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1233370
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01147 3516
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2009 with funding from
Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center
http://www.archive.org/details/encyclopediaofco11hart
ENCYCLOPEDIA
OP-
CONNECTICUT BIOGRAPHY
, GENEALOGICAL — MEMORIAL
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
Compiled with the Assistance of a
Capable Corps of Advisors and Contributors
ILLUSTRATED
THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Inc.)
NEW YORK PUBLISHERS CHICAGO
Joreuiorb
EACH one of us is "the heir of all
the ages, in the foremost files of
time." We build upon the solid
foundations laid by the strenuous efforts
of the fathers who have gone before us.
Nothing is more fitting, and indeed more
important, than that we should familiar-
ize ourselves with their work and per-
sonality ; 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 reproduction of the long lost faces
as modern science makes possible.
Samuel H.\rt.
1233370
BIOGRAPHICAL
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
BROWNING, John Hull,
Enterprising Bnsiness Man.
The names of the chronicle that follows
have all had honored and notable repre-
sentatives in the Connecticut common-
wealth, and the pages of her history are
open in hearty welcome to the records
compiled therein. Browning, Hazard,
Hull and Sisson are patronymics standing
in distinction and prominence throughout
all New England, and Connecticut has
had her share of worthy service and de-
voted loyalty from their members.
The surname Browning is Anglo-
Saxon, and in its older form would ap-
pear to be the German word Bruning,
which later came to be rendered in vari-
ous ways, as Bruning, Bruening, Browne-
ing, Brimming, Brininge, Browninge, etc.
The earliest form of the name, according
to the poet, Robert Browning, was "De
Bruni," which was the name in Norman
French of one of the ancient German
tribes which inhabited the northern part
of the country on the shores of the Baltic
sea. According to the scholar, John
Aaron Browning, the form of the word in
High German is Brauning and in Low
German is Bruning, names still often
found. In the English home of the fam-
ily the name was anglicized to Browning.
The word Bruning probably refers to the
complexion of the skin or the hair of the
people originally socalled. The "brun"
meaning brown, and the suffix "ing" mean-
ing relating to, the significance of the name
would be relating to those of brown
complexion. Some scholars, however,
contend that "ing" is a diminutive signi-
fying "less," so that those designated
Bruning would be described as less brown
than their neighbors. The Anglo-Saxon
word Browning may have the same mean-
ing ascribed to Bruning, but "ing" in
Anglo-Saxon is the word for meadow or
low pasture land, such as surrounds the
shores of the Baltic. As the Brunings
originally came from that locality, the
word may have referred to them as the
inhabitants of the low meadows or pasture
lands whence they came. The Browning
arms are recorded as follows :
Arms — Barry wavy of six argent and azure.
Crest — ^A sinister arm from the elbow, issuing
from a cloud in the dexter, holding the hand above
a serpent's head, erect from the middle, and look-
ing towards the sinister proper.
(I) Nathaniel Browning, son of Mrs.
Elizabeth Browning, of London, Eng-
land, was born in London, England, about
1618. Mrs. Browning and her husband
would appear both to have been Non-
Conformists, and the prosecution that fol-
lowed them was probably the inducing
cause that led Nathaniel Browning to
embark for America soon after he came
of age, or in the year 1640, when he was
about twenty-two years old. He landed
in Boston, Massachusetts, and from there
went to Portsmouth, Rhode Island. The
reason for his going was probably that
his subsequent father-in-law, William
Freeborn, was also a Puritan, or Non-
Conformist, and had sailed from Ipswich,
England, in 1634, when he was forty
years old, and his wife Mary, thirty-five
years old.
The first mention that we have of
Nathaniel Browning in the records of
Rhode Island is in 1645, when it is stated
that he purchased a dwelling house and
two lots in Warwick for three pounds of
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
wampum. The wampum consisted of
strings of carefully selected shells, con-
sidered and used as money by the Indians.
In 1654 he was made a freeman. This
implied a good deal at the time, as the
colonies were very young, and not only
the Indians were in the vicinity, fre-
quently visiting the settlements, but also,
what was more to be dreaded, many per-
sons of uncertain character were continu-
ally coming from England to America
who threatened the peace and quiet of the
settlements. As any person who was
made a freeman was taken into the coun-
cil and government of the colony, such
persons were only admitted by the Gen-
eral Court, and after having taken an
oath of allegiance to the government here
established ; and it was very important for
the protection of their wives and children
as well as their property that no such per-
sons should be admitted as freeman. This
custom continued until the second charter
in 1692 made Massachusetts a royal
province. He died at Portsmouth, Rhode
Island, about 1670, when about fifty-two
years old.
Nathaniel Browning married, about
1650, Sarah Freeborn, second daughter of
William and Mary Freeborn, who sailed
from Ipswich, England, in 1634. Two
children were born to Nathaniel and
Sarah Browning: William, of whom
further; Jane, born about 1655.
(II) William Browning, son of Nathan-
iel and Sarah (Freeborn) Browning, was
born about 165 1, at Portsmouth, Rhode
Island. He was a farmer, and lived at
North Kingston, Rhode Island. In 1684
he was made a freeman, and the records
show that he exchanged lands in 1685.
The record also shows that on February
26, 1688, he sold to Robert Fisher twenty
acres. He died in 1730, in the eightieth
year of his age. His will, dated January
12, 1730, proved February 8, 1730, reads
in part as follows :
To wife, Sarah, thirty pounds yearly for life; to
eldest son, Samuel, two hundred and fifty acres in
South Kingston, one hundred pounds, and to have
also ten pounds paid by his brother John ; to son
William two hundred and fifty acres in South
Kingston on which he now dwelleth ; to son John a
hundred acres at Point Judith, where he dwelleth ; to
daughter Sarah three hundred pounds ; to deceased
daughter Hannah Knowles children, Rebecca and
Hannah, a hundred pounds at eighteen, equally
divided ; to three sons the rest of the estate equally.
William Browning married (first), in
1687, Rebecca Wilbur, daughter of Sam-
uel and Hannah (Porter) Wilbur, grand-
daughter of Samuel Wilbur and John
Porter, both of whom were original
settlers of Portsmouth. He married
(second) Sarah, surname unknown, who
died in 1730. Issue, all by first marriage:
I. Samuel, born February 9, 1688. 2.
Hannah, born July 16, 1691. 3. William,
born September 29, 1693. 4. Sarah, born
April, 1694. 5. John, of whom further.
(Ill) John Browning, youngest son of
William and Rebecca (Wilbur) Brown-
ing, was born March 4, 1696, at South
Kingston, Rhode Island. He was a
farmer and lived in South Kingston, near
the seacoast. In 1774 he was made a
freeman, and the records show that on
March 8, 1738, he bought of Jeffrey
Hazard a tract of two hundred acres, giv-
ing £2000 for it. He sold, October 20,
1741, to Stephen Hazard, for £3000, a
tract of land of a hundred acres, and April
27, 1741, he deeded to his son Jeremiah
forty acres of the land bought of Jeffrey
Hazard, a relative of his wife. In later
years the Hazard family became very
wealthy by manufacturing woolens, their
principal mill being at Peace Dale, Rhode
Island. In his will, dated August 23,
1770, proved April 14, 1777, he deeded to
his grandsons, Thomas and William, sons
IBrotumnn
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
I
of Thomas, deceased, all his lands in
South Kingston, being part of his home-
stead farm, about a hundred acres, and to
them fourteen acres salt marsh in Charles-
ton. John Browning was buried in the
little Quaker burying ground at South
Kingston, Rhode Island, near the factory,
a small granite headstone, dug from the
hills nearby, marking the spot where he
lies. The name "John Browning" is all
that is carved upon it, while at his side
a small mound of earth marks the resting
place of his wife, Ann (Hazard) Brown-
ing, with no tombstone at all to mark the
spot. John Browning died in 1777, at
Exeter, Rhode Island, in his eighty-first
year.
John Browning married, April 21, 1721,
Ann Hazard, born February 28, 1701,
daughter of Jeremiah and Sarah (Smith)
Hazard. (See Hazard line.) Issue: i.
Thomas, of whom further. 2. Sarah Eliza-
beth, born 1724. 3. Jeremiah, born 1726.
4. Hannah, born 1728. 5. Martha, born
1732. 6. Ann, born 1734. 7. Eunice, born
1740. 8. John, born September 15, 1742.
9. Mary, born 1744. 10. Ephriam, born
September 20, 1746.
(IV) Thomas Browning, eldest son of
John and Ann (Hazard) Browning, was
born in 1722, at Kingston, Rhode Island.
He was a farmer at Hopkinton, Rhode
Island, and was made a freeman in 1742.
In religion he was a Quaker. He was
ensign of Company I, South Kingston,
Third Regiment, in May, 1743, and was
made captain of his company in May,
1747. He is mentioned as justice of the
peace at Little Compton in June, 1749.
He died in 1770, at South Kingston,
Rhode Island, aged fifty-two years. He
left no will, but the inventory of his per-
sonal estate showed that it amounted to
£650.
Thomas Browning married (first)
Mary Browning, daughter of William and
Mary (Wilkinson) Browning. He mar-
ried (second), July 2, 1769, Anna Hoxie,
daughter of Solomon and Mary Hoxie, of
Richmond, Rhode Island. Issue by first
marriage : i. Robert, born 1757. 2.
Thomas, born 1761. 3. William Thomas,
of further mention. 4. Annie, born 1767.
Issue by second marriage: i. Joshua, born
1770.
(V) William Thomas Browning, third
son of Thomas and Mary (Browning)
Browning, was born at South Kingston,
Rhode Island, May 11, 1765. He was left
an orphan when he was six years old,
and went to live with his uncles, who
were also his guardians. He lived part of
the time with his uncle, Jeremiah Brown-
ing, and part of the time with his uncle,
John Browning. When eleven years of
age his guardians sold a farm for him for
a very large amount for those days, and
the money was stored in his guardian's
house in South Kingston, in gold and
silver coins. This was during the War
of the Revolution, and the State govern-
ment sent officers with soldiers and took
the money, leaving in its place continental
currency, which was stored in barrels in
the garret of the house. When he moved
from South Kingston he went to Preston
township, Connecticut, and bought a farm
there. He built a new farm house on the
dividing line between the townships of
Preston and North Stonington, so that
one-half of the house was in one town-
ship and one-half in the other. This after-
wards became known as the old Brown-
ing homestead, and is still standing in
very good condition, occupied by a Mr.
Richardson. The barrels of continental
money he took with him and stored in the
garret of his new home. He died January
2, 1826, on his farm in Preston.
William T. Browning married, Decem-
ber 29, 1784, Catherine Morey, daughter
of Robert Morey, of Newport, Rhode
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Island. Issue: i. Catherine, born Janu-
ary 28, 1786. 2. Mary, bom February 4,
1788. 3. Thomas, born April 21, 1790. 4.
Elizabeth, born July i, 1792. 5. Sarah,
(twin), born Augfust 9, 1794. 6. Ann,
(twin), born August 9, 1794. 7. William,
bom August 25, 1796. 8. Thomas M.,
born June 17, 1798. 9. Joshua, born July
17, 1800. ID. John Hazard, of whom
further. 11. Latham Hull, born April 13,
1804. 12. Oren, born March 31, 1806. 13.
Benjamin Franklin, born February 18,
1808. 14. Susan A., born November 8,
1810.
(VI) John Hazard Browning, son of
William Thomas and Catherine (Morey)
Browning, was born July 28, 1801, at the
Browning homestead near Preston City,
Connecticut. He grew up on his father's
farm near Preston City, and when five or
six years old met with an accident by
falling into a deep well, which nearly cost
him his life. He taught school for sev-
eral years before starting in business, and
began his commercial career in Milltown,
Connecticut, in 1821, where he ran a gen-
eral store, dealing largely in yarn spun
by the farmers' wives. Shortly after his
marriage he moved to New London, Con-
necticut, and there continued a general
merchandise business. In 1833 he moved
to New York City and started in the dry
goods business at the corner of Fulton
and Water streets, as Browning & Hull.
In 1849 he closed his business and went
into the general merchandise in Cali-
fornia, along with Oliver Jennings and
Benjamin A. Brewster, whom he sent out
to California for the purpose. He re-
mained in New York City manufacturing
cloth and buying other supplies which he
shipped to the store in California. The
store was burned three times without fire
insurance, and the stock was a total loss.
This business was very prosperous, but
he withdrew from it and all active affairs
in 1857, except as a special partner with
his eldest son in the clothing business,
which was conducted by Hanford &
Browning. Afterwards this firm became
Browning, King & Company, and now
has stores in nearly all the principal cities
of the United States. He died March 22,
1877.
John Hazard Browning married (first),
September 21, 1829, Eliza Smith Hull, of
Stonington, Connecticut, daughter of
Colonel John W. and Elizabeth (Smith)
Hull, the latter of Waterford, Connecti-
cut; she died April 21, 1875 (see Hull
VIII). John Hazard Browning married
(second) Isabelle Rutter, daughter of
William Rutter, of New York City, Janu-
ary II, 1876. Issue, all by first marriage:
I. John W., born March 5, 1831, died in
1833. 2. William Charles, born November
I3> 1835. 3. Edward Franklin, born June
21, 1837. 4. Ann Elizabeth, born Febru-
ary 13, 1839. 5. John Hull, of whom
further.
(VII) John Hull Browning, youngest
child of John Hazard and Eliza Smith
(Hull) Browning, was born December 25,
1841, in Orange, New Jersey, where the
family had been for some time estab-
lished. After pursuing a course in the
New York Academy, he embarked upKsn a
business career in his twentieth year,
entering the wholesale clothing firm of
William C. Browning & Company, which
business was very successful, and John
Hull Browning ultimately became inter-
ested in various financial and business
enterprises. Soon after 1883 he succeeded
the late Charles G. Sisson as president of
the Northern Railroad of New Jersey,
which position he occupied twenty-two
years. He was secretary and treasurer of
the East & West Railroad of Alabama,
and for twenty years was president of
the Richmond County Gas Company, in
what is Greater New York. For some
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
time he was treasurer of the Cherokee
Iron Company of Cedartown, Georgia,
and he was a director in the Citizen's
National Bank of Englewood, New Jer-
sey. Mr. Browning made his home in
New York City, but maintained an attrac-
tive summer home at Tenafly, New Jer-
sey. He was deeply interested in organ-
ized charitable work, both in New York
and New Jersey, and in association with
his wife erected a fresh air children's
home at Tenafly. While he was essen-
tially a business man, a director in many
profitable enterprises, Mr. Browning al-
ways had time for a reasonable amount
of recreation, and devoted much thought
and care to benevolent work in the inter-
est of mankind in general. He was twice
a presidential elector, and prior to his
marriage was active in the Masonic order.
He died suddenly in the Erie ferryhouse
at the foot of Chambers street. New York
City, October 26, 1914, on his way home.
John Hull Browning married, October
19, 1871, Eva B. Sisson, daughter of
Charles Grandison and Mary Elizabeth
(Garrabrant) Sisson (see Sisson on a fol-
lowing page). They were the parents of
a son, John Hull Browning, Jr., bom
October 6, 1874. died June 10, 1917.
(Tho Hazard Line).
Arms — Azure, two bars argent; on a chief or
three escallops gules.
Crest — An escallop gules.
The family of Hassard, Hassart, or
Hazard, is of Norman extraction. At the
time of the Conquest they were sitting on
the borders of Switzerland, and were dis-
tinguished by the ancient but long extinct
title of Duke de Charante. Two bearing
this title visited the Holy Land as cru-
saders. The Hazards in this country
belong chiefly to Rhode Island, where the
original Thomas Hazard settled in 1639.
Tradition says that Thomas Hazard was
accompanied by a nephew, the ancestor
of the New York and southern branches
of the family. In Rhode Island the name
is one of the most numerous in the State.
Mrs. Mary Hazard, of South Kingston,
Rhode Island, grandmother of Governor
Hazard, died in 1739, at the age of one
hundred years, and could count up five
hundred children, grandchildren, great-
grandchildren, and great-great-grandchil-
dren, of whom two hundred and five were
then living.
(I) Thomas Hazard, the first American
ancestor, born in England in 1610, came
from England, some say Wales, and set-
tled in Rhode Island, in 1635. His name
is first found in Boston in 1635. In 1638
he was admitted a freeman of Boston ; in
1639 he was admitted freeman of New-
port, Rhode Island, and in 1640 he was
appointed a member of the General Court
of Elections. He died in 1680. Thomas
Hazard married (first) Martha, surname
unknown, who died in 1669. He mar-
ried (second) Martha Sheriff, widow of
Thomas Sheriff, who died in 1691. Issue,
probably all by first marriage: i. Robert,
of whom further. 2. Elizabeth, married
George Lawton. 3. Hannah, married
Stephen Wilcox, son of Edward Wilcox.
4. Martha, married (first) Ichabod Potter,
son of Nathaniel and Dorothy Potter;
(second) Benjamin Mowry, son of Roger
and Mary Mowry.
(II) Robert Hazard, eldest son of
Thomas and Martha (Sheriff) Hazard,
was born in 1635, in England or Ireland.
He was admitted a freeman of Ports-
mouth, Rhode Island, and appears to have
been a prominent man in the colony, and
was a large landowner. He built a big
house in Kingston, Rhode Island, which
stood for a century and a half. The house
had a long L in which was a capacious
chimney with two stone seats where, tra-
dition says, the little slave children were
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
wont to sit. Robert Hazard, according to
the deeds given to his sons and others,
owned more than a thousand acres of
land. He died in 1710.
Robert Hazard married Mary Brownell,
daughter of Thomas and Ann Brownell.
She died January 28, 1739, at the age of
one hundred years, having lived to see
five hundred of her descendants, as previ-
ously stated. She appears to have been
remarkable in more ways than one, for
the "Boston Gazette" dated February 12,
1739, says of her: "She was accounted a
very useful Gentlewoman, both to the
Poor and Rich on many accounts, and
particularly amongst Sick Persons for her
Skill and Judgment, which she did
Gratis." Issue: i. Thomas, born in 1660,
died in 1746; married Susannah Nichols.
2. George, married Penelope Arnold,
daughter of Caleb and Abigail Arnold,
and died in 1743. 3. Stephen, married
Elizabeth Helme, and died September 20,
1727. 4. Martha, married Thomas Wil-
cox, and died in 1753. 5. Mary, married
Edward Wilcox, and died before 1710. 6.
Robert, married Amey, surname un-
known, and died in 1710. 7. Jeremiah, of
whom further. 8. Hannah, married Jef-
frey Champlin.
(Ill) Jeremiah Hazard, fifth son and
seventh child of Robert and Mary
(Brownell) Hazard, was born March 25,
1675. He lived at Kingstown, Rhode
Island, and like others of the family he
owned much land, some of which re-
mained with his descendants for genera-
tions. He died February 2, 1768, aged
ninety-three years.
Jeremiah Hazard married Sarah Smith,
daughter of Jeremiah and Mary ( Geready)
Smith. Issue: i. Mary, born March 12,
1696, died in 1771. 2. Ann, born February
28, 1701 ; married John Browning, of
South Kingston (see Browning III). 3.
Robert, born April i, 1703, married
Patience Northup. 4. Sarah, born Janu-
ary II, 1706, married, October 24, 1728,
Robert Moore. 5. Martha, born October
8, 1708. 6. Hannah, born in April, 1714;
married Samuel Watson. 7. Susannah,
born May 21, 1716.
(The Hull Line).
Arms — -Sable, a chevron ermine between three
talbots' heads erased argent.
Crest — ^A talbot's head erased argent between
two laurel branches proper united at the top.
It is claimed by some that people who
spell their name Hull are derived from the
same stock as those who spell their name
Hill and Hall, etc. In support of this
theory, old records are cited, showing the
spelling of names as de la Hille, de la
Hall, de Hill, de Hall, de Halle, Hall and
Hill and de Hulle and de la Hulle, Hule
and Hull. It is also claimed that the
Saxon word "atte" is the equivalent of
the Norman word "de" or "de la" and the
surname Hill, Helle, Hulle, or Hulls
means a hill or hills. Atte Hull therefore
would appear to mean, of the hills or
from the hills. The probabilities are,
however, that Hull, Hill and Hall are and
have always been the names of separate
and distinct families, themselves divided
into other families of the same name, hav-
ing no connection with each other except
where they belonged to the same locality.
The ancestors of those bearing the name
of Hull were among the settlers and
founders of this country. They took part
in the formation of the government in the
early colonies as well as in the first war
of the colony of Connecticut against the
Pequot Indians ; their descendants again
served in King Philip's War, and later in
the Colonial and Revolutionary wars, and
have held in both civic and military affairs
of this country positions of which their
descendants may be proud.
(I) Rev. Joseph Hull, the immigrant
ancestor of one well known American line
8
HULL
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
bearing the name of Hull, was born in
Somersetshire, England, about 1594. He
matriculated at St. Magdalen Hall, Ox-
ford, May 12, 1612, aged seventeen years,
and was installed rector of Northleigh
diocese of Exeter, Devonshire, England,
April 14, 1621. On March 20, 1635, he
sailed with his family, consisting of his
wife Agnes, aged twenty-five years, who
was his second wife, and two sons, five
daughters, and three servants, from Wey-
mouth, bound for New England, with a
company composed of sixteen families
and numbering one hundred and four per-
sons, chiefly west country people. They
arrived in Boston Harbor, May 6, 1635.
On their arrival at Boston a grant was
obtained to establish a plantation at Wes-
saguscus, and here, with others from
Boston and Dorchester, they soon gath-
ered into a church organization with Mr.
Hull as their pastor. In September of the
same year Mr. Hull, with other prominent
residents of his community, took the
freeman's oath, and their plantation was
erected into a township and "decreed
hereafter to be called Weymouth." The
new church did not meet with favor from
its Puritan neighbors. Dissension quickly
arose within the church itself, instigated
by the authorities outside, and in less than
a year the Separatists had called the Rev.
Thomas Jenner, of Roxbury, to be their
pastor, and Mr. Hull relinquished his
charge and withdrew. He obtained a
grant of land in Hingham, the adjoining
town, and after a brief season of preach-
ing at Bass River, now Beverly, he gave
up his ministerial labor and turned his
attention to civic affairs. He evidently
possessed the confidence of his fellow-
townsmen, for he was twice elected
deputy to the General Court, and in 1638
was appointed one of the local magis-
trates of Hingham. In June, 1639, the
Plymouth court granted authority to Mr.
Joseph Hull and Thomas Dimoc to erect
a plantation at Barnstable, on Cai>e Cod.
Mr. Hull was elected freeman and deputy
for Barnstable at the first General Court
held at Plymouth. For a time he sup-
ported his family by agriculture and the
raising of cattle and horses. Turning
once more to the ministry, he preached
for a long time at the Isle of Shoals. Re-
turning to Barnstable, he accepted a call
at Yarmouth and moved his family there,
but as the call was not for a recognized
church organization, it aroused the hos-
tility of the authorities and Mr. Hull
was excommunicated by the Barnstable
Church in 1641. He withdrew to the
more friendly association of the Maine
colony. For a time he was settled at the
Isle of Shoals, and in 1643 was called to
York, Maine, as minister. In 1652 Mr.
Hull returned to England and was given
the living at St. Burian, in Cornwall,
where he remained until after the Restora-
tion. In 1662 he returned to America and
was settled as minister at Oyster River,
now Dover, New Hampshire. Here,
among his old friends, he passed the clos-
ing years of his life in quietness and
esteem. He died at York, Maine, Novem-
ber 19, 1665.
Rev. Joseph Hull was twice married,
but the names of both his wives remain
unknown. The first died in England, and
he married again, about 1635. Issue: i.
Joanna, born in England, married (first)
at Sandwich, Massachusetts, Colonel John
Bursley, of Barnstable. Married (second)
Dolor Davis. 2. Joseph, born in England,
settled at York, Maine. 3. Tristram, of
whom further. 4. Temperance, born in
England. 5. Elizabeth, born in England.
6. Grisselds, born in England. 7. Dorothy.
8. Benjamin, born in Hingham. 9. Naomi,
born in Barnstable. 10. Ruth.
(II) Captain Tristram Hull, second son
of the Rev. Joseph Hull, was born in Eng-
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
land, in 1626. He was a selectman of
Barnstable, a military officer, and left
property to the value of £1150 2s. 5d.,
sterling, a large amount in those days. In
February, 1656, he was fined for reliev-
ing some persecuted Quakers of Boston.
He joined the Society of Friends.
Captain Tristram Hull married, but the
name of his wife is unknown. Issue: i.
Mary, born in Yarmouth, September 16,
1645 ; married Joseph Holley, of Sand-
wich. 2. Sarah, born in March, 1650, at
Barnstable ; married Robert Burgess, of
Linn. 3. Joseph, of whom further. 4.
John, born in Barnstable in March, 1654;
married, in London, October 23, 1684,
Alice Tidemann. 5. Hannah, born in
Barnstable, February, 1656 ; married, Sep-
tember 15, 1674, Joseph Blish, and died
November 15, 1733.
(III) Joseph (2) Hull, eldest son of
Captain Tristram Hull, was born at Barn-
stable, in June, 1652. He was made a
freeman in 1696, and was governor assist-
ant in 1699 and from 1701 to 1703. He
suffered much persecution because he was
a member of the Society of Friends, of
which community he was a minister. In
1681 he was fined for beating the sheriflF
who had persecuted him as a Quaker. He
died at South Kingston, Rhode Island,
about 1709. Joseph (2) Hull married, in
October, 1676, Experience Harper, daugh-
ter of Robert Harper, who was one of the
first Quakers to suffer in body and estate,
and was in 1660 banished from Boston.
(IV) Tristram (2) Hull, son of Joseph
(2) and Experience (Harper) Hull, was
born in 1677, lived in Westerly, and
owned lands there. He died in 1718.
Tristram (2) Hull married Elizabeth
Dyer, daughter of Charles Dyer, son of
William Dyer, whose wife Mary was
executed on Boston Common, January i,
1660, because she was a Quakeress.
(V) Stephen Hull, son of Tristram (2)
and Elizabeth (Dyer) Hull, was bom at
Westerly, Rhode Island, in 1715. He lived
at South Kingston, and witnessed many
stirring events during the Revolutionary
War. He died in 1798. Stephen Hull
married Martha Clark.
(VI) Latham Hull, son of Stephen and
Martha (Qark) Hull, was born at South
Kingston, Rhode Island, in 1750. He died
at North Stonington in 1807. Latham
Hull married (first) Anna Wheeler. He
married (second) Desire Williams, born
January 24, 1751, a lineal descendant of
John and Elizabeth Tilley, both of whor^
were passengers on the "Mayflower."
Issue : I. Jeremiah, married Keturah
Randall Williams. 2. John W., of whom
further.
(VII) Colonel John W. Hull, son of
Latham and Desire (Williams) Hull, was
born in January, 1789. He lived at North
Stoningfton, Connecticut, and served in
the army, being colonel. John W. Hull
married (first) Elizabeth Smith, of
Waterford, Connecticut, granddaughter of
Charles Stewart and Hannah Williams
Smith. He married (second) Nancy
York. Issue by first marriage : i. Eunice,
married Benjamin Franklin Browning,
brother of John Hazard Browning. 2.
John Pomery, married Harriet Jane
Argall, of New York City. 3. Eliza
Smith, of whom further. Issue by second
marriage : 4. Jesse Y. Lathrop. 5.
Charles S. 6. Ann, married (first) Eras-
tus Hewitt; (second) Latham Stewart.
7. Elmire, married William Argall.
(VIII) Eliza Smith Hull, daughter of
Colonel John W. and Elizabeth (Smith)
Hull, was born May 26, 1812. She was
a woman of great literary accomplish-
ments. She died April 21, 1875. Eliza
Smith Hull married, September 21, 1829,
John Hazard Browning, when she was
seventeen and he was twenty-eight years
old (see Browning VI).
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
SISSON, Charles G.,
Man of Great Enterprise.
Arms — Per fesse embattled or and azure, three
griffins' heads erased counterchanged.
Crest~A griffin's head erased or.
Motto— Hope for the best. (The motto, Si
sonent tubae paratus. has been sometimes used over
the crest).
This family name was probably derived
from Soissons, a province of France, the
progenitors of the English branches
doubtless having come to Britain vsrith
William of Normandy. In the poll tax
returns of Howdenshire (Yorkshire) for
the year 1739 the following names are
found : Johannes Sisson, Robertus Cis-
son, Henricus Sisson, Thomas Cysson,
and William Cisson. An English gene-
alogist concludes that in one instance the
name is derived from Syston, a populous
village in Leicestershire, but here again
the real origin leads to France. The Eng-
lish Sissons were, as a rule, non-conform-
ists and engaged in commerce.
(I) Richard Sisson, the first of the
name in America, is of record at Ports-
mouth, Rhode Island, where on May 17,
1653, he was admitted a freeman of the
town. On July 2, 1653, he was on a jury
that found in the case of Thomas Brad-
ley (discovered dead on the highway)
"that by extremity of heat the said
Thomas was overcome and so perished by
himself in the wilderness." On July 6,
1658, he bought of William Hall one
three-hundredth of the island of Quonon-
oquett (Conanicut), and one three hun-
dredth of Dutch Island, and two years
later he disposed of this property and a
like amount in the same locality. In 1667
he served on the grand jury, being then at
Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and in 1668,
at the age of sixty or thereabouts, he gave
the following testimony: "John Archer,
being at my house, did speak as foUow-
eth, and said the deed of gift made by
Namumpan to John Sanford and himself
was a cheat, and the intent thereof was
to deceive Namumpan, squaw Sachem, of
her land ; and they were to have both corn
and peague to secure her land, from
Wamsutta or Peter Talman, and was to
resign up the deed at her demand." In
1671 he was surveyor of highways. He
died in 1684. The inventory of his estate
amounted to £600 igd, and included one
Indian servant, valued at £10, and one
negro servant valued at £28. His wife
Mary died in 1692. They were the par-
ents of six children: i. George, of whom
further. 2. Elizabeth, born April 8, 1650;
married, 1670, Caleb Allen. 3. James,
died in 1734; married Elizabeth Hatha-
way. 4. John, died in 1687 ; married Mary
. 5. Anne, died in 1713, married
Peleg Tripp. 6. Mary, died in 1674; mar-
ried Isaac Lawton.
(II) George Sisson, son of Richard and
Mary Sisson, was born in 1644, and died
September 7, 1718. About 1667 he went
with his father to Dartmouth, and after
remaining a few years returned to Ports-
mouth. In 1671 he was on the grand jury
at Dartmouth, and in the same year was
on a committee to view the damage done
the Indians by the horses and dogs of the
English. In this year, too, he sold prop-
erty in Portsmouth for three-eighths of
one share in Dartmouth. George Sisson
in 1684 was on a jury which found a ver-
dict on a dead Indian "that he murdered
himself," etc. On June 24, 1687, he was
appointed administrator of his brother
John's widow, Mary. In the same year
he was constable, in 1688 grand juryman,
in 1690, 1702, 1705, and 1707 deputy, and
in 1703 justice of the peace. His will,
made August 20, 1718, disposed of an
estate of £451 i8s. 8d., the homestead
farm given to Richard, his eldest son.
This property, lying in Portsmouth,
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Rhode Island, has descended from father
to son to the present time.
