of Salop, where he was
living in 1331 ; Agnes Wold, who married
Henry de Rowton, and Roger Wold, who
is mentioned below.
There seems to have been a return to
the original name of the family in this
generation, Richarde Old's son Roger
taking the old form of Wold. He pur-
chased the old estate of SheriiT Hales,
County Salop, in the year 1350, and was
the father of two children of whom we
have record : Galfridus, who is mentioned
below ; and Walter Holde, of Stokestown,
Salop.
His son, Galfridus Wold, came into
possession of Sheriff Hales, his father's
old estate, and lived there during his life.
He married a cousin, Alice de Rowton,
and they were the parents of three chil-
dren : William, who is mentioned below ;
John ; and Robert, who was sub-prior of
Cern Abbey, as we learn from the records
concerning the election of Abbot God-
manston, when he held that position.
William Wold, son of Galfridus Wold,
lived at Rowton in 1406. Very little is
known concerning his life, but we are
acquainted with the names of two chil-
dren — Roger, who is mentioned below ;
and Agnes, who married a member of the
old Benthall familv.
His son, Roger Wold, married Mary
Talbot, a relative of the famous Sir John
Talbot, and went to France in the year
1436 on some military service, probably
connected with the wars which were rag-
ing at that time between England and
France. He was bailif? and receiver of
rents for the manors of Cowley, Coten
and Burghall, in 145 1.
Their son John married Jane Eyton,
and they were the parents of three chil-
dren, as follows: i. John, a priest, who
became a reformer and was disinherited
by his father ; he was a friend of the
famous Bishops Latimer and Cranmer,
and we find full particulars concerning
him in the archives of the Royal Histori-
cal Society, volume ii, page 198 (1572).
2. Agnes, who like her brother, was a re-
former and was disinherited. 3. William,
who is mentioned below. Not a great
deal is known of John, the father, and it
seems doubtful whether he continued to
bear the name of Wold or had altered it
to Olde, the form in which it appears in
the next generation.
Their son, William Olde, lived at Staun-
ton, and married his cousin, Elizabeth
Eyton, a daughter of Hez. Eyton, Esquire.
His name appears in the Salopian Ex-
chequer subsidies from 1522 to 1545.
There was evidently a strong religious
bias in the Wold or Olde family, and we
find that they were frequently connected
with the church in one way or another.
They were evidently men of strong con-
victions, who would adhere to their be-
liefs even in the face of loss or danger.
In the case of William Olde, this fidelity
on the part of his brother John redounded
to his own worldly advancement, as he
succeeded to the old family estate from
which the aforesaid John was disinher-
ited. To him and his wife three children
were born: Thomas, Richard, and John.
Their son Richard we know compara-
243
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
tively little concerning, but his death oc-
curred at Broseley in the year 1599, when
nearly ninety years of age. He married
Agnes Courtenay and was bailiff of Wen-
lock corporation. To him and his wife
three children were born as follows: Wil-
liam, who is mentioned below ; Richard ;
and Edward.
Their son, William Olde, married Ann
(Eleanor) Courtenay, and with his wife
went to Sherborne, Dorsetshire. The
strong religious convictions of the Oldes
again come to the surface in the record
of William Olde, although this time they
were manifested on the other side of the
controversy. By this time the Protestant
element in England had become dominant
and it was dangerous to profess Catho-
licism. William Olde, however, evidently
had leanings toward the Catholic church,
and got into trouble in Dorsetshire for
harboring in his house there a Jesuit
priest, who, according to the old records,
when the house was searched, was found
hiding in a large oaken chest under a cur-
tain. Probably the danger of continuing
in his belief was too great for William
Olde's prudence, and he was baptized ac-
cording to the rites of the Church of Eng-
land in 1566. An amusing turn is given
to the matter by the old record, which re-
counts that he was fined for not attending
the Anglican Church, and his wife for per-
sistently sleeping during the sermons
which were preached there. The persecu-
tion of the Catholics at that time was so
violent that they were obliged to conform
to the Church of England, however, and
profess its tenets in pul^lic. whatever their
private beliefs may have been. His death
occurred December 18, 1566, before that
of his father. He and his wife were the
parents of three children : Thomas, Bar-
tholom,ew, who is mentioned below ; and
John.
Their son, Bartholomew Olde, was liv-
ing at Sherborne, in 1594, his name being
mentioned in the old records January 10
that year. He married, June 21, 1574,
Margaret Churchill, and thus became con-
nected with one of the most distinguished
families of England, his wife being the
great-aunt of the famous Duke of Marl-
borough. Bartholomew Olde appears to
have inherited his father's predelictions
for the Catholic faith, and we find in an
old record the following words in regard
to him : that he "aided and abetted his
brother Thomas in hiding Father Eustace,
a priest of the Order of Jesus." He and
his wife were the parents of two children :
William, who is mentioned below; and
Sibell, born December 16, 1576, at Sher-
borne, and married, July 3, 1592, Hugh
Exall, of Yeovil.
Their son, William Olde, was born at
Sherborne, January 18, 1575, and married
Elizabeth Greensmith, at St. Stephen's
Church, at Coleman street, London. They
were the parents of three children : Bar-
tholomew; John, who is mentioned be-
low ; and Avis.
John Olde. their son, was born at Sher-
borne in the year 1615, and married
Gatherest. Not much is known concern-
ing the life of John Olde, but the names of
five children are recorded: Andrew, who
went to Ireland and from whom the Ould
family of that country is descended ; Rob-
ert, the progenitor of the American fam-
ilies, who is mentioned below ; John ;
Hanibal and Francis.
Their son, Robert Ould (Old), was born
at Sherborne, Dorsetshire, in 1645, ^^'^
came to the New England colonies at an
unknown date. He is found at Windsor,
Connecticut, as early as 1667, however,
where he was apprenticed to one Jacob
Drake. He appears to have prospered
well, and was granted fifty acres of land
in 1670, the records reading that the grant
was made to Dr. Robert Ould. This tract
244
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
was situated on the corner of High street,
Suffield, on the corner of the New Haven
road. Dr. Ould was one of the five pro-
prietors of Suffield, and took a prominent
part in the life of that community and was
given the title of doctor. He was agent
for the town before the General Court of
Boston, being commissioned to make a
plea for the remittance of the town's taxes
which the community was too poor to
pay. This he was successful in accom-
plishing, and was paid by the town a sum
of something over seven pounds for his
services. Robert Ould was twice married,
the first time December 31, 1669, when
he was united with Susanna Hanford, by
whom he had the following children :
Robert, Jonathan, Mindwell, Handford,
William, William (2nd), mentioned be-
low; Ebenezer and Susanna. His second
marriage was with Dorothy Granger, and
of this union the following children were
born : John, Ebenezer, Josiah, Jonathan,
Nathaniel and Joseph.
William Old was born at Suffield, Con-
necticut, August 28, 1680, and died at
North Brookfield, Massachusetts, Septem-
21, 1749. He was captain of the colonial
forces at the siege of Lewisburg, in Queen
Anne's War in 1747, and his home was
situated on the west side of the river, near
Mason's brook, at North Brookfield, Mas-
sachusetts. He married Elizabeth Walk-
er born November 20, 1691, and died May
10, 1782, and they were the parents of the
following children: Elizabeth. William,
Hannah, Abigail, Josiah, Deborah, Com-
fort, mentioned below ; and Ezekiel.
Their son. Comfort Olds, was born May
24, 1724, at Brookfield, Massachusetts,
and died July 29, 1779. He was a soldier,
and served both during the French and
Indian wars and later in the Revolution.
He married, May 23, 1745, Abigail Barnes,
and they were the parents of the follow-
ing children : Hannah, Ezra, Samuel,
Eunice, Levi, mentioned below; Abigail,
Rachel, John, Comfort, Mercy and Abel.
Levi Olds, their son, was born January
8, 1741, at Brookfield, Massachusetts, and
served in the Continental arm.y during the
Revolutionary War. In 1778 he moved
to Goshen, Massachusetts, and there mar-
ried Sabra , by whom he had the
following children : Levi, Rufus, Zenas,
and Archibald, mentioned below.
Archibald Olds, their son, died in the
year 1857, there being very little else of
importance in his life of which there is
record, with the exception of his mar-
riage to Webb, who bore him the
following named children : Nathan, men-
tioned below; Hannah, Betsey, Melissa.
Nathan Olds, their son, was born at
Canterbury, Connecticut, in December,
1812. He worked on his father's farm
while a boy, and upon attaining young
manhood secured a position in the foun-
dry operated by his future father-in-law,
Nathan Allen. He later removed to Dan-
ielson, Connecticut, and there engaged in
the foundry business in partnership with
his brother-in-law, Nathan Allen, Jr.,
under the firm name of Allen & Olds.
The product of their factory was stoves
and other hardware devices for household
use. Mr. Olds was a prominent man in
the community, and held the position of
first selectman of Danielsonville for a
number of years. He m,et his death in
i860, in a railroad accident. He married,
September 30, 1838, Lois Allen, daughter
of Nathan Allen, of Canterbury, where
she was born, and granddaughter of
Parker and Lois (Backus) Allen (see
Backus). Mr. and Mrs. Olds were the
parents of the following named children :
Nathan, born August 16, 1839, married,
about 1861, Mary Robinson; Edward
Payson. born June 12, 1841, died in in-
fancy; Albert Hinckley, born June 11,
245
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
i8zJ4, died September 30, 1874; and Al-
fred Allen, mentioned below.
Alfred Allen Olds was born January 16,
1852, at Danielsonville (now Danielson),
Connecticut, and there spent the years of
his childhood, and it was there that he
began his education in the local district
schools. When about nine years of age
he accompanied his mother to New
Haven, and made his home in that city
with his elder brother, Nathan Olds. In
the year 1865 the family came to Hart-
ford, Connecticut, and this city has re-
mained Mr. Olds' home and the scene of
his active career ever since. He con-
tinued his education in the public schools
of New Haven while residing in that city,
and upon coming to Hartford he attended
the schools there. Later he secured a
position with the Old Merchants' Insur-
ance Company and remained with that
concern for some time, becoming familiar
with the insurance business in particular
and general business methods, which
were to be of value to him in later life.
Subsequently Mr. Olds entered the em-
ploy of Allen & Willard, which firm was
then engaged in the stove, furnace, agri-
cultural implements and fertilizer business,
and later with C. L. Willard, successor to
Allen & Willard. This was his last ex-
perience as an employee, however, for on
November 15, 1877, he entered into part-
nership with Frank H. Whipple, purchas-
ing the interest of C. L. Willard, suc-
cessor to the firm of Allen & Willard, and
the new firm became known as Olds &
Whipple. The business had originally
been founded by Charles Allen, an uncle.
All the lines of trade above mentioned
were developed largely, but the fertilizer
business is now the largest department.
Later the firm of Olds & Whipple began
the growing of tobacco; their plantations
at the present time (1917) are located in
Hartford county, and they have an inter-
est in about five hundred acres of shade
grown tobacco. Some idea of the large
size of their operations may be gained
from the fact that they are the largest
dealers in fertilizers in Connecticut, and
handle some twenty-five thousand tons
annually. For a time they also carried a
line of steam heaters' and plumbers' sup-
plies, but this has now been abandoned in
order that they might concentrate more
entirely on the other departments of their
business. Mr. Olds is president of the
New England Tobacco Corporation, treas-
urer of the Windsor Tobacco Growers'
Corporation, treasurer of Steane, Hart-
man & Company, Incorporated, treasurer
of the Connecticut Leaf Tobacco Associa-
tion, and is associated with numerous
large and important concerns. Mr. Olds
is a member of the Asylum Hill Congre-
gational Church, where he and his family
are consistent attendants at divine service.
Mr. Olds married, March 2t„ 1875, Liz-
zie M. Whipple, sister of Frank H. W^hip-
ple, his partner, and daughter of John and
Elizabeth Whipple, of New Braintree,
Massachusetts. Children: i. Edith Wil-
lard, born February 2, 1876. 2. Alfred
Whipple, born Alarch 3, 1877; a resident
of Windsor, Connecticut ; married, in
1903, Mary McKee. of New Castle, Penn-
sylvania, daughter of John McKee, M. D.,
of New Castle, and they have children :
John McKee, Lois Allen, Mary Alfreda.
3. Frank Albert, born October 28, 1879;
a resident of Hartford : married, January
5, 1909, Annette Mabel Hills, of Hartford,
daughter of C. S. Hills, of that city. 4.
Edna Allen, born November i. 1881 ; mar-
ried, June 20, 1906, F. B. Pease, of Guil-
ford, Maine, and they have children :
Allen Franklin, died March, 1915; Fran-
ces Barber, Elizabeth Whipple. 5. Her-
bert Vincent, born ]May 23, 1883, died De-
cember 2, 1913; married Mary Lovejoy,
daughter of Dr. Lovejoy, of Lynn, Massa-
246
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
chusetts, and had one son, Herbert, born
December 19, 1913.
(The Backus Line).
The Backus family is and has been for
many generations very prominent not
only in New England but throughout the
northern and eastern portions of the
United States. It was founded in this
country by Stephen Backus, a native of
England, who settled in the year 1638 at
Saybrook, Connecticut. In 1660. an aged
man, he removed to Norwich, Connecti-
cut, where he was one of the original pro-
prietors of that town, and he was admit-
ted a freeman there in 1663, the year pre-
ceding his death. He married (first)
Sarah Charles, and (second) Ann ,
to whom he was united some time before
1660. He was the father of children as
follows : Stephen, married, and had chil-
dren who settled in Canterbury, Connec-
ticut; William, mentioned below; Sam-
uel, died unmarried ; Sarah ; Mary.
William Backus, son of Stephen Bac-
kus, is spoken of in the old records as
Lieutenant Backus. He was one of the
early settlers and one of the most enter-
prising citizens of Norwich, Connecticut,
and he later became one of the proprietors
of Windham in the same colony. He was
one of the legatees of Joshua Uncas, from
whose estate he received three shares of
a thousand acres each. His death oc-
curred about 1721. He married twice, but
there is record of only one marriage, to
Elizabeth Pratt, a daughter of Lieutenant
William and Elizabeth (Clark) Pratt. By
the first marriage he had Samuel and
John, who settled in Windham, where
they left posterity. By the second mar-
riage he had : Sarah, born in 1663 ; Sam-
uel, 1665 ; Joseph, mentioned below ; Na-
thaniel, born in 1669; Elizabeth, died in
1728, and Hannah.
Joseph Backus, son of Lieutenant W^il-
liam Backus, was born at Norwich, Con-
necticut, in 1667, died in December, 1740.
He married, April 9, 1690, Elizabeth
Huntington, born in 1669, died August 24,
1762. They were the parents of the fol-
lowing named children: i. Joseph, born
in March, 1691, died March 30, 1761 ; edu-
cated at Yale College ; married Hannah
Edwards, aunt to President Edwards, by
whom he had two sons and two daugh-
ters, who all died prior to his death, and
his family is now extinct. 2. Samuel,
mentioned below. 3. Ann, born January
27, 1695, died August 24, 1761 ; became the
wife of Nathaniel Lothrop ; they were the
parents of a number of children. 4.
Simon, born February 11, 1701 ; educated
at Yale College, was a minister of the
gospel and served at Wethersfield ; mar-
ried Eunice Edwards, sister of President
Edwards ; he went to Cape Breton in the
fall of 1745 to preach there, and died there
in February, 1746; his widow died June
I, 1788. 5. James, born August 14. 1703,
died October 15, 1753; married and was
the father of several children. 6. Eliza-
beth, born October 27, 1705, died 1787;
married Cypran Lad, and had children.
7. Sarah, born in July, 1709, died 1791;
married Jabez Bingham, and had chil-
dren. 8. Ebenezer, born March 30, 1712,
died November 5, 1768; married three
times and was the father of several chil-
dren.