George Sisson married Sarah Lawton,
daughter of Thomas Lawton. She died
July 5, 1718. Children: i. Elizabeth,
born August 18, 1669, died in 1752 ; mar-
ried Jeremiah Clark. 2. Mary, born Octo-
ber 18, 1670, died in 1718. 3. Ann, born
December 17, 1672 ; married Philip
Weeden. 4. Hope, born December 24,
1674; married William Sanford. 5.
Richard, born September 10, 1676, died in
1752; married Ann Card. 6. Ruth, born
May 5, 1680, married Richard Tew. 7.
George, born March 23, 1683 ; married
(first) Mercy; (second) Lydia Cole. 8.
Abigail, born March 23, 1685, died August
30, 1723 ; married William Tew. 9.
Thomas, of whom further. 10. John, born
June 26, 1688, died in 1784; married
Rebecca . 11. James, born July 26,
1690, married Deborah Cook.
(III) Thomas Sisson, son of George
and Sarah (Lawton) Sisson, was born
September 10, 1686, and died in 1775.
Under his father's will he inherited prop-
erty in Newport, and there spent the
greater part of his life. His wife, Jane,
died in 1758. Children: i. Giles, 2. Wil-
liam, of whom further. 3. Thomas. 4.
Peleg. 5. Rebecca.
(IV) William Sisson, son of Thomas
and Jane Sisson, was a prosperous farmer
and well known resident of Stonington,
Connecticut, where he married and where
his children were born, as follows: I.
Oliver, born March 30, 1738. 2. Nathan,
born April 14, 1740. 3. Hannah, born
June 17, 1742. 4. William, of whom
further. 5. Benajah, born September 17,
1746. 6. James, born August 15, 1748. 7.
Abigail, born October 24, 1750. 8. Jona-
than, born May 2, 1753. 9. Hannah, bom
June 17, 1755. 10. Thomas, born April 4,
1758, died October 2, 1841.
(V) William (2) Sisson, son of Wil-
liam (i) Sisson, was born July 12, 1744,
and died October 15, 1798. He was a
leading merchant at Stonington, and
prominent in military aflFairs. William
Sisson married, April 10, 1766, Mary or
Marcy Noyes, daughter of John and Mary
or Marcy (Breed) Noyes, descendant of
James Noyes, who came to England in
1634 in the "Mary and John." Children:
I. Gilbert, of whom further. 2. Marcy,
born April 15, 1771. 3. Lucy, born Janu-
ary 28, 1773. 4. Abigail, born July il,
1775. 5. Huldah, born February 28, 1778.
6. Nancy, born July 9, 1780. 7. William,
born April 29, 1784. 8. Polly, born May
20,1787. 9. Hannah, born August 25, 1792.
(VI) Major Gilbert Sisson, son of Wil-
liam (2) and Mary (Noyes) Sisson, was
born at Stonington, March 13, 1769, and
died September 11, 1840. He was a not-
able figure for decades in the public life
of the town and a leader in its military
activity. Major Gilbert Sisson married,
March 22, 1791, Desire Maine, daughter
of Amos and Abigail (Brown) Maine, of
Stonington, and a descendant of Ezekiel
Maine, founder of the family of America,
and one of the early residents of Stoning-
ton. She was born March 31, 1772, and
died November 17, 1842. Children : i.
Polly, born November 17, 1791, died
August 17, 1794. 2. Esther, born Decem-
ber 8, 1793, died February 18, 1875; mar-
ried William Lewis. 3. Betsey, born Sep-
tember 19, 1796; married Clark D.
Thompson. 4. Noyes, born September 21,
1798, died August 7, 1872; married (first)
Eliza Browning, (second) Rachel Avery.
5. Gilbert, born September i, 1800, died
July 27, 1876; married Elizabeth Lewis.
6. William, bom September 6, 1802, died
April 6, 1875 ; married Abbie Browning.
7. Lucy A., died November 26, 1890 ; mar-
ried Henry Bliven. 8. Charles Grandison,
of whom further. 9. Emily, born June 7,
1809, died February 19, 1855 ; married
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Robert A. Bliven. lo. Benjamin F., born
April 20, 181 1, died September 8, 1885;
married (first) Marritta York; (second)
Margaret Milliard. 11. Cyrus S., born
March 5, 1813, died March 22, 1813. 12.
Oliver A., born May i, 1816, died in 1885 ;
married (first) Mary M. Segar; (second)
Sarah M. Perry.
(VII) Charles Grandison Sisson, son
of Major Gilbert and Desire (Maine)
Sisson, was born in Stonington, Connecti-
cut, April 15, 1807, and died August 21,
1874. Mr. Sisson was a projector, con-
tractor, and railroad president, and one of
the foremost citizens of New Jersey dur-
ing a residence in that State of more than
a quarter of a century.
Charles Grandison Sisson married
(first) Martha Wheeler, daughter of Asa
and Polly (Brown) Wheeler, of Stoning-
ton ; (second) Mary Hewitt, daughter of
Elias and Polly (Miner) Hewitt, of Ston-
ington ; (third) Mary Elizabeth Garra-
brant, who was born in New Jersey, in
1836, daughter of Myndert Garrabrant,
and member of an old Knickerbocker
family. She died in 1870. Charles Grand-
ison Sisson and Mary Elizabeth (Garra-
brant) Sisson were the parents of Eva B.
Sisson, who married John Hull Brown-
ing (see Browning VII).
PORTER, Rev. Noah,
Clergyman, Edncator, Anthor.
Arms — Argent, on a fess sable, between two bar-
rulets or, three church bells of the first.
Crest — A portcullis proper, chained or.
Motto — Vigilante et virtute. (By watchfulness
and braverj')-
Genealogists trace the origin of this
family to the Norman Conquest, to one
William de la Grande, a Norman knight
who fought at Hastings in the train of
William the Conqueror, and for his ser-
vices was given lands at or near Kenil-
worth in Warwickshire. His son held
the court office of grand porteur under the
reign of King Henry from 1130 to 1140,
and when the adoption of surnames be-
came prevalent throughout England took
the name of his office. It would be an
extravagant exaggeration to assert that
all the English Porters and their Ameri-
can descendants are the progeny of Wil-
liam de la Grande, but beyond any doubt
the families of the name who have figured
prominently in English life and afifairs for
centuries, as well as several branches of
the New England Porters trace an
authentic lineage to this progenitor.
The Massachusetts and Connecticut
Porters have included many persons of
note in the learned professions, and in
civic and military life. By far the most
distinguished member of the family in
recent generations was the late Noah
Porter, D. D., noted scholar and educator,
the eleventh president of Yale University,
son of Rev. Noah Porter, D. D., and
brother of Miss Sarah Porter, the founder
of the celebrated Porter School at Farm-
ington, Connecticut. In the American
Revolution, members of the Porter family
of New England were zealous and active
patriots. At the first fire of the British at
Lexington a Porter fell, and the first
name inscribed on the monumental tablet
of the slain at Bunker Hill is that of a
Porter.
Rev. Noah Porter, above mentioned,
was a lineal descendant of Robert Porter,
founder of the family in America.
(I) Robert Porter, immigrant ancestor
and founder, was a native of England.
The exact date of his coming to New
England is not known. He was one of
the first settlers of the ancient town of
Farmington, Connecticut, and one of its
eighty-four original proprietors, up to the
time of his death playing a leading role
13
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
in civic and religious affairs in the little
community. He was one of the seven
pillars of the church, but at a later date
left it to settle in Mattatuck, now Water-
bury, where he was granted a lot in 1684.
His property extended from what is now
West Main street to Grove street. He
was one of the original proprietor inhabi-
tants of Waterbury. Robert Porter died
in Waterbury in 1689, and at the time of
his death was the oldest man in the com-
munity. He married Mary Scott, and
among their children was Thomas, men-
tioned below.
(II) Thomas Porter, son of Robert and
Mary (Scott) Porter, was born in 1650,
in Farmington, Connecticut. He married
Abigail Cowles, who was born in 1664,
daughter of Samuel and Abigail (Stanley)
Cowles, and granddaughter of John
Cowles.
(III) Robert (2) Porter, son of Thomas
and Abigail (Cowles) Porter, was born
in 1697. He married Sarah Smith, daugh-
ter of Jonathan Smith.
(IV) Deacon Noah Porter, son of Rob-
ert (2) and Sarah (Smith) Porter, was
born in 1733, and died in 1818. He was
prominent in religious affairs, and was
one of the foremost citizens of Farming-
ton to the time of his death. He married
Rachel Merill.
(V) Rev. Noah (2) Porter, D. D., son
of Deacon Noah (i) and Rachel (Merill)
Porter, was born in Farmington, Connec-
ticut, in 1781, and died there in 1866. He
was graduated in the class of 1803 ^t Yale
College, and carried off highest honors.
After pursuing studies preparatory to
entering the ministry, he was settled over
the Congregational church in his native
town, and remained at its head until his
death, his pastorate covering a period of
more than sixty years. In 1828 he re-
ceived the degree of Doctor of Divinity
from Dartmouth College. For nearly
forty years from 1823 to 1862, he was a
Fellow of Yale College, and during the
greater part of that time served on its
most important committees. He was one
of the foremost divines in New England
in the first half of the nineteenth century,
and it was in his study at Farmington on
the fifth of September, 1810, that the
American Board of Commissioners for
Foreign Missions was organized and held
its first meeting. Noah Porter married
Mehitable Meigs, daughter of Captain
Giles and Anne (Green) Meigs, of Middle-
town, Connecticut. The wife of Noah
Porter was a descendant in the sixth gen-
eration of Rev. Samuel Whiting and
Elizabeth (St. John) Whiting. The lat-
ter traced a distinguished lineage through
twenty generations from King Henry I
of France. They were the parents of
Noah, mentioned below.
(VI) Rev. Noah (3) Porter, D. D., son
of Rev. Noah (2) and Mehitable (Meigs)
Porter, was born in Farmington, Connec-
ticut, December 14, 181 1. He received
his early educational training under
Simeon Hart, principal of the Farming-
ton Academy, and for a short time
studied under John H. Lathrop, who
afterwards became chancellor of the Uni-
versity of Wisconsin. He also studied
under the direction of Elisha N. Sill. In
1824, following a fashion common among
the prominent New England families of
the day, Noah Porter was received- into
the family of an uncle. Dr. Humphrey,
president of Amherst College, one of
whose sons took the place of Noah Porter
in the Porter family in Farmington. Here
he studied under Ebenezer Snell, who
afterwards became professor of Natural
Philosophy at Amherst College. With
the exception of one or two terms spent
in the school in Middletown, Connecticut,
Noah Porter received his elementary edu-
cation and made his preparation for col-
14
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
lege under some of the foremost educators
of the day, who fostered in him an inher-
ited love of learning and laid the founda-
tions of his subsequent notable career as
an educator. At the age of sixteen years
he matriculated at Yale College, entering
with the class of 1831, which possessed
an unusual number of brilliant students.
He took high rank as a scholar, winning
the esteem of the faculty, and at the same
time the confidence and friendship of his
classmates, among whom he formed many
warm attachments which proved lifelong.
Following his graduation, Dr. Porter
became rector of the Ancient Latin
School in New Haven, which was founded
in 1660, and is now known as the Hop-
kins Grammar School. His ability as an
instructor and especially his success in
administering discipline in a school
which was proverbially unruly, brought
him considerable renown in educational
circles in New Haven. In 1833 he was
elected tutor in Yale College, and for two
years served in the capacity of Greek
instructor to the somewhat famous class
of 1827. While tutoring he pursued the
regular course in theology in the Yale
Divinity School under Dr. Nathaniel W.
Taylor, and in April, 1836, was ordained
to the ministry. Shortly afterwards he
was installed in the pastorate of the Con-
gregational church in New Milford, Con-
necticut, one of the largest in the State.
During the seven years of his identity
with this parish. Dr. Porter's fame spread
gradually beyond the borders of the State,
and he became recognized as one of the
eminent divines of New England. It was
while settled over this rural church that
he began his writings, which were pub-
lished extensively in the leading periodi-
cals of the day and which attracted to him
wide attention as an original and vigorous
thinker on theological and philosophical
subjects.
In 1843, ^^- Porter was called to the
pastorate of the South Congregational
Church in Springfield, Massachusetts,
where he remained until 1846. In the
latter year he accepted the chair of mental
and moral philosophy at Yale, and during
the twenty-five years of his occupancy
rose to a position of undisputed leadership
in educational circles in America and to
country-wide recognition as an author
and writer on philosophy and meta-
physics. When in 1871 Professor Wool-
sey resigned as president of Yale, Dr.
Porter was universally regarded as his
natural successor, both because of his
eminent reputation as a scholar and edu-
cator, and because of his thorough
acquaintance with all the traditions of the
college and his sympathy with them.. His
views on the subject of college education
were set forth in his inaugural address
and in his writings on American colleges.
His administration was marked by a
progressive conservatism, which while it
forged forward in great strides along the
paths of progress and advancement, pre-
served a decent regard for the achieve-
ments and associations of the past. Many
important changes were made under his
direction in the methods of instruction.
Under his guidance the college prospered
exceedingly, several costly buildings were
erected, and the corps of instructors
greatly enlarged. The Department of
Philosophy and Arts was reconstructed to
include instruction for graduate students.
The different departments of the college
were officially recognized by the corpora-
tion, having "attained to the form of an
university." These are only a few of the
vital changes which took place under Dr.
Porter. In 1886 he resigned his office,
finding its duties too onerous for a man
of his years, and was succeeded by Dr.
Dwight. However, he retained his pro-
fessorship of philosophy and maintained
IS
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
his active interest in the university to the
time of his death.
Dr. Porter was a clear and virile
thinker, and wielded a powerful, facile
and apparently indefatigable pen. His
writings cover the widest range, and a
complete bibliography includes at least
one hundred and seventy-five separate
volumes, essays, reports and lectures.
Some of his most notable works are "The
Human Intellect," "Books and Reading,"
"Science and Sentiment," "Elements of
Moral Science," "Life of Bishop Berke-
ley," and "Kant's Ethics," a critical ex-
position. His best known work, how-
ever, is "The Human Intellect, with an
Introduction Upon Psychology and the
Human Soul" (1868), comprehending a
general history of philosophy, and follow-
ing in part the "common-sense" philos-
ophy of the Scottish school, while accept-
ing the Kantian doctrine of intuition and
declaring the notion of design to be
a priori. He also edited several successive
editions of Webster's Dictionary from
1847 until his death. His reputation as a
philosopher and theologian was world-
wide, while his knowledge of the classics,
of New England history, and English
etymology, was exceptionally deep. He
published in 1840 a "Historical Discourse
in Commemoration of the 200th Anniver-
sary of the Settlement of Farmington ;"
he was the author of the "Educational
System of the Puritans and the Jesuits,"
published in 1851 ; a "Review of the
Philosophy of Herbert Spencer;" and a
"Review of Evangeline," published in
1882. Dr. Porter was undoubtedly one of
America's most scholarly metaphysicians.
His labors as a lexicographer in connec-
tion with the revision of the second and
later editions of "Webster's Unabridged
Dictionary of the English Language"
were very arduous and brought him great
honor and fame, as well as universal
recognition of his scholarly attainments.
The degree of Doctor of Divinity was
conferred upon him by the University of
the City of New York in 1858, and that of
Doctor of Laws by the Western Reserve
College in 1870, by Trinity College of
Connecticut in 1871, and by the Univer-
sity of Edinburgh in 1886, the year after
that famous institution of learning cele-
brated its tercentenary.
There were few men better known or
more deeply revered in the city of New
Haven than Dr. Porter. He was a vital
figure in the public life of the city for
more than a quarter of a century through
his efforts to secure cooperation between
the University and the city. He was one
of the pioneers in the New Haven City
Missions, and identified himself through-
out the entire period of his residence in
the city with every movement designed to
advance civic welfare.
In 1836, Dr. Porter married Mary
Taylor, of New Haven, daughter of Rev.
Nathaniel W. Taylor, D. D. (see Taylor
VI). On coming to New Haven in 1846,
he took up his residence on Hillhouse
avenue, where his wife passed away in
1888, aged seventy-six years, and where
he died four years later. Both are buried
in the Taylor family lot in the Grove
Street Cemetery, New Haven. Dr. and
Mrs. Porter were the parents of four chil-
dren: I. Martha Day, who resided in the
old Porter homestead on Hillhouse
avenue. New Haven ; her death occurred
November 6, 1922. 2. Rebecca Taylor,
deceased. 3. Nathaniel Taylor, deceased
in early childhood. 4. Sarah, died just
before reaching womanhood.
Noah Porter, D. D., LL.D., died at his
home in New Haven, Connecticut, at the
venerable age of eighty years, to the close
of his career a revered and vital figure in
the life of the university and city. He
left to his State a priceless legacy in his
16
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
contribution to the literature of the world,
and the effective work which he had done
in the upbuilding of one of America's
most famous educational institutions —
Yale University. His name is graven
indelibly on the annals of literature and
education in America, and his influence is
to be traced and clearly recognized in the
careers of hundreds of men who sat under
him at Yale.
(The Taylor Line).
Arms — Ermine on a chief dancette sable a ducal
coronet or, between two escallops argent.
Crest — A demi-lion rampant sable holding be-
tween the paws a ducal coronet or.
Motto — Optissima quaeqiie Deus dabit. (What-
ever God gives is best).
This surname is of the occupative class,
and had its rise originally in the trade
name "taylor," a cutter of cloth, or maker
of garments. The Old French tailleur, a
cutter, gave to Medieval English the
forms tailor and taylor, the former of
which survives and by a well established
custom is now understood to be the trade
name, and the latter of which with many
variations became the surname. Ancient
English rolls and registers abound with
the name, and as a result Taylor is the
fourth commonest patronymic in Eng-
land, giving precedence only to Smith,
Jones and Williams. The Hundred Rolls,
1273, give the following variations:
Taillar, Taillour, Taillur, Tailur, Taliur,
Tayllour, Tailur, Talur, Talyur, Tayler,
Taylur, and Taylour. The name is found
among all classes in England. Numerous
branches of the family are entitled to bear
arms, and in former generations were
extensive land owners.
The New England Taylors comprise
the progeny of several progenitors, and
although not numerous have figured
prominently in the history of several
colonies and States for two and a half
centuries. The Connecticut family of the
Conn. 11 — 2
name is composed largely of the descend-
ants of John Taylor, of Windsor, and in
successive generations has produced a
superior stock which has left its mark
upon professional, public and religious
life in the State. The late Rev. Nathaniel
W. Taylor, professor of theology at Yale
College, and perhaps the foremost and
most influential divine of his day in New
England, was a lineal descendant in the
six generation of John Taylor, founder of
the family in America.
(I) John Taylor, immigrant ancestor
and progenitor, was born in England. He
came to America with Rev. Ephraim
Hewitt in 1639, and in the following year
was among the pioneer settlers of Wind-
sor, Connecticut. John Taylor was one
of the ill-fated company that sailed from
New Haven in the first ship built by the
colony, called the "Phantom Ship," and
was never heard of thereafter. He was
survived by a widow and two sons ; the
elder, James, went to Northampton,
Massachusetts, and was the founder of a
large family there.
(II) Thomas Taylor, son of John Tay-
lor, removed to Norwalk, Connecticut.
His was one of the eight families which in
the spring of 1685 made the first perma-
nent settlement in Danbury. He was a
prominent and useful citizen there all his
life. Thomas Taylor died in Danbury,
in January, 1735, at the venerable age of
ninety-two years. He married, in Nor-
walk, Rebecca Ketcham, daughter of
Edward Ketcham, of Stratford.
(III) Daniel Taylor, son of Thomas
and Rebecca (Ketcham) Taylor, was born
in 1676. The following record appears
in a Connecticut journal at the time of
his death, August 17, 1770, and is now
preserved in the Yale College Library:
On Lord's Day morning, 12th instant, departed
this life Mr. Daniel Taylor of Danbury in Con-
necticut, aged 94, wanting about two months. He
17
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
was a respected farmer, and an unblemished char-
acter, and much esteemed for integrity and piety.
He was father to Captain Daniel Taylor of Dan-
bury and the Rev. Nathaniel Taylor of New MU-
ford.
Daniel Taylor married (first)
Benedict; (second) Starr.
(IV) Rev. Nathaniel Taylor, son of
Daniel and (Starr) Taylor, was
born in Danbury, Connecticut. He was
graduated from Yale with class of 1745,
and shortly afterward began his prepara-
tion for the ministry. On June 29, 1748,
he was ordained pastor of the Congrega-
tional church in New Milford, and filled
this post until his death on December 9,
1800, at the age of seventy-eight years.
Rev. Nathaniel Taylor was one of the
leading divines of his day in Connecticut.
Portraits of himself and his wife, painted
by the English artist Earl are in the pos-
session of his descendants. One repre-
sents him in the pulpit, holding in his
hand his Bible, which he was never with-
out when preaching. Some of his ser-
mons have been preserved as originally
written, in a perfectly formed yet minute
hand on sheets of paper small enough to
fit within the covers of his Bible. Rev.
Nathaniel Taylor married (first) Tamar
Boardman, daughter of Rev. Daniel
Soardman, who died June 27, 1795, aged
seventy-two years. He married (second)
Zippora (Strong) Bennett, member of a
prominent Long Island family.
(V) Colonel Nathaniel (2) Taylor, son
of Rev. Nathaniel (i) and Tamar (Board-
man) Taylor, was born in New Milford,
Connecticut, in 1753. He married (first)
Anne Northrop, August 31, 1774. She
was born April 14, 1751, and died April
10, 1810, aged fifty-nine years. He mar-
ried (second) Susanna Gunn, widow of
Abner Gunn. He was the only son who
was not educated at Yale, preferring to
engage in business as an apothecary and
druggist, which business he followed dur-
ing the greater part of his life. He was
often called Dr. Taylor, and was an hon-
ored and respected figure in the life of
New Milford. His granddaughter, wife
of President Porter, of Yale, wrote of
him:
He died when I was too young to remember
him, and not residing in the same place my knowl-
edge of his life and character are limited. I only
know that he was respected and loved, and was a
kind and indulgent husband and father; and judg-
ing from his letters found among my father's
papers, he must have been a person of religious
principle, if not a professing Christian.
Large portraits of Colonel Nathaniel
Taylor and his wife, painted by Earl, are
in the possession of the family.
(VI) Rev. Nathaniel Williams Taylor,
D. D., son of Colonel Nathaniel (2) and
Anne (Northrop) Taylor, was born in
New Milford, Connecticut, June 23, 1786.
After graduating from Yale College in the
class of 1807, he lived for several years
with Dr. Dwight, acting as his secretary
and reading divinity under his directions.
As pastor of the First Church of New
Haven, 1812-22, he gained a great reputa-
tion as a preacher, and actively favored
revivals. Dr. Bacon described his ser-
mons as "solid and massive, full of linked
and twisted logic, yet giving out at every
point sharp flashes of electric fire." From
November, 1822, he was Dwight Pro-
fessor of Didactic Theology at Yale
College. He was the father and chief
apostle of "the New Haven theology"
which was the liberalism of his time and
communion — a modified Calvinism, devel-
oped from Edward, harmonizing the
"exercise scheme" of Buxton, and insist-
ing on the freedom of the will. These
views as set forth in the "Christian Spec-
tator," (1819-39), in his class lectures, and
especially in an address to the clergy in
1828, were strenuously opposed by Nen-
18
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
net Tyler, Leonard Woods, and others.
Despite these contraditions, Dr. Taylor
was perhaps the leading and most influ-
ential divine of New England in his day,
though his modesty, which had delayed
his entrance into the ministry, also pre-
vented him from publishing. He received
the degree of Doctor of Divinity from
Union College in 1823. His works, edited
in 1858-59, by his son-in-law, Dr. Noah
Porter, include "Practical Sermons ;"
"Lectures on the Moral Government of
God," two volumes and "Essays and
Lectures." A memorial by Drs. Bacon,
Fisher and Dutton was printed in 1858,
and Kingsley's "Yale College" (1878),
contains a sketch of him by Professor
B. N. Martin.
Rev. Nathaniel W. Taylor married
Rebecca Maria Hine. Their daughter,
Mary Taylor, became the wife of Dr.
Noah Porter, in 1836. (See Porter VI).
Rev. Nathaniel W. Taylor died in New
Haven, Connecticut, March 10, 1853.
(The Whiting Line).
Arms — Per saltire ermine and azure, in the
fesse-point a leopard's head or, in chief three
plates.
Crest — A bear's head.
There is no family in America to-day
of Anglo-Saxon stock which traces a
more notable or distinguished lineage
than the Whitings. The family comprises
the descendants of the Rev. Samuel
Whiting, D. D., the famous Puritan
divine, and his wife, Elizabeth (St. John)
Whiting, only daughter of the Rt. Hon.
Sir Oliver St. John, of Cayshoe, Knight,
Devonshire, England. Elizabeth St. John
was of the blood of kings, tracing descent
in an illustrious line from Charlemagne,
Alfred the Great of England, Henry I of
France, and William the Conqueror; she
was paternallv descended from Hugh de
Port, who possessed fifty-five lordships
in the County of Hants in the time of
William the Conqueror, and was a kins-
woman of Oliver Cromwell, John Hamp-
den, of ship-money fame, Edmund Waller,
the poet, and Colonel Edward Whalley,
one of the regicide judges.
Rev. Samuel Whiting presents to us
one of the finest, most benignant and
lovable figures in the early history of New
England. He was an English gentleman
of culture and assured position. Finding
the religious persecution in the mother
country odious, he left a home and posi-
tion in every respect enviable, to seek
freedom of conscience in the New World.
The story of h-s ministry in Lynn, Massa-
chusetts, exceptionally well preserved
through public record and the journals of
his contemporaries, proves him to have
been one of the few of the early Puritan
divines who came to America for freedom
of worship, who did not ally themselves
with the ecclesiastical tyranny which
sprang up in the Bay Colony. He was
an influence throughout his life for the
broadening of Puritan beliefs, an advo-
cate of tolerance in a day when tolerance
was deemed a crime, and his career shed a
stream of light and injected a bit of
sweetness and joy into the grim religion
whose principal devotees found diversion
in holding up before the people pictures
of eternal damnation.
Rev. Samuel Whiting came of a family
which was established in Linconshire,
England, in the middle of the fourteenth
century, and was prominent in life and
affairs there up to the period of American
emigration. The surname Whiting, with
numerous variations, appears in English
rolls and registers of as early date as 1085.
(I) Rev. Samuel Whiting, the founder,
was born on November 20, 1597, in the
city of Boston, Lincolnshire, England,
which had been the chief place of resi-
19
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
dence of his family since the sixth year
of the reign of Edward III (1333), and
probably earlier. Early in April, 1636,
accompanied by his wife and two chil-
dren, he left England. They arrived in
Boston, Massachusetts, May 26, 1636. In
the following November, Mr. Whiting
was established as minister of the church
in Saugust, which was soon afterward
called Lynn in his honor. In December,
1636, he was admitted a freeman and soon
after established his permanent residence
opposite the meeting house in Shepard
street. For forty-three years he minis-
tered to the spiritual wants of Lynn, and
throughout this period was the best be-
loved figure in its life and affairs. We
get some of our finest pictures of Rev.
Samuel Whiting both as man and min-
ister from the invaluable journal of one
of his parishioners, Mr. Turner: The fol-
lowing entry was made shortly after Mr.
Whiting's death:
Decemr ye 12 : Yester even died ye dear &
reverend Mr. Whiting. He hath laboured among
us this fortie yeare and upwards, and mch beloved
both here and abroad. Hjs godlie temper was seen
in ye sweet smile yt he alwaies wore. Hjs learn-
ing was great. In ye Hebrewe jt hath been said
none on this side of ye water could come up to
him. He greatlie labored for ye children, and for
manie yeares would haue as manie as he could
come to hjs house on everie Lord his day after ye
publique worship was over, and be catechized and
instructed by him in Bible truths. And on week
dales he also instructed ye children, such as would,
in Latin and other learning of ye schooles. He
was not fond of disputations and wotdie wran-
glings about doctrine, but laid down hjs poynts
plainlie and then firmlie defended them by ye
Scriptures, not taking ye time, as ye manner of
some is, to tell how others look upon ye same and
then to tell how false was ye eye with wch they
looked. He writ some things yt come out in
print, and all testified to their being sound in doc-
trine, liberal in sentiment, and plain and practicall.
Mr. Whiting was of a quiet temper and not mch
given to extasies, but yet he would sometimes take
a merrie part in pleasant companie. Once coming
among a gay partie of young people he kist all ye
maides and said yt he felt all ye better for it
And I think they too felt all ye better for it, for
they did hug their armes around hjs neck and kiss
him back again right warmlie; they all soe loved
him.
He was a man of middle size, dark skin and
straight fine hair. Hjs hands were white and soft,
mch like some fine ladys. In preaching he did not
mch exercise his bodie. But hjs clear voice and
pleasant way were as potent to hold fast ye thought
of old and young. He had great care in his dress
while preaching, saying yt his hearers should not
be made to haue their eyes upon an unseemlie ob-
ject, lest ye good instruction might be swallowed
up in disgust. And for a reason like unto yt he
would also have his discources in mild and win-
ning wordes. In generall ye sermon would be an
hoour and a half long and ye long praier another
half houre, wch wyt ye reading of ye scriptures
and ye singing would made ye whole above two
hours ; ye hour-glass upon ye pulpitt tellint ye
time.
Ye towne was called Lin in compliment to Mr.
Whiting, who came here from Lin in old Norfolki..
Dr. Mather, in his "Magnalia," first
published in 1702, pays tribute to Mr.
Whiting, as follows:
And he (Mr. Whiting was no less a man of
temper than a learning : the peculiar sweetness and
goodness of his temper must be deemed an essen-
tial stroke in his character : he was wonderfully
happy in his meek, his composed, his peacable dis-
position : and his meekness of wisdom outshone all
his other attainments in learning; for there is no
humane literature so hardly attained as the dis-
cretion of man to regulate his anger. His very
countenance had an amiable smile continually
sweetening of it; and his face herein was but the
true image of his mind, which, like the upper
regions, was marvellously free from the storms
of passions.
William Whiting, one of his lineal de-
scendants, president of the New England
Historic-Genealogical Society, in his
"Memoir of Rev. Samuel Whiting, D. D.,
and of his wife, Elizabeth St. John,"
closes his masterly work with the follow-
ing tribute:
A man of God, and an honorable man,
Of whom both Englands may with reason boast
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Elizabeth (St. John) Whiting, to whom
Rev. Samuel Whiting was married in
Boston, England, August 6, 1629, was
born in Cayshoe, Bedfordshire, England,
the daughter of the Rt. Hon. Sir Oliver
St. John, Knight, A. D., 1605. Remark-
able for her beauty, her dignity and her
commanding presence, Elizabeth St. John
received in her youth an education which
in those days was rare among women.
Brought up in affluence, with all the refine-
ments of cultured society, she was the fit
companion of scholars and statesmen, to
many of whom she was connected by ties
of relationship. Even in her old age she
did not lose her youthful fondness for the
great poets of England — Chaucer, Spen-
cer, and Shakespeare, and others of lesser
fame — with whose works her husband's
library in Lynn was stored. Discussion
was not wanting in this branch of the St.
John family, whereby to educate a high-
spirited woman. The mother of Eliza-
beth was the daughter of a learned and
eminent Doctor of Divinity of Bedford-
shire, whose sympathies were in favor of
moderate reform. Her uncle was a no
less thorough radical than Cromwell him-
self. On the mind of a lady whose house
could claim the same ancestry was that of
the Tudors, and embraced in its genea-
logical tree, not only ten of the sover-
eigns of Europe, but many of the most
renowned nobility of ancient England, it
would have been excusable if the influence
of family pride and of historical associa-
tions had been strong in favor of the royal
cause ; but in the heart of a woman who
had the power of comprehending the
principles of religious truth and political
science, of a high-born lady, who had the
good sense to recognize the trifling value
of worldly distinctions when compared
with the higher nobility stamped by God
himself upon every truly Christian soul,
the grandeur of the Puritan faith, the
earnest, passionate cry for religious liberty
with which its heroic apostles willingly
gave up the comforts, advantages, and
honors of their native land, and plunged
bravely into a storm of troubles, "for
conscience sake," — the touching eloquence
with which they plead for an honest gov-
ernment and a tolerant Church, perhaps,
also, a feeling of sympathy with the per-
secuted but courageous clergymen, whose
chivalric spirit she knew full well, com-
bined to overmaster her ancestral pride,
to quench her ambition, and to break the
charm of her English home. Her alle-
giance may have been divided, but her
heart went with the Puritans.
In "The New England Historical and
Genealogical Register," vol. xiv., p. 61, it
is stated that Elizabeth St. John was a
sixth cousin to King Henry VII. Through
the Beauchamps she descended from the
Earls of Warren and Surrey from the
Earls of Warwick, from William the
Conqueror, and from King Henry I of
France. Indeed, her pedigree is traced
to William the Conqueror in two distinct
lines ; and in her were united the lineage
of ten of the sovereigns of Europe — a con-
fluence of noble blood not often witnessed.
And yet she appears to have passed her
days here at Lynn, undisturbed by am-
bitious yearnings, cleaving lovingly to
her worthy husband, and sedulously per-
forming the duties of a laborious pastor's
wife. Surely, here is an example of
humility for some of the worldlings who
now traverse our streets, swelling with
pride if they can trace their lineage to an
ancestor, who bore, however ignobly,
some small title, or who happened to
possess however unworthily, a few more
acres or a few more dollars than the multi-
tude around them.
William Whiting concludes his remarks
upon his worthy ancestress as follows :
I
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Beautiful in person, and of cultivated mind,
heroic but gentle, respected and "beloved by all as
she were a tender mother," fearless of personal
danger but of sensitive delicacy towards others too
high-spirited to submit to the dictation of British
prelates but too sincere a believer in the Prince of
Peace to provoke or endure controversy which
could be honorably avoided, this noble woman gave
her heart to her "godly husband" and her life to
aid him in the ministry of the Gospel. To that
work she brought a clear head, a strong hand, a
Christian soul. By her disinterested devotion to
the welfare of others, she was justly entitled to
the reverence of posterity, and was worthy of be-
ing one of the founders of a free commonwealth.
No lady ever came to these colonies, of higher
lineage, of more elegant culture, or of more lovely
and Christian character. For the royal and noble
blood which flowed in her veins, for the good for-
tune which surrounded her with the attractions of
aristocratic luxury, and gave the advantage of
liberal culture, she has no especial claim to honor ;
but for that serious and religious disposition which
led her to improve these advantages, to store her
mind with learning, and to give her thoughts to
subjects far above the ordinary pursuits or the
frivolous pleasures of youth, and for that moral
heroism which led her, the only daughter of an
illustrious family, at the age of twenty-four years,
to turn away from her ancestral halls that she
might share the fortunes of a God-serving Puritan
minister of the gospel, whose contest with ' the
bishops had already begun, when she chose to face
the grim uncertainties of the future, and to cast
her lot with his, — we cannot withhold from her
the just tribute of our respect and admiration.
(II) Rev. Samuel (2) Whiting, son of
Rev. Samuel (i) and Elizabeth (St. John)
Whiting, was born in Shirbeck, England,
March 25, 1633; he studied with his
father in Lynn, and was graduated from
Cambridge in 1653, taking the degree of
Master of Arts in 1656. He was ordained
minister of Billerica, November 11, 1663.
The same year he was admitted a freeman
in the Massachusetts Colony. He went
to Billerica in 1658, and was employed as
preacher there until his ordination on the
date named above. Here he remained
almost fifty years after 1663, and was
esteemed, as Dr. Cotton Mather says, "a
reverend, holy, and faithful minister of
the gospel." He preached the Artillery
Election sermon in 1682. Mr. Whiting
died February 28, 1713, at the age of
almost eighty years. On November 12,
1656, he married Dorcas Chester, of
Charlestown, Massachusetts. They were
the parents of ten" children, among whom
was Elizabeth, mentioned below.
(Ill) Elizabeth Whiting, daughter of
Rev. Samuel (2) and Dorcas (Chester)
Whiting, was born October 6, 1660. In
1702, she married Rev. Thomas Clark, of
Chelmsford. Among their descendants
were Rev. Dr. Porter, president of Yale
College ; George B. Butler, Esq., coun-
sellor-at-law, of New York, and Charles
E. Butler, Esq., of New York, law partner
of William M. Evarts.
(The SL John Line).
Arms — 'Argent, on a chief gules two mullets or.
Crest — On a mount vert a falcon rising or,
belled of the last, ducally gorged gules.
Supporters — Two monkeys proper.
Motto — Data fata secutus. (Following his pre-
scribed fate).
This famous English family, one of the
oldest and most distinguished in the
kingdom, descends paternally from Hugh
de Port, who held fifty-five lordships in
County Hants in the time of William the
Conqueror. Hugh de Port's vast estates
are tabulated in the Domesday Book,
under the article of terra Hugonis de
Port, which is the more singular as he
was evidently a native Englishman since
he held at least two manors, Cerdeford
and Eschetune, in Hants, from his ances-
tors before the Norman invasion. Hugh
de Port was survived by a son Henry,
who was the father of John de Port,
whose son, Adam de Port, was a powerful
feudal baron seated at Basing in Hants.
Adam de Port married Mabel, the daugh-
ter and sole heiress of Reginald de Aure-
val, by Muriel, the only daughter and heir-
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ess of Roger St. John. William de Port,
the eldest son of Adam de Port, the repre-
sentative of so many great families, one of
which was allied to the Norman kings,
assumed the surname of his maternal
grandmother, viz., St. John, writing him-
self Willielmus de Sancto Johanne, filius
ethaeres Adoe de Port. The St. Johns
were inferior to no family in descent or
power. William de Saint John accom-
panied King William when he came to
seize the crown of Harold, and then en-
joyed the very honorable place of grand
master of the cavalry, for which reason he
took for his cognizance the horse hames
or collars. His name appears on the roll
of Battle Abbey with others that attended
their sovereign at the battle of Hastings,
which decided the fate of the kingdom
and placed the crown of the English king
upon the head of the Norman duke. The
Ports, or St. Johns, kept up their posi-
tion, continuing to increase their riches
and greatness by the noblest alliances,
and became relations of the royal house
of Tudor, through the marriage of Sir
Oliver St. John with Margaret De Beau-
champ, daughter of the Duke of Somerset
and great-granddaughter of John of
Gaunt.
At the time of Colonial emigration, the
St. John family occupied a position of
prominence and influence in English af-
fairs. Sir Oliver St. John, brother of
Elizabeth (St. John) Whiting, was Chief
Justice of England during the Common-
wealth, and argued the famous ship-
money case against King Charles.
The surname St. John is derived from
St. John in Normandy, the seat of Wil-
liam de St. John, founder of the family
in England. The St. John pedigree here
attached covers twenty generations, from
the progenitor to Elizabeth (St. John)
Whiting, ancestress of the Whitings of
America :
(I) William De St. John, the founder,
was one of the Barons who accompanied
William the Conqueror to England. He
held the honorable post of Grand Master
of the Artillery of the invading army. He
married Olivia de Fiegiers.
(II) John De St. John, Lord of Stan-
ton.
(III) Roger De St. John married
Cicely de Haya.
(IV) Muriel De St. John married Regi-
nald de Aureval.
(V) Mabel De Aureval, daughter of
Reginald De Aureval and Muriel De St.
John, married Adam de Port, Baron of
Basing, in the County of Southampton.
He was a son of John de Port, and grand-
son of Henry de Port. The latter was a
son of Hugh de Port, a Baron in the time
of William the Conqueror, and owner of
fifty-five lordships in the County of South-
ampton.
(VI) William De Port assumed the
surname of St. John, and was Baron St.
John of Basing. He married Godchild
Paganal.
(VII) Robert De St. John was second
Baron of Basing, 38, Henry III. He mar-
ried the daughter and heiress of William
de Cantilupe.
(VIII) William St. John, of Faumont,
County Glamorgan, married Isabel Cob-
martin.
(IX) Sir John St. John, Knt.
(X) Sir John St. John, Knt., married
Elizabeth Humfreville, coheiress to the
lordship of Penmark.
(XI) Sir Oliver St. John, Knt., lord of
Penmark.
(XII) Sir John St. John, Knt., lord of
Penmark.
(XIII) Sir Oliver St. John, Knt., of
Bletsoe, County Bedford, married Mar-
garet, daughter of John De Beauchamp,
of Bletsoe, and sister and heir of John De
Beauchamp, of Bletsoe, heir male and rep-
23
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
resentative of Roger De Beauchamp, who
was summoned to Parliament as Lord De
Beauchamp, 1363 to 1379. Margaret (De
Beauchamp) St. John married (second) in
1440, John Beaufort, Duke of Somerset,
and was the mother of Margaret, Coun-
tess of Richmond, mother of Henry VII.
(XIV) Sir John De St. John married
AHce, daughter of Sir Thomas Brads-
haigh, of Haigh, County Lancaster ; she
descended in the fourteenth generation
from Sir John Bradshaigh.
(XV) Sir John De St. John, K. B., of
Bletsoe, married Sibyl, daughter of Mor-
gan ap Jenkins ap Philip.
(XVI) Sir John St. John married Mar-
garet, daughter of Sir William Walde-
grave, K. B., of Smallbridge, Suffolk.
Margaret Waldegrave traced a most dis-
tinguished ancestry. She was a lineal
descendant of Warine de Waldegrave,
Reginald de Wentworth, Lord Badles-
mere, Guy de Croun, Harold de Vaux, the
Lords of Tibetot, Lords of Ros, William
the Lion of Scotland, King Henry I, the
Empress Matilda, King Henry II, King
John, King Henry III, King Edward I,
the Earls of Gloucester, and Hugh, Earl
of Winchester.
(XVII) Oliver St. John was elevated
to the peerage, January 13, 1558-59, by the
title of Lord St. John, of Bletsoe. The
designation of the barony has been
spelled variously Bletsho, Bletshoe, Blet-
soe, and Bletso, in which latter form it
now appears on the Roll of the Lords.
Oliver St. John was one of the peers who
sat in judgment upon Thomas, Duke of
Norfolk, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth.
He died sometime before May 23, 1582.
He married (first) before January, 1548-
1549, Agnes, daughter of John Fisher, and
granddaughter and heir of Sir Michael
Fisher, Knight.
(XVIII) Rt. Hon. Thomas St. John,
son of Oliver, ist Lord St. John, was the
grandfather of Elizabeth (St. John)
Whiting.
(XIX) Rt. Hon. Sir Oliver St. John, of
Cayshoe, Bedfordshire, married Sarah
Bulkley, of Odell, Bedfordshire. She was
a sister of Rev. Edward Bulkley, D. D.,
of Odell, and aunt of Rev. Peter Bulkley,
the first minister of Concord, Massachu-
setts. The Bulkleys were of honorable
and noble descent. Sarah Bulkley was
of the ninth generation from Robert Bulk-
ley, one of the English barons, who, in
the reign of King John, was lord of the
manor of Bulkley, in the County Palatine
of Chester.
(XX) Elizabeth St. John, daughter of
the Rt. Hon. Sir Oliver and Sarah (Bulk-
ley) St. John, was born in Cayshoe, Bed-
fordshire, England, in 1605. She became
the wife of Rev. Samuel Whiting, A. M.,
and accompanied him to New England,
where she died in Lynn, Massachusetts,
in 1677.
(The Warren Line).
Arms — Gules, a lion rampant argent, a chief
compony counter-compony or and azure.
Crest — A demi-eagle displayed cheeky argent and
azure.
Motto — Virtus mihi scutum. (Virtue is to me a
shield).
The history of the Warren family is
exceeded in interest and antiquity by that
of no ancient English house. The sur-
name Warren is of Norman-French
origin, and is derived from Gareme or Gar-
renne. There is at present a village called
Garenne in the same district, and it is
here that the origin of the family has
been fixed by historians. The ancient
baronial seat of the de Warrenes stood on
the west side of the river Garenne, and as
late as the year 1832 some of the ruins
were standing. The surname has as-
sumed different forms from time to time.
It first appears in England with William
de Warrenne, a Norman nobleman, who
came to England with William the Con-
24
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
queror, to whom he was related both by
marriage and common ancestry. An
ancient genealogy of the family traces the
lineage of this William de Warrenne back
to the year 900 A. D., when his Scandin-
avian ancestors are said to have settled in
Normandy. Scandinavian origin of the
Norman family is acceded by eminent
genealogists, and is embodied in the pedi-
gree of the English house as drawn up
by W. Flower, Norroy King of Arms;
and R. Glover, Somerset Herald, of Eng-
land, in 1580.
The following account of the early fam-
ily is taken from the work of the late Rev.
Dr. Israel Perkins Warren, of Portland,
Maine :
The family of Warren has been traced by Eng-
lish writers to a Norman baron of Danish extrac-
tion. The Normans and Danes were united in
their efforts to make a settlement in the northern
part of France and ultimately succeeded in obtain-
ing a footing in that part of the country from
which the Normans took the name of Normandy.
One of these barons became connected by marriage
with considerable families, as is related in the fol-
lowing account of an English author: "The Dan-
ish knight had Gunnora, Herfastus, Wevia, Werina,
Duvelina, and Sainfra. Of these, Gunnora mar-
ried Richard, Duke of Normandy, who had Rich-
ard, the father also of Richard, who dying without
issue was succeeded in the dukedom by his brother
Robert, the father of William the Conqueror; who
by Maud, daughter of Baldwin, Earl of Flanders,
had Robert, Duke of Normandy ; Richard, Duke
of Bernay, in Normandy; William, King of Eng-
land; Henry, King of England; and several
daughters, one of whom, Gundred, was married to
William, the first Earl of Warren and Surrey.
Werina, according to a large pedigree drawn up
and signed by W. Flower, Norroy and R. Glover,
Somerset Herald, in 1580, married Asmundde Com-
mitiis villa. * * * Gundred, wife of William,
first Earl of Warren and Surrey, in England, was
a descendant of Charlemagne, and the fourth
daughter of William the Conqueror and his wife
Maud, daughter of Baldwin, Earl of Flanders.
We may therefore believe that William de War-
renne was one of the principal and confidential
auxiliaries of William, from whom he had received
the title of Earl before coming to England. He
took an important part in the battle of Hastings,
A. D. 1066, and in payment for his services, which
were evidently highly estimated by the Conqueror,
received immense land grants. He is mentioned in
the Domesday Book as possessing lands in almost
every county in England, comprising in all, accord-
ing to Hume, three hundred lordships. He had
lands in Shropshire, Essex, Suffolk, Oxford, Hants,
Cambridgeshire, Bucks, Huntingdon, Bedfordshire,
Norfolk, Lincoln, and York. He selected his resi-
dence in the village of Lewes, County Surrey, and
there erected his beautiful castle, the ruins of
which are still to be seen standing on an eminence
surrounding the town. Although the principal
parts are demolished, its gates are still standing,
showing the massive construction. William, Earl
of Warren and Surrey, and his wife Gundred
erected the priory in the town of Lewes, and he
continued his benefactions to it during his life.
Gundred died on May 27, 1085, and was buried in
the chapter house of the Priory of l^wes. County
Surrey. Her tombstone is still in existence. Wil-
liam died June 24, 1088. His epitaph is still in
existence, although the gravestone is lost or de-
stroyed. In 1845 the coffers containing the bones
of the earl and countess were disinterred and are
now in the church of St. John the Baptist, South-
over.
Between William, first Earl of Warren
and Surrey, and Richard Warren, of the
"Mayflower," the American progenitor,
seventeen generations elapse. Between
William, first Earl of Warren and Surrey,
and Elizabeth (St. John) Whiting, ances-
tress of the New England Whitings
herein under consideration, nineteen gen-
erations elapse.
(The Warren Pedigree).
Showing the alliances with Gundred,
daughter of William the Conqueror, and
Isabel, member of the noble French
house of de Vermandois.
(!) The progenitor, a Danish knight, was
among those who succeeded in obtaining
a footing in Normandy, and became allied
through marriage with some of the fore-
most families of noble lineage in Europe.
He was the father of: i. Gunnora (see
Pedigree A, II). 2. Herfastus, men-
25
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
tioned below. 3. Wevia. 4. Werina. 5.
Duvelina. 6. Sainfra.
(II) Herfastus, son of the progenitor.
(III) A daughter who married Walter
de Saint Martin.
(IV) William De Warren, Earl of
Warren in Normandy, married a daugh-
ter of Ralph de Torta.
(V) William (2) De Warren, son of
William (i) De Warren, married Gun-
dred, daughter of William the Conqueror,
and became the first Earl of Warren and
Surrey in England.
(VI) William (3) De Warren, son of
William (2) De Warren and Gundred,
daughter of the Conqueror, succeeded his
father in his title and lands, and became
the second Earl of Warren and Surrey.
He married Isabel, daughter of the fifth
Earl of Vermandois, in France. (See
Pedigree B, VIII).
(VII) Roger, Earl of Warwick, mar-
ried Gundred.
(VIII) Walerian, Earl of Warwick,
married Alice de Harcourt.
(IX) Alice De Newburg, daughter of
Walerian, Earl of Warwick, married Wil-
liam, Baron of Hanslop.
(X) Isabel Mauduit, their daughter,
married William De Beauchamp, descend-
ant in the seventh generation of Hugh De
Beauchamp, founder of the family. She
was the common ancestress of King
Henry VII, of England, and Elizabeth
(St. John) Whiting, who were sixth
cousins.
(XI) Walter De Beauchamp, son of
William De Beauchamp and Isabel Mau-
duit, married and had Roger De Beau-
champ.
(XII) Roger De Beauchamp.
(XIII) Roger (2) De Beauchamp.
(XIV) John De Beauchamp.
(XV) Margaret De Beauchamp, daugh-
ter of John De Beauchamp, married (first)
Sir Oliver St. John, son of Sir John St.
John, Lord of Penmark, and they were
the parents of Sir John De St. John, men-
tioned below. She married (second)
John, Duke of Somerset; their daughter.
Lady Margaret Beaufort, became the wife
of Edmund, Earl of Richmond, and the
mother of King Henry VII, of England.
(XVI) Sir John De St. John, son of Sir
Oliver St. John and Margaret De Beau-
champ, is No. 14 of the St. John Pedigree.
(See St. John).
(Pedigree A).
(I) A Danish Knight, founder of the
line.
(II) Gunnora, his daughter, became the
wife of Richard, Duke of Normandy.
(III) Richard, Duke of Normandy, son
and heir of Richard, Duke of Normandy,
and Gunnora, his wife, was the father of
Richard, Duke of Normandy, who dying
without issue was succeeded in the duke-
dom by his brother, Robert.
(IV) Robert, Duke of Normandy, son
of Richard, Duke of Normandy, surnamed
Robert the Devil.
(V) William, Duke of Normandy, and
King of England, surnamed the Con-
queror, was born in 1027 or 1028, the son
of Robert, Duke of Normandy; he mar-
ried Maud, daughter of Baldwin V, Earl of
Flanders. (See Pedigree C, XVI). Their
children were: i. Robert. 2. Richard,
Duke of Bernay, in Normandy. 3. Wil-
liam, King of England, surnamed Wil-
liam Rufus. 4. Henry, King of England.
5. Cecelia. 6. Alice. 7. Constance. 8.
Agatha. 9. Gundred, mentioned below.
(VI) Gundred, daughter of William
the Conqueror, and Maud (or Matilda),
his wife, was married in France, to Wil-
liam, first Earl of Warren and Surrey,
who accompanied the Conqueror to Eng-
land, and was the recipient of bounteous
favors at his hands. (See Warren Pedi-
gree V).
2b
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(Pedigree B).
(I) Robert Fortis, or Robert the
Strong, Count of Anjou and Orleans.
(II) Robert I, 865-923, King of France
or King of the Franks, was the younger
son of Robert the Strong.
(III) Hugh the Great, Duke of the
Franks, and Count of Paris, died in 956,
was the son of King Robert I, of France,
and was one of the founders of the Cape-
tian house, and its power in France.
(IV) Hugh Capet, 938-996, King of
France and founder of the Capetian dyn-
asty, was the eldest son of Hugh the
Great, by his wife Hadwig. He married
Adelaide, daughter of William III, Duke
of Aquitaine.
(V) Robert II, King of France, was a
son of Hugh Capet, King of France.
(VI) Henry, K'ng of France.
(VII) Hugh, Earl of Vermandois, son
of Henry, King of France, and brother of
Philip, King of France. He was Fifth
Earl of Vermandois, by right of his wife
Adela, who was the daughter and heiress
of Herbert, fourth Earl of Vermandois.
The house of Vermandois is one of the
most ancient and famous of the early
French noble houses, and is descended in
direct male line from the Emperor Charle-
magne ; Hugh the Great, Earl of Verman-
dois, was one of the leaders of the first
crusade, and died at Tarsus in Cicilia, in
1 102.
(VIII) Isabel, daughter of Hugh the
Great and Adela, daughter of the fourth
Earl of Vermandois, was married to Wil-
liam De Warren, second Earl of Warren
and Surrey in England. Through this
alliance, the Warrens were connected
with the blood-royal of France. (See War-
ren Pedigree VI).
(Pedigree C).
Descent of Gundred, daughter of Wil-
liam the Conqueror, and wife of William,
first Earl of Warren and Surrey, from the
Emperor Charlemagne, most illustrious
member of the Carolingian dynasty,
which appears in history in the year 613,
and gained the throne of France in 751,
holding it for more than two hundred
years, or until 987, when it was ousted
by the Capetian dynasty.
(I) Pepin I, who died in 640, was the
founder of the line. He was mayor of the
palace to the youthful Dagobert I, whom
Clothaire II had placed over the kingdom
of Austrasia. He returned from Aqui-
taine, where he had sought refuge, when
Dagobert became sole king in 629, at the
latter's death (639), and governed Aus-
trasia, in Sigebert's name, until his death
in the following year.
(II) Begga, daughter of Pepin I, mar-
ried Adalgiselus, son of Arnulf, Bishop of
Metz, and was the mother of Pepin II.
(III) Pepin II, son of Adalgiselus and
Begga, was for many decades almost the
entire master of Gaul, extending widely
the Frankish suzerainty. He was a great
churchman, and did much to spread
Christianity. He died December 16, 714.
(IV) Charles Martel, 688-741, Frankish
ruler, was a natural son of Pepin II, and
one of the most famous figures in medie-
val history; he died at Quierzy, October
22, 741, shortly after having divided the
Frankish kingdom between his two sons.
He was a fearless and able leader, and
under his rule vast strides were made in
the system of government, and Chris-
tianity was spread to a greater extent
than ever before. The deeds of conquest
and bravery of Charles Martel and his
grandson Charlemagne are immortalized
in the Chansons de Geste, where, how-
ever, the two are often confused, so strik-
ing were the points of resemblance in
their characters. To the elder of his two
sons, Charles Martel gave Austrasia, Ale-
mannia, and Thuringia, with suzerainty
27
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
over Bavaria ; the younger, Pepin, re-
ceived Neustria, Burgundy and Provence.
(V) Pepin III, son of Charles Martel,
surnamed the Short, died in 768. In 747
the abdication of his brother Carloman
left Pepin sole master of the Prankish
kingdom, although he was not its king.
In 751 he removed the feeble Childeric
III from the throne to a monastery, and
had himself crowned by St. Boniface, a
ceremony new to France, which had
hitherto elected its monarchs, and which
gave him an immense prestige. His
reign was marked by many important
religious and civil events, and he headed
many notable ecclesiastical reforms. Pepin
died on September 24, 768, leaving two
sons, Charles (Charlemagne) and Carlo-
man.
(VI) Charlemagne (Charles the Great),
Roman Emperor, and King of the Franks,
was the elder son of Pepin the Short,
King of the Franks, and Bertha or Ber-
trada, daughter of Charibert, Count of
Laon. Some authorities give the date of
his birth as April 2, 742. On the death of
his brother Carloman, in December, 771,
Charles was at once recognized as King
of all the Franks. In 774, after conquer-
ing Desiderius, King of the Lombards, he
took to himself the title of King of the
Lombards, to which he added the dignity
of "Patrician of the Romans," which had
been granted to his father. In 800,
Charlemagne entered Rome for the stated
purpose of restoring discipline in the
church, in which strife was rampant. His
interest in ecclesiastical affairs was con-
tinuous. On Christmas Day, 800, he was
crowned in St. Peter's by Pope Leo III,
Emperor and Augustus, amid the accla-
mations of the crowd. For several de-
cades previous he had been the real ruler
of Rome, however. His rule was well
ordered and everywhere beneficial, and
under it great progress was made in civil-
ization. In 806 he made a division of his
territories among his three legitimate
sons, which however, was nullified by the
death of Pepin in 810, and Charles in the
following year. He then named the re-
maining son Louis as his successor. On
January 28, 814, he died, and on the same
day his body was buried in the Church
of St. Mary at Aix.
He was a regular observer at religious
rites, and a generous almsgiver. Charle-
magne took a prominent part in the theo-
logical controversies of the time, and was
responsible for the addition of the clause
filioque in the Nicene Creed. Innumer-
able legends have grown up around
Charlemagne, in which he is represented
as a warrior performing superhuman
feats, a ruler dispensing perfect justice
and as a martyr to the cause of religion.
(VII) Louis I, surnamed "The Pious,"
Roman Emperor, third son of the Em-
peror Charlemagne and his wife Hilde-
garde, was born at Chasseneuil, in Cen-
tral France, in 778. He was prominent
in ecclesiastical affairs, although an able
military leader, and earned the title of
"Pious" by his attempt to purify and
reform monastic life, and by his great
liberality to the church. In 819 he mar-
ried Judith, daughter of Welf I, Count of
Bavaria, who in 823 bore him a son
Charles, afterward called "the Bald." He
died June 20, 840.
(VIII) Charles the Bald, Roman Em-
peror and King of the West Franks, was
the son of Louis I and Judith, and was
born in 823. In 840 he married Ermun-
trude, daughter of the Count of Orleans,
and she died in 869. He was a prince of
excellent education, and a friend of the
church. Opinions differ widely as to his
ability as a military leader and ruler.
(IX) Judith, daughter of Charles the
Bald, married Baldwin I, of Flanders,
surname Bras-de-fer (Iron Arms). He
28
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
was a brave and daring warrior under
Charles the Bald, and on marrying Judith
was made Margrave of Flanders by his
father-in-law. Baldwin was the first of
a line of strong rulers, who at some time
early in the tenth century exchanged the
title of margrave for that of count. He
defended the west borderland of the
Prankish dominion against the incursions
of the Northmen.
(X) Baldwin II, also surnamed the
Bald, also maintained a strong defence
against the Northmen from his strong-
hold at Bruges. He strengthened the
dynastic importance of his family by
marrying Aelthryth, daughter of Alfred
the Great, King of England. (See Pedi-
gree D, XIV).
(XI) Armulph the Great, son of Bald-
win II, ruled jointly with his brother
Adolphus for a short period, when he suc-
ceeded to the entire inheritance. His
reign was, like that of his father and
grandfather, filled with warfare against
the Northmen, and he took an active part
in the struggles of Otto I against Hugh
Capet. In his latter years he placed the
government in the hands of his son Bald-
win. He married Alisa, daughter of the
Count of Vermandois.
(XII) Baldwin III, son of Armulph the
Great, had a short but exceedingly full
reign. He did much for the commercial
and industrial development of Flanders,
and established the first Flemish weavers
and fullers at Ghent, also instituting
yearly fairs at Ypres, Bruges and other
places. He died in 961, and on his death
the old Count of Vermandois spent the
remaining years of his life in securing the
succession of his grandson, Armulph II.
(XIII) Armulph II, surnamed the
Younger, married Susanna, daughter of
Berengarius II, King of Italy. He died
in 989, and was succeeded by his son,
(XIV) Baldwin IV, surnamed Bar-
batus, or Bearded, fought successfully
against the Capetian King of France, and
Henry II, who was obliged to give him
in fief Valenciennes, the burgraveship of
Ghent, and the land of Waes and Zee-
land.
(XV) Baldwin V was a powerful
prince, and greatly extended his powers
by war and alliances, obtaining valuable
territory from Henry IV. On the decease
of Henry, he was appointed regent dur-
ing the minority of Philip I. He married
Adela, daughter of Robert II, of France,
and granddaughter of Hugh Capet. (See
Pedigree B, V).
(XVI) Maud or Matilda, daughter of
Baldwin V and Adela, daughter of Robert
II, of France, married William the Con-
queror, and with him shared the English
throne until her death in 1083.
(XVII) Gundred, daughter of William
the Conqueror, and Maud of Flanders, his
wife, became the wife of William De War-
ren, first Earl of Warren and Surrey, in
England.
(Pedigree D).
Descent of Gundred, wife of William
De Warren, first Earl of Warren, from the
ancient kings of Wessex, England,
through Alfred the Great.
(I) Cerdic, founder of the West Saxon
kingdom, or Wessex, is described in
ancient records as an "ealdorman" who in
the year 495 landed with his son Cynric
in Hamptonshire, England, where he was
at once attacked by the Britons. In the
year 508 he defeated the Britons with
great slaughter, and again in 519, aided
by fresh arrivals of the Saxons, gained
another decisive victory and took the title
of king. His last work was the Conquest
of the Isle of Wight. All the sovereigns
of England, with the exception of Canute,
Hardicanute, the two Harolds and Wil-
liam the Conqueror, are said to be de-
scended from Cerdic.
29
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(II) Cynric succeeded his father as
King of Wessex, and defeated the Britons
at Salisbury in 552, and again at Beran-
burh, probably Barbury Hill, in 556.
At his death in 560 he was succeeded by
his son Ceawlin.
(III) Ceawlin, King of the West
Saxons, is first mentioned in the Anglo-
Saxon Chronicle, under the date 556, as
fighting with his father Cynric against
the Britons, at Barbury Hill. On becom-
ing king in 560, he began a career of con-
quest, and extended his kingdom greatly.
In 591 he suffered defeat and lost the
northern part of his kingdom. In 592 he
was driven from Wessex, and in the fol-
lowing year killed, possibly in an attempt
to regain it.
(IV) Cuthwin.
(V) Ceowald.
(VI) Cenred.
(VII) Ingild.
(VIII) Eoppa.
(IX) Eofa.
(X) Ealhmund, King of Kent, is men-
tioned in a charter dated 784.