Samuel Backus, son of Joseph and Eliz-
abeth (Huntington) Backus, was born at
Norwich, Connecticut, January 6, 1693,
died November 24, 1740. He married,
January 18, 1716, Elizabeth Tracy, born
April 6, 1698, died in 1769. a daughter of
John and Elizabeth (Leffingwell) Tracy,
and granddaughter of John and Mary
(Winslow) Tracy and of Thomas and
Mary (Bushnell) Lefifingwell. John Tracy
(grandfather) was born August 15, 1642,
and died in August, 1702; married, June
247
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
17, 1670, Mary Winslow, born at Marsh-
field, January 31, 1649, died July 31, 1721.
Their children: Josiah, born August 10,
1671, died January 27, 1672; John, men-
tioned below; Elizabeth, born July 7,
1676; Joseph, born April 20, 1682, died
1765, married and had children: Wins-
low, born February 9, 1689, died 1768.
John Tracy (father) was born January
19, 1673; married, May 10, 1697, Elizabeth
Leffingwell, born in September, 1676, and
died 1737. Their children: Elizabeth,
born April 6, 1698, aforementioned as the
wife of Samuel Backus ; John, born June
17, 1700. died August, 1786; Hezekiah,
born August 30, 1702, died 1792, unmar-
ried; Josiah, born February 27, 1705, died
April 28, 1705: Isaac, born May 25, 1706,
died January 25. 1779; Ann, born Novem-
ber 29, 1708, died April 20, 1762: Ruth,
born September 13, 171 1, died October 15,
1773; Ann and Ruth were married the
same day, in November, 1730, to Richard
and Elijah Hide, and both had children.
Thomas Leffingwell (grandfather) mar-
ried Mary Bushnell, of Norwich, and their
children were: Thomas, born March 4,
1674: Elizabeth, born in September, 1676,
became the wife of John Tracy, afore-
mentioned ; Ann, born January 25, 1680,
became the wife of Captain Caleb Bush-
nell; Mary, born March 11. 16S2, became
the wife of Simon Tracy ; Zerviah, born
October 17, 1686, became the wife of Cap-
tain Benajah Bushnell ; John, born Febru-
ary 2, 1688, captain; Abigail, born Sep-
tember 14, 1691, became the wife of Dan-
iel Tracy; Benajah, born August 9, 1693.
Children of Samuel and Elizabeth
(Tracy) Backus:
I. Samuel, born January 11, 1717, died
October 2, 1778; married (first) Decem-
ber 14, 1743, Phoebe Calkins; children:
i. Phoebe, born October 28, 1744, died
October 5, 1786, married and had children,
ii Elizabeth, born August 26, 1746. iii.
Samuel, born January 20, 1749. iv, Han-
nah, born February 23, 1751. died Novem-
ber 24, 1827; married. May 5, 1778, Elder
William Nelson, born July 18, 1741, died
in April, 1806; children: Samuel, born
April 21, 1779; Sarah, April 27, 1781 ;
William, June 13, 1784, died February 13,
1787, and Margan, born October 25, 1787.
V. A daughter, born and died March 8,
1755. The mother of these children died
April I, 1755. Samuel Backus married
(second) July 2, 1755, Elizabeth Wedge;
children: vi. Ann, born June 25, 1757.
vii. William, born August 28, 1758, died
December i, 1774. viii, Rufus, born May
12, 1 761.
2. Ann Backus, born June 10, 1718, died
December 29, 1756. She married, July 22,
1742, Captain Joshua Abell, who died Jan-
uary 17. 1788, aged eighty-two years. Chil-
dren : i. Isaac, born May 17, 1743; died
June 3, 1783. ii. Ann, born 1745, died in
eorly life. iii. Ann, born June 22. 1747
iv. Elizabeth, v. Abigail, born May 19
1752. vi. Roger, born September 30, 1754
died May 7, 1759. vii. Rufus Backus
born December 12, 1756.
3. Elizabeth, born February 9, 1721
married Jabez Huntington, Esq., whose
death occurred October 5, 1780 (or 1786)
Children: Jedediah, born in July, 1743
and .Andrew, born in June, 1745, died July
I. 1745-
4. Isaac Backus, born January 9, 1724,
died November 20, 1806. He married,
November 29, 1749, Susanna Mason, born
January 4, 1725, died September 19, 1805,
Children: i. Hannah Backus, born No-
vember 8, 1750. ii. Nathan Backus, born
June 18, 1752, died March 24. 1814: mar-
ried, November 18, 1784, Bethiah Leon-
ard, born May 8, 1755, died September
19, 1806 ; children : Olive, born August 9,
1785; Bethiah, March 4, 1787; Sybil, Jan-
uary 30, 1789; Polly, November 2, 1791 ;
Nathan. January 24, 1705, died August
24, 1797; a daughter, still-born, January
4, 1799. iii. Isaac Backus, born Febru-
ary 21, 1754, died .April 16, 1814: married,
September 21, 1786, Esther Shepard, born
September 17, 1756, died June 9, 1832;
children: Samuel, born September 16,
1787; Isaac, November 27, 1789; Mason,
August 27, 1792, died September 22, 1813.
iv. Eunice Backus, born October 23, 1755,
died September 16, 181 5; married, Octo-
248
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ber 13, 1795, Isaac Dean, born May 31,
1744, died in July, 1819 ; children : Eunice,
born February 20, 1797; Susana, February
9. 1801. V. Susana Backus, born October
13, 1758. vi. Lois Backus, born August 3,
1760; married, December 17, 1786, Parker
Allen, born December 25, 1761, died No-
vember 26, 1823; children: (a) Nathan
Allen, born April 3, 1787, died February
26, 1880; married, December 17, 1812,
Nancy Hinkley, born in August, 1788,
children : Lois Allen, born January 23,
1815, died May 30, 1895; Hannah Allen,
June 22, 1818; Charles Allen, May 25,
1820; Parker Allen, January 5, 1822, died
July 21, 1823; Nathan Allen. November
28, 1824; Samuel Allen, June 10, 1827;
Nancy Allen, January 28, 1829; Waity
Allen, June 25, 1831. (b) Eunice Allen,
born July 7, 1790, died July 28, 1878; mar-
ried, April 2, 1823, Thomas Whipple, born
January 14, 1790; children: John Curtis
Whipple, born May 20, 1825 ; twins, born
September 6, 1826, one still-born, the
other died aged three days ; Nancy Eliza-
beth Whipple, born August 21, 1829. (c)
Susanna Allen, born June 13, 1794, died
November, 1885. vii. Lucy Backus, born
April 13, 1763, died March 4, 1837; mar-
ried, April 13, 1788, Alpheus Fobes, born
June 30, 1756, died in April, 1839; chil-
dren : Isaac, born February g, 1789 ; Sybil,
March 17, 1791 : Josiah, June 14, 1793;
Alpheus, November 24, 1795; Aretas,
April 9, 1798; Lucy, January 9, 1802. viii.
Simon Backus, born March 7, 1766, died
July 20, 1833; married (first) November
8, 1789. Hannah Alden, born February 2,
1765, died in January. 1816; married (sec-
ond) March. 1820, Ruth Hatheway. a
widow ; children of first wife : Andrew.
born October 3, 1790 ; Ebenezer, born July
14, 1792, died September 13, 1815; a
daughter, born March 28, 1795, died April
15, 1795; Eunice, born February 27, 1796;
Isaac, born October 22. 1797, died July
14, 1819 ; Joseph Alden, born August 29,
1799; Hannah, born October 11, 1801. ix.
Sybil Backus, born February 17, 1768,
died March 23, 1788.
5. Elijah Backus, born March 14, 1726,
died suddenly, September 4, 1798; mar-
ried (first) January 9, 1753, Lucy Gris-
wold, who died December 16, 1795; mar-
ried (second) October 30. 1796, Margaret
Tracy, a widow ; children of first wife :
Elijah, born February 17. 1754, died
March 8, 1755; a daughter, born January
11, 1756, died February 21, 1756; Lucy,
born January 31, 1757, became the wife
of Dudley Woodbridge, and moved to the
Ohio; Elijah, born May 2, 1759; James,
born July 10, 1761, died January 17, 1762;
a daughter, born March 18, 1763, died
April 21, 1763; James, born July 14, 1764;
Matthew, born September 24, 1766; Clar-
ina, born August 7, 1769.
6. Simon Backus, born January 17,
1729, died February 16, 1764.
7. Eunice, born May 17, 1731, died Au-
gust ID, 1753: married. January 4. 1753,
John Post ; their daughter, Eunice, was
born July 27, 1753.
8. Andrew, born November 16. 1733,
died November 20. 1796; married. Febru-
ary 8, 1759. Lois Pierce, born August 14,
1732; children: Stephen, born November
27, 1759; Thomas, May, 1762; Simon,
April 12, 1765, went through college, and
died, unmarried, September 19, 1788; Syl-
vanus, born June 3, 1768; Eunice, June
14, 1770, died July 7, 1792; Mary, born
January 8, 1773; Lucy. March 14. 1777;
Stephen. Thomas, Sylvanus and Mary
had families ; Lucy died unmarried.
g. Asa Backus, born May 3. 1736. died
July 23. 1788; married. May 12, 1762,
lEstherParkus; children: Asa, born May
12, 1763; Esther, October. 1765; Mary,
August 29. 1767, died October 10, 1785;
Joseph, February 3, 1770, died April 22,
1771 ; Eunice, February 23. 1772; Lucy,
ATarch 26, 1774; John, July 17, 1777; Sam-
uel, October, 1780; Asa married and had
a family, the remainder of the children
died unmarried.
10. Lucy Backus, born April 18, 1738,
died May 20, 1808; married. August 16.
1764. Benajah Leffingwell. born January,
1738. died September. 1804. Children:
Benajah. born June 22. 1765; Lucy, born
January 31, 1767, died June 27. 1797, mar-
ried and had children; Elizabeth, born
October 8, 1768; a daughter, born January
31. 1 77 1, died February 21. 1771 ; Richard,
born October 3, 1773 ; Mary, born Novem-
ber 21. 1775; Oliver, born October 28,
1778, died in New York. October, 1798.
11. John Backus, born October 16. 1740,
died unmarried : he served as a selectman
249
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
and a representative of Norwich, and was
an active and useful citizen. His brothers,
Elijah and Andrew Backus, also served as
representatives and both served as jus-
tices of the peace, one at Norwich and the
other at Plainfield.
Samson Mason, ancestor of Susanna
(Mason) Backus, aforementioned as the
wife of Isaac Backus, was a soldier in
Cromwell's army, but after the death of
Crom.well he came to America and settled
in Rehoboth, Massachusetts, where his
sons resided. His sons were : Noah, Sam-
son, James, John, Samuel, Joseph, Isaac,
Pelatiah. and Benjamin, and perhaps his
posterity are now as numerous as those
of any man who emigrated to this coun-
try. Peletiah married and was the father
of four sons, Joseph, Job, Russell and
John, all of whom were ministers of the
Gospel, Joseph for many years pastor of
the second church in Swansea, and all
lived to above eighty years of age. Samuel
Mason, son of Samuel Mason, son of Sam-
son Mason, was born in June. 1683, died
June 3. 1772. He married (first) a Miss
Reed, in Rehoboth. and their children
were as follows : Rabina, became the wife
of Chaffee, and was the mother of
Deacon John Chaffee, of New Bedford ;
Elizabeth, became the wife of Gideon
Franklin, and died at Cheshire, May,
1795, aged above eighty years: Sarah,
died young; Hannah, died young; Sam-
uel, married, had a family, and died De-
cember I, 1786, in his seventy-third year,
St rvived by his widow; Moses, married,
had a family, and died July 2. 1798, aged
seventy-eight years ; Mary, became the
wife of Ichabod Ide ; Lydia, became the
wife of John Mason: Susanna, liecame
the wife of Isaac Backus ; and a child that
died in infancy. Samuel Mason married
a second wife, who bore him three chil-
dren: John, Sarah and Hannah, all of
whom married and had families.
WHIPPLE, Frank Herbert,
Business Man.
Frank H. Whipple is a member of an
old and distinguished New England fam-
ily. It was founded in this country by
Captain John Whipple, of Providence,
Rhode Island, who came to that region
at an early period in colonial history from
some part of England. It is now repre-
sented in various parts not only of New
England but of the United States gen-
erally, but nowhere more worthily than
bv the distinguished gentleman whose
name heads this brief sketch, who is re-
garded as one of the most public-spirited
citizens of Hartford, Connecticut, and ex-
hibits in his own person and character the
talents and virtues of a long line of worthy
ancestors.
Mr. Whipple's grandfather was Thomas
Whipple, who resided at New Braintree,
Massachusetts, where he owned a valu-
able farm. He also made his home for a
time at Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire. He
married for his third wife Miss Susan
Allen, a member of a very old family
which is the subject of extended mention
elsewhere in this work. The children of
this marriage were : John C. Whipple, the
father of the subject of this sketch : and
Nancy, who became the wife of Daniel
Bartlett. John C. Whipple had two half-
brothers by his father's first and second
marriages — Francis and F'rederick.
John C. Whipple, the son of Thomas
and Susan (Allen) Whipple, was born
May 20, 1825. at Canterbury, Connecticut.
\\'hen he was about four years of age his
parents removed to- New Braintree, Mas-
spchusetts, where they owned the farm
already referred to. The early life of
John C. Whipple was that of the typical
farmer's lad of that period, and he grew
up in the midst of a healthy rural environ-
ment there. Indeed, he continued to live
250
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
on the farm formerly owned by his father
until he had reached the age of forty
years, and then went to Springfield, Mas-
sachtisetts. In Springfield he became a
successful dealer in milk, and ran a milk
route in the city and surrounding region.
Still later he came to Hartford, Connecti-
cut, where he worked in the store of Olds
& Whipple. While residing at New
Braintree, Mr. Whipple, Sr., took a prom-
inent part in the general life of the com-
munity, and held the post of first select-
man of the town for many years. He was
overseer of the poor there, and a staunch
and active Republican. He married Miss
Elizabeth Ouimby, a daughter of Isreal
Allen, and a native of Spencer, Massachu-
setts, where she was born May i, 1825.
The death of Mr. Whipple, Sr., occurred
at Hartford, December 22, 1898, and that
of his wife in the same city, January 27,
igo8. They were the parents of five chil-
dren, two of whom grew to maturity, as
follows : Lizzie, who became the wife of
Alfred A. Olds, the partner of our subject,
a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in
this work ; and Frank Herbert, with
whose career we are especially concerned.
Frank Herbert Whipple, son of John C.
ai.d Elizabeth Ouimby (Allen) Whipple,
was born April 23, 1856, on his father's
farm at New Braintree. He received his
education in the public schools of New
Braintree, at Worcester Academy, and
Eastman Business College at Poughkeep-
sie, New York. He then went to Spring-
field, Massachusetts, at the same time his
father moved to that city, and there se-
cured a position in the employ of Hoiuer,
Foot & Company, dealers in hardware,
iron and steel. The concern was a large
one and did a very extensive business at
that time, and there Mr. Whipple laid the
foundation of his thorough knowledge of
business and business methods generally.
He remained for three years with Homer,
Foot & Company, and then withdrew from
that concern to take the position of head
bookkeeper for J. S. Carr & Company,
which did a large cracker baking busi-
ness. After one year there, he formed his
present partnership with Mr. Olds and
came to Hartford, Connecticut, where
they now operate a very successful busi-
ness under the name of Olds & Whipple.
Besides this concern, Mr. Whipple is as-
sociated with many others, among them
being the Windsor Tobacco Growers'
Corporation of which he is the president ;
the New England Tobacco Corporation of
which he is the treasurer ; and Steane,
Hartman & Company, a large corporation
in Hartford. The firm of Olds & Whipple
is a very old one and deals now on a large
scale in agricultural implements, stoves
and furnaces, fertilizers and seed, and of
recent years has taken up extensively the
growing of tobacco. It is at present one
of the largest dealers in fertilizers in the
region.