(XI) Ecgbert, son of Ealhmund, died
in 839. He was King of the West Saxons,
and succeeded to the throne in 802 after
the death of Beorhtric. His reign was
one of conquest and lasted thirty-seven
years. He was succeeded on his death in
839 by his son Athelwulf. Ecgbert spent
many years of his youth at the court of
the Emperor Charlemagne, where he re-
ceived a thorough training in kingly
offices. He married Raedburgh.
(XII) Athelwulf, King of the West
Saxons, succeeded his father Ecgbert in
A. D. 839. His reign was chiefly occu-
pied with struggles with the Danes. In
855 he journeyed to Rome with Alfred,
and on his return to Britain married
Judith, daughter of Charles the Bald,
Roman Emperor and King of the West
Franks. His first wife was Osburga,
daughter of Oslac, and she was the
mother of Alfred the Great. Judith sub-
sequently became the wife of Baldwin I,
of Flanders. (See Pedigree C, IX).
Athelwulf died in 858. He was noted for
his piety, and donated much to the Roman
See. His rare illuminated Gospels bound
in ivory are among the wonders of his age.
(XIII) Alfred the Great, King of Eng-
land, and the greatest and most beloved
figure in its early history, was born in the
year 848, in Wantage, the fourth son of
Athelwulf and his first wife Osburga.
His entire reign was devoted to freeing
England, first from the Danes, and later
from the demoralizing effects of their
savage onslaughts. He revived learning
and education, which had fallen into
decay under the Danes, and made several
attempts to restore the church to its
former place in England. He initiated
many notable military reforms, and ac-
complished the great task of civil reor-
ganization. In the administration of jus-
tice he was most careful, as is testified
both by history and legend. He also
earned the title of "protector of the poor,"
by his deeds of charity and benevolence.
Many of his literary works and transla-
tions still survive, and show him to have
been a man of fine intellectuality. He was
almost certainly the author of the Saxon
Chronicle and the Saxon Martyrology.
For the greatness of his achievements and
the fineness of his life there is no other
monarch in the whole line of English
kings who equals Alfred, or is there an-
other figure in history more truly deserv-
ing of the epithet Great. In 868, Alfred
married Aelhswith, daughter of Athelred
Mucin, who is called Ealdorman of the
Gaini, an unidentified district.
(XIV) Aelthryth, daughter of Alfred
the Great, married Baldwin II, of
Flanders. (See Pedigree C, X). She
died June 7, 929.
30
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
BUCKINGHAM, William A.,
Civil War GoTermor of Connecticut.
William Alfred Buckingham was born
at Lebanon, New London county, Con-
necticut, May 28, 1804, eldest son of Sam-
uel Buckingham and Joanna Matson, of
Lyme, Connecticut. His father was a
prosperous farmer in Lebanon, and owned
a shad fishery at the mouth of the Con-
necticut river.
Young Buckingham attended the local
schools and Bacon Academy, Colchester,
Connecticut. He taught in a district
school for one winter, and worked on his
father's farm three years, and at the age
of eighteen took a clerkship in a store in
Norwich, followed by a short service as
clerk in New York, then returning and
engaging in dry goods business on his
own account. In 1830 he added the man-
ufacture of ingrain carpets, and carried
his business successfully through the
great crisis of 1837. In 1848 with two or
three associates he began the manufacture
of rubber shoes and was connected with
that industry the remainder of his life.
His public career began in 1849, when
he was elected mayor of Norwich, to
which office he was reelected in 1850, 1856
and 1857. He was a Republican presi-
dential elector in 1856. In 1858 he was
elected Governor, to which office he was
chosen for eight consecutive terms, re-
ceiving in the last a majority unprece-
dented in the history of the State, and no
one in Connecticut since Oliver Wolcott
(1818-27) having held the office so long.
At the outset of the Civil War, his lofty
character and large credit was a potent
aid toward the promptness of Connecti-
cut in forwarding the first completely
equipped regiment furnished by any State.
The Legislature not being in session at
the opening of the war, he pledged his pri-
vate means at the banks to provide funds
for the equipment of his troops, and the
banks showed their patriotism and con-
fidence in him by prompt and full re-
sponse. The successive quotas of Con-
necticut, under calls of the President for
volunteers, were always more than filled,
and her troops equipped with wonderful
promptness. Directed by the "War Gov-
ernor," as he was and is still called, fifty-
three thousand sons of Connecticut went
to the field — almost one-half of her able-
bodied men fit to bear arms — and in a
state of such complete preparedness as to
elicit the repeated commendation of the
national authorities. President Lincoln
said of him : "We always like to see Gov-
ernor Buckingham in Washington. He
takes up no superfluous time. He knows
exactly what he needs, and makes no un-
reasonable demands." Such remarks were
frequently emphasized by Secretary Stan-
ton, of the War Department. The corre-
spondence of Governor Buckingham with
the President and Secretary further dem-
onstrates the source of his influence
through the aiTectionate respect in which
they held him. In response to a letter
sent him during one of the darkest periods
of the war Secretary Stanton wrote : "In
the midst of toil and care that wearies my
spirit and exhausts my strength, such
words of comfort revive and strengthen
me greatly." During those fateful four
years Governor Buckingham never for
a moment wavered in his belief that the
government must and would succeed.
The war ended and the afifairs of Con-
necticut with the general government
well adjusted. Governor Buckingham de-
clined further reelection. In 1868 he was
elected to the United States Senate, and
although never before in Congress, his
record as "War Governor" insured at
once a flattering recognition by his col-
31
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
leagues, and a wide influence. He was
made chairman of the committee on
Indian affairs during a period when pub-
lic attention was earnestly fixed upon the
responsibilities of our government toward
its wards, and threw himself with great
intensity into the work. Those who
would make the necessities of the Indian
their own greedy opportunity found in
him no friend. As a member of the com-
mittee on commerce his extensive and
practical experience gave weight and au-
thority to his opinions. He was not an
orator; but his speeches were marked by
clearness, force and great earnestness.
He was a corporate member of the
American Board of Commissioners for
Foreign Missions ; president of the Amer-
ican Missionary Association, the Western
College and Education Society, and mod-
erator of the first national council of Con-
gregational churches, at Boston, in 1865.
He was a prominent member of the Sec-
ond Congregational Church, and one of
the founders of the Broadway Church of
Norwich, in which he was an officer until
his death.
He was also one of the founders of
the Norwich Free Academy and president
of its board of trustees. He gave gener-
ously to Yale College and a chair was
named in his honor in the Divinity School
of that institution. The secret of Gov-
ernor Buckingham's influence lay in the
wonderful balance of his powers, physi-
cal, intellectual and moral. He was every-
where and always the impersonation of
courtesy. His power of reaching the core
of a difficult question was almost intui-
tive ; and his tact in dealing with men
under trying circumstances was extraor-
dinary. His love for children was very
strong ; he would sometimes leave the
writing of an important state paper to
frolic in his library with an interrupting
grandchild. The gentleness of his man-
ner would have led a superficial observer
to underrate his strength of character. It
was in the fervid expression of his intens-
est convictions that the full man was
revealed.
Governor Buckingham was married, at
Norwich, September 27, 1830, to Eliza,
daughter of Dr. Dwight and Eliza (Coit)
Ripley, by whom he had two children :
William, born October, 1836, and died in
December, 1838; Eliza Coit, born Decem-
ber 8, 1838. She married General Wil-
liam A. Aiken, one of Governor Bucking-
ham's staff during the Civil War, and
who was the first to reach the seat of gov-
ernment with dispatches from the North,
when Washington was beset with ene-
mies, and the approaches to the capital
were obstructed. He delivered these dis-
patches in person to President Lincoln.
Mrs. Buckingham died April ig, 1868.
The family life of Governor Buckingham
was most attractive, the spirit of the
household being one of cheerfulness, kind-
ness and boundless hospitality. He died
at his home in Norwich, Connecticut,
February 5, 1857, a short time before his
senatorial term was completed. The day
of his funeral was observed throughout
the State, and was of general mourning in
the city of his residence. His hospitable
home, which had included among its
guests Lincoln, Grant, Garfield, and many
other notable men, was thronged for
hours by a ceaseless procession of the
high and the lowly, to take a last look at
the face they had loved and reverenced.
Upon his monument in Yantic Cemetery
in Norwich is this inscription : "William
Alfred Buckingham, Governor of Connec-
ticut (1858-1866), United States Senator
(1869-1875). His courage was dauntless.
His will inflexible. His devotion to duty
supreme. His faith in God absolute."
32
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JJanning
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
BANNING, David,
Man of Varied Activities.
Anns — Argent, two bars sable, each charged with
as many escallops or.
Crest — On a mount vert, an ostrich argent, hold-
ing in the mouth a key or.
The Banning coat-of-arms without the
supporters were granted to Pawle Bayn-
inge, of London, in 1588, by Cooke, ac-
cording to the publications of the Harle-
ian Society, although there is doubt as to
Cooke having filled the office of herald at
that time. This latter point is immate-
rial, as the arms are properly registered
and recorded.
The Banning chart, of which the author
is not given, but who apparently did the
work for Pierson W. Banning, of Los
Angeles, California, gives John Banning
as a brother of James and Richard Ban-
ning and names him as of Talbot County,
Maryland. He is a son of "John Doe"
Banning (Stephen was grandfather of
John Banning, of Talbot County, Mary-
land). "John Doe" Banning was a son of
Stephen Banning (of England in 1714).
He was a son of Stephen Banning, who
died in England in 1688. His wife, Mary
Banning, was of England. He was a son
of John Banning (received the degree of
B. A. from Oxford in 1620) (Subsidiary
Rolls, 1642). He was a son of John Ban-
ning, of Burbage, England, in 1613. He
was a son of John Banning of Burbage,
England, in 1565. He was a son of Robert
Banning, of Burbage, England, in 1539,
who was named as an old man in 1565.
The name Banning is one of greatest
antiquity. It is of Danish origin, apply-
ing in early times to a class called hero
worshippers, and signifying a home or
dwelling. Reference to it is found in the
"Scot and Bard Songs," the earliest bal-
lads on record, where it says "Becca ruled
the Banning." This Becca was, no doubt,
Conn. 11 — 3 33
the hero or ruler of the Banning clan of
Vikings.
The distinctive Anglo-Saxon termina-
tion "ing" has always marked the name,
and in general it has suffered very slight
changes throughout its many hundred
years of existence and travel into differ-
ent countries. Whatever changes have
occurred are due to misspelling or to the
natural accommodation to the languages.
In Holland there appears Banningh, Ban-
ningk, Bannick, and earlier, Benningh,
Benningk, and Bennick. In Denmark
many Bannings live to this day, no doubt
descendants of the first Bannings known,
and in England there are found Bayninge,
Banninge, and Baninge. Germany shows
Bonning, Banninger, Baninger, Behning,
Benning, while in this country is Bran-
ning, formerly De Branning, a French
variety, and from Iceland come Bannon,
Bannin, Branigan, and others of similar
sound.
It is supposed that about the fourth or
fifth century some of the Bannings mi-
grated from their native place, now known
as Denmark, to what is at present called
Holland, which was but a few miles dis-
tant. Here they must have lived for
nearly a thousand years before coming
into prominence ; at least no trace of the
name has been found in history until
about 1386, w;hen Gerrit Banningh, a cloth
merchant of Nienwendyk, who came from
a hamlet named Banningh by the Stadt of
De Venter, and finally located in Amster-
dam, is mentioned as being the progenitor
of the Banning families in Holland, who
governed that country to a greater or less
extent for nearly three hundred years.
(De Vroedschatap Van Amsterdam, by
Herr Elias, director of the State Archives
of Amsterdam, Pub. by Vincent Loosjes,
about 1895, in Haarlam, Holland, 2 vols.)
Rembrandt's famous painting, the
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
"Night Watch," shows as the central
figure Captain Franz Banning-Coq, who,
although dying at an early age, made his
power and influence felt in a most won-
derful way. This picture is generally sup-
posed to represent a rally of the gTiard at
night from the guard house, which a name
on the picture states, but in fact represents
the members of a gun club as they are
about to leave their old quarters just prior
to moving into their new quarters on Sin-
gel Street. This picture was painted in
1642. The name was given it when the
picture was discovered many years after
it had been painted, in an old attic, and
the real purport of the picture was un-
known, but recent discoveries establish
the above statement as to its meaning.
At that time it was customary for prom-
inent organizations to have paintings
made of their members in groups. Franz
Banning's mother was a Banning of the
noble families, and married an apothecary
named Coq, from Bremen, against the
wishes of her parents. Their son Franz,
of his own accord, prefixed his last name
by his mother's name. Banning, making it
a hyphenated name.
From Holland, Franz Banning-Coq
went to Basel, where he studied law. Re-
turning to Amsterdam he soon became an
alderman, then a magistrate, and in a
short time burgomaster. The King of
Frankreich raised him to the nobility.
He built the building now used as the
King's Palace, but which at that time was
the City Hall or Governor's headquarters.
He died at an early age, childless, in the
midst of an already wonderful career.
Another famous painting by Van der
Heist, entitled "Celebrating the Peace of
Munster, or Conclusion of the 30 Year
War," which hangs alongside of the
"Night Watch" in the Royal Museum at
Amsterdam, has as its central figure Jacob
Banning, the Standard Bearer, which pic-
tures the members of a gun club gathered
at a banquet to celebrate the Westphalian
Peace in 1648.
The Banning coat-of-arms may be seen
on the ceiling of the throne room in the
King's palace in Amsterdam to this day,
as well as in church windows, on grave-
stones, and in many other places. At
some unknown date, probably about 1500,
the Bannings went to England and settled
at what is now called Banningham in
Norfolk. At the present time no traces
of the Bannings can be found there, but
are clearly traceable to Midland and Lon-
don, from which places the different
branches now in existence seem to have
come.
The Bannings in England became prom-
inent in military and social life during the
sixteenth century, taking an active part
in the Crusade to the Holy Land, for
which a coat-of-arms was granted in Lon-
don in 1588. Two Peerages also were
created, both becoming^ extinct in the
seventeenth century. The first Peerage
was conferred on Sir Paul Bayning, Lord
Mayor of London, who, in his Patent of
Nobility, reverted to the original spelling
Banning, and became Viscount Banning.
His country seat was near Banningham,
in Norfolk.
One branch of the family in England
is about extinct, there being but one male
member now living, and it is thought his
only son is dead. Another branch has for
many years been of local importance,
having for several generations held in the
family the highly coveted ofiice of post-
master of Liverpool, besides other posi-
tions of importance in the governmental
service.
Sometime in the seventeenth century
Bannings came, supposedly from Eng-
land, Ireland, Scotland, and elsewhere, to
34
1233370
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
America. As to the places from which
they came nothing is definitely known
with one exception, but some of them are
thought to have come from Midland or
London. It seems almost certain that the
first Bannings in America came from
England, Ireland, Scotland, as the given
names are English, or at least more com-
mon in England than elsewhere, e. g.,
Edward, James, John, and Samuel. Some-
time prior to 1678 an Edward Banning
settled in Talbot County, Maryland,
which was but a few years after Lord
Baltimore was granted a charter for col-
onization purposes by the King of Eng-
land. About 1700 there is a record of a
James Banning being in the same county
that Edward Banning came to. About
this same time two other Bannings are
known of in or near Lyme, Connecticut,
by name Samuel and John Banning.
These last three, by tradition, are sup-
posed to have been brothers, which, if a
fact, makes it more than likely that they
were sons of Edward Banning, of Talbot
County, Maryland. Some forty odd years
later a Benoni Banning settled in Talbot
County, Maryland. He came from Dub-
lin, Ireland, to which place his father is
thought to have come from Scotland or
England, but about 1790 John Banning,
who was born August 15, 1760, in Staf-
ford, England, came to Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. His son Daniel lived in
Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, but of his
descendants nothing is known. There is
in Los Angeles County, California, and in
Pennsylvania, a town named Banning,
and in California a military camp by that
name.
Some years after James Banning, and
about the time Benoni Banning was
known of in Maryland, there appeared
Bannings in Delaware. It is not unlikely
that they may have come from those in
Maryland, as these two states are geo-
graphically one, but if they did not, it is
possible that they migrated from Holland,
where there were so many Bannings.
From the names of some of their descend-
ants, it is contended that they are of Dutch
origin, and as Delaware was early settled
by the Dutch, this may be the case. From
the Delaware Bannings there have come
two branches, one a branch in California,
and a branch now in Delaware and Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania. There is a strong
likelihood that Phineas Banning was a
brother of Benoni Banning, and his bro-
ther, James Banning, who came to Talbot
County, Maryland.
This family was originally of Neyland
in Suffolk. Richard Bannyng, or Bayn-
ing, dwelt at Dedham about the end of the
fifteenth century. His son, Richard, mar-
ried Anne Raven, daughter and co-heir of
Robert Raven, of Creting St. Mary's in
Suffolk, and had Richard of Dedham, who
married Anne Barker, daughter of John
Barker, of Ipswich, by whom he had
Paul (Andrew, a very eminent merchant
in Mincing Lane, who died without issue
December 21, 1610, aged sixty-seven. See
under Powers in Little Waltham).
Paul Bayning was a citizen and Alder-
man of London, and one of the Sheriffs of
that city in 1593. He accumulated a very
great fortune by merchandising, so ad-
vantageous was trade even in its infancy,
that Sir Thomas Gresham, Sir Andrew
Judde, Thomas Sutton, founder of the
Charter-house, and our two brothers, Paul
and Andrew, laid immense and incredible
riches by. These two have a monument
erected to their memory in the chancel
of the Church of St. Olave, Hart Street,
by which it appears that Paul died Sep-
tember 3, 1616, aged seventy-seven. He
had two wives. The first was a daughter
of a Mowfe, of Needham, or Creting, in
35
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Suffolk, by whom no issue is recorded.
His second wife was Susan Norden,
daughter and heir of Richard Norden, of
Miftley (remarried after his decease to
Sir Francis Leigh, Knight and Bart). He
died October i, 1616, and was buried in
St. Olave's Church, above mentioned,
leaving his only son and heir, Sir Paul
Bayning, Knight, then aged upwards of
thirty.
Sir Paul Bayning was created a Baronet
November 25, 1612, constituted Sheriff of
Essex in 161 7, advanced to the title of
Baron Bayning, of Horksley, in Essex,
February 27, 1627-28, and to the further
dignity of Viscount Sudbury, in Suffolk,
March 8, 1627-28. He married Anne
Glemham, daughter of Sir Henry Glem-
ham. Knight, by Anne (Sackville) Glem-
ham, daughter of Thomas, Earl of Dor-
set, by whom he had five children: i.
Paul, his son and heir. 2. Cecily, married
Henry Pierpont, Viscount Newalk, eldest
son of Robert, Earl of Kingston. 3. Anne,
married Henry Murray, Esq., one of the
grooms of the bed-chamber to King
Charles I, afterwards created, March 17,
1673, Viscountess Banning, of Foxley. 4.
Mary, married (first) William Villers,
Viscount of Grandison, second to Chris-
topher Villiers, Earl of Anglesea, third to
Arthur Gorge, Esq. 5. Elizabeth, married
Francis, Lord Dacre ; created, September
6, 1680, Countess of Shepey.
Sir Paul Bayning died at his house on
Mark Lane, July 29, 1629, possessed of a
very large real estate, as appears by the
following particulars :
The manor and almost the whole parish of Lit-
tle Bentley: Dikeley hall, Stones, Sheddinghow,
Old hall. New hall. Abbots, etc., in Maningtree,
and parishes adjoining: The manor of Hamp-
stalls, in Weeks: The manors of Great Horkes-
ley, Boxsted, River-hall, etc. : The manor of Small-
land-hall, alias Marshes, in Hatfield Peverell:
The manor of Powers, and Shepcote, in Little
Waltham: The manor of Great Lees with Lyon-
hall, and other great estates there: in Woodham
Ferrers, the manor of Champions, and estates
called Burrs, Illgars, and Latchleys: The manor
of Gingjoyberd-laundry, alias Blunts in Butsbury,
and Stock: half the manor of Famham. And
other estates and woods in Tendering, Thorpe,
Roding-Beauchamp, Willingale Doe, Fifield. The
rectories of Bradfield. And the advowsons of the
Churches of Little Bentley, Great Lees, Stock,
Mistley, Bradfield, in Suffolk. The manor and
rectory appropriate of Laxfield : The manor of
Rumborough : Divers lands, tenements, etc., in
Laxfield aforesaid, Creting, Needham, Barking,
Afpall, Thorndon, Thwaight, Houlton, Aldring-
ham, Wiffet, Rumborough, Speckhall, Credeston,
Westhall, Hallesworth, Leiston, Knoddishill, Thev-
erton, Kellishall. In Hertfordshire : Tenements
and lands at Huxworth, with the advowson of the
church. Inquis. 6 Caroli, September 4, n° 158. He
also had an immediate personal estate of £153 15s.,
viz. in debts £136,751 iss., and in ready money
£17,000, without the jewels, plate, and household
stuff.
His widow was remarried to Dudley
Carleton, Viscount Dorchester. His son
and heir, Paul, Viscount Bayning, was
born in 161 6, paid the king £18,000 for the
fine of his wardship, and for charges about
the same, £ 185. He died at Bentley Hall,
June II, 1638, and was buried in a vault
in this church. By his Lady Penelope,
only daughter and heir of Sir Robert
Naunton, Knight, Master of the Court of
Wards and Liveries, and once Secretary
of State (remarried afterwards to Philip,
Earl of Pembrook) he had two daughters,
Anne, and Penelope, born in November,
after his decease. Anne, the eldest, was
married to Aubrey de Vere, the twentieth
and last Earl of Oxford, of that most
noble and ancient family. Her large for-
tune was a reasonable and necessary sup-
ply and recruit to the estate of that fam-
ily, which had been greatly impaired and
almost ruined by the passionate extrav-
agance of his ancestor, Edward, Earl of
Oxford, in Queen Elizabeth's reign. But
by this Lady, who died in September,
1659, he had no surviving issue. Pene-
36
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
lope, the youngest daughter, was married
to John Herbert, Esq., youngest son of
PhiHp, Earl of Pembrook and Montgom-
ery ; remarried to John Wentworth, Esq.
She died in 1657, without issue.
This estate became the property of the
Earl of Oxford and his Lady (Newcourt,
Vol. II, p. 52). They caused to be pulled
down the stately and magnificent seat of
Bentley Hall, which had been erected by
Paul Bayning, Esq., in the reign of King
James I, and sold the materials, where-
with many houses in Colchester and else-
where are still adorned.
Phineas Banning came from England
and settled in Dover, Delaware, where his
son, John Banning, was born in 1740, and
there died February 15, 1791. John Ban-
ning was a member of the Council of the
State of Delaware from 1777 until his
death ; treasurer of Kent County ; military
treasurer; town commissioner; member
of the Council of Safety, and member of
the first Electorial College, casting Dela-
ware's vote for George Washington as
President of the United States. In the
Revolution he was one of the foremost
patriots, "Contributing liberally both in
money and services to organizing and
establishing the State government of Del-
aware, and is said to have been considered
the 'banker of the State.' When the Con-
tinental Army was disbanded, and the
soldiers had nothing but the depreciated
script, it is said that he stood on the steps
of the old Academy of Dover and gave
them hard money for their notes, thus try-
ing to redeem his nation's credit." He
married, in 1766, Mrs. Elizabeth (Alford)
Cassius, daughter of Philip and Charity
Alford. She was a woman of great
beauty ; "indeed," a gentleman of note
said "she was the most beautiful woman
he had ever seen in Europe or America.
. . . Sarah Banning, her daughter by
her second husband, who married Hon.
Henry Moore Ridgely, was highly edu-
cated and accomplished, and inherited
much of her mother's beauty. When Mr.
Ridgely was in the United States Senate
they were spoken of as the handsomest
couple in Washington society." Mrs.
Banning married (third) Dr. William Mc-
Kee, many persons and families of prom-
inence being represented among their de-
scendants.
For examples of the sheer power of in-
domitable wills, fierce courage, and un-
conquerable persistence in the moulding
of careers out of the untried resources of
virgin fields we must turn to the Great
West and Middle West. No other section
of the country has given us such shining
examples of work of strong men, true in
coping with the almost overwhelming
forces of nature and circumstance. The
history of the Western Reserve is one of
romance and achievement incomparable
with that of any other part of the country.
"Self-made, self-reliant, sturdy and rug-
ged men have been its product, and it is to
these men that the upbuilding and de-
velopment of the West into the important
factor in the world's work which it is to-
day is due." To every man who has con-
tributed a share toward the great task of
bringing the West out of a vast wilder-
ness, teeming with opportunity, yet offer-
ing untold resistance before it was har-
nessed to the uses of man, is due a deep
gratitude and thankfulness, which can be
no more adequately expressed than in
preserving for later generations the story
of his work and achievement.
Since the opening of the Western Re-
serve to settlers, the family of Banning
has been prominent. The late David
Banning, one of the prominent business
men and financiers of the city of Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, during the latter and mid-
37
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
die decades of the nineteenth century,
was a descendant in the third generation.
(I) Samuel Banning, of Lyme, Con-
necticut, in common with the traditions
of other Bannings, is believed to have
come from his native England to America
about 1700, being one of the three broth-
ers so often mentioned. He located in or
near Lyme, Connecticut, upon his arrival
in America, where, like John Banning,
many of his descendants are to be found
to this day, while not a few have scattered
to New York State, Ohio, California, and
elsewhere. Among the descendants of
this line a considerable number of those
of most brilliant attainments can be
found ; this includes medical, musical and
scholarly lines, and has established a high
average among them. He moved from
Lyme to East Hartland, Connecticut ; was
killed by lightning; and is buried in East
Hartland. Children: i. Elizabeth. 2. Sam-
uel, of whom further. 3. Abner. 4. David.
(II) Samuel (2) Banning, son of Sam-
uel Banning, was born about 1710, in
Lyme, Connecticut. He married two or
three times, having in all ten children.
He moved to East Hartland, Connecti-
cut, about 1765, where he died on the farm
of his son David, about 1800, being buried
at East Hartland, Connecticut. Children:
I. Samuel. 2. Abner, of whom further. 3.
David. 4. Irene. 5. Daughter. 6. Daughter.
7. Daughter. 8. Rhoda. 9. Rebecca. 10.
Daughter.
(III) Abner Banning, son of Samuel (2)
Banning, was born about 1755, in East
Hartland, Connecticut. He was in the i8th
Regiment, Connecticut Militia, from Au-
gust 18, 1776, to September 14, 1776, in
Captain Hutchan's company. He married
Annah Sparrow, of East Haddam, Con-
necticut, in the First Church of Christ,
April 2, 1777 (see Sparrow VI). She was
born April 19, 1751, and lived in Connecti-
cut. Children: i. Malinda. 2. Benjamin.
3. Ashel, of whom further. 4. Morgan.
5. Calvin. 6. Samuel.
There were twenty families that left
East Hartland, Connecticut, for Ohio ;
they settled in Vernon and Hartford,
Trumbull County, Ohio.
(IV) Ashel (Arbel) Banning, son of
Abner and Annah (Sparrow) Banning,
was born June 22, 1780, in East Hartland,
Connecticut. He married (first) Amelia
Wilcox. This marriage took place soon
after coming to Ohio, and they settled in
Vernon. He married (second) Dency
Crosby, born April 22, 1791, who died
February 25, 1868, in Gustavus, Ohio.
They lived in Vernon, Ohio. He died
May 7, 1873, '" Gustavus, Ohio, the result
of being struck on the head by a falling
timber. The Crosby arms are as follows :
Arms — Sable, a chevron ermine, between three
rams passant argent.
Crest — A ram as in the arms.
Motto — Liberty under thy guidance, the guid-
ance of the lamb of God.
Children of the first wife : i. Abner Wil-
cox. 2. Amelia. 3. Melinda. Children of
second wife: 4. David, of whom further.
5. Jeremiah W., deceased. 6. Timothy, de-
ceased. 7. Mary A., deceased, who became
the wife of Benjamin H. Peabody. 8. Con-
verse. 9. Stoddard, of Geneva, Ohio, now
deceased. 10. Malinda, married Newton
Robens, and is now deceased.
(V) David Banning, son of Ashel and
Dency (Crosby) Banning, was born in
Vernon, Ohio, April 1 1 , 1819. He spent his
childhood in the healthy atmosphere of his
father's large farm, and received his edu-
cation in the local district schools. He
was a boy of studious tastes, a constant
reader, and constant searcher after knowl-
edge, and these characteristics remained
with him during his long life. After com-
pleting the decidedly inadequate course
38
(^ti>$(i^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
which the public school offered, he con-
tinued his education during his spare
hours at home and at work. David Ban-
ning secured his first employment in a
general store in his native town operated
by Stoddard Stevens, and here he acted
in the capacity of clerk for a few years.
Leaving the employ of Stoddard Stevens,
he spent a period in the employ of the
Federal Government.
David Banning's connection with the
city of Cincinnati, Ohio, dated from April
1847, when the city gave but faint indica-
tions of the splendid future which was
before it, and the great proportions to
which it would grow. He watched care-
fully the steady growth of its great in-
dustries and commercial enterprises, play-
ing a quiet and effective part in the great
work. His arrival in Cincinnati antedated
the laying of the first railroad in that sec-
tion of the State. Shortly after his com-
ing to the city he entered on his first busi-
ness venture, forming a partnership with
his brother, Jeremiah W. Banning. The
two embarked in a commission business,
with their headquarters located on Wal-
nut Street, between Front and Second
streets. The business met with a high
degree of success, and after a short period
the partnership was dissolved, the two
brothers henceforward conducting their
operations separately.
Mr. Banning immediately organized
another business, which for a period of
twenty-five years he continued to direct.
From comparatively obscure beginnings,
through the business talent and construc-
tive policies of management of Mr. Ban-
ning, the business grew to large propor-
tions, and occupied a position of import-
ance among the largest enterprises of its
kind in the city of Cincinnati. He was
eminently fitted for business life, and the
handling of large affairs, by reason of his
ability to judge clearly and quickly the
relative merits of any proposition brought
before him, his breadth of vision, and his
persistence, once his decision to act had
been taken. He was a business man of
the self-made type, a man of broad toler-
ance and human understanding, a leader
who was instinctively obeyed. He invited
and received the confidence of his em-
ployees, many of whom he advised, and
many of whom he aided toward inde-
pendent business ventures. He easily
inspired confidence and support, first
through the marked and well known
honesty of his dealings, and second
through the success of all his under-
takings. David Banning was known
throughout the city of Cincinnati and the
larger commercial cities of Ohio as a man
of the strictest integrity. Although not
connected actively or officially with the
public life of the city of Cincinnati, Mr.
Banning was, nevertheless, a factor of
importance in the city's growth and de-
velopment. He was looked to as one of
its foremost citizens, and accorded a place
as such. He was connected in executive
capacities with many of the large finan-
cial and commercial enterprises of the
city, and was for thirty-two years a mem-
ber of the board of directors of the Fourth
National Bank of Cincinnati, his connec-
tion with that institution dating from its
founding, in which he took an active in-
terest.
Mr. Banning was a Republican in polit-
ical affiliation, and kept well abreast of
the times, though he took no active part
in the political life of the city. He was
active, however, in social and fraternal
interests. The name of his friends was
legion, and his death, which occurred in
Cincinnati, March 8, 1901, was the cause
of deep-felt and wide-spread grief.