Mr. Whipple was united in marriage,
on the first day of November, 1888, at
Huntington, Massachusetts, with Miss
Clara Williams, a daughter of Augustus
Williams, of Springfield, Massachusetts ;
she was born on the 21st of June, i860, at
Ashfield, Massachusetts. To Mr. and
Mrs. Whipple three children have been
born, as follows : Frank A., who is con-
nected with the Hampton Institute of
Hampton, Virginia ; Merle W., who is
now a student at Yale University, class of
1917; and Marion E.. of the class of 1919,
of Wellesley College. Mr. Whipple and
his wife are members of the Asylum Hill
Congregational Church, of which he is a
deacon.
GILBERT, Charles Edwin,
Secretary Aetna I<ife Insurance Company.
He comes from ancient English ances-
try, it being written of the Gilbert fam-
ily, that they are "ancient and honorable."
251
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
In Volume IV of the "New England His-
torical and Genealogical Register," J.
Wingate Thornton says of the Gilbert
family: "It stands conspicuous among
the illustrious names of Raleigh, Drake,
Cavendish, Gosnold, Hawkins, and a host
of naval worthies, and with singular hap-
piness is joined with the three first named
in lineage as well as in the less tangible
but generous relationship of mind. The
name Gilbert is Saxon, signifying, it is
thought, 'Bright or brave pledge,' from
the fact that it is written in 'Domesday
Book,' 'Gislebert,' and that 'Gisle' in old
Saxon signifies a pledge. It is written on
the Roll of Battle Abbey, T. Gilbard.
Richard Fitz Gilbert, a kinsman of the
Conqueror, and a principal personage, was
for his services advanced to great honors
and possessions. 'The name is eminent
in the annals of the church, state and
learning of England, through several cen-
turies. Its early and principal home is in
Devonshire, and from this stock, distin-
guished in naval and commercial history
and geographical science and discoveries,
issued many branches, planted in other
portions of the country.' Arms — 'Argent,
on a chevron sable three roses of the first.
Crest — A dolphin, naivant embowed'."
The English history of the family has
been traced to that Gilbert of Compton,
parish of Marldon, County Devon, Eng-
land, who was succeeded by his son
Thomas Gilbert and his wife Amy. The
line of descent is through their son Jef-
frey Gilbert, married Jane or Joan, daugh-
ter and coheir of William Compton. Esq.,
of Compton ; their son, William Gilbert,
of Compton, married Elizalieth, daughter
and coheir of Oliver Champernon. Esq.,
by his first wife Egelina, daughter of
Hugh Valetort, Esq., of Tamerton ; their
son, William Gilbert, of Compton, mar-
ried Isabel, daughter of William Gambon,
Esq., of Mareston; their son, Ortho or
Otes Gilbert, sheriff of Devonshire under
Edward IV., 1475, married Elizabeth,
daughter of John (or Robert) Hill, Esq.,
of Shilston in Modbury ; their son, Wil-
liam Gilbert, of Ridge Rule, in Cornwall.
married Carlisle. Richard Gilbert,
of the eighth generation, son of William,
was of North Fetherwin, Devonshire,
moved to Norfolk, and became lord of
the manor of Waldcote in North Burling-
ton, where he died in 1545. He married a
second wife, Elizabeth, and was succeeded
by their son, Thomas Gilbert, lord of the
manor of Waldcote, who married Aubray,
daughter of Thomas Brooks, in Norfolk.
The American history of the family be-
gins with Jonathan Gilbert, son of Thom-
as and Aubray (Brooks) Gilbert, of the
manor of Waldcote. Jonathan Gilbert is
on record as of Hartford in 1645, ^^'^'^ ^^'^^
then a bachelor landholder aged about
twenty-seven. No doubt he arrived in
New England at a much earlier date, for
in April, 1646, he was sufficiently familiar
with the language of the Indians to act as
interpreter between them and the govern-
ment officials. This ability, coupled with
personal bravery, enabled him to render
valuable service. He was generally se-
lected as a leader in emergencies, and
was a man of eminent respectability and
enterprise, engaged in mercantile busi-
ness and coasting trade of the young colo-
nies, possessed of great wealth for that
day. He held various civil offices; was
collector of customs at Hartford ; served
as marshal of the colony ; office corres-
i;ondent to the high sheriff; representa-
tive to the General Court ; and by govern-
ment grants and purchase became pos-
sessed of large tracts of land. He mar-
ried a second wife, Mary Welles, born
1626, died July 3, 1700, a sister of Gov-
ernor Thomas Welles, and daughter of
Frances Colman, by her first husband,
Hugh Welles. Jonathan Gilbert died De-
252
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
cember lo, 1682, and his tombstone is yet
to be seen in the burying ground in the
rear of the Center Congregational Church,
Hartford.
Samuel Gilbert, son of Jonathan, "the
founder," was one of the proprietors of
the town of Colchester, Connecticut, set-
tling about 1698 and there residing until
his death in 1733.
His son, Samuel (2) Gilbert, settled in
Gilead, Connecticut, and was a member of
the church there from the date of the or-
ganization of the parish in 1748.
He was succeeded by his son. Captain
Samuel (3) Gilbert, of Gilead, born Octo-
ber 16, 171 1, died in Lyme, New Hamp-
shire, October 16, 1774. He served in the
French and Indian wars as ensign of the
North Company of Hebron in May, 1745 ;
captain of the Gilead Company in 1749;
and as captain of the Seventeenth Com-
jmny, Third Connecticut Regiment, for
the expedition against Crown Point in
1755. He is said to have left an estate
inventoried at i6,ooo. He married (first)
February 17, 1732, Elizabeth Curtice. One
of his sons, Sylvester Gilbert, from whom
Charles Edwin Gilbert also descends in a
maternal line, was a graduate of Yale Col-
lege, a lawyer of Hebron, Connecticut,
judge of Tolland county court for many
years, member of the State Legislature
eighteen semi-annual sessions, member of
the commission which made the sale of
the Western Reserve lands, and all his
life conducted a farm.
Samuel (4) Gilbert, half-brother of
Judge Sylvester Gilbert, and son of Cap-
tain Samuel (3) Gilbert, was born in
Gilead, Connecticut, June 3, I734- ^^
settled in Hebron, Connecticut, April 21,
1818. He was employed on the farm until
reaching legal age, but in the mean time
had acquired a good preparatory educa-
tion. He then entered Yale College, was
graduated in the class of 1759. admitted
to the bar, became eminent as lawyer and
judge, serving as judge of the Court of
Common Pleas for twenty-one years. He
was a member of the Connecticut House
of Assembly in 1790-92-93-99; also held
many important civil offices, and the mili-
tary rank of lieutenant, serving in the
Twelfth Regiment in 1775 In his judicial
capacity he proved the high quality of his
mentality and uprightness of character,
and all through his life was a man held in
the very highest esteem. The end of life
saw him in full possession of his lofty
mind, and with perfect composure he
passed to that "bourne from which no
traveler ever returns." He married (sec-
ond) September 3, 1775, Deborah Cham-
pion, born May 3, 1753, died November
20, 1845, youngest daughter of Colonel
Henry and Deborah (Brainard) Cham-
pion, granddaughter of Lieutenant Henry
Champion, son of Thomas Champion, son
of Henry Champion, the American foun-
der of the family. Henry Champion, born
in England, settled in Saybrook, Connec-
ticut, as early as 1647 ^^'^ i" i6jo moved
to Lyme, Connecticut, and there died,
February 17, 1708, aged ninety-eight
years. His grandson. Lieutenant Henry
Champion, settled in East Haddam, where
he bought fifty acres in the first division
of land. He is described as "a man of
more than medium height, square and
compactly built, all his joints seemingly
double, and possessed of great strength."
His son. Colonel Henry Champion, born
1723, died 1797, began his military career
at the age of eighteen as ensign of the
East Haddam South Company; was cap-
tain of a company serving in the French
and Indian War in 1758; captain of the
Fifth Company of the Second Regiment
in 1759. and transferred to the command
of the Twelfth Company in 1760. He was
appointed major of the Twelfth Regim.ent
of Colonial Militia, May 14, 1772: com-
253
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
missary to supply Washington's troops
until March, 1776; colonel of the Twenty-
fifth Regiment, 1775; and after the army
began to assemble at New York, was in
charge of the commissary. In April, 1780,
he was appointed sole commissary-gen-
eral for the Eastern Department of the
Continental army, and relieved the army
at Morristown, New Jersey, largely from
his own resources. He resigned in May,
1780. He was many times elected to the
Connecticut Legislature, and ftom 1775
until his death in 1797, was deacon of
the Westchester church. His first wife,
Deborah Brainard, who was the mother
of all his children, was born June 20, 1724,
died March 17, 1789. daughter of Captain
Joshua and Mehitable (Dudley) Brainard.
Peyton Randolph Gilbert, son of Judge
Samuel (4) and Deborah (Champion) Gil-
bert, did not follow the professional lead
of his father, but was a substantial farmer
of Gilead all his life, also an eminent citi-
zen of Tolland county, serving in the
House of Representatives and in the State
Senate. He married Anna, daughter of
Elisha and Mary Gillett Porter.
Rev. Edwin Randolph Gilbert, son of
Peyton Randolph Gilbert, was born in
Gilead, Connecticut, February 10, 1808,
died in April, 1874. He prepared in
Gilead public schools and Monson Acad-
emy (Massachusetts), and entered Yale
College, whence he was graduated, class
of 1829. He then pursued studies in divin-
ity at Yale Theological Seminary, was
graduated in the class of 1832, ordained
pi'stor of the Wallingford, Connecticut,
Congregational church the same year, and
continued its pastor forty-one years. He
knew no other pastorate than Walling-
ford, his connection with that church end-
ing with his resignation two months prior
to his death. He was dearly beloved by
his people and townsmen ; was a man of
deep piety and intellectuality, serving well
the cause of Christianity. For twenty-five
years he was a member of the corporation
of Yale College, his alma muter. He mar-
ried Ann Langdon, born 1809, died 1841,
daughter of Reuben Langdon, of Hart-
ford, Connecticut, a descendant of George
Langdon, who came from England to
Wethersfield, Connecticut, about 1636.
The line of descent from George Lang-
don was through his son John, a deputy
to the General Court from Farmington,
Connecticut, in 1668 ; his son, Joseph
Langdon, of Farmington ; his son Joseph
(2), of Farmington and Southington ; his
son Giles, of Farmington and Southing-
ton ; his son Reuben, of Farmington, New
London and Hartford.
Reuben Langdon was born in Farm-
ington, Connecticut, in 1777, was engaged
in business in New London until about
1817, when he moved to Hartford, there
establishing a dry goods business which
under varied ownerships yet continues.
After his withdrawal from the dry goods
business he became treasurer of the Soci-
ety for Savings, popularly known as the
Pratt Street Bank, and was a director of
the Phoenix Bank. He died in Hartford
in 1849. Reuben Langdon married, in
1803, Patience Gilbert, daughter of Judge
Sylvester Gilbert and niece of Judge Samr
uel (4) Gilbert, grandfather of Rev. Ed-
win Randolph Gilbert, both he and his
wife, Ann Langdon, being great-grand-
children of Captain Samuel (3) Gilbert.
From such distinguished ancestry
comes Charles Edwin Gilbert of the eighth
Gilbert American generation, son of Rev.
Edwin Randolph and Ann (Langdon)
Gilbert. He was born November 8, 1836,
in Wallingford, Connecticut, and received
his education in the schools of that town
and Farmington. For some years he was
engaged in mercantile pursuits in Hart-
ford and New York. In 1868 he entered
the office of the ^tna Life Insurance
254
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Company, in Hartford, and his adapta-
bility to insurance business soon became
manifest. He served successively as ac-
countant, cashier, assistant secretary and
secretary, being elected to the latter posi-
tion in 1905.
While for nearly a half century his
identity has been merged with that of the
^tna Life Insurance Company, Mr. Gil-
bert has taken an active part in city
affairs, and has been prominent in many
of its most important organizations. He
was an original member of the old City
Guard, and for several years was a mem-
ber of the Governor's Foot Guard, hold-
ing rank as adjutant ; and is yet an hon-
ored member of its Veteran Corps, and a
trustee of the Foot Guard Armory. He
was an original Republican in politics,
and was one of the thirty organizing
members of the famous "Wide-Awake"
marching club of Hartford in 1861, an
organization which spread throughout the
entire North, and whose advocacy of Lin-
coln for the Presidency was an all-impor-
tant factor in bringing that great man to
his mission as the Savior of the Union.
Mr. Gilbert is a member of the Hartford
Club, the Hartford Golf Club, the Repub-
lican Club, the Twentieth Century Club,
the Sons of the American Revolution, the
Connecticut Historical Society, and is a
trustee of the Good Will Club. He and
his wife are both members of the Asylum
Hill Congregational Church, in which he
has served as deacon, and also as chair-
man of the society's committee. Mr. Gil-
bert's life has been one of continued activ-
ity from youth. He has borne well his
part in the development of one of the
greatest insurance corporations of the
world, and has uninterruptedly enjoyed
the confidence and highest personal re-
gard of his official associates — men who
are best qualified to judge of the value
of his business abilities and the worth of
his personal character.
Mr. Gilbert married Virginia Ewing
Crane, daughter of Aaron G. Crane, of
New York City, and they are the parents
of three sons — Albert Waldron Gilbert,
an insurance broker, of Hartford ; Edwin
Randolph Gilbert, a business man of Chi-
cago; and Charles Allan Gilbert, a well
known illustrator and artist of New York
City.
GROSS, Charles Edward,
Attorney, President of Connecticnt Hiatori-
cal Society.
By his personal efforts and through his
qualities of industry, perception and
steady application, Mr. Gross has attained
a high position at the bar of the State.
He is among the most public-spirited
citizens of Hartford, has given freely of
his time and services to the city, and is
interested in several of its most important
business enterprises. From early New
England ancestors, Mr. Gross has drawn
the qualities that make for success and
that constitute good citizenship.
It is supposed that his first American
ancestor, Isaac Gross, was born in or near
Cornwall, England. He settled in Bos-
ton, Massachusetts, and there his name
appears under a variety of spellings such
as Groce, Grose, Grosse and Growse. He
was accompanied to this country by his
brother, Edmond Gross, who was a sea-
faring man and a proprietor of Boston as
early as 1639. Isaac Gross was a brewer
by trade, but seems to have engaged in
agriculture after his arrival in America.
He was admitted to the Boston church
April 17, 1636, but accepted the teachings
of Wheelwright, and was dismissed from
that church to Exeter, New Hampshire,
January 6, 1638. He had a grant of land
in 1636 in the great allotment at what is
now Brookline, and after his dismissal
to Exeter he returned again to Boston,
where his will was proved June 5, 1649.
255
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
It is probable that he was possessed of
some means when he crossed the ocean,
for he left one of the largest estates of
his time at his death. His wife's bap-
tismal name was Ann, and after his death
she married (second) August 15, 1658,
Samuel Sheere, of Dedham.