David Banning married, in Erie, Penn-
39
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
sylvania, April 28, 1847, Asenath C. Brad-
ley (see Bradley VIII), born June 16,
1824, daughter of Dr. Moore Bird Brad-
ley, of Waterford, Pennsylvania, one of
the foremost physicians in the State.
Mrs. Banning was a member of one of
the old Colonial families of that region of
the State of Pennsylvania; she died in
Cincinnati, November 13, 1909. Children :
I. Charles, deceased. 2. Blanche, de-
ceased. 3. Kate, who resides in Cincin-
nati. 4. Starr, deceased. 5. Harry, de-
ceased. 6. William, twin of Harry, de-
ceased.
(The Bradley Line).
Arms — Gules, a chevron argent between three
boars' heads couped or.
Bradley is a local name found largely in
Yorkshire, Gloucestershire, Lincolnshire,
Wiltshire, and Staffordshire. It is a
local name signifying the Broad-lea, from
the old English brad and leah. Bradley
is the name of parishes and towns in
Berkshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Lei-
cestershire, Lincolnshire, Staffordshire,
and Hampshire. The first mention in
England of the name Bradley is in 1183 at
the feast of St. Cuthbert in Lent, when the
Lord Hugh, Bishop of Durham, caused to
be described all the revenues of his Bish-
opric. The survey of Hugh Pudsey, called
Bolton Buke, mentions in Wolsingham,
Roger de Bradley who held forty acres at
Bradley. The family in England has been
one of the first in importance for many
centuries. In the visitation of Yorkshire,
1563-64, there is mention of Isabel, daugh-
ter of Sir Francis Bradley, who married
Arthur Normanton, of Yorkshire. John
Bradley was bishop of Shaftsbury in 1539.
Alexander Bradley resided in the see of
Durham in 1578, and about the same time
Cuthbertus Bradley was curate of Bar-
bardi Castle.
In an account of the Pudsey family of
Bolton, County York, is found the fol-
lowing note: "John de Podeshay was
killed on Joucros' Moor in 1279. Walter
de Bradelegh of Carleton, in Craven, was
present."
Robert de Bradeleye was of County
Cambridge in 1273. Brice de Bradeleghe
was of County Somerset in 1273. Wil-
liam de Bradelegh was of County Devon
temp, Henry III. Wilhelmus Brodelegh,
of Yorkshire, in 1379; Agnes Bradelay, of
Yorkshire, in 1379; Richard de Bradleghe,
of County Somerset, i Edward III ; Henry
de Bradleye, County Somerset, i Edward
III.
In Ravenser, County York, in 1297,
was William de Bradeley, while John de
Bradeley was of Staynelay (Stainley),
County York, at the same time. Emma
de Bradley was of Thornton, as was
Roger de Bradley. In 1344 Robert Brad-
eley was living at Bolton, County York,
England, where his name appears in the
case of John de Pudesay against Richard
de Shotelesworth. In 1394 John, Lord of
Coven, granted his manor in Coven with
all of his lands to John Bradley, of Penk-
rich, and William de Hyde, of Brewood,
for which they are to pay him a rose at
midsummer. John Bradley was of
Labrone or Harmbeye, County York, in
1550: Thomas Bradley, of Wadyngton,
County York, in 1555 ; and Richard Brad-
ley and Ann, his wife, were of Bradford,
County York, in 1569.
The following wills are found in County
York, England : Edmund Bradeley, No-
vember 9, 1471 ; John de Bradeley, of Es-
yngton, May 6, 1405 ; John Bradeley, of
Gonthwate, parish of Penyston, August
I, 1491 ; Horme Bradeley, rector of Raw-
mersh, April 24, 1483 ; Thomas Bradlay,
buried at Wodkirk, August 3, 1509; Wil-
liam Bradlay, of York, December i, 1467;
Patrick Bradley, of York, July 13, 1446;
40
^0raiJ>(eu
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Joan Bradley, widow of Patrick Bradley,
January 22, 1465 ; Roger Bradley, of York,
January 21, 1436.
In the Harleian Society Publications,
Volume XII, containing the "Visitation
of County Warwick," England, pages
354-55, are found the arms and pedigree
of the family of Bradley, which has many
grounds of probability of being that fam-
ily from which the New Haven Bradleys
are immediately descended.
The pedigree is as follows :
William Bradley, of Sheriff-Hutton,
County York, England.
William Bradley of the city of Coven-
try, County Warwick, married Agnes
Margate. Children: i. Francis, married
Francesca Watkins. 2. Thomas, married
Maria Cotes. 3. William, of whom further.
William (2) Bradley, son of William
and Agnes (Margate) Bradley, was born
in Coventry, England. He married Jo-
hanna Waddington. Children : i. Wil-
liam, believed to be the American pro-
genitor. 2. Anna. 3. Magdalen. 4. Eliza-
beth. 5. Letticia. 6. An infant, born Sep-
tember I, 1619.
Pedigree of the Bradleys of Bradley,
County Lancaster:
John Bradley, born about 1465. of Brad-
ley, County Lancaster. He married Cath-
erine Caterall. Children: i. Thomas, of
whom further. 2. Allan. 3. John.
Thomas Bradley, of Bradley, was born
about 1490. He married Grace Sherborne,
daughter of Hugh Sherborne. Children :
I. John, of whom further. 2. Hugh. 3.
Thomas. 4. Anne. 5. Helene.
John Bradley, born about 1520, was liv-
ing in 1567. He had a son John, of whom
further.
John Bradley settled in Bryning,
County Lancaster. He had a son John,
of whom further.
John Bradley, of Bryning, gent., mar-
ried and had a son James, of whom fur-
ther.
James Bradley married Ellen Tildesley,
and they had children: i. Edward, slain
at the battle of Marston Moor. 2. Thomas.
3. John. 4. Richard. 5. Jane. 6. Anne.
7. Helen.
Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire
names the Bradleys of Ackworth.
John Bradley, of the Bradleys of Berk-
shire, was in King Henry VIII's army
upon an English expedition to France.
His sons were: i. Richard. 2. Henry, of
whom further. 3. Abel.
Henry Bradley, of Okehingham, County
Berks, died in 1645. He married Bar-
bara Lane. Children: i.John. 2. Thomas,
of whom further.
Thomas Bradley, chaplain to Charles I,
was rector of Ackworth. He was born in
1598. He matriculated at Exeter College,
Oxford, in 1617; received his B. A., June
21, 1620; and his D. D., December 20,
1642. He was rector of Castleford in
1630, and of Ackworth in 1643. A great
Royalist, he was expelled from his livings
during the period of the Commonwealth,
but they were returned at the restoration.
He married Frances, daughter of John,
Lord Savile, of Pomfret. Children: i.
Thomas, a merchant in Virginia. 2.
Savile. 3. Frances. 4. Barbara. The
Bradleys of Louth, Lincolnshire, trace to
Robert Bradley, of Louth.
The line continues through Thomas
Bradley, of Louth, a merchant, who had
the following children: i. Nicholas. 2.
Thomas, of whom further.
Thomas Bradley, of Louth, a merchant,
was born in 1503. He married Alice Et-
ton. They were the parents of a son,
John, of whom further.
John Bradley, of Louth, one of the
assistants of that town, died in 1590. He
married Frances Fairfax, and had the fol-
41
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
lowing children: i. John, of whom fur-
ther. 2. Thomas, of whom further. 3.
Anne. 4. Elizabeth. 5. Mary.
John Bradley, son of John and Frances
(Fairfax) Bradley, an eminent physician
and a graduate of Cambridge, married
Anne Freeman. They were the parents
of the following children : i. Henry. 2.
Thomas, born in 1583. 3. Frances, born
in 1585. 4. Matthew, born in 1588.
Thomas Bradley, son of John and
Frances (Fairfax) Bradley, of Louth,
married Ann Chapman, sister and co-heir
of Sir Peter Chapman, of London. They
had the following children : i. John, born
in 1576. 2. Anne. 3. Elizabeth, born in 1584.
4. Audrey, born in 1590.
There are several distinct branches of
the Bradley family in the United States,
the founders of which came from Eng-
land. The first Bradleys in the American
Colonies are said to have come from the
market town of Bingley, in the West Rid-
ing of Yorkshire. About the beginning
of the seventeenth century William Brad-
ley was born in B ingley. According to tra-
dition handed down in different branches
of the family, he was a friend of Crom-
well, and the History of Bingley, Eng-
land, states that he was a major in the
Parliamentary Army, and removed to
New Haven, Connecticut. William Brad-
ley resided for a time in Branford and
Guilford, later removing to New Haven,
where he took up his residence in what is
now North Haven and had large landed
interests there. He was the first land-
owner in the village. Founders of other
branches of the Bradleys are : Francis
Bradley, ancestor of the Fairfield family,
and Daniel Bradley, founder of the Haver-
hill, Massachusetts, Bradleys.
Burke's Armory gives fifteen coats-of-
arms for the name Bradley. The arms
borne by the Connecticut Bradleys and
the descendants of William and Francis
Bradley are given above. The symbolic
description of the arms is as follows :
The shield is red — red in heraldry denotes
boldness, daring blood and fire — "a burn-
ing desire to spill blood for God and
Country." Silver stands for purity, jus-
tice and peace. The chevron represents
the rafters of a roof and was often given
to ambassadors and eminent statesmen
as a reward for the protection (as under a
roof) they gave their king and country.
The boar symbolizes a well-armed, un-
daunted and courageous warrior, who re-
sists his enemies bravely and never thinks
of flight, the same as the boar, who will
fight to the bitter end. The Bradley arms
are engraved on the silver tankard owned
by the granddaughter of the first William
Bradley, of New Haven. They are the
same as the armorial bearings "Confirmed
by the Deputies of Camden ... to
Francis Bradley of Coventry, grandson of
William Bradley, County York, 'Her,
Visitation.' "
(I) William Bradley, of New Haven,
Connecticut, was born in England, about
1620. He settled in New Haven, and
married there, February 18, 1645, Alice
Pritchard, daughter of Roger Pritchard,
of Springfield, Massachusetts. He died in
1690, and she in 1692. Children, with dates
of baptism: i. Joseph, January 4, 1646.
2. Isaac, 1647 (?). 3. Martha, October,
1648. 4. Abraham, of whom further. 5.
Mary, April 30, 1653. 6. Benjamin, April
8, 1657. 7. Hester (or Esther), September
29, 1659. 8. Nathaniel, February 26, 1660-
61. 9. Sarah, June 21, 1665.
(II) Abraham Bradley, son of William
Bradley, was baptized October 24, 1650,
and died October 19, 1718. He married,
December 25, 1673, Hannah Thompson,
born September 22, 1654, died at New
Haven, October 26, 1718. Abraham Brad-
42
(H^fronvi?
90X1
more
H^ir^
itrarjs
ENLYCLOPKDJA UF BlUGKAl'llY
and removed to New VorK :>tai<' » •
married, November 7, 1751, Amy 'nionMi
Sim (see Thompson V). Children: i.
T\\:\rh\fn<!,, born June 8, 1752. i. Anop,
10, 1754, died young. .^ James.
irther. 4. Anne, born Novem-
wiiin James Bradley, son of
■Thompson) Bradley, was
■■'■■. and died about i8i8,
The first settlers
Tr'!i,tM:M l' ,iinty,
\ip-
as a deacon in the First (now called
I r) Church of New Haven, Connecti-
t, and at one time Justice of the Feace.
:s will was dated December 5. 1716, and
d in the New Haven F':
. iber 18, 1718. (Rei.
<1;5, liber 4, page 546, » Ii
■lowing clause : "As a tok
o ye first church of Chri-;t
i I give my silver cup, or t!
■o be improved at ye Lof'
after my decease." Childn
. New Haven: i. John, of who;;i ,
"er. 2. Daniel, born in 1679, died '
■ r 2, 1723. 3. Hannah, bom Novcn;
1682. 4- Lydia, born NovenOSe;^/.* HlT
. .\braham, born April 9, 1693. 7. Esth<;r,
• nn John Bradley, son of Deacon
;m and Hannah (Thompson) Brad-
is born in New Haven, Connecti-
cui. k-tober 12, 1674. He marriedl^ftof^CIlVf?-^' "^^'"'''' "' ' '
trn ■ .r 22, 1698. Sarah Hc^^.,^^gi,t^fi,o|;,, 0;") P^^
-erHolt. Children: i- §5fi^q ^ii.fe^^^
further. 2. John, born September lo, '^y- was T)orn in 179c
702. 3. Dorcas, born November 4, i:?5^[.[^ *'™^ °" ^*^ father's i;..r.i, he t.
; Jason, born August 10, i7o8. 5. Jeb'iQlL " attention to the study of medicin
'"'■'^'^^^ fe'lVia^mS, Ss'/Ji'S'fl.^'iftYafli' ]9r'"Pe1«?sMlarrf:"nil. .
- . mber 28, 1714. •" Manlffi^fln^'On?^/' fifff^F' tfeiVt'"
(IV) Enos' Bradley, son of John^aiyt.r-)^^*^''^^'''^' ^^'^ County, Penr.
rah (Holt) Bradley, was born Decern- ^'*iere he attained leadinsr p-
'^'i*"!^'??o'f,''l°i5li'= hW ?il"#^;i^"'F^f k'v^'e'tt,™ iflaee4?ni$<*^#if«' - bik'i{fert>
mnecticut. He married, December ^ i^^" ^^ '■'-'^^ "^"^ "^ the o
circr,
of whom
I
;2i, Ellen Skidmore (See Skidmore HI).
hildren: i. Sibyl, born November 8,
722. 2. Griffin, born November 9, 1724:
arried Mabel Thompson, sister of wif*-
; Ariel. 3. Enos, born December jo, 17'Jt'
Ariel, of whom further. 5. Fllen. !•■ '-r
fmber 4, 1731. 6. Gamalie'. horn
nary 19, 1734. 7. Oliver, born No-
• .er I, 1736.
.1 Ariel Bradley, son of Enos and
-I (Skidmore) Bradley, was born m
Haven, Connect-'-"' '< ■ • i' '—i<).
first Protestant Ej)
Waterford, Pennsyl'.
first officers. J'
children : i. Asi
:i. I>arwin.
VUV- ^^^'•■ •
L-iurc three estotl*
:;d the tun m hi«
43
THOMPSON.
Anns — Or, on a fesse dancette azure tliree estoiles argent, on a canton of the
second the sun in his splendour.
Crest — A cubit arm erect vested gules curfed argent, holding in the hand five
ears of wheat or.
Motto — In luininc luccni.
SKIDMORE.
Anns- — (niles. three stirrups, leathers and buckles or.
Crrst — A unicorn's head erased sable, platee.
BIRD.
Arms — .\rgent, on a chevron engrailed gules between three lions rampant
sable as many fluers-de-lis or.
VICARS.
Anns — Sable, on a chief dancette or, two cinquefoils gules, a border engrailed
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ley was a deacon in the First (now called
Center) Church of New Haven, Connecti-
cut, and at one time Justice of the Peace.
His will was dated December 5, 1716, and
proved in the New Haven Probate Court,
November 18, 1718. (Recorded Probate
Records, liber 4, page 546.) It contained
the following clause : "As a token of my
love to ye first church of Christ in New
Haven I give my silver cup, or the value
of it, to be improved at ye Lord's table;
yt is after my decease." Children, born
at New Haven: i. John, of whom fur-
ther. 2. Daniel, born in 1679, died No-
vember 2, 1723. 3. Hannah, bom Novem-
ber 8, 1682. 4. Lydia, born November 28,
1685. 5. Ebenezer, born September 9, 1689.
6. Abraham, born April 9, 1693. 7- Esther,
born March 19, 1696.
(III) John Bradley, son of Deacon
Abraham and Hannah (Thompson) Brad-
ley, was born in New Haven, Connecti-
cut, October 12, 1674. He married, Sep-
tember 22, 1698, Sarah Holt, daughter of
Ebenezer Holt. Children: i. Enos, of
whom further. 2. John, born September 10,
1702. 3. Dorcas, born November 4, 1704.
4. Jason, born August 10, 1708. 5. Jehiell,
born September 19, 1710. 6. Phineas, born
September 28, 1714.
(IV) Enos Bradley, son of John and
Sarah (Holt) Bradley, was born Decem-
ber 28, 1701, and lived in New Haven,
Connecticut. He married, December 2,
1721, Ellen Skidmore (See Skidmore III).
Children: i. Sibyl, born November 8,
1722. 2. Griflin, born November 9, 1724;
married Mabel Thompson, sister of wife
of Ariel. 3. Enos, born December 20, 1726.
4. Ariel, of whom further. 5. Ellen, born
November 4, 1731. 6. Gamaliel, born
February 19, 1734. 7. Oliver, born No-
vember I, 1736.
(V) Ariel Bradley, son of Enos and
Ellen (Skidmore) Bradley, was born in
New Haven, Connecticut, March 8, 1729,
and removed to New York State. He
married, November 7, 1751, Amy Thomp-
son (see Thompson V). Children: i.
Thaddeus, born June 8, 1752. 2. Anne,
born June 10, 1754, died young. 3. James,
of whom further. 4. Anne, born Novem-
ber 9, 1763.
(VI) Captain James Bradley, son of
Ariel and Amy (Thompson) Bradley, was
born June 17, 1756, and died about 1818,
aged sixty-two years. The first settlers
of Johnston Township, Trumbull County,
Ohio, were a family named Bradley. Cap-
tain James Bradley came from Salisbury,
Connecticut, in 1802-03. The family
stopped at Canfield, Johnston Township,
for a short time, finally settling in the
western part of the township. He mar-
ried Asenath Bird (See Bird VI). Chil-
dren: I. Thaddeus. 2. Dr. Moore Bird,
of whom further. 3. Dr. Ariel, born in
1793; married, in 1828, Laura Barstow.
(VII) Dr. Moore Bird Bradley, son of
Captain James and Asenath (Bird) Brad-
ley, was born in 1790. After laboring for
a time on his father's farm, he turned his
attention to the study of medicine, study-
ing under Dr. Peter Allan. He practiced
in Mansfield, Ohio, later removing to
Waterford, Erie County, Pennsylvania,
where he attained leading professional
place and where his death occurred. In
1827 he was one of the organizers of the
first Protestant Episcopal church of
Waterford, Pennsylvania, and one of its
first officers. He married and had two
children: i. Asenath C, of whom further.
2. Darwin.
(VIII) Asenath C. Bradley, daughter
of Dr. Moore Bird Bradley, married
David Banning (see Banning V).
(The Thompson Line).
Arms — Or, on a fesse dancette azure three estoils
argent, on a canton of the second the sun in his
splendour.
43
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Crest — A cubit arm erect, vested gules cuffed
argent, holding in the hand five ears of wheat or.
Motto — In lumine lucem.
The family of Thompson in Kent spelled
the name Thomson, and the change to
the present form was made in America.
Thomas Thompson, of Sandwich, County
Kent, merchant, had a son, Thomas.
Thomas Thompson, of Sandwich, married
a daughter of a Mansfield. Arms were
granted to him in 1600. He had children :
Henry, Anne, and Thomas.
Henry Thompson, named above, had
sons, John, Anthony, and William.
Thomas Thompson, named last in the
paragraph above, also had sons, John,
Anthony, and William. These names
found together in the Thompson family
of County Kent, and the fact that three
brothers, William, Anthony, and John,
came from England to America, make it
seem highly probable that the Thompsons
of America descended from the family of
Thompson (or Thomson) of Kent, Eng-
land. There has been much controversy
on this matter, but extensive research has
failed to settle the point, and almost all
of those who have investigated the Thomp-
son pedigree concede the probability of
descent from the family of Kent.
The name Thompson stands twenty-
first in a roll of common surnames, being
rarer than Edwards, but more common
than White. Thomson or Thompson
signifies a son of Thomas. Bardsley, in
his surnames gives : Eborard fil Thome,
County Cambridge, 1273 ; Abraham fil
Thome, County Bedford, 20 Edward I,
1291 ; Richard fil Thome, County York,
1291 ; Petrus Thome, son, County York,
1379; Johannes Thomasson, of County
York, 1379.
There are large families of Thompson
in both Ireland and Scotland. Baron
Haversham, created baron in 1696, was a
descendant of Maurice Thompson, of
Cheston, County Herts. This baronetcy
became extinct in 1745. A Thompson was
Lord Mayor of London in 1737, and
another in 1828. Richard Thompson was
treasurer of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dub-
lin, in 1582. Baron Sydenham, Governor-
General of Canada, was a descendant of
the Thompsons of County Surrey.
(I) Anthony Thompson was born in
England, and died in New Haven, Con-
necticut, in September, 1648. Three
brothers, Anthony, John, and William
Thompson, left England with the party
led by the Rev. John Davenport and The-
ophilus Eaton in the "Hector" and arrived
in Boston, Massachusetts, June 26, 1637.
In April, 1638, they settled in the vicinity
of what is now New Haven, Connecticut,
on September i, 1640, when the settle-
ment was called New Haven. Anthony
Thompson, with a family of four persons,
was one of the list of first settlers. He
was a member of the band of soldiers
organized to protect the settlers from the
Indians. He mentions his family and
brothers, John and William, in his will
of 1647. He married (first) in England.
He married (second) Catherine, who mar-
ried (second) Nicholas Camp. Children
of first marriage: i. John, of whom fur-
ther. 2. Anthony, born December, 1634,
died December 29, 1654. 3. Bridget, born
in 1636, married the Rev. John Bowers.
Children of second marriage : 4. Hannah,
baptized June 8, 1654; married a Stanton.
5. Lydia, baptized July 24, 1647 ! married
Isaac Crittenden. 6. Ebenezer, baptized
October 15, 1648; married Deborah
Dudley.
(II) John Thompson, son of Anthony
Thompson, was born in England, in 1632,
and died June 2, 1707. He was called
"mariner" and is mentioned frequently in
deeds, etc., owning land in New Haven.
44
ENC V. .. ^. . . .. .M A OF BIOGKAPi i Y
.^^ Anne Vicars, A'lo.^i •. • -' ^727; unmarried in 17 j i
icars.) Children: '.ed October 5, 1729; '"^
•, 1657; married Re ■•«ney. 5. Amy, of whom
• . married, in 1688, C ah, born about 1735; ma-
)h, born April 4. if; . , judson. 7. Rachel, bsivi
September, 1667, died ^n i '7i7\ probably died y
•el, of whom furthe- ■ niy Thomps""
I'luary 16, 1672; man . Tarriet s\
v.iiiiani, born January 1/, ' ■■
•TV, born May 16, 1675. .TOH^Iia-k
111) Captain SamueLsTFtessrfpaaimtt jaMn?. bajrJoo i>ii-5'i 1; im .ami-tn.i — rv. i
^iQjliModnltlfo^ine r(d'iffah;;i'i'iP.bfaTB;ir';gniJ^.3ia. .tnagiK Jftr.f9;< frM'r'tgi.A'— V/.v
's born in New Haven, ConncctuuL 7;>in ^,i
•.,y 12. 1669, and died March 26.Svt^aKf>l
J!^ffe«fis^rfl1 S^feefb Cj<>j36fS6ifi"i9ii#fr33//lad rioivodo b no ,'jiiis/-.^^%MrU^
td in VVestville, Connecticut, for a tinx.-, .3U£,§ JsFa^oi:)
!f)9W«»|? tfri'ftnbiitW6e,T«> Qmhm^;&^y^^ T)q,.4i3|«^3„b63ri; a'njoairiM '^rt^iv^^O. .,
;ii. Re was made captain of a-i§Qini1ii,jj[-fo JsIq.Ef!-) p rtji/r fos.TO" h^^/\f^&yMlm!o-j
soldie(^jooy9(I>rt^il««i,Ji&^-<Uiiii\WIjM< ) .«W*V/
• >5. Rebecca Bishop, daughter of Lieu- Vica^
Governor James and Eliz/qb©^ Jl«^ f'" '
^v Haven. December 10, .673. and died spotmiss, r^^^^^ ■^',^-, ,„^
-re April 5. 1734. Children: i. Samuel^, h0^i^5JVfiy^ ;ltr,;,h;:t /^UvO" "
' -'pcember 2, 1696 ; married Esther ofhciai or somd
2. Tames, of whom furth^3p|.j3-^'"d very earh
,- ', ' ', \, 1702.; married Sarah vicars in ■.. ..'.ntv
. I .1,1, borfl pecember .2^, 13/4 •^'T>rr tn..rrrea .i:
17^4; married Lydia Punderson. 5. tPe- 7*)tfn5«yn W . » ^"' ^/iT^J^John \i
becca. born February 2^, 1708; 'J^J.'ff^xiR'V'^'""'^ 1'^^' ■-. "'as rc^s<:^;5*'&t
David Austin. 6. Judah, born June 'to. loVd C^'Hepe: -i; 1574 John Vicari:'
171 1, died August I, 1712. 7. Judah, bof^^^i^Ww^g*^' t\m)m^rr->mk.]..^
October 5. 171^^^"^. tW !?gfn^'M*s^"''^ 11M^i»7*ffr..iS,1^ij'.3Uifan«??-' '■
18. 1717; married Sarah Hitchcock. _ bury; , . * ,4 Mr.vgaret \ .
(IV) James Thompson, son of CapM^'^'^^'-''^- '!'.- :';
..mueI-^fill^^lteeiteffJ^1or»^Wji,*d.-i'''»M^-'n'> :2«8d-^t<'/|. .liWi.v/ -
.^i? tl»)'H"^i'iWlr]^'-'S','''f6^r'aridI^3«^'^'B"'''^'*^:''''o J"fib« bninpa A— »v.Vj
737. He lived in Westville. Covnu- •; !" ih' '■V.-sifariv.^ (v '-..igqrti.f
Lit. His will was pro^e?f''Wf^e?f!l.<l^'|''-^'' 3*1*). Ai»Awtt*iV IwsoiibTr.a— o\\(.\(
737. He married, Ma^ 3^, ' /i 1, • ' • '?■'• ' ■'
\ ilmot, daughter of fl
Heecher) Wihnot. <
born February 16, 17
Baldwin. 2. JaiU'-s. ',
1725, died in 1818 it marrir
45
BISHOP.
.-Irnis — Ermine, on a bend cotised sable, three bezants.
Crest — A griffin sejant argent, resting the dexter claw on an escutcheon of
the first.
TOMPKINS.
Anus — Azure, on a chevron between three moorcocks or close, three crosses
crosslet sable.
Crest — A unicorn's head erased per fesse argent and or, armed and maned
counterchanged, gorged with a chaplet of laurel vert.
Motto — Xc tiwgiiHin nisi boiittm. (Nothing is great unless it be good.)
WILMOT.
Arms — Argent, on a fesse gules between three eagles' heads erased sable, as
many escallops of the field.
Crest — A portcullis azure, chained or.
BEECHER.
Ariits—\'z\re argent and gules, on a canton iir a stag's head cabossed sable.
Crest — A demi-lion erased argent, girded round the waist with a ducal
coronet or.
PRITCHARD.
Arms — Ermine, a lion rampant sable.
Crest — A de.xter arm proper holding a battle axe, handle gules.
HOLT.
,4rms — Azure, two bars or; in chief a cross formee htchee of the last.
Crest — A squirrel sejant or, holding a hazel branch sli])ped and fructed. all
proper.
Motto — Exaltavit humiles. (He exalted the humble.)
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
He married Anne Vicars, August 4, 1656.
(See Vicars.) Children: i. John, born
May 12, 1657; married Rebecca Daniel.
2. Anne, married, in 1688, Caleb Chidsey.
3. Joseph, born April 4, 1664. 4. Child,
born in September, 1667, died in infancy.
5. Samuel, of whom further. 6. Sarah,
born January 16, 1672 ; married John Mix.
7. William, born January 17, 1674. 8.
Mary, born May 16, 1675.
(III) Captain Samuel Thompson, son
of John and Anne (Vicars) Thompson,
was born in New Haven, Connecticut,
May 12, 1669, and died March 26, 1749,
being- buried at Goshen, Connecticut. He
lived in Westville, Connecticut, for a time,
removing from there to Goshen, Connec-
ticut. He was made captain of a company
of soldiers. He married, November 14,
1695, Rebecca Bishop, daughter of Lieu-
tenant-Governor James and Elizabeth
(Tompkins) Bishop. She was born in
New Haven, December 10, 1673, and died
there April 5, 1734. Children: i. Samuel,
born December 2, 1696; married Esther
Ailing. 2. James, of whom further. 3.
Amos, born May 3, 1702; married Sarah
Ailing. 4. Gideon, born December 25,
1704; married Lydia Punderson. 5. Re-
becca, born February 23, 1708; married
David Austin. 6. Judah, born June 10,
171 1, died August i, 1712. 7. Judah, born
October 5, 1713. 8. Enos, born August
18, 1717; married Sarah Hitchcock.
(IV) James Thompson, son of Captain
Samuel and Rebecca (Bishop) Thompson,
was born January 5, 1699, and died in
1737. He lived in Westville, Connecti-
cut. His will was proved December 5,
1737. He married. May 30, 1723, Harriet
Wilmot, daughter of Benjamin and Mary
(Beecher) Wilmot. Children: i. Mary,
born February 16, 1724; married Jonah
Baldwin. 2. James, born November 21,
1725, died in 1818. 3. Hannah, born about
1727; unmarried in 1754. 4. Mabel, bap-
tized October 5, 1729 ; married Griffin
Bradley. 5. Amy, of whom further. 6.
Hezekiah, born about 1735 ; married Re-
becca Judson. 7. Rachel, baptized Octo-
ber 2, 1737; probably died young.
(V) Amy Thompson, daughter of
James and Harriet (Wilmot) Thompson,
was baptized April 2, 1732. She married
(Woodbridge Church Record), November
7, 1751, Ariel Bradley (see Bradley V).
In 1753 Ariel Bradley and his wife deeded
land from the estate of "our father, James
Thompson, deceased."
(The Vicars Line).
Arms — Sable, on a chief dancette or, two cin-
quefoils gules, a border engrailed ermine.
Vicary, Vicery, Vicarey, Vicars, Vicors,
Vicaris, Vicaridge, Vickerage, Vickeridge
are forms of one name and, with many
others of the same origin but of various
spellings, mean of the vicarage, or office
of the vicar, or at the vicars. They are
official or sometimes local names and are
found very early in England. Peter atte
Vicars in 1379 was of County York ; in
1574 Stephen Vyccarye married Margaret
Johnson in London; in 1585 John Vicary,
of County Devon, was registered at Ox-
ford College; in 1574 John Vicarish mar-
ried Margery Gerard ; in 1665 John Hal-
ton married Alice Vicaridge at Canter-
bury; in 1614 Margaret Vicares married
William Collins in London ; Joan Vic-
caries married John Wells at London in
1617.
In the "Visitation of Worcester" in
1634 were the families of Robert Vicaris,
of Astley, and Robert Vickers, of Bewd-
ley. Descendants of these families were
found in Astley and Bewdley in 1682,
when the second visitation of that county
was made. John Vicaridge, of "Natton,"
married, in 1603, Mary Sheldon, daughter
45
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of William Sheldon. They had a son,
John, who was baptized in 1607.
Richard Vicaredg, son of Francis Vicar-
edg, was baptized in Over Ardey, County
Worcester, July 30, 1653. Walter Vicaris,
son of William Vicaris and Joyce, his
wife, was baptized September 13, 1640, at
Doddenham, County Worcester, England.
Anne Vicaridge, daughter of Richard Vic-
aridge and his wife, Anne, was baptized
March 20, 1603, at Knightwick, County
Worcester, England. Many others of the
name are to be found in the parish regis-
ters of County Worcester. There are also
Hopkins and Wakeman families (the Vic-
ars family intermarried with these fam-
ilies) in County Worcester.
Robert Vicaris married Anne Starry
(they were both of Doddenham, County
Worcester), June 29, 1678. In 1608 Rob-
ert Vicaris was of Tibberton, County
Worcester, and in 1613 Robert and Wil-
liam Vicaris were taxed at Tibberton. On
November 12, 1636, mention is found of
Robert Vicaris, of Bewdley, Gentleman.
(Bewdley was in the parish of Ribsford.)
In 1607 Walter Vicaris was of Omberse-
ley (near Bewdley) in County Worcester.
Collateral Vicars families include the
following:
Edward Vickers, of Wakefield, York-
shire, married Mary Rawson, daughter of
Thomas Rawson, of Wardsend, near Shef-
field, and had children : Thomas, John,
William, and Anne. Thomas Vickers
married Elizabeth Broadbent, daughter of
Joseph Broadbent, of Aston, and had chil-
dren: William, Sarah, Elizabeth, all liv-
ing in the seventeenth century. Wil-
liam Vickers, son of Edward Vickers, was
of Southall Green, Ecclesfield, Yorkshire.
He married Elizabeth Turbell, daughter
of James Turbell, of Southall, and had
children : John, Thomas, Edward, Eliza-
beth and Mary. John Vickers, of Don-
caster, attorney, was buried April 21, 1668.
He married Mary Rasine, daughter of
George Rasine, and had children : John,
George, and Catherine.
Thomas Vicars was of Scrawsby be-
fore 1585. His daughter, Alice, married
Thomas Bosville, of Warmsworth, Coun-
ty York. Joane Vicars married George
Metham, of Cadeby, County York, about
1550. Mary Vicars, of Brodsworth, mar-
ried George Holgate, of Stapleton, about
1600.
At Exeter in the twelfth year of Henry
I (1228) Walter de Wynemaneston and
his wife, Alice, remitted and quit-claimed
a tract of land in County Devon to Rob-
ert le Vicare and his heirs. The will of
John Vicary is recorded in County Devon
in 1547; that of Robert Vicary in County
Devon in 1592; of William in 1596; of
Roger in 1603 ; of John in 1608; of Emott
in 1619 and Benedict in 1624. The arms
of this family were granted in 1558. The
principal seat of the Devon Vicars or
Vicareys was at Dunkeswell, County
Devon. They are of the same parent fam-
ily as are the Vicars of County Worces-
ter.
William Vicaris (or Vicars), of Bewd-
ley, England, is mentioned in the will of
William Hopkins, in 1647. Walter Vicars
is called "cousin" in his will. Walter Vic-
ars may have come to America, but there
is no record of him in the New Haven
Colony. The son-in-law of William Hop-
kins, John Wakeman, did come, however,
and later on came "the cousin of his
wife's," Anne Vicars.
Anne Vicars, daughter of Walter Vic-
ars, of Bewdley, County Worcester, Eng-
land, was born about 1634. She is also
mentioned as a "daughter of Walter" in
the will of William Hopkins. She came
to America probably when between six-
teen and eighteen years of age, and was
46
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
engaged to marry John Roberts. He
went back to England from America and
was not heard of again. Before leaving
he gave his property in America to "his
espoused wife Anne Vicars." He left the
property in the hands of John Wakeman,
to be given to her if he did not return.
She married, August 4, 1656, John Thomp-
son (see Thompson II).
(The Bird Line).
Arms — Argent, on a chevron engrailed gules
between three lions rampant sable as many fleurs-
de-lis or.
Names of animals have in all ages and
among nearly all nations been applied as
sobriquets to individuals and these, in
modern times, have acquired the force of
surnames and thus been handed down
hereditarily. Bird, a nickname, is from
the Middle English bird or brid, perhaps
given to the original bearer because of his
singing propensities.
The Bird family in England is very an-
cient and widely distributed. They are
or have been numerous in the counties
of Chester, Cumberland, Derby, Essex,
Hereford, Oxford, Shropshire, Warwick,
Yorke. The ancestry of the Birds of Pen-
rith, County Cumberland, is traced to
the year 1295. Father William Bird, a
Benedictine monk, was a candidate for
the degree of Bachelor of Divinity at Ox-
ford in 1504. Wood thinks his church was
at Bath, and that he died there May 22,
1525. His arms are curiously carved in
stone in this old church. There have
been many famous men of this surname
in every generation of England since the
earliest records. David le Brid was of
County Oxford in 1273. John le Brid was
of the same county in that year. Stefan
Brid was of County Suffolk in 1273. Geof-
frey Byrd was of County Salop in 1273.
Henry le Brid was of County Somerset, i
Edward III (1327).
The Bird pedigree is found in an old
pedigree in vellum in the custody of Mr.
James Bird, of Brogham. Henry Bird, of
County Cumberland, England, married
Joan Beauchamp, daughter of Thomas
Beauchamp, of Little Croglin, County
Cumberland. Their son, William Bird, of
Little Croglin, County Cumberland, mar-
ried Joan Tindall, daughter and co-heir
of John Tindall, of Northumberland
County. Their son, William Bird, of
Pireth, County Cumberland, was living
in 1295. He married Emma Gospatrick,
daughter of Gospatrick, Knight of Cum-
berland. Their son, Adam Bird, of Pireth,
married Joane Threlkeld, daughter of
William Threlkeld, of Yanworth, County
Westmoreland. Their son, William Bird,
of Pireth, married the daughter of Thomas
Martindale, and had a son, Roger Bird, of
Pireth. He married Jane Crakenthorpe,
daughter of John Crakenthorpe, of New
Bigging, County Westmoreland. They
had three children, James, John and Hugh.
The Birds of Worcester derive from the
old family of Cumberland. They bear arms
similar to the arms of the Birds of County
Cumberland. Henry Bird, of Bradforton,
near Evesham, County Worcester, was
originally of the Bird family of Lincoln-
shire. He married and was the father of
William Bird, born early in the sixteenth
century, who married Mary Rutter. From
him descend the Birds of Gloucester and
the family that continued in Worcester.
Among the collateral branches of the
Bird family are the Birds of Gloucester-
shire, England, who descend from the
Cumberland family. William Bird, of
Bradford, County Worcester, married
Mary Rutter, the daughter of Michael
Rutter. Their son, William Bird, of Eve-
sham, County Worcester, married Anne
Cox, daughter of Robert Cox, of Castle-
ton, County Worcester. Their son, Peter
47
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Bird, of Wootton-under-Edge, County
Gloucester, was born about 1570. He
married Mary Foster, daughter of Hum-
phrey Foster, of County Gloucester. They
were the parents of Mary, Anne, Susan,
Anthony, Gyles, Richard, and William.
The Birds of Cheshire trace to Randoll
Bird, of Yowley, Cheshire, who married
Anne Merbury, daughter of Thomas Mer-
bury, of Merbury. Their son, Richard
Bird, of Yowley, married the daughter of
a Davenport, and had a son, Richard Bird,
of Yowley, who married the daughter of a
Hocknell, of Duddon. Their son, John
Bird, of Yowley, married Anne Delves,
daughter of John Delves, of Delves Hall,
and had John, Thomas, and Richard.
John Bird, son of John and Anne
(Delves) Bird, lived at Yowley. His bro-
ther, Thomas Bird, established a branch
of the family at Crew, Cheshire, and his
youngest brother, Richard Bird, was also
of Cheshire. All of these sons of John and
Anne (Delves) Bird were living about
1500.
Another family of Birds in Cheshire
was represented in 1580 in the city of
Chester by William Bird, alderman and
justice of the peace. Of him it is recorded
"In the which servyce (he) demeaned
hym selfe in sutche wise that bothe of her
Majesties Counscell in England and Ire-
lande reported hym to bee a verey good
subjecte, a wyse man and a readye fur-
ther (er) of her Majesties services." He
was the son of another William Bird, who
was Mayor of Chester in 1557, whose wife
was Jane Norley, daughter of Raffe Nor-
ley, of Eccleston, Cheshire. William (2)
Bird married three times and had children
as follows : John, born about 1640 ; Rich-
ard, Jane, Alice, Thomas, and Ellen.
The Birds of Yorkshire descend from
George Burd (or Bird), of New Castle,
merchant, and at one time Mayor of New
Castle. He married Ellinor Harbottle,
daughter of Sir Ralph Harbottle, and had
a son, Anthony. Anthony Bird married
Elizabeth Hilton, daughter and co-heir of
Hugh Hilton, of Slingsby. Their children
were : George, Mark, Hugh, Henry, Isa-
bel, Anne, Alice, Eleanor, Elizabeth, and
were all born before 1600.
(The Family in America).
(I) Thomas Bird died about 1660. He
was of Hartford, Connecticut, in 1644. He
married and had children: i. Joseph. 2.
James, of whom further. 3. Hannah, mar-
ried John North. 4. Hannah, married a
Scott.
(II) James Bird, son of Thomas Bird,
died in 1708. He married Lydia Steele.
Children: i. Thomas, of whom further.
2. Hannah, married Nathaniel Morgan. 3.
Rebecca, married Samuel Lamb. 4. Lydia,
married Peletiah Morgan. 5. Mehitable,
married Simon Newell. 6. Elizabeth, mar-
ried Ebenezer Alvord. 7. Daughter.
(III) Thomas (2) Bird, son of James
and Lydia (Steele) Bird, died in 1725. He
lived in that part of Farmington, Con-
necticut, afterwards called Northington,
now Avon. He was a member of the
church in 1691. He married, July 3, 1693,
Mary Woodford. Children: i. Mary. 2.
John, born in 1695. 3. Joseph, of whom
further. 4. Jonathan, born December 28,
1699. 5. Jonathan. 6. Jonathan. 7. Jona-
than. 8. Jonathan.
(IV) Joseph Bird, son of Thomas (2)
and Mary (Woodford) Bird, was born
December 27, 1696, died in 1754. He
lived in Avon, removed to Litchfield, Con-
necticut, in 1718-19, and to Salisbury,
Connecticut, in 1748. He was chosen nine
times to the General Court or State Legis-
lature, and at his death he was Justice
of the Quorum. He married (first), in
1 72 1, Dorcas Norton, daughter of John
'UiJ
ciwamore
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
and Ruth (Moore) Norton. She died in
1750-51. He married (second), in 1752,
Mrs. Eldredge. Children: i. James. 2.
Mary. 3. Thomas. 4. Moore, of whom
further. 5. Isaac. 6. Ruth. 7. Joseph. 8.
Nathanie'. 9. Amos.
(V) Moore Bird, son of Joseph and
Dorcas (Norton) Bird, was born in 1729,
and died in Salisbury, Connecticut, Sep-
tember 3, 1756. He married, in Salisbury,
Connecticut, November 9, 1751, Rebecca
Skinner. Children: i. Asenath, of whom
further. 2. Electa, born June i, 1754. 3.
Nathaniel, born March 25, 1756, died in
infancy.
(VI) Asenath Bird, daughter of i\Ioore
and Rebecca (Skinner) Bird, was born
December 5, 1752. She married Captain
James Bradley. (See Bradley VI).
(The Scudamore-Skidmore Line).
Scudamore Arms — Gules, three stirrups, leath-
ered and buckled or.
Crest — Out of a ducal coronet or a lion's gamb
sable, armed gules.
Skidmore Arms — Gules, three stirrups, leathers
and buckles or.
Crest — A unicorn's head erased sable, platee.
Skidmore as a surname is derived from
'Norman-French "Escu d'amour," from
which came the original family of Escuda-
mour, or Scudamore. During the days of
the early barons in England the family
was noted for its excellent horsemanship
and the superior breed of horses it pos-
sessed. Thomas Skidmore, the American
founder, descended from a Norman an-
cestor, one of the captains who came to
England with William the Conqueror.
The home of the English family was
mostly in Herefordshire.
(I) Thomas Skidmore, a descendant of
Sir Thomas Scudamore, of Holme Lacy,
Herefordshire, England, was born about
1600. About 1635 he was of Westerly,
County Gloucester, England, and he sailed
Conn. 11-4 49
to America in the latter part of 1635. In
1636 he was of Cambridge, Massachusetts,
and in 1640 he sent to England for his
wife and family. In 1648 he owned a
home lot in New London, Connecticut, in
1650 had land in Stratford, Connecticut,
and from there he moved to Fairfield,
Connecticut, and in 1672 to Huntington,
Long Island. He became town clerk of
Huntington, representative to the General
Assembly in 1673, and served in King
PhiHp's War in 1676. He married (first),
in England, Ellen. He married (second)
Mrs. Joanna Baldwin, widow of Daniel
Baldwin. He married (third) Mrs. Sarah
Treadwell, widow of Edward Treadwell.
Children of first marriage: i. Thomas, of
whom further. 2. Dorothy, married Hugh
Griffin. 3. Jedidah, married Edward Hig-
bee. 4. John. 5. Grace, married John
Goulding. 6. Joseph.
(II) Thomas (2) Skidmore, son of
Thomas and Ellen Skidmore, was born in
England, about 1625, and died in Hunt-
ington, Long Island, at an advanced age.
He owned land in Huntington and in
many of the adjoining settlements also in
Connecticut. He married Ellen. Children :
I. Thomas, of whom further. 2. Susanna.
3. Ellen.
(III) Thomas (3) Skidmore, son of
Thomas (2) and Ellen Skidmore, removed
to Connecticut, and lived on land owned
by his father. He was, from all data
available, father of Ellen Skidmore, born
in 1701-04, who married Enos Bradley, of
New Haven (see Bradley IV).
(The Sparrow Line).
Anns — Argent, three roses gules, a chief of the
last.
Crest — A yew tree proper.
Through the line of Sparrow as traced
hereafter the families of this record have
a connection with that courageous, God-
fearing band of Pilgrims whose names
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
surround the story of the passage and
landing of the gallant little "Mayflower."
A line of honor in its own right, the rela-
tionship that thus follows is one lending
additional distinction to a proud family
history.
(I) Richard Sparrow died in Eastham,
Massachusetts, January 8, 1660. He came
to America in 1632, settling at Plymouth,
and removed to Eastham in 1653. He
married Pandora and among their chil-
dren was Jonathan, of whom further.
(II) Captain Jonathan Sparrow, son of
Richard and Pandora Sparrow, was of
Eastham, Massachusetts. He was captain
of a train band, served in early Indian
wars, and was Representative to the Gen-
eral Court in 1668 and for eighteen years
following. He married (first), October
26, 1654, Rebecca Bangs, daughter of Ed-
ward Bangs. He married (second) Han-
nah (Prince) Mayo, daughter of Govern-
or Thomas Prince, a leading figure in
Plymouth, and granddaughter of William
Brewster, mentioned below. He married
(third), in 1698, Sarah (Lewis) Cobb.
Children of first marriage: i. Rebecca,
married Thomas Freeman. 2. John, of
whom further. 3. Priscilla, married Ed-
ward Gray. 4. Lydia, married (first) Wil-
liam Freeman, and (second) Jonathan
Higgins. 5. Elizabeth, married Captain
Samuel Freeman. 6. Jonathan. Children
of the second marriage: 7. Richard, mar-
ried Mercy Cobb. 8. Patience, married
Joseph Paine.
Of the children of Jonathan Sparrow of
his first marriage were Priscilla, who mar-
ried Edward Gray, who was a grandson
of James Chilton, of the "Mayflower,"
whose death took place on board that ves-
sel ; and Lydia, who married Jonathan
Higgins, the grandson of Thomas Rogers,
of the "Mayflower." Thomas Rogers was
a native of England, and a member of the
Leyden congregation. He was accom-
panied on the "Mayflower's" voyage by
his son, Joseph, who became a resident
of Duxbury, and afterwards lived in East-
ham, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. He
was, in 1647, appointed lieutenant of the
military company at Nawsett. The father,
Thomas Rogers, died in the first sickness
in 1621, and Joseph received his allotment
of lands in the division at Plymouth in
1623. Thomas Rogers' other sons, John,
William, and Noah, afterwards emigrated
from England to the Plymouth Colony
and settled at Duxbury, Massachusetts.
William Brewster, who was justly
named the "Patriarch of the Plymouth
Colony," was the moral, religious, and
spiritual leader of the Colony, and until
his death its trusted guide. His early en-
vironments were of wealth and prosperity,
therefore he was not brought up to ardu-
ous labors. The surname is derived from
Brewer, Brewster, Brewister, meaning a
brewer of malt liquors, and appears among
the old families in the reign of Edward
III as ranking among "the English landed
gentry." The Suffolk branch of the fam-
ily, through Robert Brewster, of Mutford,
became established in the fifteenth cen-
tury at Castle Hedingham, located in Es-
sex, and marriage relations were formed
with several knighted families. It is from
this branch that Elder Brewster was de-
scended, his coat-of-arms being identical
with the Suffolk family.
His father, William Brewster, was ap-
pointed in 1575-76 receiver of Scrooby and
bailiff of the Manor House there, belong-
ing to the Archbishop Sandys, of the Dio-
cese of York. He had a life tenure of both
these oflSces. Between 1583 and 1588 he
was made postmaster, and became known
as the "Post of Scrooby"; he was master
of the court mails, accessible only to those
connected with the court. The office of
postmaster in those days was filled by ?j
SO
SPARROW.
Arms — Argent, three rose* gules, a cliiet of the InNt.
Crest — A yew tree proper.
HOXEYWOOD ( HOXYWOOD).
Anns — Argent, a chevron between three falcons' heads eraseil azure, beaked or.
Crest — A wolf's head couped ermine.
STEELE.
Anns — Argent, a bend chequy sable and ermine, between two lion^' heads
erased gules, a chief azure.
Crest — Out of a ducal coronet or a demi-ostrich with wings endorsed gules.
WOODFORD.
Anns — Sable, three leopards' heads reversed jessant de lis argent.
Crest — .A naked savage wreathed about the head and waist, in the dexter hand
a club, and in the sinister a palm branch in bend, all jiroper.
Motto — Libcrtate quictcm. ( Ease in liberty.)
NORTON.
Anns — (lules, a fret argent, over all a bend vaire.
Crest — .A griffin sejant proper, winged gules, beak and forelegs or.
SKINNER.
Arms — .*~^able, a chevron or between three grittins" heads erased argent.
Crest — .-\ griffin's head erased argent, holding in its mouth (beak) a dexter
gauntlet.
Motto — Xunqunm non paratus. (Never unprepared.)
lOLR.M'liV
. 'd on the "Mayflower's" voyage by
■ >n, Joseph, who became a resident
'f Duxbury, and afterwards lived in East-
ham, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. He
y was, in 1647, appointed lieutenant of the
military company at Nawsett. The father.
''^' Thomas Rogers, died in the first sicknes?
"'"^ in 1621, and Joseph received his allotment
Y^QCTr/rfql^nds in the division at Plymouth in
Jill ui- ^"~X- Thomas Rogers' other sons, John.
•^'^^f*'^'''^^"'''lv1ff(!rt,a'i^•{!^Y^l,^!?^4?^^vam«%mig^lted
' '" '"Ton of ^'■^'" Erip^.lP ?B"'Jtiy<?(FMi>"lW\ Colony
' . //v^'So^ ) d^h^f/^^/bF?""^"'"'' **^ss^^^"setts.
..A ,„ „.,rlv In.iian '^'''^^' , /^^Wr^WPlymoutl:
,h,c Qgj,. Colony- ... ': '> moral, ferigious, and
pj., , (^,,5 ^,gfira'j-fB'''tual leader of the Colony, and until
26. 1'-:;.,. ' -. dnutrhter of Ed- vironhien' '-wrfH-osperity.
ward APi»^ 4,-,-Mbr». «*;rJis^ ^fi^9B5i,^,^.^I^- ,, i']S''f/mrn,l)''l2u ' '^'«?%rdu-
nah M' ■■ ■* ■ -' r'^-Vr of Govern- ous lanor's. TT' ^ ^ed from
or T' 'ff^d^ncfeS^'^'^' ^'■c^^^'-'-''' i-'-'e.-, icici, meaning s
Piyt,.
married.-£iip . I.y ;ime e,stuL^ii^hcu in the fifteenth i
' ■ /^ ; '"^J^^^^Ji-y at Castle Hcdingham. located u.
' ' fit"'' .??'(" .-i^fr^SffM.^t,* .r»l!aiS.*n8\\v*ere for-
-iJ^f^r'Wt'Ii^aw.iHr^iHtiii^trtkiifefjlrT^te^J It is f
!in. L iiildren this branch that Elder Brewster wa>
,. . Kirhard'.4nTiT-'^-''<it§nded, hi.s cuat-of-arms being iden!
^^^M«o E urn,.r. rUnorr- .,} r,f o,.,f,,,„, .)n.o-,i; jjj,,:^^,!,^,, VVr,ffife,g, ;j^lxe,4=^gr, wa.=
<■ of pointed in 1575-76 receiver o|^f^j9^_v
his h. ' "^'-^ ' ba<l<»MfihB<Ma«<?niH'^iii^iii\?je, be!-
ried Edward Gray, who v -on jng to the Archbishop Sandys, of the '
of James Ch.'ton. of thv t," cese of York. He had a life tenure of '
whose death took place on board that ves- these offices. Between 1583 and 158"
"•1 ; am' T v,i:-> ■■•!-.> m- -^ir,' Jonathan was made postmaster, and became kiv
■ ■_. . • t Rogers, as the "Post of Scrooby"; he was mr;
'■ .-c A-,., of the court mails, accessible only to t;
ronnected with the court. The offi
>.. .i;tinnM "r in t'lo^o i'l;i\->; vv;!"; tillr
i
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
persons of high social station, and was a
position of much consequence, as it in-
volved the supplying of relay of horses
and the entertainment of travelers. The
Scrooby Manor was a residence of im-
portance ; royalty had often been enter-
tained there, and Cardinal Wolsey was
its inmate for several weeks after his
downfall. The paternal Brewster died at
Scrooby in 1590. The birth, marriage,
and death records of the parish of Scrooby
are intact only since 1595, and there is no
authentic testimony of the date of birth
or the birthplace of Elder Brewster. In
accordance with an affidavit made by him
at Leyden on June 25, 1609, in which he
declares himself as being forty-two years
of age, the date of his birth must have
been in the last half of 1566 or the first
half of 1567. That Scrooby was his birth-
place is a matter of question, as there is
no evidence that his father was a resident
of that parish prior to his appointment as
receiver. Young Brewster's education fol-
lowed the lines given to the sons of no-
bility and gentry. He matriculated De-
cember 3, 1580, at Peterhouse, which was
the oldest of the fourteen colleges, which
afterward became the University of Cam-
bridge, but he did not remain long enough
at that institution to receive his degree.
We find him after leaving Peterhouse in
the service of William Davidson, Queen
Elizabeth's Secretary of State ; he accom-
panied him in August, 1585, to the Court
of The Netherlands on a diplomatic mis-
sion. The downfall of William Davidson
occurred in 1587, and William Brewster,
leaving court circles, returned to Scrooby.
At the time of his father's death he ad-
ministered his estate, and succeeded him
as postmaster. For his services he re-
ceived the munificent salary of twenty
pence a day, which was increased in July,
1603, to two shillings. He resided at the
Manor House, and was held in high es-
teem among the people, associating with
the gentlemen of the surrounding country,
and was prominent in promoting and fur-
thering religion. Of a serious and re-
ligious mind, the forms and customs of
the Established Church became abhorrent
to him, and he became interested and act-
ive in the cause of the dissenters. Always
loyal to the home government, he re-
luctantly accepted the fact that his con-
scientious scruples required his separa-
tion from the Established Church. He
helped to form a dissenting society which
met at his residence, thus forming the
nucleus which constituted the Plymouth
Pilgrims. The meetings were interrupted
by persecutions, continuance of which
caused a number of the Separatists (by
which they became known), to agitate in
1607 an emigration to Holland. William
Brewster being under the ban of the
church, became a member of a party
which unsuccessfully tried to sail from
Boston to Lincolnshire, England, and was
arrested and imprisoned. He was in pos-
session of considerable property at this
time, a large part of which was spent to
regain his liberty and in assisting the
poorer members of the party to escape to
Holland. His release from imprisonment
having been obtained, a successful at-
tempt of emigration was made and Hol-
land was reached. After a short stay
at Amsterdam he proceeded to Leyden,
where the Rev. Mr. Robinson had estab-
lished a church of which he was made rul-
ing elder. He now found himself deprived
of most of his wealth, and not fitted, like
the other Pilgrims, to unaccustomed hard-
ships and hard labor. His means had
been spent in providing for his family,
also by the treachery of a certain ship
captain on his voyage to Leyden, who ap-
propriated to himself most of his worldly
51
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
possessions, including valuable and choice
books. He was not, however, disheart-
ened ; his collegiate education became
available in this his hour of need. He
established at Leyden a school ; his knowl-
edge of Latin brought him many students,
both Danes and Germans, who desired to
acquire education in the English language.
This, supplemented by his cheerfulness
and contentment, enabled him to bear the
burden of straitened finances, and the
hardships incidental to emigration were
overcome. He could not look for any
financial assistance from his children, who
had been bred to refinement and culture
and were not fitted for toilsome and la-
borious duties. He was materially bene-
fited financially by the establishment of
a printing office ; religious books were
printed that were contrabanded by the
English Government, and the operation
was closely watched by the English Am-
bassador, Sir Dudley Carleton. Elder
Brewster was sent to England in 1619
to arrange for the emigration of the Pil-
grims to America. The English Ambas-
sador forwarded information of his de-
parture for England, and recommended
that he be apprehended and examined.
His eflForts were futile, and Elder Brew-
ster returned to Leyden without being
molested.
At the time of the departure of the Pil-
grims for their future home in a new land,
on account of his popularity, he was cho-
sen their spiritual guide. He embarked
on the "Mayflower" with his wife, whose
maiden name was Mary Love, and the
two youngest members of his family.
Wrestling and Love, sons, the latter be-
ing an infant in arms. On the arrival of
the voyagers on the bleak coast of Mas-
sachusetts, the famous Covenant estab-
lishing the Pilgrim Republic was drafted,
and William Brewster is credited as being
its author. For the first nine years of
the Plymouth settlement he supplied the
vacant pulpit, preaching impressive ser-
mons ; though often urged, he never ad-
ministered the sacrament. Elder Brew-
ster died at Plymouth, Massachusetts,
April 16, 1644. His wife's death had pre-
ceded his, she passing away April 17,
1627. The late years of his life were spent
in Duxbury, Massachusetts, with his son.
Love, who was apparently the wealthiest
man in that town, and was engaged in the
cultivation of the paternal acres and estab-
lishing a family home. Jonathan, his
eldest son, was living at the time of his
father's death. He remained in Leyden
at the time of the first emigration of the
Pilgrims, but joined his father soon after-
ward at Plymouth. He removed to Con-
necticut, and died at Brewster's Neck, in
tnat province.
(III) John Sparrow, son of Captain
Jonathan and Rebecca (Bangs) Sparrow,
was born in Eastham, Massachusetts, No-
vember 2, 1656, and died there, his will
being proved March 19, 1734-35. He lived
at Eastham, and served in the early In-
dian wars. He married, December 5,
1683, Apphia Tracy, daughter of John and
Mary (Prence) Tracy. Mary (Prence)
Tracy was the daughter of Governor
Thomas Prence by his second wife, Mary
(Collier) Prence. (His first wife was the
daughter of William Brewster.) Chil-
dren: I. Rebecca, bom December 23,
1684. 2. John, born August 24, 1687, died
young. 3. Elizabeth, born January 19,
1689. 4. Stephen, of whom further.
(IV) Stephen Sparrow, son of John
and Apphia (Tracy) Sparrow, was born
September 6, 1694, and died in East Had-
dam, Connecticut, September 9, 1785. He
lived at Eastham, Massachusetts, and re-
moved with his sons to East Haddam,
Connecticut, and served in the expedi-
tion to Louisburg in 1745. He married,
at Eastham, Massachusetts, November 7,
52
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
1717, Annah Mulford, daughter of Thomas
Jr., and Mary (Bassett) Mulford. She
was born July 28, 1691, and died at East
Haddam, Connecticut, June 26, 1772. Chil-
dren : I. John, of whom further. 2.
Thomas, born February 5, 1720-21. 3.
Stephen, born March 18, 1723; married,
in 1746, Apphia Pepper. 4. Elizabeth,
twin with Stephen. 5. Nathaniel, born in
1725, died at East Haddam, Connecticut,
in 1804. 6. Richard, born July 16, 1727;
married (second), in 1763, Deborah How-
land; he died before 1790, and his widow
remained in East Haddam. 7. Joshua,
born May 28, 1730. 8. Apphia, born July
18, 1731 ; married Abner Beebe. 9. James,
born October 22, 1735.
(V) John (2) Sparrow, son of Stephen
and Annah (Mulford) Sparrow, was born
in Eastham, Massachusetts, July 6, 1719,
and died in East Haddam, Connecticut,
July 25, 1764, aged forty-five years. He
removed from Eastham, Massachusetts,
to East Haddam, Connecticut, before 1749.
He married Elizabeth, who was born in
1723, and died in East Haddam, October
1 1 , 1 774, in her fifty-second year. Children :
I. Mary, born December 14, 1749. 2. An-
nah, of whom further. 3. Elizabeth, born
December 13, 1753. 4. John, born Febru-
ary 22, 1756. 5. Apphia, born May 2, 1758.
6. Stephen, born November 8, 1760. 7.
Benjamin, born November 9, 1762.
(VI) Annah Sparrow, daughter of John
(2) and Elizabeth Sparrow, was born
April 19, 1751. She married, April 2, 1777,
Abner Banning (see Banning III).
BISHOP, Rev. Ethan Ferris,
Rector.
It seems that the House of Bishop,
particularly those branches of that great
house whose foundations were laid in
Stamford, Bridgeport, and other towns
and cities of Connecticut, was second to
none in the versatility by which its mem-
bers have been able to do many things
so well that they have stood out as lights
along the pathway of progress, and with
their lamp of leadership in one line of en-
deavor or another, or in more than one
line simultaneously, have illuminated the
highway cast up by them and on which
others of their kin or of their fellows
have trod to the goal of successful achieve-
ment. With individuals of the Bishop
family the light of genius has attended
their way and by it they have been se-
curely and brilliantly led to accomplish
great things, not only for themselves but
also for the lasting benefit of their fellow-
men. While to a greater or less degree
this endowment of life with the high re-
ward of one's applied skill was a birth-
right of most members of the Bishop
family who have shed luster on the his-
tory of the State of Connecticut, it ap-
pears to have bestowed its most prodigal
of attainments and successes upon the
principles of this memoir. They were
acknowledged to be without their peers
in the realm of transportation — railway
and steamboat — and several members of
the Bishop family contributed not a few
pages to the annals of railroading in New
England and of steamboat navigation in
the coastal waters of Massachusetts, Con-
necticut, and New York. The Bishop
transportation genii did more, perhaps,
than any others to develop railroad prop-
erties in the theaters of their operation
during their day and generation. They
were, indeed, '"men of the hour."