Clement Gross, son of Isaac and Ann,
born in England, accompanied his father
to Boston, where he lived, and was also
a brewer by trade. His first wife Mary
was the mother of Simon Gross, born
about 1650 in Boston, died at Hingham,
Massachusetts, April 26, 1696. He had
settled there as early as 1675, and married
there, October 23rd of that year, Mary,
daughter of John Bond, born December
16, 1657. Simon Gross was a boatman,
and had a residence on Scituate street,
Hingham. His estate was valued at £198
5$. 3d. His second son, Simon Gross,
was born February 4, 1678, in Hingham,
lived in that town and Eastham^ Massa-
chusetts. He married, October 13, 1709,
Experience Freeman, daughter of Lieu-
tenant Edmund and Sarah (Mayo) Free-
man, granddaughter of Alajor John and
Mercy (Prence) Freeman. The last named
was the daughter of Governor Thomas
and Patience (Brewster) Prence, and
granddaughter of Elder William Brew-
ster, of the "Mayflower" colony. She
was also descended from Edmund Free-
man, the pioneer, and Rev. John Mayo,
the pioneer clergyman. Her eldest child
was Freeman Gross, born about 1710-11,
at Eastham, or Truro, died in 1742. Two
of his uncles removed from Hingham to
Hartford, Connecticut, and he joined them
there. He was admitted to the first
church of Hartford. October 15, 1732, and
married Susannah Bunce. They were the
parents of Thomas Gross, born in 1738,
died .\ugust 26, 1773. He married. May
I 1762, Huldah Seymour, born January
la. 1745, died January, 1836, daughter of
Richard Seymour, a descendant of Rich-
ard Seymour, an original proprietor of
Hartford in 1639. After the death of her
husband she removed with her children to
Litchfield, Connecticut, and there married
Ashbel Catlin, with whom she removed
to Shoreham, Vermont. Her son, Thomas
Freeman Gross, born November 30, 1772,
in Hartford, died at Litchfield, March 3,
1846. In 1773 he married Lydia, daughter
of John Mason, born April 14, 1773, died
July 23, 1864. They were the parents of
Mason Gross, born 1809, in Litchfield,
died in Hartford, March 10, 1864. At the
age of seventeen years, he located in Hart-
ford and there became in time a success-
ful wool merchant. For several years he
was captain of the Light Infantry Com-
pany of Hartford. He married, in 1832,
Cornelia Barnard, daughter of John (2)
and Sallie (Robbins) Barnard, of Hart-
ford, and granddaughter of Captain John
Barnard, a soldier of the early French
wars, also of the Revolution, and one of
the founders of the Society of the Cincin-
nati. Their youngest child is the subject
of this biography.
Charles Edward Gross was born Au-
gust 18, 1847, in Hartford, where his boy-
hood was passed receiving instruction in
the public schools of the city. Entermg
Yale University, he became a member of
the Alpha Delta Phi, was one of the lead-
ing members of the Phi Beta Kappa, and
was graduated in 1869. After leaving
Yale he spent one year in teaching in
Hall's School at Ellington, Connecticut.
In 1870 he began the study of law under
the instruction of Hon. Charles J. Hoad-
ley. State Librarian, and later in the office
of Waldo, Hubbard & Hyde, leading
attorneys of the city. Mr. Gross was
admitted to the bar of Hartford county in
September, 1872, but continued four years
as a law clerk with Waldo, Hubbard &
Hyde. In January, 1877, he was admitted
256
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
to partnership in the firm, and on the
death of Judge Waldo in 1881 the name
of the firm became Hubbard, Hyde &
Gross. After the death of Governor Hub-
bard in 1884 it was changed to Hyde,
Gross & Hyde. Following the death of
Hon. Alvin P. Hyde, the firm became
Gross, Hyde & Shipman, and has thus
continued to the present time. Among
the members of the firm is now included
Charles Welles Gross, a son of its head.
Mr. Charles E. Gross has given especial
attention to corporation affairs, has
handled a very extensive practice as insur-
ance lawyer, has conducted many import-
ant cases with remarkable skill, and
stands among the first of the State in his
profession. In his long and active career
he has become identified with various
undertakings ; has been director and coun-
sel of the Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance
Company since its reorganization in 1889 ;
is the director and counsel of the Aetna
Insurance Company; and has been at
times a director of the New York & New
England Railroad Company, and of The
Connecticut River Railroad Company.
He is the president of the Society for
Savings, of Hartford, the largest institu-
tion of its kind in the State, having assets
of over $42,000,000; since 1898 has been
president of the Holyoke Water Power
Company, which owns the large dam
across the Connecticut river, furnishing
the hydraulic power used at Holyoke,
Massachusetts. As attorney for Mrs.
Samuel Colt, for many years he repre-
sented her in the board of directors of the
Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing
Company. He has also acted as a director
in many manufacturing companies.
While deeply absorbed in his practice
and in business matters. Mr. Gross has
not neglected the literary and other inter-
ests of life. He is the vice-president of
the Wadsworth Atheneum, which has
charge of the beautiful Morgan Memorial
erected by the late J. Pierpont Morgan in
memory of his father. In 1917 Mr. Gross
was elected president of the Connecticut
Historical Society to succeed the late Dr.
Samuel Hart, of Middletown, who so long
filled that position with eminent satis-
faction to the people of the State. Mr.
Gross has served as president of the Yale
Alumni Association of Hartford, is a
member of the Society of the Cincinnati,
and of many of the patriotic organiza-
tions, two of which he has served as gov-
ernor. For many years he was vice-presi-
dent and since March, 1917, has been
president of the Hartford Bar Association,
and for eighteen years was a Park Com-
missioner of the city, serving twice as
president of the board. One of the organ-
izers of the Hartford Board of Trade and
a member of its board of directors since
its organization, he was several years its
president. In 1885 he became secretary
of the committee of twenty appointed to
arouse public interest to the importance
of action on liquor licenses and other
public questions. In this work Mr. Gross
was deeply interested, and he strove to
promote action which should best serve
the general welfare. In 1891 a committee
or five was appointed by the town, headed
by Professor John J. McCook, on outdoor
alms, and Mr. Gross was one of the most
active and useful members of this comr
mittee. Its investigations divulged the
fact that the United States expended more
per capita in outdoor alms-giving than any
other nation, that Connecticut led all the
other States, and that Hartford led in
Connecticut. The advantage to this
committee, and others on which he
served, of Mr. Gross's great legal knowl-
edge and perception, was very great, and
the report of the McCook committee pro-
duced a sensation in the city and was the
direct means of abating various abuses.
Conn— 3— 17
257
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
This report has been established as a
textbook in colleges on charity work on
account of its great statistical value. Mr.
Gross was made president at the creation
of the City Club, organized for municipal
reform, and has shown in multitudes of
ways his interest in the welfare of the
city and the State. The medical prac-
titioners of Connecticut have shown
great appreciation of the public services
of Mr. Gross, who has invariably declined
to accept any fee for services to the so-
ciety. In speaking of this, the "Hartford
Courant" said :
The doctors, however, have taken another way
to testify their appreciation of his assistance, and
yesterday the society, through its officers, pre-
sented him with a unique and very choice testi-
monial. It is in the shape of a beautiful hand-
made volume, bound in white morocco, and en-
closed in a rich, silk case. The book, on open-
ing, is found to consist of a number of parch-
ment pages on which are exquisitely engrossed the
resolutions of thanks passed by the society. The
illuminated lettering in colors is worthy the old
monks, and the whole work is noticeably beauti-
ful. * * * Xhe resolutions which were printed
in the volume are as follows : In recognition of
the distinguished service rendered to the people
of Connecticut by Charles E. Gross, Esq., in con-
nection with the recent passage of the Medical
Practice Bill by the Legislature, and in view of
the fact that this service has included many scores
of conferences with the members of the committee
which represented this society in securing such
legislation : the drafting of the bill and subse-
quent modifications of it; the presentation of the
most cogent of arguments in favor of its enact-
ment ; which latter has covered some years and
all of which has been done without compensation,
and often with great personal inconvenience and
sacrifice of business interests, and with such de-
votion to the welfare of all concerned as to render
it almost if not quite unique in character; there-
fore, "Resolved, That the Connecticut Medical
Society hereby expresses its high appreciation of
these services of Mr. Gross, and begs to extend
to him in behalf of its members and its constitu-
ency its thanks and congratulations, that this reso-
lution be spread upon the records of the society,
and that a copy be suitably engrossed for presen-
tation to him."
Mr. Gross was married, October 5,
1875, to Miss Ellen C. Spencer, of Hart-
ford, daughter of Calvin and Clarissa M.
(Root) Spencer, and they have had two
sons and a daughter: Charles Welles;
William Spencer, who died in infancy,
and Helen Clarissa Gross. The elder son
married, in 1905, Hilda Welch, of New
Haven, and has two sons — Spencer
Gross, and Mason W. Gross, and one
daughter, Cornelia Gross.
DWIGHT, Gen. Heru-y Cecil,
Man of Affairs, Civil War Veteran.
The Dwight family, represented in the
present generation by General Henry
Cecil Dwight, ex-mayor of Hartford and
president of the Mechanics' Savings
Bank of Hartford, also for many years
identified with important mercantile and
financial interests, is one of the oldest in
New England, and has contributed an
unusually large number of men who
have achieved signal success in various
walks of life, educators, public men,
judges, lawyers, journalists, business and
military men. The State of Connecticut
is indebted to the Dwight family for some
very able men who have been largely
instrumental in its upbuilding, and prom-
inent among these were the Rev. Timo-
thy Dwight, former president of Yale
University, and Major Timothy Dwight.
(I) John Dwight, the immigrant ances-
tor, came to the New World late in the
year 1634 or early in 1635, from Dedham,
England, and settled first at Watertown,
Massachusetts. He came not to better
his fortune, but to seek the religious free-
dom denied him in the land of his birth.
The records of Dedham, Massachusetts,
which began September i, 1635, when the
first town meeting was held, shows that
John Dwight was one of the twelve per-
sons there assembled. He was one of the
258
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
original grantees of the town, and it is
said that he with others brought the first
water-mill to Dedham, in September,
1635. He was one of the founders of the
church which was established there in
1638, and the town records speak of him
as "having been publicly useful," and
again as "a great peace-maker." He
served as selectman from 1639 to 1655.
He died January 24, 1659 (old style), and
his widow, Hannah Dwight, the mother
of all his children, died September 5,
1656.
(II) Captain Timothy Dwight, son of
John and Hannah Dwight, was born in
Dedham, England, in 1629. He was
brought to this country by his parents,
and although there were no schools at
Dedham, Massachusetts, at that early
day, his career plainly demonstrates that
he was well trained at home, his mother
having been a woman of superior intelli-
gence and character. He was made a
freeman in 1655 ; served ten years as town
clerk; and from 1664 to 1689 as select-
man ; and was a representative to the
General Court in 1691-92. He was one of
the agents who negotiated with the In-
dians for the purchase of their title to the
lands comprising the town of Dedham.
In his younger years he was cornet of a
troop, went out ten times against the
Indians, and held the rank of "Captain of
Foot." It was said of him "he inherited
the estate and virtues of his father, and
added to both." He was married six
times. The line herein followed is traced
through the second child of his third
wife, Anna (Flint) Dwight, born Sep-
tember II, 1643, daughter of the Rev.
Henry Flint, of Braintree (now Ouincy)
Massachusetts, and his wife, Margery
(Hoar) Flint, a sister of President Hoar,
of Harvard College. She married (first)
November 15. 1662, John Dassett, and
(second) January 9, 1665, Captain Timo-
thy Dwight. Of her it was said, "she
was a gentlewoman of piety, prudence,
and peculiarly accomplished for instruct-
ing young gentlewomen — many being
sent to her from other towns, especially
from Boston." Captain Dwight died
January 31, 1717, and his third wife,
above mentioned, died January 29, 1685-
86.
(III) Nathaniel Dwight, son of Cap-
tain Timothy and Anna (Flint) Dwight,
was born November 20, 1660, and died
November 7, 171 1. He removed from
Dedham to Hatfield, Massachusetts, and
from there, about 1695, to Northampton,
where he resided until his death. He was
a trader, farmer, and surveyor of land on
a large scale. He held the office of jus-
tice of the peace. He married, December
9, 1693, Mehitable, daughter of Colonel
Samuel and Mehitable (Crow) Partridge,
of Hatfield, Massachusetts. Mr. Dwight
died November 7, 1711, and the death of
his widow occurred October 19, 1756.
(IV) Colonel Timothy (2) Dwight.
son of Nathaniel and Mehitable (Part-
ridge) Dwight, was born at Hatfield,
Massachusetts, October 19, 1694, and died
December 15, 1763, leaving an estate
valued at nine thousand pounds. He was
a lawyer by profession, and was noted
for his disposition to discourage litiga-
tion, persuading litigants to settle their
differences before referees. He was
looked up to as one of the leading men in
the community, was very successful in
his undertakings, and acquired consider-
able wealth. He was selectman of the
town for a number of years ; was judge of
probate, 1737-41 ; judge of the County
Court, 1748-57, a portion of the time
serving as chief justice ; for many years
represented Northampton in the General
Court, and was colonel of a regiment.
He superintended the building of Fort
Dummer in Vernon (now Brattleboro),
259
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
"Vermont, in 1724; he was first com-
mander of the fort, and occupied that
position until 1726. In 1724 he also super-
intended the building of another fort at
Northfield. He was largely employed
also in surveying and platting towns in
that section of the country. He married,
August 16, 1716, Experience, daughter of
Lieutenant John King. Jr., of Northamp-
ton, and his wife, Mehitable (Pomeroy)
King. Mrs. Dwight died December 15,
(V) Major Timothy (3) Dwight, son
cf Colonel Timothy (2) and Experience
(Jsling) Dwight, was born at Fort Dum-
mer, Vermont, May 27, 1726. He was a
graduate of Yale University in 1747. His
father had planned for him a career in the
legal profession, but that did not appeal
to him and he became a merchant at
Northampton. He filled the office of
selectman from 1760 to 1764; was town
recorder from 1760 to 1765; register of
probate and judge of the Court of Com-
mon Pleas from 1758 to 1774, succeeding
his father who resigned that position in
1757; and was a representative to the
General Court for a number of years. He
conceived the idea of founding an indus-
trial and religious colony at Natchez, and
he accordingly purchased largely of the
crown grant made to General Lyman at
that place. In the spring of 1776 he set
out for the southwest with his sons,
Sereno and Jonathan, and his sister, Mrs.
Eleanor Lyman, and her children. His
health, which previously had been good,
gave way within a years' time to the
severe strain put upon it, and his death
occurred June 10, 1777. the death of his
sister Eleanor having occurred two
months previously. He married, No-
vember 8, 1750, Mary, daughter of the
Rev. Jonathan Edwards, by whom he had
thirteen children. She was "uniformly
described as a lady of uncommon beauty,
intellisrence and excellence."
(VI) Colonel Cecil Dwight, son of
Major Timothy (3) and Mary (Edwards)
Dwight, was born June 10, 1774. During
his young manhood he served as deputy
sheriff and a colonel of militia, and he
was also an auctioneer. In 1812 he was
a member of the State Legislature, and
served in an acceptable manner. In 1824
he retired to his farm comprising three
hundred acres, which he cultivated and
im!iroved. Like his progenitors he was
a sincerely religious man, and he was dis-
tinguished for the positiveness of his
moral convictions and conduct, and for
his simplicity, modesty, gentleness, indus-
try and energy. He was largely employed
as an arbitrator, and actively promoted
the material interests of the town. He
married, in June, 1798, Mary Clap, born
February 12, 1774, died May 16, 1844.
She survived her husband a number of
years, his death occurring at Moscow,
New York, November 26, 1839.
(VII) Rev. Henry Augustus Dwight,
son of Colonel Cecil and Mary (Clap)
Dwight, was born at Northampton,
March 7, 1804. After completing his
studies, he accepted a position as clerk in
a hardware store at Petersburgh, Vir-
ginia, owned by James Dwight, a son of
President Timothy Dwight, of Yale, ind
remained in that service for a number of
years. He then entered Williams College,
from, which he was graduated in 1829,
after which he studied theology at New
Haven and at East Windsor. Connecti-
cut. For twenty years he taught the
classics in various parts of the south —
at Tuscaloosa and Demopolis, Alabama,
and at Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia,
and from i860 until his death, which
occurred May 24, 1879, he resided at
Northampton, Massachusetts. He mar-
ried, December 4, 1838, Elizabeth Brint-
nell, born in 1S08, died October 20 1843,
daughter of Captain William Brintnell.
of New Haven, Connecticut. She was
260
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
survived by two sons: Charles Au-
gustus, who died in Chicago, Illinois, Oc-
tober 8, 1862, aged twenty-three years,
and Henry Cecil, of whom further.