Born in Madison, New Jersey, March
27, 1825, died in Bridgeport December 7,
1883, Ethan Ferris Bishop was a son of
Alfred F. and Mary (Ferris) Bishop. His
father was the captain of railroad con-
struction who did more than any man of
S3
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
his day in opening up the State of Con-
necticut and contiguous territory to mod-
ern transportation methods. He made one
of the greatest careers of his generation
as railroad, bridge, and canal builder. He
was the builder of the New York & New
Haven Railroad (now the New York,
New Haven & Hartford), the Housatonic
Valley Railroad, the old Berkshire, Wash-
ington & Saratoga Railroad, and the Nau-
gatuck Railroad (now a subsidiary of the
New Haven system).
On the paternal side, the founder of the
Bishop family name in America was Rev.
John Bishop. He was a Puritan minister
at Stamford in 1643, accepting the call by
journeying on foot, Bible under arm, from
Boston to Stamford. His Bible is said to
be carefully preserved by descendants.
He married (first) Rebecca. He married
(second) Joanna Royce, widow of Rev.
Peter Prudden and of Captain Thomas
Willet. Stephen Bishop, eldest child of
Rev. John and Rebecca Bishop, was born
in Stamford about 1660. He married
Mercy. John (2) Bishop, eldest child of
Stephen and Mercy Bishop, was born in
Stamford about 1680. He married Mary
Talmadge. (I) Pierson Bishop, who was
a descendant of Rev. John Bishop, was
living in Stamford in 1790. He married
Hannah Finch. (II) William Bishop, son
of Pierson and Hannah (Finch) Bishop,
was born June 23, 1769, at Stamford, died
February 24, 18/14. He married Susanna,
daughter of John and Sarah (Nichols)
Scoiield. (Ill ) Alfred F., son of William
and Susanna (Scofield) Bishop, was born
in Stamford December 21, 1798, died June
12, 1849. He removed to New Jersey
when he was a young man and there he
entered upon his remarkable career as a
railroad contractor. He built the Morris
Canal and also constructed the bridge
over the Raritan River at New Bruns-
wick, New Jersey. Having come to
Bridgeport in 1836, he took upon himself
the financial burden and executed the
plans for building the Housatonic Val-
ley Railroad. His next successful enter-
prise was the construction of the Berk-
shire, Washington & Saratoga Railroad.
In 1845, he, having gathered together a
number of highly influential men of Con-
necticut as fellow-incorporators, attempt-
ed the construction of the Naugatuck Rail-
road. The first president of this railroad
was the celebrated Timothy Dwight.
In 1849 Mr. Bishop began the construc-
tion of the New York & New Haven Rail-
road. While these two great pieces of
railroad building were nearing completion
Mr. Bishop died at Saratoga, New York.
The New Haven Railroad's directors said
of him in 1849 • "The work which owes its
execution to him will be a monument to
carry down his name with honor to the
future." Mr. Bishop married, October 11,
1821, at Greenwich, Connecticut, Mary,
daughter of Ethan Ferris. Their children :
I. Ethan Ferris, of this review. 2. Wil-
liam D., who became one of the greatest
executives that the New Haven system
has ever had. 3. Henry Bishop, born at
Madison August 26, 1839, died January
17, 1895 ; married Maggie Mallory, whose
father had been Secretary of War in the
Confederate government.
(IV) Ethan Ferris Bishop received his
preliminary education in the schools of
his native Madison, New Jersey, and in
1838, when he was thirteen years of age,
he removed to Bridgeport, where he con-
tinued his schooling. He matriculated at
Yale College in 1845, but an accident in his
youth having impaired his eyesight, he
was obliged to relinquish his studies. He
became a clerk in his father's office and
also pursued his studies in theology, and
became rector of the Church of the Na-
54
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
tivity at Bridgeport. He continued to
serve in his father's office until the latter's
death in 1849. He was made executor of
his father's estate and in that capacity
closed up the accounts that had been
left open when death interrupted his fa-
ther's career as builder of railroads. In
1850 he was elected a director of the Nau-
gatuck Railroad, and in 185 1 he was cho-
sen president of that road. He served
that road as its executive until 1855, when
he resigned and engaged in railroading in
the Middle West. Principal among the
railroads he operated were the Milwaukee
& Watertown, the Milwaukee & Chicago,
and the Dubuque & Sioux City. Upon
his return to Bridgeport he was reelected
president of the Naugatuck Railroad, and
held that office from 1873 until his death.
With the organization of the Bridgeport
Steamboat Company in 1865, Mr. Bishop
was made its president. This office he
afterward relinquished in favor of his son,
Dr. Sydney Bishop. In 1859 he yielded
to the desire and ambition of his youth,
and he entered the priesthood of the Prot-
estant Episcopal Church, and he with
some outside assistance built the Church
of the Nativity, which he served as rector.
Five years later, 1864, the college adjoin-
ing the church was finished, and within
its walls orphans and needy boys received
a thorough preparation for college or a
business life.
Mr. Bishop held a large place in the
social and fraternal life of Bridgeport
and the State of Connecticut. He was
affiliated with Hamilton Commandery,
Knights Templar ; St. John's Lodge, Free
and Accepted Masons; Jerusalem Council,
Royal and Select Masters ; Jerusalem
Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; and the
Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament of
the Protestant Episcopal Church. In the
Masonic fraternity as well as in his church
connections Mr. Bishop was extremely
active for the major part of his life.
Mr. Bishop married, March 22, 1847, ^t
Brooklyn, New York, Georgianna Moody,
born in England, daughter of John and
Elizabeth Frances Moody. Her father was
born in England, and came to Bridge-
port, where he took up his home on North
Avenue, near the present Mountain Grove
Cemetery. He developed that section,
and became a dealer in real estate, carry-
ing on this line of business to a consider-
able extent. He died at the age of sev-
enty-eight years, and his wife, who also
was born in England, died at the age of
sixty. They were the parents of eleven
children. To Mr. and Mrs. Ethan Ferris
Bishop there were born three children :
1. Sydney, who was the successor of his
father in the presidency of the New York
and Bridgeport Steamboat Company and
for a number of years practiced medicine.
2. Alfred, born June 18, 1855, died in in-
fancy. 3. Elizabeth Frances, born March
19, 1863. Mrs. Georgianna (Moody) Bish-
op, widow of Rev. Ethan Ferris Bishop,
died January 17, 1898.
The father, Alfred F., and the son, Ethan
Ferris Bishop, it will be readily gathered
from this memoir, were true to the best
traditions of the Bishop family. By their
lives and deeds they gave to the gen-
erations in which they moved and to
their successors the incalculable benefits
of their skill and industry. Who shall be
able to compute the blessings that have
come to their fellow-men from the majes-
tic sweep of those transportation lines,
rail and water, which they promoted,
builded and developed and maintained !
They were honorable, clean-living men ;
they occupied a high plane of moral and
spiritual endeavor; and their well-nigh
marvelous successes in material things
they shared with a lavish hand with those
55
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
with whom they had contact — in business,
in social, and in community life. The in-
fluence of their lives upon their immediate
and upon their remote beneficiaries g'lows
like a perpetual fire upon the altars of hal-
lowed memory.
FRISBIE, Edward Laurens,
Manufacturer, I<egisIator.
Arms — Argent, three fleurs-de-lis gules.
By the middle of the thirteenth century
the surname Frisbie was well established
in several counties in England, and we
find numerous entries in the Hundred
Rolls, 1273. The name is of local origin,
signifying that those who first adopted it
were residents of Frisby, a chapelry in
County Leicester, whence families of the
name spread into all parts of England.
Early entries preserve the particle "de,"
which disappears toward the close of the
fifteenth century.
The Connecticut Frisbies are the de-
scendants of Edward and John Frisbie,
for whom long established tradition claims
a Welsh origin. Both were signers of the
Plantation and Church Covenant of the
town of Branford, Connecticut, in Janu-
ary, 1668, and both became the progeni-
tors of families which have wielded power-
ful influences in the life of Connecticut
since the earliest days of the Colony. The
late Edward Laurens Frisbie, well known
manufacturer and public man of Water-
bury, was a lineal descendant of Edward
Frisbie, who came from Wales and settled
in the Hartford Colony soon after its
establishment, and who, in 1644, was one
of a party that purchased Totoket (now
Branford) and organized a town govern-
ment there. The line descends through
Elijah Frisbie, the first of the name to
settle in Waterbury.
(I) John Frisbie, the first of the direct
line to whom it has been possible to trace,
was a resident of the town of Branford.
He married Abigail Culpepper, and among
their children was Elijah, mentioned be-
low.
(II) Elijah Frisbie, son of John and
Abigail (Culpepper) Frisbie, was born in
Branford, and resided there until 1759,
when he removed to Wolcott. Here he
lived on the Waterbury Road until his
death on February 15, 1800, at the age of
eighty-one years. Elijah Frisbie's house
stood in the historic Bronson's Meadow
until 1801. A stone was set in the bound-
ary line between Waterbury and Wolcott
at that date, "where the center of the
house was." Elijah Frisbie married (first)
Abigail Culver (see Culver IV), who died
April 19, 1771 ; (second) Elizabeth Ives,
who died October 11, 1776; (third) Lydia
Redfield.
(HI) Reuben Frisbie, son of Elijah and
Abigail (Culver) Frisbie, was born in
Branford, Connecticut, and removed to
Waterbury with his father, settling on
Bronson's Meadow, where he resided un-
til his death. He married (first) Eliza-
beth Wakelee, May 25, 1769. She was
the daughter of Ebenezer Wakelee, and
died in Waterbury, November 22, 1778.
(See Wakelee IV.) He married (second)
Ruth Seward, daughter of Amos Seward,
on June 3, 1779. Reuben Frisbie died
September id, 1824, aged seventy-eight
years.
(IV) Daniel Frisbie, son of Reuben and
Elizabeth (Wakelee) Frisbie, was born
in Waterbury, Connecticut, January 16,
1771. He was a prosperous farmer and
prominent resident of Waterbury. He
married, September 29, 1794, Eunice Hill,
daughter of Lieutenant Jared Hill (see
Hill V). Daniel Frisbie died November
15, 1850.
(V) Laurens Frisbie, son of Daniel and
56
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Eunice (Hill) Frisbie, was born in Water-
bury, Connecticut, August 2, 1800. He
married, in 1821, Artimesia Welton, who
was born April 15, 1798, daughter of Rich-
ard, Jr., and Sarah (Gunn) Welton; she
was a descendant of John Welton, the
founder, through Richard, Eliakim, Rich-
ard, and Richard. Their children were :
I. Sarah Mariend. born September 22,
1822. 2. Edward Laurens, of further men-
tion. 3. Felicia Ann, born July 31, 1827.
(VI) Edward Laurens Frisbie, son of
Laurens and Artimesia (Welton) Fris-
bie, was born in Waterbury, Connecticut,
August 22, 1824. He spent his childhood
on his father's farm, was educated in the
local schools, and on completing his stud-
ies returned to farming. In 1847, ^t the
age of twenty-three years, he entered the
kettle department of the Waterbury Brass
Company, where he remained until the
summer of 1848, when the old method of
manufacturing kettles by stamping was
superceded by a machine for spinning
them. In the spring of 1849 he entered
the employ of Brown & Elton, and was
engaged in casting brass and German
silver with this firm until it was dissolved
and the new firm of Brown Brothers
formed. Under the new organization he
was made foreman of the casting depart-
ment. His connection with Brown Broth-
ers covered a period of thirty years, dur-
ing which time he rose rapidly to a posi-
tion of influence in the firm, eventually
taking a leading part in its management.
In 1854 he purchased an interest in the
business, and thenceforward until his re-
tirement from active business life in 1883,
he directed the policies of the firm. During
the greater part of this period he was act-
ively and prominently identified with nu-
merous industrial and financial enterprises
in Waterbury. Mr. Frisbie was a member
of the board of trustees of the Waterbury
Savings Bank, and for several years was
its president. He was a prime factor in the
movement which resulted in the founding
of the Dime Savings Bank, of which he
was a trustee until his death. He was
also a director of the Manufacturers' Na-
tional Bank and was its president at the
time of his death. In 1854 Mr. Frisbie
made his entrance into public life in Wa-
terbury, as the representative of his dis-
trict in the Connecticut State Legislature.
From this time forward he took an active
and influential part in the official affairs
of Waterbury, serving in various public
offices, and lending his support continu-
ously to all movements which had for
their end the betterment of civic condi-
tions. In 1872 he was reelected to the
Legislature. Mr. Frisbie was also a mem-
ber of the Board of Selectmen before the
incorporation of Waterbury as a city.
Under the city government he served as
a member of the City Council, and as a
member of numerous boards and commit-
tees. He was a member of the Board of
Assessors and justice of the peace for
many years. Mr. Frisbie was a democrat
of the Jefifersonian school, and until his
death was a prominent leader in the coun-
cils of his party. In religious belief he
was an Episcopalian ; when St. John's
Parish was divided and Trinity Parish
formed, he became a vestryman in the
newly-established church and was later
one of its wardens. Despite the varied
and insistent nature of his public service
and his business and financial interests,
Mr. Frisbie was essentially a home-lover,
finding his greatest enjoyment at his own
fireside. His home was the center of a
wide and cultured circle of friends. A
man of deep sympathies, sincere in his
purpose and steadfast in his attachments,
Mr. Frisbie's friends were legion, and his
death caused genuine sorrow among hun-
dreds.
On February 11, 1850, Mr. Frisbie mar-
57
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ried (first) Hannah A. Welton, daughter
of Hershel Welton, of Wolcott; she died
July ID, 1857. Two of their four children
died in infancy; two attained majority.
Children: i. Mary A., who became the
wife of Ellis Phelan. 2. Edward Laurens,
a resident of Waterbury.
Mr. Frisbie married (second) Josephine
Deming, daughter of Abner Deming, of
Derby; she died October 14, 1872, leav-
ing one daughter, Josephine. On October
2, 1884, Mr. Frisbie married (third) Emily
J. Welton, daughter of George Wales and
Mary (Graham) Welton, of Waterbury
(see Welton VII). Mrs. Frisbie is a
member of the Melicent Porter Chapter,
Daughters of the American Revolution,
holding a life membership in the chapter.
She is also a member of the Woman's
Club, and was at one time its president,
the third woman to hold the office. She
has long been active in the benevo-
lent and philanthropic efforts of Trinity
Church, and has been a generous donor to
all such endeavors in Waterbury. Mrs.
Frisbie is widely and eminently known in
the more conservative social circles of
the city. Edward Laurens Frisbie died
at his home in Waterbury, April 13, 1909.
(The Welton Line).
Arms — Argent, a mullet gules, on a chief of the
second a demi-lion rampant of the field.
Crest — A demi-lion rampant argent, guttee de
sang.
The surname Welton, of local origin,
and therefore of ancient date, appears in
medieval English registers of as early
date as the Hundred Rolls, 1273, where
we find the entry — Roger de Weltone —
for County Bedford. Parishes of the
name flourished in the thirteenth century
in Counties Oxford, Lincoln, Northants,
and in the East Riding of Yorkshire. The
particle "de" was eventually dropped, and
the name in its present form has figured
in English life and affairs for over seven
hundred years.
The American Weltons, distinctively a
Connecticut family, comprise the progeny
of one John Welton, an Englishman of
substance, whose descendants have played
notable parts in the public, professional,
and business life of Connecticut Colony
and Commonwealth for two and a half
centuries. The line of ancestry traced
herein is that of the late George Wales
Welton, one of the organizers of the Wa-
terbury Brass Company, and one of the
leading business men of Waterbury in
the middle decades of the last century.
(I) John Welton, immigrant ancestor
and progenitor, was, according to family
tradition, originally a resident of Say-
brook, whence he removed early to Farm-
ington. Here he was one of the pioneer
settlers, and in 1672 was one of the eighty-
four proprietors of the town. In 1674 he
was a signer of the articles of agreement.
John Welton shared in all the allotments
except the first, and was probably in Mat-
tatuck as early as 1679. Here he was one
of the twenty-five who pledged them-
selves to pay the salary of Mr. Peck, the
first minister. In 1691 he was a member
of the local militia, with the rank of cor-
poral. In 1708 he was selectman, and for
eight years, between 1698 and 1714, filled
the ofiice of town constable. He lived
on the south side of West Main Street.
His house lot, containing two acres, was
bounded on the east by land of Thomas
Judd, Jr., west by land of Abraham An-
druss, Sr., and north and south by the
highway. John Welton married Mary
; she died October 18, 1716. They
were the parents of eleven children, six of
whom were born in Farmington before
the removal of the family to Waterbury.
John Welton died June 18, 1726; his son
58
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
George was administrator of the estate.
He was one of the leading men of the
early settlement at Waterbury.
(II) Richard Welton, son of John and
Mary Welton, was born September 27,
1679, and is reputed to have been the first
child of English parents born in Water-
bury. In May, 1699, and in 1723, he became
a townsman. He was apparently a car-
penter by trade and was also a sergeant
of militia. He first bought the house and
a lot of three acres on the corner of Grove
and Willow streets of his brother Stephen,
for which he gave "a horse and a young
stear and a parcel of timber," on August
I, 1703. In 1711, "in consideration of a
two year old hefFer,"he conveyed the land
(no mention is made of the house) to John
Scovill. In 1708 he had purchased the
house of Joseph Gaylord, Jr., in Buckshill,
and removed there. Richard Welton mar-
ried Mary Upson, daughter of Stephen
Upson.
(III) Richard Welton, son of Richard
and Mary (Upson) Welton, was born in
Waterbury, January 5, 1701. He was a
prosperous landowner and farmer. On
November 3, 1724, he married Anne Fen-
ton, (see Fenton II). He died January
II, 1766.
(IV) Captain John Welton, son of
Richard and Anne (Fenton) Welton, was
born January 26, 1726-27, in Waterbury,
Connecticut. He was a farmer of Buck-
shill. From an early period he was a
prominent member of the Episcopal So-
ciety, and held the office of senior warden.
At the beginning of the Revolutionary
War he espoused the cause of the col-
onies, became a moderate Whig, and was
confided in by the friends of Colonial in-
dependence. In 1784 he was appointed
a justice of the peace, and the same year
was elected to the Legislature, of which
he was a useful and much respected mem-
ber for fifteen sessions. It is said that few
men were listened to with more deference
than he. He died January 22, 1816. John
Welton married, January 5, 1758, Dorcas
Hickcox (see Hickcox IV).
(V) Richard Fenton Welton, son of
Captain John and Dorcas (Hickcox) Wel-
ton, was born April 17, 1767. On reach-
ing manhood he removed to the center
of the town, and lived on East Main
Street, near the west end of the lot on
which the Church of the Immaculate Con-
ception stands. His lot was bounded on
the west by land of James Scovil's, the
division line being about where the west
line of Phoenix Alley now is. About 1803
he established a general merchandise busi-
ness, in a store which he owned on the
corner of East and South Main streets.
About 1810, his health failing, he gave up
his business, and returned to Buckshill,
where he purchased a small farm. In
1817 he disposed of this and removed to a
farm near the present residence of Hiram
E. Welton. Richard F. Welton married
(first) Sarah Anna Hickcox. He married
(second) Anna Porter (see Porter V).
Children : i. Caroline. 2. George Wales,
of whom further. 3. Joseph C.
(VI) George Wales Welton, son of
Richard Fenton and Anna (Porter) Wel-
ton, was born in the old Welton home-
stead on East Main Street, Waterbury,
August 26, 1809. After preparatory stud-
ies in the Buckshill School, he entered the
Waterbury Academy. On completing his
studies, he turned to agricultural pur-
suits, and until 1845 was engaged success-
fully in extensive farming operations. In
the latter year he was one of the prime
movers in the formation of the now fa-
mous Waterbury Brass Company, and
until 1857 filled the position of superin-
tendent of the company's plants. In 1857
he became superintendent of the Holmes,
59
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Booth & Hayden's plant, and served in
this capacity for thirteen years. Through-
out this period he was a leading figure in
the manufacturing circles of Waterbury,
a man whose judgment and ability were
eagerly sought and highly respected. Mr.
Welton was one of the founders of the
Plume & Atwood Manufacturing Com-
pany, and a member of its board of direc-
tors until his death. He was also a stock-
holder in the Oakville Pin Company.
George Wales Welton stands out pre-
dominantly from the ranks of those men
who directed the first industrial and com-
mercial growth of the city of Waterbury,
and laid the foundation for its present
commanding position in the manufactur-
ing life of New England. He was a man
of long vision, cognizant of the resources
of his native city, and ambitious for its
development. Every public movement for
the advancement of civic interests had his
interested support. He remained aloof
from politics, however.
On September ii, 1837, Mr. Welton
married (first) in Waterbury, Harriet Mi-
nor, daughter of Archibald Minor, of Wol-
cott, Connecticut. Child : Harriet Minor,
who became the wife of Leverett D.
Kinea, of Thomaston, Connecticut.
On December 22, 1840, Mr. Welton
married (second) Mary Graham, who was
born in Hartford, Connecticut, daughter
of Cyrus Graham (see Graham III). Chil-
dern : i. Mary Elizabeth, became the wife
of George E. Bissell, the noted sculp-
tor ; they have five children : i. George
Welton, dean of the Michigan State Col-
lege at Lansing, ii. Isabella Graham, at
home. iii. Harry Johnson, iv. Joseph
Welton, died in childhood, v. Percy R.,
United States Army. 2. Emily J., men-
tioned below. 3. Ellen Caroline, who mar-
ried James E. Coer, of Waterbury. 4.
George Richard, now deceased ; married
Nellie C. Webster, of Thomaston ; their
daughter, Gertrude Webster Welton, is a
graduate of St. Margaret's School, of
Wellesley College, and the medical de-
partment of the University of Michigan.
Miss Welton is now a well known physi-
cian of New York City, and is in charge
of the X-ray department of the Polyclinic
Hospital, of New York. 5. Child, who
died in infancy.
(VII) Emily J. Welton, daughter of
George Wales and Mary (Graham) Wel-
ton, was born in Waterbury, Connecti-
cut, August 27, 1845. She married, Octo-
ber 2, 1884, Edward Laurens Frisbie, of
Waterbury (see Frisbie VI).
(The Graham Line).
Arms — Quarterly, ist and 4th or, on a chief
sable three escallops of the first, for Graham ; and
and 3rd argent, three roses gules, barbed and
seeded proper, for the title of Montrose.
Crest^A falcon proper, beaked and armed or,
killing a stork argent, beaked and membered gules.
Motto — N'oublies. (Do not forget.)
Few families, says Sir Walter Scott, can
boast of greater historic renown than that
of Graham. Great obscurity and numer-
ous fables invest the origin of the name,
yet even Sir Robert Douglas repeats the
old story that the Grahams are descended
from the famous warrior, Robert Graham,
who with his men breached the Roman
wall in 420 and won it the name of
Graham's Dyke in the time of Fergus II.
(Graham's Dyke is still the local name for
the Roman fortified frontier, consisting of
rampart, forts and road, which ran across
the narrow isthmus of Scotland from the
Firth of Clyde and formed the northern
boundary of Roman Britain.) The first
authentic appearance of the name in Scot-
tish history occurs circa 1143-47, when
William of Graham was one of the wit-
nesses of David I to the Holyrood Char-
ter. In this entry the name is spelled
60
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
De Graeme, which would indicate a local
origin. The descendants of this progen-
itor form one of the largest and most
distinguished families in Scotland. They
possess the dukedom, marquisates, and
earldom of Montrose ; marquisate of
Graham and Buchanan ; earldoms of
Airth, Kincardine, Monteith, and Strath-
ern ; viscountcies of Dundas, Dundee and
Preston ; lordships of Aberuthven, Kil-
point, etc ; barony of Esk, etc.
The American families of the name de-
scend from several unrelated progenitors.
Connecticut and Massachusetts boast
many distinguished Graham families.
Tradition has it that the Grahams of Con-
necticut descend from three brothers. One
of the first of the name to settle within
the limits of the colony was Benjamin
Graham, of Hartford. Several members
of the family rendered valiant service dur-
ing the American Revolution. Mrs. Emily
J. (Welton) Frisbie, widow of the late
Edward L. Frisbie, of Waterbury, Con-
necticut (see Frisbie VI), descends ma-
ternally from the Graham family.
(I) Jesse Graham, great-grandfather of
Mrs. Frisbie, was born in 1761, and was
but fifteen years of age on the outbreak
of the American Revolution. He enlisted
as a drummer-boy, however, and his name
appears on the payroll of the Fourth Con-
necticut Regiment, Colonel Zebulon But-
ler commanding, as having received pay
from January i, 1781, to December 31,
1781. His name again appears on the
Census of Pensions, as returned under
Act for Taking the Sixth Census in 1840,
at which time he was a resident of Chath-
am, in Middlesex County, and was sev-
enty-nine years old. Jesse Graham was
a farmer and well-known resident of
Chatham for several decades. He mar-
ried, and among his children was Cyrus,
mentioned below.
(II) Cyrus Graham, son of Jesse
Graham, was a well-known resident of
West Hartford, Connecticut. He married
Fanny Curtis, and they were the parents
of Mary, mentioned below.
(HI) Mary Graham, daughter of Cyrus
and Fannie (Curtis) Graham, was born
May 18, 1817, and died February 13, 1892.
She married, December 22, 1840, George
Wales Welton, of Waterbury, Connecti-
cut (see Welton VI).
(IV) Emily J. Welton, daughter of
George Wales and Mary (Graham) Wel-
ton, became the wife of the late Edward
Laurens Frisbie, of Waterbury (see Fris-
bie VI).
(The Wakelee Line).
Arms — Argent, on a cross sable five lions ram-
pant or.
Crest — A lion rampant or, in the dexter paw a
tulip gules slipped vert.
The origin of this surname is seen in
the Anglo-Saxon waecan or tvaeccan,
meaning to watch. This took a diminu-
tive form in the eighth century in the
early Teutonic as Wachilo, which became
Wakley, Weekly, Wakelin, and Wakelen.
Wakley and Weekly appear in Devon-
shire and Kent, respectively. Waklyn,
Wakelyn and Wakelen appear in Derby-
shire and Northampton. Hugh Waklyn,
of Eden in Devonshire, lived in the fif-
teenth century and in Sutton Hundred in
Northamptonshire. Thomas Wakelin ap-
pears as early as 1375. Thomas Wakely,
of Devonshire, was a member of Parlia-
ment for Navan, in that shire in 1585.
(I) Henry Wakelyn or Wakelee, as the
name was afterwards written, held land
in Hartford, Connecticut, and was one of
the first settlers of Stratford, appearing
there before 1650. He held home lot No.
15 on Main Street in Stratford. His wife
was a widow when she married him, as
Henry Wakelyn was administrator to the
61
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
estate of his wife's other husband, May
15, 1650. He is called of Hartford. His
wife's name was Sarah, and she was liv-
ing in 171 1. Henry Wakelee died in 1689 ;
his will was probated July 11, 1689. Chil-
dren : I. Deliverance, married, Decem-
ber 13, 1678, Hannah Nash. 2. James, of
whom further. 3. Jacob, married Han-
nah Peet. 4. Patience, married Timothy
Titterton. 5. Abigail, born in 1666, mar-
ried John Beardsley. 6. Mary, married a
Stevens. 7. Mercy.
(II) James Wakelee, son of Henry and
Sarah Wakelee, of Stratford, Connecticut,
was born about 1658, and died about 1710.
He married (second) Hannah Griffin,
February 26, 1701-02. Children: i. James,
born December 28, 1688. 2. Joseph, bap-
tized in June, 1689. 3. Henry, born May
15, 1691. 4. Ebenezer, of whom further.
5. Hannah, married, in 1728, Nehemiah
Allen.
(HI) Ebenezer Wakelee, son of James
Wakelee, removed to Wolcott, Connecti-
cut, which was at that time called "Big
Plains." He was one of the earliest set-
tlers there, and held considerable property
in the town. He married Elizabeth Nich-
ols, daughter of Joseph Nichols, of Water-
bury, Connecticut. Children: i. David,
married, February 21, 1788, Mary Parker.
2. Elizabeth, of whom further. 3. Sarah,
married, November 20, 1777, Josiah
Barnes.
(IV) Elizabeth Wakelee, daughter of
Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Nichols) Wake-
lee, married, in 1769, Reuben Frisbie, son
of Elijah Frisbie (see Frisbie III).
(The Hill Une).
Arms — Gules, two bars ermine, in chief, a lion
passant or.
Crest — A lion passant or, holding in the dexter
paw a cross gules.
Hill is one of the oldest of English sur-
names, and can be said to have been de-
rived from two sources. The iirst is
"hill," a derivation characteristic of a lo-
cality; secondly, it can be said that it
came from the old Norman hild, which
means war or strife. Early records in
the fourteenth century speak of Geoffrey
de Hil ; and Sir Rowland Hill was Lord
Mayor of London in 1492.
(I) Robert Hill, a member of this large
and noted family, embarked from Eng-
land, July 14, 1635, in the ship "Defence,"
Edmund Bostocke, master, sailing from
Boston, Massachusetts. He is called
twenty years old at this date, and was in
the service of Craddock, Governor of Mas-
sachusetts Bay Colony. He was in Bos-
ton until 1638, and at that time removed
to the new colony of New Haven, Con-
necticut, where he was one of the earliest
settlers. He was a signer of the compact,
June 4, 1639, and is recorded as having
inventoried his brother's (John Hill) es-
tate in 1647. He died in August, 1663.
He married (second), in 1662, Adeline,
widow of Robert Johnson. Children: i.
Abiah, baptized January 23, 1648; died
young. 2. John, of whom further. 3. Han-
nah, born January 18; baptized January-
's, 1653. 4. Ebenezer, baptized Augfust
12, 1655 ; married Mercy Brooks, in 1677.
5. Nathaniel, born May 22, 1659; died
young.
(II) John Hill, son of Robert Hill, was
born in New Haven, Connecticut, June 10,
1651, and was baptized January 12, 1652.
He married Hannah Grannis, daughter of
Edward and Hannah (Wakefield) Gran-
nis, January 12, 1681. Children: i. Abi-
gail, born December 24, 1681. 2. Sarah,
born January 29, 1684. 3. John, born No-
vember 5, 1687. 4. Mehitable, bom in
August, 1690. 5. Obadiah, of whom fur-
ther. 6. Stephen, born December, 1702.
(III) Obadiah Hill, son of John and
Hannah (Grannis) Hill, was bom in New
62
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Haven, Connecticut, October, 1697. He
was living in 1755. He married Hannah
Frost, daughter of Ebenezer and Mary
(Tuttle) Frost, who was born in June,
1706. Children : i. Eunice, born March
28, 1 73 1. 2. Sarah, born May 20, 1732. 3.
Mary, born October 5, 1733. 4. Lieuten-
ant Jared, of whom further.
(IV) Lieutenant Jared Hill, son of Oba-
diah and Hannah (Frost) Hill, was born
in North Haven. Connecticut, August 10,
1736. He was a private in the French and
Indian War and was a lieutenant in the
Revolution. He removed to Waterbury,
Connecticut, in 1784, and purchased a
farm on East Mountain. He died April
20, 1816. He married Eunice Tuttle,
daughter of Daniel and Mary (Mansfield)
Tuttle, who lived to be very old, and died
in 1829, aged ninety years (born in 1739).