(VIII) General Henry Cecil Dwight,
son of the Rev. Henry Augustus and
E'izabeth (Brintnell) Dwight, was born
in Northampton, Massachusetts, Janu-
ary 19, 1841. He acquired a practical
education in the schools of his native
town, and his first employment was as
clerk in a dry goods store there. At the
outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 he
enlisted in a three months' regiment, but
Northampton's quota being filled, he was
unable to go at once to the front. In
September, 1861, he was largely instru-
mental in organizing Company A, 27th
Massachusetts Regiment, and was ap-
pcjinted sergeant-major of the command,
which went with the Burnside expedition
to North Carolina. Three months later
he was appointed second lieutenant of
Company H, and in April, 1862, was
transferred to his original company and
promoted to first lieutenant. On July i
of the same year he was made captain,
having just attained his majority. He
was stationed with his regiment in North
Carolina until the fall of 1863, and was
then assigned to provost duty in Norfolk,
Virginia. Captain Dwight was returned
to his regiment in the spring of 1864, and
participated in the campaign on the James
river under General Butler. In Novem-
ber, 1863, he was appointed recruiting
officer of the 27th Regiment, and was suc-
cessful in reenlisting three hundred and
forty-three men. On May 16, 1864, he
was transferred from the 27th Regiment
to stafif service as assistant commissary
of subsistence under special order from
headquarters, and he continued in that
branch of the service until his term of
enlistment expired, September 28, i86jI.
Shortly after his return from the war.
Captain Dwight became a resident of
Hartford, Connecticut, and has resided
there from that time to the present. He
entered the employ of E. N. Kellnt^g &:
Company, dealers in wool, and later was
with Austin Dunham & Sons. He i'nally
decided to engage in business on his own
account and formed a partnership with
Drayton Hillyer under the firm name of
H. C. Dwight & Company. Afterwards
the firm became Dwight, Skinner & Com-
pany, which continued for a number of
years. Then Messrs. Hillyer and Skinner
withdrew, and the firm became H. C.
Dwight & Company, Mr. Dwight being
the controlling factor. The venture was
a success from the beginning, and the
firm conducts an extensive wool business
throughout New England and have con-
nections in all the Western and South-
western States.
General Dwight's patriotism did not
exhaust itself on the field of battle. He
believes that the paths of peace afford
unlimited opportunities for devotion to
the common good, and it was but natural
that his active interest in public affairs
should lead him into political life. In
1871 he was elected a member of the
Common Council from the Fourth Ward ;
in 1875 he was elected to the Board of
Aldermen ; was appointed, December 27,
1880, by Mayor Bulkeley, a member of
the Board of Street Commissioners and
served continuously until 1890; in April,
1890, he was elected mayor of Hartford,
and in this position he had a wider scope
for the exercise of those talents and char-
acteristics that had hitherto marked his
activities in the various public offices he
had been called upon to fill. During his
administration the organization of the fire
department was greatly improved and
new and up-to-date equipment was in-
261
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
stalled, greatly adding to the efficiency
of the department. The administration
of the police department was strength-
ened and improved, and the street service
of the city was given due prominence and
attention, and the first steps were taken
to give the city an increased water sup-
ply. He demonstrated his capacity for
large affairs, giving the city a business-
like administration, effecting many im-
portant economies. He never played
petty politics, but conducted matters in
consonance with a high ideal of public
service, and his untiring and unselfish
devotion won for him universal esteem
and the commendation even of those who
were opposed to the party he represented.
He has also taken a very active interest
in educational matters, having served for
many years as chairman of the South
School District, with about one hundred
and fifty teachers under his control, and
one of the schools has been named in his
honor.
General Dwight is also prominently
identified with a number of the important
financial institutions of the city, having
been an official of the Mechanics' Savings
Bank for many years and its president
for a considerable period of time, and he
is also a director of the American Bank-
ing and Trust Company and of the Phoe-
nix (Fire) Insurance Company. He has
been a member of the Hartford Hospital
Corps for a quarter of a century, and has
always been ready to aid in any way in
his power enterprises and measures in-
augurated to help the unfortunate.
His interest in military affairs has
never abated. In January, 1885, he was
appointed paymaster-general on the staff
of Governor Henry B. Harrison. This
brought him into intimate contact with
the National Guard of Connecticut, which
added to his already great popularity in
State military circles. He commanded
the Union Veteran Battalion on the
memorable Battle Flag Day. He is a
charter member of Robert O. Tyler Post,
Grand Army of the Republic, member of
the Loyal Legion, ex-president of the
Society of the Army of the Potomac, and
president of the Ninth and Eighteenth
Corps Society of the Army of the James.
He is an ex-president of the Roanoke
Association, founded to perpetuate the
memory of the Burnside expedition. He
is also a member of the Army and Navy
Club of Connecticut.
General Dwight married, October 3,
1865, Annie Maria Wright, daughter of
William Lyman Wright, of Hartford.
She was born September 4, 1844, died
April 29, 1915. They had the follow-
ing children : Major William Brintnell
Dwight, of New York City, who served
in the war with Spain ; Charles Augustus,
deceased ; Annie Maria, died in infancy ;
Henry Cecil, of San Antonio, Texas ;
Grace V. R., who became the wife of
Daniel R. Morgan, of New York City.
No citizen of Hartford stands in
higher popular esteem than General
Dwight. His disinterested public serv-
ice, performed at considerable sacrifice of
personal interests, won the approval of
all classes in the community and indicates
his breadth of mind. He is a man of posi-
tive convictions, with executive ability
and force of will to carry to a successful
conclusion any plan that his mature
judgment approves. His generous nature,
genial disposition and sterling character
have made him one of the recognized
leaders of his day, and stamp him as the
worthy representative of a family that
since the earliest Colonial days has
wielded a powerful influence for good in
moulding the moral character and institu-
tions of New England.
262
THE 1^;;
i
l.eU'l-i Historical Pi^l Co
^"A^i/^UflACu^ /o/^l^O
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
CLARK, Charles Hopkins,
Journalist, Public Worker.
Charles Hopkins Clark, of Hartford,
director of the Associated Press, and
since 1871 closely connected with the
leading Connecticut State journal, the
"Hartford Courant," — at present, as its
editor-in-chief and president — has been
prominent in public movements within
the State of Connecticut for very many
years. A native of Hartford, Mr. Clark
has become an influential factor in the
public life of that city, and has been ever
ready to use his powerful medium to the
limit of its capacity and sphere of in-
fluence, to further any project that in his
estimation promised good to the city or
State. That Charles Hopkins Clark has
in matters of city betterment, industrial
advancement, State and National politics,
and community welfare, followed with
energy and ability the example set by his
public-spirited father, who did so much
for the city of Hartford, has been gener-
ally conceded ; and his commanding per-
sonality and the high standard of his
public work have earned him a well-
recognized place among the present lead-
ing citizens of the State.
Charles Hopkins Clark is in direct
lineal descent from Lieutenant William
Clark, who came to America from Eng-
land in 1630, in the ship "Mary and John,"
settled in Dorchester, Massachusetts, and
eventually, in 1659, at the invitation of
the Rev. Eleazer Mather, removed to
Northampton, Massachusetts, journeying
thither afoot, leading his only horse,
which carried his whole family — his wife
in the saddle, a child in each of the side
panniers, and a third in its mother's lap.
William Clark, on June i, 1659, was
allotted land at Northampton — a home lot
which his descendants still retain, of
twelve acres, located where now stands
Elm street, on Mill river, including the
Judge Dewey or President Seelye place.
Thereon, William Clark built a log house
which was their habitation until de-
stroyed by the incendiary act of a negro
slave. In its place he then erected a sub-
stantial frame house which remained a
landmark until 1826, and became known
as the Elihu Clark house. He was a man
of worthy characteristics, and became
prominent in the governmental affairs of
the colony ; was selectman for twenty
years after 1660, and deputy to the Gen-
eral Court after 1665, gaining place also
in Colonial church history as one of the
famous "seven pillars'' of the church at
Northampton. His military title came by
service during King Philip's War as a
member of the military company of North-
ampton. Anterior to his removal to
Northampton, William Clark was in
1646-47 selectman of the town of Dor-
chester, and after his reentry to civilian
life following the military campaign,
again became prominent in the local
administration ; he was appointed com-
missioner to terminate small causes, and
subsequently became associate judge of
Hampshire county, enjoying that dignity
for many years, and attaining the vener-
able age of eighty-one years, which he
reached in the year 1690.
Twice married, his first wife died on
September 6, 1675 ; his second, whom he
married November 15, 1676, was Sarah,
the widow of Thomas Cooper, of Spring-
field. She died May 8, 1688. The nine
children of William Clark were all born
to his first wife, seventh among them
being his son John, who was born at Dor-
chester, Massachusetts, in 1651, and died
at Northampton, September (or Novem-
ber) 3, 1684. John Clark was elected
deacon of the Northampton church in
1691 ; was sergeant of the military com-
pany ; deputy to the General Court for
263
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
fourteen sessions after 1699; and died "of Eleven years later, in 1820, he sold his
fatigue and a cold taken in a violent snow drug business and removed to Hartford,
storm, on returning from Boston in 1704," Connecticut, vi^here he acquired a part-
at Windsor, Connecticut. He married, nership in the firm of David Watkinson
July 12, 1677, Rebecca, daughter of & Company, iron and steel merchants and
Thomas Cooper, of Springfield, and, in manufacturers. He prospered in that con-
the year following that of her demise,
married, on March 20, 1679, Mary, the
thirteenth child of Elder John Strong.
Lieutenant Ebenezer Clark, son of
Deacon John and Mary (Strong) Clark,
was born at Northampton, October 18,
nection, and in course of time became
principal member of the firm. With expan-
sion and time came many changes in the
constitution of the firm, with correspond-
ing changes in name, successively as
Clark. Gill & Company, Ezra Clark &
1683 ; became lieutenant of the Northamp- Company, Clark & Company, and, finally,
ton company, and attained prominence in L. L. Ensworth & Company. Ezra (2)
the local administration. He was elected Clark married Laura Hunt, and their
selectman in 1731, and lived to be nearly third son, Ezra (3), who was born on
one hundred years old, and father of September 12, 1813, in Brattleboro, Ver-
eight children by his wife, Abigail Par- mont, was eventually admitted to the
sons, of Springfield, whom he married in firm of which his father had become
1712. His second son, Ezra, was born in principal owner, the admission being the
Northampton in 1716, and had an event- cause of the first change in the firm name
ful life. From the first alarm in August, from that of David Watkinson & Com-
1777, Ezra Clark gave national military pany to that of Clark, Gill & Company,
service during the Revolution. Prior to A period of serious trade depression in
that, he had entered actively into public 1857 brought financial disaster to Ezra
afifairs, and had occupied many town and Clark, Jr. However, in course of time.
Colonial offices ; was delegate from he returned to Hartford, and redeemed
Northampton to the Congress at Stock- every legitimate liability in full. A man
bridge, September 22, 1774; was member of convincing presence and strong per-
of the committee of inspection in 1774-75 ; sonality, he became a director of the Ex-
was member of the Committee of Safety, change Bank, and president of the Na-
and a selectman in 1776; and generally tional Screw Company of Hartford, which
was esteemed in his community. Among corporation later consolidated with the
his ten children was Jonas, who was born American Screw Company, of Providence,
in Northampton in 1 75 1, and who, with
his father and brothers, served the nation
during the Revolution, his service being
of particular note, in that he was present
Rhode Island. In public activities he
took prominent part ; was at one time a
member of the Comm£in Council of Hart-
ford, advancing to the Board of Alder-
at the battle of Bunker Hill. Eventually men, and subsequently was appointed
Jonas Clark, having inherited the ances- judge of the city court. He held numer-
tral homestead, applied himself to the ous other offices of importance in Hart-
responsibilities of its upkeep. His son, ford affairs, and came into National and
Ezra (2). was born in Northampton, but State distinction as representative from
when a man removed to Brattleboro, Ver- the Hartford Congressional District to
mont, where he became a druggist, and the National House of Representatives,
gained the courtesy title of "doctor." He was elected to the Thirty-fourth
264
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
United States Congress, and reelected to
the Thirty-tifth. In local administrative
office he, as president of the Hartford
Water Board, was responsible for the
establishment of the greater part of the
original system of water works of the
city, and later of the West Hampden
reservoirs. He also laid out Reservoir
Park, connecting the several reservoirs
of the city by a picturesque driveway
through the woods. The large Tumble-
down Brook Reservoir was planned and
built under his supervision. He also for
many years was president of the Young
Men's Institute of Hartford. On October
14, 1841, he married Mary, daughter of
Daniel P. and Mary (Whiting) Hopkins,
of Hartford, and their older son was
Charles Hopkins Clark, of whom further.
The Hon. Ezra (3) Clark died at Hart-
ford, on September 26, 1896, and his wife,
]\Iary (Hopkins) Clark, on May 28, 1866.
Charles Hopkins Clark, son of the Hon.
Ezra (3) and Mary (Hopkins) Clark,
was born in Hartford, on April i, 1848.
His primary education was obtained in
the public schools of Hartford, and at the
Free Academy in New York. Later, he
attended the Hartford Public High
School, from which he was graduated in
the class of 1867. He then proceeded to
Yale College, graduating in 1871. Appar-
ently he had decided to enter upon a
journalistic career, for very soon after
leaving Yale he joined the staff of the
"Hartford Courant," known as "the old-
est newspaper of continuous publication
in the country." With that journal he
has since held close and responsible con-
nection. He did good work, and steadily
advanced in the esteem of his employers,
Hawley, Goodrich & Company ; so much
so that in 1887 he was admitted to the
firm, and, when it took corporate powers
as the "Hartford Courant Company," he
was chosen secretary. After the death
of Stephen A. Hubbard, for many years
managing editor of "The Courant," Mr.
Clark became editor-in-chief of that in-
fluential and widely-circulated journal.
The editorial direction of that important
organ of Republicanism has since re-
mained with him. The paper's policies,
which of course are in the main his own,
give indication of his broad conception of
responsible government, and of his readi-
ness and ability to act forcefully when
necessary in the public interest. Mr.
Clark, while in service of "The Courant,"
worked under distinguished men, among
them Charles Dudley Warner and United
States Senator Joseph R. Hawley, who
were part owners of the newspaper.
Later, when he became president. General
Arthur L. Goodrich was made treasurer,
and Frank S. Carey, secretary. A genea-
logical sketch of the Clark family written
for and included in the "Genealogical and
Family History of the State of Connec-
ticut" (Lewis Historical Publishing Com-
pany, 191 1 ) records the following regard-
ing Charles Hopkins Clark and the Hart-
ford "Courant:"
Under the administration of Mr. Clark, the
newspaper has gained in prestige and influence,
even as it has grown in circulation. Its plant has
more than kept pace with the progress of the art
of printing and the enlargement of the scope and
usefulness of the modern daily newspaper * * *
It is one of the few newspapers that have been
likened to the Bible in the confidence accorded by
its readers, and in hundred of families this news-
paper has been a regular and welcome visitor,
generation after generation.
In Volume I, page 233, of "Men of
Mark in Connecticut" (1906), is a bio-
graphical sketch of Mr. Clark, edited by
the late Samuel Hart, D. D.. president of
the Connecticut Historical Society ; it
opens:
Personal accomplishment is one measure of a
man's life. The influencing of others to achieve-
26s
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ment is another, hardly secondary, and if in fact
less appreciated, it is because it is not always fur-
nished by those influenced, and is of itself more
difficult of apprehension by the world at large.
Both measures are invited by the life of Charles
Hopkins Clark, of Hartford. And one is as
readily applied by the reviewer as the other, since
the result of his endeavor with and through others
is as clear to the public mind as is his one "life
work," the editorship of the Hartford "Courant."
As editor of such a journal, through a consider-
able period of years, he naturally would have
great influence in a wide circle of most intelligent
readers; that is the function of every worthy
editor, and that— the public has often learned—
is what Mr. Clark prizes above all other honors.
But there is another source and method of his in-
fluence, as of his achievement, and that is to be
found in the versatility of his genius, his quick
grasp of a situation in its entirety, his frankness
and keenness as an adviser. The question put, the
answer comes like a flash, sometimes convulsing
one with its wit, but always unerringly straight to
the point.
Among the noteworthy public activities
of Mr. Clark may be stated the following:
He was a delegate to the Connecticut
Constitutional Convention in 1901 ; prior
to that "his business acumen had been
requisitioned by the State when the Tax
Commission made its exhaustive investi-
gation and published its valuable report ;"
he was a member of Secretary (later
President) Taft's party in the expedition
to the Philippines, in 1905. And in execu-
tive capacity, he is identified with the
following: The Associated Press, direc-
tor; the Connecticut Mutual Life Insur-
ance Company, director ; the Phoenix
Fire Insurance Company, director ; Wads-
worth .Xtheneum and Watkinson Library,
Hartford, treasurer; the Collins Company,
vice-president ; the State Reformatory,
director ; and with several other institu-
tions.
In 1910 Mr. Clark was elected to a
fellowship of the Corporation of Yale
University, and at that time Trinity Col-
lege conferred on him the degree of L. H.
D. He has meinbership in the Univer-
sity, Century, and Yale clubs of New
York, in the Hartford Club, and the
Graduates' Club, of New Haven, and
others. He is a member of the Asylum
Hill Congregational Church.
In December, 1873, Charles Hopkins
Clark married Ellen, daughter of Elisha
K. and Matilda (Colt) Root, the former
prominent in Connecticut industrial
circles in his capacity of president of the
Colt Firearms Company. Mrs. Ellen
(Root) Clark was born November 6, 1850,
and died February 28, 1895. About five
vears later, in November, 1899, Mr. Clark
married Matilda C. Root, sister of his
first wife. To his first wife were born
two children; i. Horace Bushnell. who
was born June 22, 1875; graduated at
Yale in 1898; became associated in editor-
ial capacity with his father, being now
secretary of the "Courant," and has
taken good part in the public activities of
Hartford, coming into public note as the
president of the Hartford Board of Fire
Commissioners. 2. Mary, who was born
May 13, 1878, and married Henry K. W.
Welch.
HATCH, Edward Buckingham,
Man of Affairs.
Edward Buckingham Hatch, one of the
representative business men of Hartford,
attaining his present high position by the
exercise of industry, perseverance, ability
and aptitude for detail, is a descendant
of a family that has for several gener-
ations been prominently identified with
the general business interests of the com-
munities wherein they resided. For
many years the name has been esteemed
and honored in the State of Connecticut,
and closely associated with straightfor-
ward methods and all that is character-
istic of honorable industry.
266
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Edward Buckingham Hatch is of the
eighth American generation, a lineal de-
scendant of Nathaniel Hatch, who came
to this country from England in 1635 ^"d
settled at Falmouth, Massachusetts. His
son, Zephaniah Hatch, was a sea captain,
and the founder of the Connecticut branch
of the family, residing at Guilford. His
son. Major Timothy Hatch, enlisted in
the Revolutionary army when a mere
lad, was taken prisoner at White Plains,
was a major of the Connecticut State
militia after the war, and in 1804 settled
in Hartford, Connecticut. His son, Tim-
othy Linus Hatch, was a man of sub-
stance, active in the afifairs of the com-
munity. His son, Walter S. Hatch, was
also identified with the varied interests
of the section wherein he made his home.
His son, George E. Hatch, was a mer-
chant of Hartford, and a prominent citi-
zen. He married, June 4, 1855, Laura
Stanley Stiles, and they were the parents
of Edward Buckingham Hatch, of this
review. Mrs. Hatch died March 14. 1870.
The Stiles family is of Anglo-Saxon
origin, and resided in the southeastern
part of England long before the Con-
quest. The family coat-of-arms is as
follows : Sable, a fesse engrailed, fretty
of the field or and sable, between three
fluers-de-lis or and a border, or. John
Stiles, the immigrant ancestor, was bap-
tized in St. Michael's Church, Milbroke,
Bedfordshire. England, December 25,
1595. He married Rachel , in Eng-
land, and came to America in 1634, and
was forty years of age when he settled
in Windsor. Connecticut, where he died,
June 4, 1662-63, aged sixty-seven years,
and his widow died September 3, 1674.
Their son, John Stiles, was born in Eng-
land about 1633, died December 8, 1683.
He settled at Windsor, Connecticut. He
married Dorcas, daughter of Henry Beers,
of Springfield, Massachusetts, October 28,
1658. She was born in 1638. Their son,
John Stiles, was born December 10, 1665,
died May 20, 1753. He settled at Wind-
sor, Connecticut, and was the first of the
name to settle on the east side of the
Great River, then known as Windsor
Farms ; that was probably in 1699 or
1700. His first wife was Ruth, daughter
of Samuel Bancroft, of Westfield, Massa-
chusetts, who died in 1714. Their son,
the Rev. Isaac Stiles, was born at East
Windsor, Connecticut, July 30, 1697, O.
S. He worked as a weaver until he was
nearly twenty years of age. He then
prepared for Yale under a private tutor,
was graduated Bachelor of Arts in 1725,
and was given the Master of Arts degree,
being the first of the name and blood in
America who had a liberal education.
He was a good classical scholar, especially
in Latin, and gave considerable attention
to the study of oratory and the Bible all
his life ; his valedictory oration made in
1722 is a piece of elegant Latin. After
his graduation he studied theology for a
time, preached for a short time in the
"Jerseys," returned to New England, and
conducted a school at Westfield, Massa-
chusetts, also preaching there on proba-
tion. While a resident of that place he
married Keziah, daughter of the Rev.
Edward Taylor. He was ordained, No-
vember II, 1724, at what is now North
Haven. He is thus described by his son.
President Stiles: "He was of above
medium stature (the largest of the fam-
ilv) upright, alert and active, unbowed to
the day of his death. Had a small pierc-
ing black eye, which at times he filled
with flame and vengeance. Quick in his
temper and passionate to the last degree.
On occasion none could be more cheerful
and merry in company, but when alone,
or with his family only, he was gloomy or
perpetually repining. His discourses were
in the declamatory way. None could give
267
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
more animated descriptions of Heaven
and Hell, the joys of the one and the
damnation of the other." He was of a
very high strung temperament, very
changeable in his moods, passing quickly
from one extreme of pleasurable emotion
and cordial sociability to the other of
petulance and taciturnity. This was
largely due to a physical constitution none
too robust. He was a celebrated preacher,
a powerful controversialist and one of the
most influential clergymen of his time.
In public ecclesiastical affairs of the
colony of Connecticut he was much en-
gaged and esteemed for his sound views
and judgment. In October, 1728, he mar-
ried for his second wife, from whom Ed-
ward B. Hatch is descended, Esther,
daughter of Samuel Hooker, Jr., of Farm-
ington, Connecticut. He died May 14,
1760, in the thirty-sixth year of his minis-
try, and his widow died January 2, 1779,
aged seventy-seven years. Their son,
Ashbel Stiles, was born at North Haven,
Connecticut, September 11, 1735, died at
Huntington, in October, 1810. He inher-
ited the family mansion and a comfort-
able property, but lost all through endors-
ing a note for a friend. He removed from
New Haven to Windsor, and then to
what is now Huntington, Massachusetts.
He served in the Revolutionary War, and
was at Horse Neck from May, 1781, to
March, 1782. In February, 1759, he mar-
ried his cousin, Hannah, daughter of
Lieutenant Samuel Stiles, of Windsor.
She died one month before her husband.
Their son, Samuel Stiles, was born De-
cember 3, 1762, died at Windsor, October
15, 1826. He lived at Northampton, Mas-
sachusetts, Windsor, Connecticut, Ches-
ter, Massachusetts, and returned to Wind-
sor. He served as a private in a Windsor
company in the War of 1812, and was at
Fort Trumbull in February. 1813. He
married, in 1787, Hannah Ellsworth, of
Windsor, Connecticut, and she died at
Chicopee, Massachusetts, January 12,
1828. Their son, Benjamin Stiles, born at
Chester, Massachusetts, August 3, 1799,
married Mehitable Booth, born January
13. 1790, daughter of Nathan and Fanny
Booth, and they were the parents of
Laura Stanley (Stiles) Hatch, aforemen-
tioned.
Edward Buckingham Hatch was born
in Hartford, Connecticut, December 20,
1861. He completed the courses of study
in the public school, then attended the
high school, after which he entered Trin-
ity College in 1882 and was graduated
Bachelor of Arts, class of 1886. He then
entered the employ of the Johns-Pratt
Company, then recently formed by Henry
W. Johns, of New York, president, in
association with Rufus X. Pratt, of Hart-
ford, secretary. The company, capitalized
at $100,000, began business in 1886 as
manufacturers of "Vulcabeston" packings
and electrical insulating materials. Mr.
Hatch began in the capacity of clerk, but
quickly began to ascend the ladder of
promotion. He applied himself assidu-
ously to the task in hand, filling each posi-
tion so well that he was soon called to a
higher one. The company expanded
rapidly and in 1892 increased their capital,
taking on new lines of manufacture. In
1893 Mr. Hatch was elected secretary and
manager of the company, thus becoming
a m.uch more important factor in the man-
agement. In 1898 the manufacture of
"Noark" fuses and electric protective de-
vices was begun, and in the same year
Mr. Hatch was elected president and
treasurer. From that time he has been
the executive head, and to his ability,
judgment, progressive spirit and energy
the growth and prosperity of the company
is largely due. In 1905 the capital stock
was doubled and facilities for manufac-
ture and distribution largely increased.
In addition to their line of "Vulcabeston"
packings, which include all classes of
268
: library:
I
ASTOR. LCMO\
TILDEN FCU;:D..TiONS
I
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
engine room packings, the company
manufactures a variety of electric protec-
tive devices, etc., their patents covering
a wide range. The H. W. Johns-Manville
Company of New Jersey are sole selling
agents, and through the many branches
maintained by that company the special-
ties manufactured by the Johns-Pratt
Company are distributed to the world.
Mr. Hatch has grown and expanded in
executive and managerial strength as
greater responsibilities have been imposed
and is one of the strong men of the city.
He is a director of the Hartford Aetna
National Bank, the Dime Savings Bank,
the Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and
Insurance Company, and has other busi-
ness interests. He is a trustee of the Colt
Bequest, in charge of the large estate left
by Samuel Colt and his widow, and is a
trustee of Trinity College, his alma mater.
He is a director of the Holyoke Water
Power Company, the Standard Fire In-
surance Company of Hartford, and the
Hartford County Mutual Fire Insurance
Company.
Mr. Hatch is a warden of Trinity Prot-
estant Episcopal Church, and in politics
a Republican. His fraternal connection
is with the Masonic order as a member
of St. John's Lodge, Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons ; Pythagoras Chapter,
Royal Arch Masons ; Wolcott Coun-
cil, Royal and Select Masters ; Washing-
ton Commandery, Knights Templar; and
Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. His college
fraternity is Alpha Delta Phi, his clubs,
the Hartford, Hartford Golf, Farmington
Country, Twentieth Century, Republican,
University, Church of Connecticut, and
Alpha Delta Phi of New York. In early
life he gave five years' service in the Con-
necticut National Guard, as a member of
Company K, First Regiment.
Mr. Hatch married, at Hartford, Sep-
tember 12, 1889, Georgia, daughter of
George W. Watson, of Hartford. Chil-
dren: Helen, James Watson, Edward
Watson.
HUNT, Henry H.,
Attorney.
A descendant of Governor John Web-
ster, of Connecticut, and other worthy
pioneers of New England, Mr. Hunt has
manifested the traits which are naturally
inherent in most of the descendants of
such ancestors. The Hunt family is a
very ancient one, beginning with John
Hunt, who came late in life to Connec-
ticut, and died before 1659. He married,
ir England, Mary Webster, probably eld-
est daughter and perhaps eldest child of
Governor John and Agnes Webster of
Warwickshire, England. About 1633,
John Webster came to Cambridge, Mas-
sachusetts, and was a member of Rev.
Thomas Hooker's company which settled
Hartford three years later. After filling
many official stations of importance in
the colony, he was elected Governor in
1656, and served for several years in that
capacity.
Deacon Jonathan Hunt, son of John and
Mary (Webster) Hunt, was born about
1637, in Sudburrow Thrapstone, North-
amptonshire, England, and came to Con-
necticut in 1658. He was a malster by
occupation ; removed about 1660 to North-
ampton, Massachusetts, where he was
made freeman of the Massachusetts
colony in 1662; was deacon from 1680 to
1691 ; representative, 1690; and died Sep-
tember 29, 1691. He married, September
3 1662, Clemence Hosmer, born about
1642, daughter of Thomas Hosmer, who
was in Cambridge as early as 1632, made
freeman May 6, 1635, was among the first
settlers of Hartford, where he served as
constable, selectman, representative and
died leaving a good estate.
269
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Ebenezer Hunt, fifth son of Deacon
Jonathan, was born February 5, 1675, in
Northampton, and about 1723 settled at
Lebanon, Connecticut, where he died
February 23, 1743. He married. May 27,
1698, Hannah Clark, born May 5, 1681,
died June 10, 1758, daughter of William
and Hannah (Strong) Clark, of North-
ampton, the latter a daughter of Elder
John Strong, a prominent New England
pioneer, who left a numerous prodigy.
William Hunt, third son of Ebenezer
and Hannah (Clark) Hunt, was born Oc-
tober 12, 1705, in Lebanon, and lived in
Lebanon Crank, now the town of Co-
lumbia. He married, in 1734, Sarah Ly-
man, who was born January 24, 1713, died
1746, daughter of Lieutenant Jonathan
And Lydia Loomis Lyman, of Lebanon.
Their fifth son was Eldad Hunt, born
October 21, 1742, in Lebanon, lived in
Columbia, and died 1822. He married,
December 9, 1778, Hulda Benton, born
July 15, 1752, died April 24, 1814. Her
seventh son was Dr. Orrin Hunt, born
January 12, 1793, in Columbia, a very suc-
cessful physician, a man of high Chris-
tian character, sympathetic nature, and
widely beloved and esteemed both as a
physician and citizen. After passing
several years in Bolton, he removed to
Glastonbury, but returned to Bolton and
died there August 24, 1850. He read
medicine under Dr. Fuller, of Columbia,
and was among the most capable and
skillful physicians in his day. He mar-
ried (first) Louisa Little, who died April
14, 1824; married (second) September
II, 1826. Adeline Cone, who was born in
February, 1803. She was the mother of
Henry Hale Hunt, who was born about
1827, and lived in Glastonbury, then
moved to Clinton, Connecticut, where he
engaged in paper manufacturing, he died
in Vernon. Connecticut, in 191 1. He
married, in 1849, Charlotte N. House.
Wilton Hale Hunt, son of Henry Hale
Hunt, was born May 12. 1854, in Glaston-
bury, where he was actively engaged for
many years in the meat business, and is
now living retired at Lynn, Massachu-
setts. He married, January 12, 1877,
Sarah A. Stafford, daughter of John and
Eva (Lowe) Stafford. Children: i.
Henry H. 2. Herbert W., married Nellie
A. Goodale, 1901 ; one child. Faith Louise.
Henry Hale Hunt, son of Wilton H.
and Sarah A. (Stafford) Hunt, was born
May I, 1878, in Glastonbury, where his
home has continued throughout his life.
The public schools of the neighborhood
supplied his early education, which has
been supplemented by private study and
the training which goes with a keen per-
ception and a studious disposition. While
yet a boy he was employed in Glazier's
woolen mill of Glastonbury, and continued
there until his nineteenth year. Follow-
ing this, four years were spent as clerk in
a grocery store, after which he entered
the office of the National Fire Insurance
Company of Hartford. Here opportunity
for further study was opened to him. and
while continuing his clerical labors his
leisure hours were devoted to the study
of law under the preceptorship of Judge
Harrison B. Freeman, now deceased.
Though somewhat handicapped by the
lack of a college training, he was persist-
ent and made such diligent application
that in 1912 he was admitted to the Hart-
ford county bar. For one year he con-
tinued in the office of Harrison B. Free-
man, son of his preceptor, and since 1913
has conducted an independent practice
with flattering success. In 1915 he suc-
ceeded to the practice of the late Joseph
Barbour, who died in that year. Am-
bitious, earnest, capable, industrious and
possessing a pleasing personality, he has
made many friends and is rapidly winning
his way to eminence in his profession. In
270
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
1915, Mr. Hunt purchased a handsome
country residence at Glastonbury, where
he makes his home throughout the year.
He represented the town of Glaston-
bury in the Connecticut Legislature, 1913-
14; represented the Fourth Senatorial
District in the State Senate, 1917-18, and
is chairman of the committee on insur-
ance and state prisons. He is interested
in some of the business affairs of his
native town. He was formerly president
of the H. E. Olcott Company, which con-
ducted an extensive mercantile business
in Glastonbury until its establishment was
recently burned out and the business dis-
continued. He is a director of the River-
side Paper Company, which is conduct-
ing a prosperous business. Mr. Hunt is
a member of the State and Hartford
County Bar associations, and enjoys the
regard of his brethren of the profession.
In May, 1898, he enlisted for service
during the war with Spain, and was mus-
tered as a member of Company I, First
Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infan-
try. This body was stationed for some
time on Plum Island, and later was
ordered to Camp Alger, Virginia, but was
not called to active service. Mr. Hunt
was detailed as regimental commissary
clerk. Afterward he became a member
of the Governor's Footguard of Connec-
ticut, in which he served two years, clos-
ing in 1916. He is a past master of Co-
lumbia Lodge, No. 25, Free and Accepted
Masons, of South Glastonbury ; and also
of Elm Lodge, No. 31, Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, of that town. He is also
affiliated with Hartford Lodge, Benevo-
lent and Protective Order of Elks, of
Hartford; and Charles F. Burdette Camp,
Veterans of the Spanish War; and is a
member of the City and Hartford clubs
of Hartford. Both he and his wife are
communicants of St. Luke's Episcopal
Church, of South Glastonbury.
Mr. Hunt married, June 2-/, 1900, Anna
J Goodale, daughter of Henry A. Goodale,
of Glastonbury, and they are the parents
oi a son and daughter: Donald H. Hunt,
born February 12, 1907; and Barbara
Elizabeth, born November 11, 1912.
PARKER, Francis Hubert,
Lawyer, Public Official.
Mr. Parker descends from Edward Ful-
ler, John Howland and John Tilley, of the
"Mayflower" Pilgrims ; James Avery,
John Elderkin, and William Lyon — all
early settlers of Connecticut and Massa-
chusetts. Three of his great-grand-
fathers, John Parker, Nathan Avery and
Josiah Lyon, were soldiers of the Revolu-
tion. So much for heredity.
His environment was in keeping. His
father, Ozias H. Parker, was a representa-
tive in the General Assembly in 1851, 1854
and 1877 ; selectman for several years,
first selectman for seven years ; town
auditor; official school visitor; a man
faithful to many trusts, a strict sense of
honor, independent judgment, and strong
common sense. His mother, Maria M.
(Ayer) Parker, was a woman of strong
character whose moral influence was
exerted for the good of her son, as were
the splendid qualities of the father. His
home was a Connecticut farm whose acres
he helped to cultivate, and there he built
up the sound body that, as well as the
clear brain, was needed for a strenuous
life.
Francis Hubert Parker was born at
East Haddam. Middlesex county, Connec-
ticut, September 23, 1850, son of Ozias
H. and Maria M. (Ayer) Parker, and a
descendant of William Parker, Hartford,
1636; Saybrook, 1645. He exhausted the
advantages of the public school, then in
the intervals of farm work prepared for
college by private study with Rev. Silas
271
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
W. Robbins, pastor of the First Congre-
gational Church in East Haddam. He
worked hard, and when fully prepared
entered Wesleyan University at Middle-
town, Connecticut, and in 1874 was gradu-
ated with the Bachelor's degree. The law
was the ultimate goal of his ambition, and
his next step toward the fruition of his
hopes was to enter Yale Law School, and
in 1876 he was graduated Bachelor of
Laws. He taught school one term during
his college and two terms during his law
course.
He was admitted to the Connecticut bar
and began practice in Hartford the year
of his graduation from law school, and
has there continued steadily and success-
fully in his chosen profession. He has
preferred the independence of a single
ofifice, and has practiced alone even when
not filling positions that forbade a part-
ner. He was prosecuting attorney for the
city of Hartford, 1887-91. and again 1894-
95, and in 1915-17. He was referee in
bankruptcy, 1898-1900, a position he re-
signed when appointed United States At-
torney for the District of Connecticut in
1900 by President McKinley, serving
until 1908. For two years, 1908-10, he
was corporation counsel for the city of
Hartford. He thoroughly understands
the law and his joy is to elucidate its
principles. His estimate of justice and of
the law to establish and enforce it is based
upon the belief that justice, being the
supreme interest of mankind the law is a
most worthy object of labor and study.
As a speaker he is clear, logical and
forcible, using nice distinctions and strong
illustrations. His public professional
service has been valuable and he has
retired from every office with the entire
respect of bench and bar. His private
practice is conducted in all State and
Federal courts of the district, his clientele
of the best. An ardent Republican, Mr.
Parker has neither sought political ofifice
nor declined it when offered. He has
pursued the path of duty, met every
obligation of citizenship, squarely and
fairly, sidesteps no responsibility. He
represented East Haddam in the General
Assembly in 1878 and 1880, and Hartford
in 1909. He has been a delegate to many
county, district and State party conven-
tions. From 1896 to 1900 he was chair-
m.an of the Hartford Republican Town
Committee.
Many-sided are his interests, and in his
desire to be of service he has assumed
official responsibilities in many organiza-
tions. He was president of the board of
trustees of the Connecticut School for
Boys, 1899-1909; is chairman of the
library committee of the Connecticut His-
torical Society; registrar of the Connec-
ticut Society of the Sons of the Revolu-
tion ; member of the American Historical
Association, the National Geographical
Society, and the Phi Beta Kappa frater-
nity. In religious preference he is a Con-
gregationalist.
Mr. Parker married, December 9. 1891,
Mrs. Adelaide (Leeds) Fowler, of New
London. Connecticut.
WOODWARD, P. Henry,
Federal Official, Author, Banker.
P. Henry Woodward, of Hartford, Con-
necticut, son of Ashbel and Emeline
(Bicknell) Woodward, was born in
Franklin. Connecticut, March 19. 1833.
He is eighth in descent from. Richard
Woodward who embarked in the ship
"Elizabeth" at Ipswich, England, April
10, 1634, and settled in Watertown, Mas-
sachusetts. Ashbel Woodward, M. D., a
physician of great skill, was also deeply
versed in the antiquities and genealogies
of New England : a sketch of him may be
found in the "New England Historical
272
Q_J ixru^' "i / ^^.t-t^-c
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:LDl:n fou;;dations j
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
and Genealogical Register'' for April,
1886.
The subject of this sketch graduated at
Yale College in 1855, studied law in part
at Harvard, and in i860 opened an office
in Savannah, Georgia, in company with
William Robert Gignilliat, Jr., of that
State. A few months after the outbreak
of the war he returned north and never
resumed the practice of law.
From September, 1862, to September,
1865, he was on the editorial staff of the
"Hartford Courant." In September, 1865,
he was appointed special agent of the
Postoffice Department for Georgia. He
reconstructed the service of that State so
successfully that he was chosen to estab-
lish the system of distribution of mails in
railway post offices. By gradual exten-
sions his field covered the country from
the Ohio river to the Gulf of Mexico, and
eastward to South Carolina and Georgia.
The choice of routes and clerks was left
entirely to him. The workers were picked
from many States, solely for fitness, politi-
cal influence being wholly debarred. Dur-
ing his superintendency not one was dis-
placed for any cause. Throughout merit
was the only test.
With change of administration he was
transferred to general duties, with head-
quarters at Augusta, Georgia. Wide op-
portunity for travel, work, adventure, and
observation followed. In February, 1873,
he was called to investigate the affairs of
the post office in New York City. The
discoveries then made put an end to an
era of pillage. In the upturn, Thomas L.
James became postmaster and introduced
a radical reform. In 1874 President Grant
appointed Hon. Marshall Jewell Post-
master-General, and then Mr. Woodward
was made chief of the corps of special
agents. Only about a quarter of the force
was highly competent, and upon this frac-
tion devolved all matters of importance
Governor Jewell reconstructed the corps
on the basis of efficiency, lopping off dead
wood and bringing in the best material
available. The body became so eflfective
that other departments of the govern-
ment, in difficult cases, invoked its aid.
In correcting abuses the Postmaster-Gen-
eral and Secretary of the Treasury acted
in unison. Before the nominating con-
vention of 1876 both became candidates
for the presidency, and in due time Gen-
eral Grant, disappointed in aspirations for
a third term, dismissed both from his
cabinet. Mr. Woodward went at the same
tim.e.
Shortly after the inauguration of Presi-
dent Garfield in 1881, Thomas L. James,
his appointee as Postmaster-General, tele-
graphed Mr. Woodward to meet him in
New York. At the interview he asked
Mr. Woodward to become his confidential
agent in Washington, and especially to
investigate alleged star route frauds. As
a result, he took charge of the task of un-
earthing and arranging the evidence. By
cunning manipulations, about two mil-
lions of dollars per annum were added to
the pay of the conspirators above the
sums at which the contracts were origi-
nally let. As the inquiry proceeded,
fraudulent increases were cut off and the
original figures restored. As these had
been made purposely low to crush compe-
tition, the restoration of the original rates
was a severe punishment in itself. Pro-
ceedings were instituted against the con-
spirators, but, through bribery of jury-
men, the guilty escaped conviction. An
exhaustive account of the methods of the
culprits and of the debauchery of the
juries is contained in the records (which
fill seven large volumes) of the two trials,
and also in the testimony taken by a com-
mittee of the House, znde the "Forty-
eighth Congress, 1st Session, House of
Representatives, Misc. Doc. 38, Part 2."
Conn— 3-18
273
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
In his testimony before the said commit-
tee, Attorney-General Brewster declared :
"I think without Mr. Woodward these
cases never could have been instituted.
I think he was, to use one word, invalu-
able. He is a man of remarkable intelli-
gence ; he is a man of great purity of char-
acter ; he is an educated gentleman. In
al! my life, in an experience of over forty-
six years of legal practice, I never have
met with a man who could assist a lawyer
better than Mr. Woodward." With the
advent of President Cleveland, Mr. Wood-
ward left the service of the government
permanently.
In 1888, discouraged by the local out-
look, Hartford organized a Board of
Trade, with Mr. Woodward as secretary.
Leading men of the city became actively
interested in the enterprise. Facts col-
lected and published revealed the latent
strength of the situation, and were fol-
lowed by a rapid change from distrust to
confidence. In the next ten years the city
gained fifty per cent, in population, and
the fame of her institutions, both finan-
cial and industrial, has become world-
wide.
Mr. Woodward is now (1917) president
of the Dime Savings Bank ; vice-president
of the Connecticut General Life Insur-
ance Company; secretary of the board of
trustees, Trinity College ; and director in
several other corporations. He wrote:
"Guarding the Mails," 1876 (later edition
entitled "Secret Service of the P. O. De-
partment"); "Hartford, its Institutions
and Industries," 1889; "Centennial His-
tory of the Hartford Bank," 1892 ; "Insur-
ance in Connecticut," 1897 ; "Manufac-
tures in Hartford," 1897; also historical
addresses, sketches, etc. Mr. Woodward's
"Manufactures in Hartford" was included
in "The New England States" (D. H.
Hurd & Company, 1897) ; so also was his
"Insurance in Connecticut," which later
was published separately in bookform,
and is now a standard, placing into perma-
nent printed record important historical
facts that but for his research would prob--
ably never have been preserved in authen-
tic detail. He delivered the address at
the unveiling of the statue of Colonel
Thomas Knowlton on the State Capitol
grounds, in November, 1895. The honor-
ary degree of Master of Arts was con-
ferred upon Mr. Woodward in 1900 by
Trinity College.
He married, September 11, 1867, Mary,
daughter of Charles Smith, of South
Windham, Connecticut. Children: Helen,
wife of Rev. Stephen H. Cranberry;
Charles Guilford, financial secretary of
Connecticut General Life Insurance Com-
pany.
MITCHELL, Charles Elliott, Ph. B.,
LL. B.,
Attorney, United States Commissioner.
Charles Elliott Mitchell, a native of
Bristol, Connecticut, and for many years
in legal practice in New Britain and New
York City, gained many honors during
his noteworthy life. By his brilliancy in
the courts and by his profound under-
standing and masterful interpretation of
the law, especially in relation to patents,
he attained national distinction, being
acknowledged as one of the nation's ablest
authorities on patent law. He conducted
the prosecution or defence of many cele-
brated causes involving patents of inter-
national importance, and so convincingly
made manifest his preeminence in that de-
partment of law that President Harrison
in 1889 invited him to take office under
the federal administration as United
States Commissioner of Patents.
Charles Elliott Mitchell was born in
Bristol, Connecticut, on May 11, 1837, the
son of George H. and Lurene (Hooker)
374
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Mitchell, the former a merchant, and at
one time postmaster of Bristol, and the
latter a direct descendant of Thomas
Hooker, the famous Puritan preacher,
pastor of the First Church at Hartford,
and popularly regarded as the founder of
Connecticut. Ira Hooker, maternal grand-
father of the late Charles Elliott Mitchell,
was another of his distinguished ances-
tors ; he was a manufacturer at Bristol,
and for several sessions sat in the State
Legislature as representative from Bris-
tol. In the paternal line, Charles Elliott
Mitchell was the descendant of one Wil-
licim Mitchell, who came from Scotland
and settled in Bristol, Connecticut, shortly
before the Revolution. His paternal
grandfather was George Mitchell, a man
of strong personality and upright life, a
leading manufacturer and at one time a
State Senator. Mrs. Lurene (Hooker)
Mitchell, mother of Charles E. Mitchell,
was a lady of much refinement and con-
siderable intellectual attainments, and she
exercised much influence over the intellec-
tual life of her son, who early gave indica-
tion of studious inclinations. This desire
for knowledge his mother encouragingly
fostered, arid although the boy to some ex-
tent engaged in business activities in con-
nection with his father's mercantile busi-
ness, he received every encouragement to
fit himself for more responsible undertak-
ings ; and having exhibited an innate tal-
ent for research, especially into the intri-
cacies of the law, it was decided to point
his studies in that direction. The litera-
ture within his reach, and also in con-
sonance with his desire, was for the most
part masterpieces of English composition,
such as "Macaulay's Essays," and seri-
ous works of inspiring moment, such as
biographies of statesmen. The youth in-
dustriously performed the business duties
set for his accomplishment, but his mo-
ments of leisure were few, as most of his
spare moments from business were given
to close study, so as to prepare himself for
entry to college. His power of elocution
was strengthened by his practice of "re-
citing sometimes to the principal of the
high school, and at other times to one of
the clergymen of the village." In course
of time, he was sent to WilHston Semi-
nary, where he remained for a year. In
1858 he became a matriculate at Brown
University, and there followed the course
which gained him in 1861, when he gradu-
ated, the degree of Bachelor of Philoso-
phy. Having by that time definitely re-
solved to qualify for admittance to the
legal profession, Charles Elliott Mitchell
then became a student of law, although he
was not then able to do more than to
enter upon private researches into its
fundamentals, as his days were fully occu-
pied by the responsibilities of the educa-
tional position to which he had been ap-
pointed, that of principal of the Bristol
High School. However, at the first op-
portunity, he proceeded to the Albany
Law School, and there graduated in 1864,
with the degree of Bachelor of Laws.
Mr. Mitchell was admitted to the bar
of Hartford county, and immediately
opened a law office in New Britain, some
years later forming partnership with the
late Judge Frank L. Hungerford, and
thus establishing the firm of Mitchell &
Hungerford. The firm had historic con-
nection with the city of New Britain, its
members having been entrusted with the
drafting of the city's original charter, and
later for many years acting as its coun-
sellers in law. To Mr. Mitchell belonged
the honor of being the first city attorney
of New Britain. Another distinction
which influenced the whole trend of his
subsequent professional activities soon
came to Mr. Mitchell. Having a native
interest and pride in the industrial prog-
ress of the State of Connecticut and in the
275
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
standing of its inventors in the world of
mechanics, he undertook exhaustive re-
search into the bases of patent law, and
decided to place his knowledge at the dis-
posal of those having inventions they de-
sired to protect. Eventually, this depart-
ment of law practice occupied his whole
time. It has been stated that he was the
first attorney in Connecticut to make pat-
ent law his specialty, and he soon came
into prominence by his able conduct of
patent and trademark cases ; in fact, it
gained him a national reputation, strength-
ened by his frequent presence before the
Supreme Court of the United States. Mr.
Mitchell's life achievements are referred
to in "Men of Mark in Connecticut,'' and
particular reference is therein made to his
accomplishments in executive capacity in
the United States Patent Office. Into
that record has been placed the statement
that his appointment to the office of
United States Commissioner of Patents
in 1889 by President Harrison, was "in
response to the general desire of the pat-
ent lawyers of the country," who un-
doubtedly knew his worth. It was also
stated that Mr. Mitchell conducted the
affairs of the Patent Office "on sound
business principles," introduced several
reforms, and "brought the work of issuing
patents into a condition equal to the pres-
sure of the incoming applications, a most
important step." During his national
service, Mr. Mitchell's private practice
suffered, and finally, in 1891, he was com-
pelled, by the demand for his services in
his private professional capacity, to re-
sign from the federal administration. He
immediately thereafter resumed his pri-
vate practice at New Britain, and in con-
nection with his New Britain office found
it necessary to open a law office in New
York City. He practiced assiduously
until 1902, gaining added prestige in pat-
ent law by his handling of the important
cases placed with him. His New York
City practice brought him into promi-
nence in litigation involving the inven-
tions of such eminent inventors as Edison,
Tesla and Thomson, and among the cele-
brated cases with which during his active
practice he was connected as attorney,
may be noted the Tucker Bronze, the
Rogers Trade Mark, and the Brush Stor-
age cases. While in New York, Attor-
ney Mitchell was principally retained by
the General Electric Company, and did
good work in many cases relating to Edi-
son's incandescent lamp, and other elec-
trical inventions.
It is believed that his retirement from
New York practice was because of failing
eyesight, and after again taking up per-
manent residence in New Britain he lived
in semi-retirement, allowing himself to
become concerned in only the more im-
portant problems of patent law set before
him for elucidation.
Mr. Mitchell was too fully occupied
with his professional duties to be able to
devote much time to political questions
and activities. However, in his early
years of practice, having more unoccupied
moments than latterly, he to some extent
entered into public and political life. Dur-
ing the years 1880-81 he sat in the Con-
necticut General Assembly as representa-
tive from New Britain ; in 1880 he was
appointed to the chairmanship of the
State committee on corporations ; and in
1881 was an influential member of the
judiciary committee. He also took ener-
getic and forceful part in the presidential
campaigns of 1884 and 1888, taking the
public platform enthusiastically in the
interests of the Republican party. His
understanding of many important phases
of industrial affairs brought him into
executive office in many industrial cor-
porations, among them the presidency of
the Stanley Rule and Level Company, of
New Britain.
Mr. Mitchell was thorough in all his
276
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
actions, and succeeded in life because he
made no move or utterance until he had,
by research and study, become convinced
that the basis was sound and logical.
Among the professional, academic, and
social organizations with which Mr.
Mitchell was affiliated were : The Amer-
ican Bar Association ; the Association of
the Bar of New York City ; the Hartford
County Bar; the Century Association;
the University Club, New Britain Club,
New England Society, and the Phi Beta
Kappa Alumni Association of New York
City.
After his death, some friends of Mr.
Mitchell placed into permanent printed
record the more important of the ad-
dresses he had delivered during the course
of his active life. The volume not only
emphasizes the profundity of his research
and the diversity of his knowledge, but it
indicates the classical trend of his mind,
and also makes clear that which was
probably the characteristic most evident
in him — his strict adherence to the right,
as the fundamental of all things worth
while.
Charles Elliott Mitchell married, in
1866, Cornelia A., daughter of Abiram and
Sophorina (Burt) Chamberlain, and sis-
ter of ex-Governor Chamberlain. Mr.
Mitchell died on March 17, 191 1, at New
Britain, where his widow still resides.
Their children were: i. Robert C, who
entered the legal profession, and is now
in practice in New York City. 2. Charles
H., who is clerk of the city and police
courts of New Britain. 3. George Henry,
in legal practice in the City of New York.
STANLEY, Walter Henry.
Agrlcultiirist, Capitalist.
In the death of Mr. Stanley, which oc-
curred August 3, 1916, the town of New
Britain lost one of its generous and most
kindly citizens. The Stanley family has
been established in New Britain for many
generations, and has ever been foremost
in promoting the town's moral and mate-
rial interests. The Stanley family is very
ancient in England, and there are many
branches in various counties. The Ameri-
can branch is thought to have sprung
from the family of the name in County
Kent, descended through a younger son
of the great Lancashire family of Stan-
leys. The arms of the Kentish family are
described : Argent on a band azure, three
bucks' heads cabossed or, a chief gules.
Crest : A demi-heraldic wolf, erased ar-
gent, tufted or.
John Stanley was born in England, and
embarked for. New England in 1634-35,
but died on the voyage. Captain John
Stanley, son of John, was born 1624, in
England, and after his father's death was
placed in care of his uncle, Thomas Stan-
ley, until he came of age. In 1636 he
removed with his guardian to Hartford,
Connecticut, and when only thirteen years
old went as a soldier in an expedition
against the Pequot Indians. He settled
at Farmington, Connecticut, at the time
of his marriage, and became one of the
most important men of the town ; was
deputy to the General Court almost con-
tinuously for thirty-seven years, from
1659 to 1696. In King Philip's War he
was lieutenant and captain ; was con-
stable of the town in 1654; sergeant, 1669;
ensign, 1674; captain, 1676. He had a
grant of one hundred and twenty acres of
land in 1675 and another two years later,
and died December 19, 1706 (gravestone
record). He married (first) December 5,
1645, Sarah Scott, who died June 6, 1661,
daughter of Thomas and Anna Scott,
of Hartford. Their second son, Thomas
Stanley, was born November i, 1649. at
Farmington, died there, April 14, 1713.
He was one of the petitioners for liberty
277
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
to plant a colony at Waterbury, but ap-
pears not to have gone there. He mar-
ried, May I, 1690, Ann, daughter of Rev.
Jeremiah and Joanna (Kitchell) Peck, of
Waterbury. Their only son, Thomas
Stanley, was born October 31, 1696, at
Farmington, died October 13, 1755. He
resided at Stanley Quarter in New Britain,
Connecticut, and for his day he was a
wealthy and prominent citizen. He mar-
ried in Farmington, January 2, 1718,
Esther, daughter of Samuel Cowles, of
Kensington, Connecticut, died July 22,
1776. The eldest son of Thomas and
FIsther (Cowles) Stanley, was Thomas,
born November 27, 1720, in New Britain,
died in 1775, leaving an estate valued at
£710. He married, May 22, 1740, Mary
Francis, born February 5, 1722, in New-
ington, Connecticut, daughter of James
and Elizabeth (Howard) Francis. Their
third son. Lot Stanley, was born ]\Iarch
3, 1752, in New Britain, where he was a
hatter, one of the first makers of fur hats
in Connecticut, and died March 8, 1807.
He married Rhoda Wadsworth, born Sep-
tember 22, 1754, daughter of Timothy and
Mary (Cowles) Wadsworth, of Farming-
ton, died May 13, 1819.
Amon Stanley, second son of Lot, was
born March 10, 1778, and learned the
trade of hatter from his father, with
whom he was some years a partner, and
whose homestead in New Britain he pur-
chased. In later life he was a prosperous
farmer, was a member of the standing
committee of the church, which he joined
December 2, 1821, and died February 2,
1846, leaving an estate valued at $7,925.36.
He made annua! trips to "the West"
(State of New York), where he exchanged
hats for furs, and also operated a distillery
for making cider-brandy, from his large
orchards. Becoming convinced that the
latter business was not reputable, though
assured by his pastor that it was, he sold
out the distillery. In order to be rid of
the hard characters tolerated by the new
owners, he repurchased the property at
a great advance in price and at the sacri-
fice of a valuable piece of woodland, and
broke up the stills, selling the metal to
a factory in New Britain, where it was
made into useful articles. Amon Stan-
ley married, October 10, 1802, Abi North,
born November 21, 1784, daughter of Cap-
tain James and Rhoda (Judd) North, of
New Britain. She joined the church De-
cember 2, 1810, was one of its most faith-
ful members, "a kind and watchful
mother," and active in persuading her
husband to abandon the distillery. They
were the parents of eleven children.
Henry Stanley, second son of Amon,
was born September 24, 1807, in New
Britain. He was an ambitious and indus-
trious youth, and left the paternal farm at
an early age. Before attaining his major-
ity he became a partner with Alvin North
in the manufacture of plated ware. This
was a successful undertaking, and later
Mr. Stanley was associated with Seth J.
North and John Stanley, under the style
of North, Stanley & Company, subse-
quently North, Smith & Company, and
Henry Stanley & Company. The last
firm comprised three brothers — -Henry,
Augustus and Timothy W^ Stanley, and
was merged in the Russell & Erwin
Manufacturing Company, in which Henry
Stanley was a large shareholder and di-
rector until his death. May 3, 1884, in his
seventy-seventh year. He was among
the founders of several other industries,
one of which is the New Britain Knitting
Company, of which he was long president
and manager. Others are the American
Hosiery Company and Stanley Rule &
Level Company, of both of which he was
president. After the death of F. T. Stan-
ley, he was president of the Stanley
Works. A large stockholder and director
278
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of the Willimantic Linen Company, and
interested in other manufacturing enter-
prises, Mr. Stanley gave a great impetus
to the industrial life of Connecticut. He
was distinguished for his admirable poise,
high integrity and firmness of character.
Of genial manner, though somewhat
reticent nature, he possessed a fine taste,
as shown in his beautiful mansion and
grounds on South Main street. He gave
judiciously and liberally of his wealth
in promoting philanthropical, educational
objects, and was ever an enterprising
agent in advancing the material interests
of the community. On March i, 1829, he
united with the church, continued among
its faithful members until 1842, when the
South Church was formed, and found him
among its constituent members, continu-
ing to his death. He married, June 10,
1829, Eliza Stanley North, born Novem-
ber 2-j, 1807, daughter of Seth J. and
Elizabeth (Stanley) North, died April 18,
1837. She was the mother of two chil-
dren. The junior, Theodore Augustus,
was second lieutenant of Company F,
Fourteenth Regiment Connecticut Volun-
teers, in the Civil War, led his company
in the battle of Fredericksburg, where
he was mortally wounded, and died De-
cember 31, 1862, in hospital at Washing-
ton. He was buried with military honors
at New Britain, January 5, 1863.
Walter Henry Stanley, eldest child of
Henry and Elizabeth (North) Stanley,
was born June 25, 1830. in New Britain,
in whose public schools he received his
early educational training. After gradu-
ating at Williston Academy he engaged
in agriculture on the paternal acres, which
had come down through several gener-
ations of his forbears. He became inter-
ested in several of the local industries,
and was widely esteemed as a useful citi-
zen of pleasing manners and most kindly
disposition. For many years he was a
member of the South Church, but was not
active in church or civil matters. His
kindly acts were many and his memory
long will be cherished by his contempo-
raries, as well as by a filial family.
He married, September 7, 1853, Mary
Jane Peck, of New Britain, born there,
daughter of Elnathan and Mary (Dewey)
Peck, a descendant of Joseph Peck, of
Milford, Connecticut, who was born in
England, and settled at New Haven, Con-
necticut as early as 1643, removing thence
to Alilford in 1649. where he was a mem-
ber of the church in 1652. He is thought
to be a brother of Henry Peck, of New
Haven, and probably came with him. His
home was near the residence now or lately
occupied by Captain Cornelius B. Peck,
and he died in 1701. He married (first)
Alice Burwell, who died December 19,
1666. Their son, Joseph Peck, born 1653,
settled in Milford. He settled his own
estate by deeding his property to his chil-
dren. He married, in Milford, Mary
Camp, probably born 1660, daughter of
Nicholas (2) and Katharine Camp, grand-
daughter of Nicholas (i) Camp, born be-
fore 1630, in England, who came from
Nasing, County Essex, to this country in
1638. The fourth son of Joseph and Mary
(Camp) Peck, was Samuel Peck, who
lived in Milford, and there married Mar-
tha Clark. Their eldest son, Samuel
Peck, was born May 21, 1716, in Milford,
where he lived. He married Hannah or
Anna Jennings, born about 1718, in Fair-
field, daughter of John J., granddaughter
of Joseph and Abigail (Turney) Jennings,
great-granddaughter of Joshua Jennings,
who was in Hertford in 1647, and Fair-
field 1656. Samuel Peck, eldest child of
Samuel and Hannah, was born .August
22, 1736, in Milford, and died there, June
T2, 1S22. He commanded a company in
the Revolutionary army, and was promi-
nent in civil affairs. He married. July 7,
279
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
1762, Meliitable Smith, born 1740, died
January i, 1826. Their fifth son was
Michael Peck, born August 12, 1773, in
Milford, where he was a builder, and died
December 27, 1861. He married, Janu-
ary I, 1797, Mary Marshall, and they
were the parents of Elnathan Peck, born
August II, 1803, in Milford. died Decem-
ber 28, 1865, in New Haven. As a
builder's apprentice he went to New
Britain to aid in building a church, and
continued in building operations there
some years. He was among the first to
manufacture hardware specialties, and re-
moved his business to New Haven five
years before his death. He married, June
20, 1827, Mary Dewey, who was born
July 2, 1804, in New Britain, daughter of
Josiah and Mehitable (Kilbourn) Dewey.
Fhey were the parents of Mary J. Peck,
wife of Walter H. Stanley. Through her
mother, Mary J. Peck was descended
from a very old and well known Ameri-
can family, founded by Thomas Dewey,
who came from Sandwich, County Kent,
England, and was one of the original
grantees of Dorchester, Massachusetts,
in 1636. He was here as early as 1633.
however, and was a witness in that year
of the non-cupative will of John Russell,
of Dorchester. He was admitted a free-
man of the colony. May 14. 1634, sold his
lands at Dorchester, August 12, 1635 
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