She was a person of rare qualities of head
and heart, distinguished for her beauty
and courage (see Tuttle V). Children: i.
Obadiah. 2. Charles, died in Cheshire,
Connecticut. 3. Hannah, married Thomas
Welton. 4. Eunice, of whom further. 5.
Jared. 6. David. 7. Samuel Mansfield.
8. Lydia, baptized July 6, 1796. 9. Sam-
uel, baptized July 6, 1796. And other
children.
(V) Eunice Hill, daughter of Lieuten-
ant Jared and Eunice (Tuttle) Hill, mar-
ried Daniel Frisbie (see Frisbie IV).
(The Culver Line).
Crest — A dexter cubit arm holding in the hand
a club proper underneath the crest an empty shield
argent.
This patronymic is derived from the
word Colver, meaning a pigeon or dove.
The name, although not very numerous
in England, appears there in the early six-
teenth century. William Culvere is an
early name mentioned in the Hundred
Rolls.
(I) Edward Colver, the Puritan foun-
der of this family, emigrated to this coun-
try with John Winthrop, the younger son
of the Governor John Winthrop. He was
a member of the Massachusetts Bay Col-
ony in 1635 and settled in Dedham, Mas-
sachusetts. He participated in King Phil-
ip's War. He removed to Roxbury be-
tween 1644 and 1648, and finally to Mystic,
Connecticut. He died there in 1685, aged
about eighty-five years. He married, in
Dedham, Massachusetts, September 19,
1638, Ann, daughter of John Ellis. Chil-
dren: I. John, born April 15, 1640; bap-
tized September 19, 1641, at Dedham,
Massachusetts. 2. Joshua, of whom fur-
ther. 3. Samuel, born January 9, 1644;
baptized January 29, i6zj4. 4. Joseph, bap-
tized at Dedham, September 20, 1646. 5.
Gershom, baptized at Roxbury, Massa-
chusetts, December 3, 1648. 6. Infant
daughter, baptized at Roxbury, April il,
1652. 7. Edward, Jr., born about 1654.
(II) Joshua Colver, son of Edward and
Ann (Ellis) Colver, was born at Dedham,
Massachusetts, January 12, 1642. He died
at Wallingford, Connecticut, April 23,
171 3. He married, December 23, 1672,
Elizabeth Ford, daughter of Timothy
Ford. Children : i. Elizabeth, born Oc-
tober 7, 1673 ; died May 2, 1676. 2. Ann,
born May 15, 1677; died September 8,
1677. 3. Elizabeth, born August 21, 1678;
died April 19, 1704. 4. Joshua, born Sep-
tember 21, 1684. 5. Samuel, of whom
further. 6. Abigail, born December 26,
1686. 7. Sarah, born January 23, 1688. 8.
Ephraim, born September 7, 1692.
(III) Samuel Culver (as this line uses
the name), son of Joshua and Elizabeth
(Ford) Colver, was born in Wallingford,
Connecticut, September 21, 1684, twin
with his brother Joshua. He died July 4,
1750. He married (first) Sarah, who died
January 18, 1727; and (second), January
3, 1728, Ruth Sedgwick. Children (by
63
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
first marriagfe) : i. Elizabeth, born Febru-
ary 12, 1715; married (first) Isaac Brack-
ett; (second) Daniel Frisbie, May 4, 1748.
2. Sarah, born December 23, 1716; mar-
ried, June 18, 1740, Moses Cook ; died at
Waterbury, Connecticut, January 4, 1760.
3. Abigail, of whom further. 4. Esther,
born March 17, 1721 ; died May 5, 1741.
5. Caleb, born February 18, 1723. 6.
Enoch, born January 30, 1725. 7. Eben-
ezer, born December 9, 1726. Children
(by second marriage) : 8. Samuel, born
September 25, 1728; served in the Revo-
lution. 9. Anna, born October 3, 1732;
married, December 25, 1751, Stephen
Cook. She died December 10, 1769.
(IV) Abigail Culver, daughter of Sam-
uel and Sarah Culver, vi^as born December
17, 1718. She married Elijah Frisbie (see
Frisbie II).
(The Tuttle Line).
Arms — Azure, on a bend doubly cotised argent
a Hon passant, sable.
Crest — On a mount vert, a bird, proper, in the
beak a branch of olive, fruited, or.
Motto — Pax.
The derivation of this name is seen in
very ancient application of tot and tut,
which was evolved from Teutates, the
name of a Celtic God. The root may be
seen in the Greek theos, or deity. The
combination of tut with hill, to form Tut-
hill ; or "the hill of God" has been applied
to certain hills and places in England.
Examples are Tutnall, Tetnall, and Tar-
tenhill. Tuthill, or Tuttle, as a patro-
nymic, is thus traced back in this manner,
and is truly a grand old name. Tuthill,
Tuttil, Tutoll, Tottle, Tuttle, Tatyle,
Totehall, etc., are some of the varieties
under which it presents itself.
The English Tothills lived in Devon,
beginning with the fifteenth century.
Geoflrey Tothill was alderman of Exeter ;
one branch of the family was related to
the Drake family, a member of which was
Sir Francis Drake, of explorer fame.
(I) William Tuttle, the ancestor of
this Tuttle family, came to Boston, Mas-
sachusetts, in July, 1635. He was desig-
nated by the appellation of Mr., removed
from Boston in 1638 to Quinnipiac, and
thence, in 1641, to Hartford, Connecticut.
He died in June, 1673, and his widow was
granted the administration of his estate.
He married Elizabeth, who died Decem-
ber 30, 1684, aged seventy-two years.
Children: i. John, of whom further. 2.
Hannah, born in England, in 1632-33;
married (first) in 1649, John Pantrey;
married (second) June 23, 1654, Thomas
Wells, Jr. 3. Thomas, born in England, in
1634-35; married, May 24, 1661, Hannah
Powell. 4. Jonathan, baptized in Charles-
town, Massachusetts, July 8, 1637; mar-
ried Rebecca Bell. 5. David, baptized in
Charlestown, Massachusetts, April 7,
1639. He died unmarried in 1693. 6.
Joseph, baptized in New Haven, Connect-
icut, November 22, 1640 ; married, May
2, 1667, Hannah Munson. 7. Sarah, bap-
tized in New Haven, in April, 1642 ; mar-
ried, November 22, 1663, John Slauson.
8. Elizabeth, baptized in New Haven, No-
vember 9, 1645 ; married, November 19,
1667, Richard Edwards. 9. Simon, bap-
tized March 28, 1647. lO- Benjamin, bap-
tized October 29, 1648; died (s. p.) June
13, 1677. II. Mercy, born April 27, bap-
tized May 19, 1650; married. May 2, 1667,
Samuel Brown. 12. Nathaniel, baptized
February 29, 1652; married, August 10,
1682, Sarah Howe.
(II) John Tuttle, son of William and
Elizabeth Tuttle, was born in England in
1631, and died in East Haven, Connecti-
cut, November 12, 1683. He had a house
and lot in East Haven, which he sold in
1662. The inventory of his estate gives
his wealth as being estimated at seventy-
64
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
nine pounds. He married, November 8,
1653, Catherine or Kattareen Lane, per-
haps daughter of John Lane, who was of
Milford in 1640. Children: i. Hannah,
born November 2, 1655 ; married, Novem-
ber 7, 1672, Samuel Clark. 2. John, born
September 15, 1657; married. May 29,
1689, Mary Burroughs. 3. Samuel, of
whom further. 4. Sarah, born January 22,
1661-62; married, September 10, 1685,
John Humiston. 5. Daniel, born April 13,
1664. 6. Mary, twin with Daniel. 7.
Elizabeth, born November 19, baptized
November 21, 1666; married John Read,
Jr., of Norwalk. 8. David, born Novem-
ber 14, 1668. 9. Susanna, who died Octo-
ber, 1683. 10. James.
(Ill) Samuel Tuttle, son of John and
Catherine (Lane) Tuttle, was born Janu-
ary 9, 1659-60, and died between 1731 and
1733- He was a stone mason in calling
and joined the church in New Haven in
1692. He married (first) Sarah Newman,
daughter of Samuel Newman, who died ;
(second) Abigail, daughter of John Frost,
and widow of Thomas Barnes. Children
(of first marriage) : i. Mary, born Janu-
ary 31, 1684; married, October i, 1704,
Ebenezer Frost. 2. Jemima, born De-
cember 6, 1686; married, in April, 1707,
Thomas Jacobs. 3. Stephen, born in 1688;
married Rachel Mansfield. 4. Abigail,
born April 4, 1692; married, July 23,
1717, Daniel Atwater. 5. Martha, born
March 18, 1694; married, February 15,
^7^7< John Smith. 6. Josiah, born April
5, 1696; baptized in December, 1697; mar-
ried, June II, 1719, Deborah Barnes. 7.
Sarah, born January 17, 1698 ; married
John Moulthrop. 8. Daniel, of whom fur-
ther.
(IV) Daniel Tuttle, son of Samuel and
Sarah (Newman) Tuttle, was born Au-
gust 23, 1702, and died about 1772. He
married, April 25, 1726, Mary Mansfield,
Conn. 11 — 5 ^c
daughter of Samuel Mansfield. Children :
I. Samuel, born February 12, 1727. 2. Dan-
iel, married Christian, daughter of Ebe-
nezer Norton. 3. Mary, married January
17. 1755. Jacob Brockett. 4. Eunice, of
whom further.
(V) Eunice Tuttle, daughter of Daniel
and Mary (Mansfield) Tuttle, was born
in 1739. She married Lieutenant Jared
Hill (see Hill IV).
(The Fenton Line).
Arms — Argent, a cross between four fleurs-de-
lis sable.
Crest — A fleur-de-lis enfiled with a ducal coro-
net or.
Schenck, in the valuable history of Fair-
field, Connecticut, names Jonathan Fen-
ton, or Fanton, as an early settler of that
place, while Holmes, in his "Directory of
the Ancestral Heads of New England
Families, 1620-1700," cites Robert Fenton
as having been at Woburn, Massachu-
setts, before 1688. The name is not nu-
merous in New England, but its position
has been at all times one of honor and
respect, while alliance through marriage
has been made with New England's first
families.
(I) Jonathan Fenton married (first)
Sarah, daughter of John and Elizabeth
(Harvey) Hide, of Fairfield; (second)
Sarah, daughter of Humphrey Hide, and
widow of Peter Coley. Children : i. Sarah,
baptized November 18, 1694. 2. Ellen,
baptized May 17, 1696. 3. Anne, of whom
further. 4. Jonathan, baptized September
22, 1700. 5. Mary, baptized May 2, 1703.
6. John, baptized January 5, 1706-07; died
young. 7. John, baptized October 10,
1708.
(II) Anne Fenton, daughter of Jona-
than Fenton, was baptized August 14,
1698. She married Richard Welton (see
Welton III).
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(The Hlckcox Line).
Hickcox-Heacock Arms — Erminois, an elephant
azure on a chief of the second a sun between two
beehives or.
Crest — A hind sejant reguardant erminois col-
lared gules, reposing his dexter foot on a bee-
hive or.
This name comes from an old German
word, ikiko, contemporary in the tenth
century, which is a diminutive form of the
old Friesian ig, a point, sharp edge ; i. e.,
a little sword. This form developed
through the English as Heacock and Hic-
kock. The name itself is subject to a great
variety of forms. These range from
Hitchcock, Hickock, down to Hickox,
Hicks and Heacock. In this line the pat-
ronymic is spelled Hickcox.
William Hickcox appears as "Mr. Hick-
cock" in New Haven as early as 1643, but
returned to England in 1648. On October
9, 1673, the General Court at Hartford
received a petition from twenty-six people
for a plantation in a "place called by ye
Indians Matitacook" (Mattatuck). Sam-
uel and Joseph Hickcox were signers in
this petition.
(I) Sergeant Samuel Hickcox and Jo-
seph Hickcox were very probably sons of
"Mr." William Hickcox, of New Haven,
Connecticut, and came to Waterbury
when that town was founded. Samuel
Hickcox and John Welton held the office
of Townsmen or selectmen in 1680, and
Samuel was one of the most influential
men in the town. He was sergeant in
the trainband, and from this time, 1686,
he was known as Sergeant Samuel Hick-
cox. The inventory of his estate was
taken February 28, 1694-95. He married
Hannah. Children: i. Samuel, born in
1668; married Elizabeth Plumb. 2. Han-
nah, born in 1670; married John Dudd. 3.
Sergeant William, of whom further. 4.
Thomas, born in 1674; married Mary
Brunson, March 27, 1700; he died June 28,
1728. 5. Joseph, born in 1677. 6. Mary,
born in 1680; married John Bronson. 7.
Elizabeth, born in 1682; married J. Nor-
ton. 8. Stephen, born in 1683. 9. Ben-
jamin, born in 1685. 10. Mercy, born in
1688. II. Ebenezer, born in 1692.
(II) Captain William Hickcox, son of
Sergeant Samuel and Hannah Hickcox,
was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, in
1673, and died November 4, 1737, and was
buried the following day. He was a propri-
etor and a man of note, grand juror, sur-
veyor, constable, townsman many times,
captain in 1727, and deputy in 1728. He
was always known as captain. He mar-
ried Rebecca Andrews, daughter of Abra-
ham and Rebecca Andrews, who was born
December 16, 1762. Children: i. William,
born February 14, 1699; died April 12,
1713. 2. Captain Samuel, of whom fur-
ther. 3. Abraham, born April 5, 1704;
died March 16, 1713. 4. John, born May
8, 1706; died April 26, 1713. 5. Rebec-
ca, born March 29, 1708; married Caleb
Thompson, August 16, 1731. 6. Rachel,
born May 16, 1710; married Jonathan
Prindle. 7. Hannah, born June 7, 1714;
married David Scott.
(III) Captain Samuel Hickcox, son of
William and Rebecca (Andrews) Hick-
cox, was born May 26, 1702, and died May
13, 1765. He was called Captain Hickcox,
and he was the only son of William Hick-
cox to survive the great sickness of 1713.
He married Mary Hopkins, daughter of
John Hopkins, who died August 19, 1768.
Children : i. Mary, born October 30, 1721 ;
married Richard Seymour. 2. Mehitable,
born November 22, 1723 ; married Stephen
Seymour. 3. William, born January 14,
1725-26. 4. Abraham, born January il,
1727-28. 5. John, born July 25, 1730. 6.
Samuel, born September 8, 1733. 7. Dor-
cas, of whom further.
66
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(IV) Dorcas Hickcox, daughter of Cap-
tain Samuel and Mary (Hopkins) Hick-
cox, was born July ii, 1736. She married
Captain John Welton (see Welton IV).
(The Porter Line).
Arms — Argent, on a fesse sable between two
barrulets or three church bells of the first.
Crest — A portcullis argent chained or.
Motto — Vigilantia et virtute.
This name is classified as a surname of
office, and Wybert le Portere or Porteri-
ous is an early specimen of this name. It
is an ancient English family, founded
by William de la Grande, who came to
Britain with William the Conqueror.
Ralph, or Roger, la Grande was Keeper
of the Doors, Grant Porteur at the court
of Henry I.
(I) Dr. Daniel Porter, who appears
early in the colony of Waterbury, Con-
necticut, was the first ancestor of this
branch of the Porter family in America.
He was a physician, licensed to practice
physic and chirurgery in 1654 by the Gen-
eral Court. He died in 1690. He mar-
ried Mary , and they were the par-
ents of seven children: i. Dr. Daniel, of
whom further. 2. Mary, born February
5, 1654-55 ; married Eleazer Knowles, of
Woodbury. 3. Nehemiah, born October
24, 1656 ; married Hannah Lum, of Wood-
bury. 4. Richard, born March 24, 1658.
5. Anne, born in 1660-61 ; not married. 6.
John, born November 14, 1662; married
(first) Rebecca Woodford, and (second)
Martha North. 7. Samuel, born October
24, 1665 ; married Abigail Humphreys,
and died March 25, 1736.
(II) Dr. Daniel Porter, son of Dr. Dan-
iel and Mary Porter, was born in Water-
bury, Connecticut, February 2, 1652-53.
He died January 18, 1726-27. He signed
the articles in 1674, and was proprietor
in Waterbury. He was, as was his father
before him, a doctor; was surveyor in
1699 and 1719; and on the School Com-
mittee in 1706. He married Deborah Hol-
comb, who died May 4, 1765, aged ninety-
three years. Children : i. Daniel, of whom
further. 2. James, born April 20, 1700 ;
died March 20, 1785. 3. Thomas, born
April I, 1702; died January, 1797. 4. De-
borah, born March 6, 1703-04; married
James Baldwin. 5. Ebenezer, born De-
cember 24, 1708; married Mary, daughter
of John Hull, of New Haven. 6. Ann,
born April 28, 1712; married (first)
Thomas Judd, and (second) James Nich-
ols.
(III) Dr. Daniel Porter, son of Dr.
Daniel and Deborah (Holcomb) Porter,
was born in Waterbury, Connecticut,
March 5, 1699, and died November 14,
1772. He succeeded to his father's busi-
ness and skill, and his father conveyed to
him a house and lot on East Main and
Mill streets. He married (first) Hannah
Hopkins, daughter of John Hopkins, June
13, 1728. She died December 31, 1739,
and he married (second) Joanna .
Children of first marriage: i. Preserved,
born November 23, 1729. 2. Dr. Daniel
born March 8, 1731 ; died, unmarried, of
smallpox, at Crownpoint, in 1759. 3. Han-
nah, born June 16, 1733 ; married Obadiah
Scovill. 4. Dr. Timothy, of whom further.
5. Susanna, born July 7, 1737; married
(first) Daniel Killum ; (second) John Cos-
set. 6. Anna, born December 6, 1738;
married David Bronson.
(IV) Dr. Timothy Porter, son of Dr.
Daniel and Hannah (Hopkins) Porter,
was born June 19, 1735, and died January
24, 1792. He married Margaret Skinner,
daughter of Gideon Skinner. She was
born in 1739, and died in 1813. Children:
I. Daniel, born September 23, 1768. 2.
Sylvia C, born February 24, 1771. 3. Dr.
Joseph, born September 3, 1772; married
67
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Levinia Porter, daughter of Preserved
Porter. 4. Olive, born July 26, 1775 ; mar-
ried Moses Hall. 5. Anna, of whom fur-
ther. 6. Chauncey, born April 24, 1779.
7. Timothy Hopkins, born November 28,
1785-
(V) Anna Porter, daughter of Dr. Tim-
othy and Margaret (Skinner) Porter, was
born April 5, 1777. She married Richard
Fenton Welton (see Welton V).
References — Ferguson's "Names," Marshall's
"Genealogical Guide," Orcutt's "Stratford," Sav-
age's "Genealogical Dictionary," Manwaring's
"Hartford (Connecticut) Probate Records," Or-
cutt's "Walcott," Hosley's "Dr. William Hill,"
Hotten's "Emigrants," Hoadley's "New Haven
Colonial Records," Grannis Family, New Haven
Vital Records, Tuttle "Genealogy," Anderson's
"Waterbury, Connecticut," Culver "Genealogy,"
Holmes' "Ancestral Heads of New England Fami-
lies," Bronson's "Waterbury," Schenck's "Fair-
field," "American Families," Burke's "General
Armory," Matthews' "American Armory," Family
data.
GODFREY, Charles CartUdge, M. D.
Physician, Snrgeon.
Since 1685, Fairfield County, Connecti-
cut, has not been without its Godfrey
families and since 1688 Greens Farms has
been the family seat. There Christopher
Godfrey owned land in 1686, and there
generation after generation of the ances-
tors of Dr. Charles C. Godfrey owned the
land and tilled the soil. Christopher God-
frey was succeeded by his son, Chris-
topher Godfrey, who married Margery
Sturgess of Fairfield, and had issue, in-
cluding a son. Lieutenant Nathan God-
frey, born September 25, 1719, who be-
came one of the wealthiest and most in-
fluential men of Greens Farms. His
homestead was near the summit of Clap-
board Hill and in 1779 was burned by
British soldiers. During the French and
Indian War in 1756 he was a lieutenant
and was at the storming of Crown Point
and Ticonderoga. His son Benjamin died
while serving in the Continental Army.
Lieutenant Nathan Godfrey had by his
second wife, Mrs. Sarah (Andrews) Nash,
a son Jonathan (i) Godfrey, who was the
father of Jonathan (2), father of Rev.
Jonathan, and grandfather of Dr. Charles
C. Godfrey.
Jonathan (2) Godfrey, of Greens Farms,
was born there June 2, 1798, died August
3, 1882. Like his grandfather. Lieutenant
Nathan Godfrey, he was a man of wealth
and influence in his community, active in
church, charity and public life. He was
representative from the town of Fairfield
for several terms and held many other
offices. He married, January 19, 1823,
Elizabeth Hubbell, of Southport, daugh-
ter of Aaron and Elizabeth Hubbell, of
Southport, town of Fairfield. Their adult
children were : Rev. Jonathan, mentioned
below ; Elizabeth, the author of a "His-
tory of Fairfield," married Adrian V. S.
Schenck, son of Dr. Ferdinand S. Schenck
of New Jersey ; Samuel H., married Har-
riet A. Godfrey ; Mary Catherine, married
Calvin G. Childs, of Norwalk, Connecti-
cut.
Rev. Jonathan Godfrey, of the sixth
American generation, was born at the
village of Southport, town and county of
Fairfield, Connecticut, February 11, 1820,
died January 22, 1865, and is buried at
Fairfield. After completing public school
study he entered Trinity College, Hart-
ford, there pursuing a full course, termin-
ating with graduation. He then took a
course in divinity, was ordained a priest
of the Protestant Episcopal Church and
for several years was rector of the Say-
brook Church. Prior to i860 his health
failed and he removed to Aiken, South I
Carolina, but the outbreak of the Civil
War in 1861 caused the family's return
to Southport, where he died in 1865. He
married Mary Cartlidge, born at Lynde
68
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Green, in StaflFordshire, England, died in
Fairfield, in August, 1867, four children
surviving their parents : Dr. Charles C,
mentioned below ; Jonathan, a resident of
Bridgeport; Adrian, died in 1899; ^"^
Alice A.
Dr. Charles C. Godfrey was born in
Saybrook, Connecticut, February 3, 1855.
Soon afterward his family moved to
Aiken, South Carolina, for the father's
health, but returned in 1861, locating at
the family homestead in Southport, where
the lad Charles C. attended both public
and private schools. He continued his
preparatory study in Greenfield, Connect-
icut, and at military school in Hartford,
after which he entered Sheffield Scientific
School, Yale University, where he spec-
ialized in chemistry and from whence he
was graduated Ph. B. class of '^j. De-
ciding upon the profession of medicine,
he began study under the direction of Dr.
Robert Hubbard, of Bridgeport, in 1881,
attended lecture courses at the College of
Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia Uni-
versity, that institution conferring upon
him the degree of M. D. in 1883. He also
did post-graduate work at Dartmouth
College, receiving an additional Ph. B.
His long and thorough course of prep-
aration ended, Dr. Godfrey, on January
I, 1884, began the practice of his profes-
sion in Bridgeport in association with
his former preceptor. Dr. Robert Hub-
bard. For thirteen years they practiced
together until 1897 when the death of the
senior member dissolved the bond. Dr.
Godfrey soon afterward admitted Dr. Ed-
ward M. Smith as partner and together
they have continued until the present.
Dr. Godfrey ranks high as a physician
and surgeon, has a large clientele, whose
perfect confidence he has won, and has
taken an active part in institutional work.
He is a member of the surgical staff of
the Bridgeport and St. Vincent hospitals ;
is an ex-president of the Fairfield County
Medical Society ; member and ex-presi-
dent of the Bridgeport Scientific Society ;
American Medical Association ; Connect-
icut State Medical Society ; New York
Academy of Medicine ; and the Associa-
tion of Military Surgeons of the United
States. From 1890-93 he was surgeon of
the Fourth Regiment, Connecticut Na-
tional Guard, and in 1903-04, surgeon
general of the State of Connecticut with
the rank of Colonel, member of the staff
of Governor Chamberlain.
Himself a man of high intellectual at-
tainments. Dr. Godfrey has ever been the
friend of the cause of education and as a
member of the Board of Education, and
its vice-president, strove to advance the
efficiency of the public schools of the city.
A Republican in politics, he has repre-
sented his city in the State Legislature,
and in 1892-93 was a member of the Board
of Aldermen. The care of his large prac-
tice and the pubic service he has rendered
has not excluded him from the social
life of his city but, on the contrary, he
has given that side of his nature full
opportunity to develop. He is a member
of St. John's Lodge, Free and Accepted
Masons ; Jerusalem Chapter, Royal Arch
Masons ; Jerusalem Council, Royal and
Select Masters ; Hamilton Commandery
Knights Templar ; and in Scottish Rite
Masonry has attained the thirty-second
degree. His clubs are the Brooklawn
Country, University, Republican, and Al-
gonquin. The current of his life flows
smoothly on, professional eminence is his,
the regard of his fellow-citizens has been
amply attested, and a retrospective view
of his more than thirty years of life in
Bridgeport can bring him naught but sat-
isfaction.
Dr. Godfrey married, April 30, 1885,
69
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Caroline St. Leon Sumner, born at Great
Batrington, Maslsachusetts, September lo,
1858, daughter of Colonel Samuel B. Sum-
ner of Bridgeport. They are the parents
of a daughter, Carrie Lucille Godfrey.
CHILD, Chester R.,
Iiumber Dealer, Financier.
Chester E. Child, late of Putnam, Con-
necticut, ranks in that city's history as
one of its most prominent citizens, he
having done much to aid in the city's
commercial and financial progress.
Chester E. Child was born on the old
Child family homestead at North Wood-
stock, Connecticut, August i, 1872, a son
of Ezra Carpenter and Abby E. (Child)
Child. The father was a native of Wood-
stock, and a descendant of one of Con-
necticut's oldest families. His entire life
was devoted to farming, although his com-
munity interests led him to enter public
life at different times when he filled the
position of selectman and other offices in
his town. He died in Woodstock in 1876.
His wife was also a native of Woodstock,
but now lives in Putnam.
The son, Chester E. Child, lived on the
old farm until he was eleven years of age,
when he removed to Putnam. There he
completed his education in the city and
high schools, after which he took up the
profession of teaching. He taught school
in Pomfret Center for six weeks, when he
was offered a position by the officials of
the First National Bank. The offer
seemed promising, so in 1889 he resigned
his position as teacher and took up that of
clerk in the First National Bank, where
he remained continuously until his resig-
nation, November i, 1898, at which time
he held the position of paying teller. He
resigned, however, to enter the lumber
business, and later organized the Child
Lumber Corporation, with which com-
pany he was actively connected for a
number of years and developed many
business interests of importance. In fact,
from the time when he entered upon this
active connection with business interests
in Putnam until his death, he occupied a
central place in the city's activities, and
his interests were ever of a character that
contributed to public progress and im-
provement as well as to individual suc-
cess. In July, 1915, he became president
of the Putnam Savings Bank, and re-
mained at the head of that institution un-
til his demise on May 10, 1917, bending
his efforts to executive direction and ad-
ministrative control. He recognized the
fact that the bank which most carefully
safeguards the interests of its depositors
is most worthy of public patronage, and
he did everything in his power to render
the patrons of the bank secure.
Politically Mr. Child was a staunch Re-
publican, believing firmly in the principles
of the party, but he never cared to accept
an office. He held membership in the
Second Congregational Church, and his
entire life was guided by its teachings. In
fact, to know him was to respect and
honor him, for his career at all times
measured up to the highest standards of
manhood and of citizenship, and the same
irreproachable rules governed him in his
business relations and his home associa-
tions.
On November 8, 1895, Mr. Child mar-
ried Annie Chandler Carpenter, of Put-
nam, Connecticut, who was born, reared
and educated in that city, a daughter of
John Anthony and Marcia J. (Chandler)
Carpenter. Mr. Carpenter has always
been spoken of as one of Putnam's lead-
ing citizens, and he is also a descendant of
one of New England's old families. A
more detailed account of the Carpenter
70
M^ ^.
^nx^tnitt"
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ancestry follows in this work. Mr. and
Mrs. Child became the parents of four
children, all born in Putnam : Ruth Car-
penter, born December 23, 1899; Bertha
Elizabeth, born December 19, 1906; Edith
Whitney, born December 12, 1907; Don-
ald Ezra, born January 29, 1909.
(The Carpenter Line).
"The noble family of Carpenters, from
which the Earl of Tyrconnel is descended,
is of great antiquity in the County of
Hereford and other parts of England. In
1303 (the twentieth year of the reign of
Edward I), John Carpenter appeared. He
was a member of Parliament in 1323, for
the borough of Leskard, in Cornwall, as
two years afterwards was Stephen Car-
penter, for Credition, in the County of
Devon, in 1325, (the ninth year of the
reign of Edward II).
"Henry Carpenter served, in 1418, for
the town of Derby in the thirty-fifth year
of Henry V." Playfair's British Antiqui-
ties.
The Tyrconnel branch is descended
from William Carpenter, of Homme, who
resided in the parish of Dilwyne, in Here-
fordshire. He died in 1520. He had a
son, James Carpenter, who died in 1537.
This James Carpenter had a son, John
Carpenter, who died in 1540 and left a son,
William Carpenter, the most prominent
ancestor of the Tyrconnel Carpenters,
who died in 1550. From this William
Carpenter our family also claims descent.
The family remained country gentlemen
for six generations, until the birth of
Thomas Carpenter, who bequeathed his
estate on his death in 1773 to a second
cousin, George Carf>enter, who became
the first Lord Carpenter. In 1761, the
Earldom of Tryconnel in Ireland was
given to a third George Carpenter. This
branch finally became extinct in 1853. See
Davis & Owne's New Peerage, also
Burke's Peerage and Baronetage. The
coat-of-arms of the Carpenter family is
as follows :
Arms— Argent, a greyhound passant, and chief
sable.
Crest — A greyhound's head erased, per fesse sable
and argent.
From the meagre materials at hand it is
impossible for us to establish, with that
degree of precision we should like, the
connection between the English Carpen-
ters and William Carpenter, the ancestor
of the family in America, who came to
Weymouth, Massachusetts, in 1638, in the
ship "Bevis." But we think we have in-
formation enough to show beyond a rea-
sonable doubt that the break of a hundred
years or so between John Carpenter, Sr.
(a brother of John Carpenter, the town
clerk of London), and William Carpenter,
who is acknowledged to be the ancestor
of the American family, can be satisfac-
torily filled. This granted, we can trace
the family back to John Carpenter, of
1303, the head of the ancient line in Here-
fordshire in the parish of Dilwyne, to
whom the Irish Tyrconnels trace their
descent. This Hereford family of Car-
penters was very prominent in affairs, and
took an active part in all matters relating
to the interests of the Crown ; probably
no family in England stood higher for
good deeds or received more favors.
Among the most famous of these Carpen-
ters was John, town clerk of London,
who died in 1442. But the English line
from John Carpenter, 1303, became ex-
tinct in 1853, and it is in America that the
continuation of the family must be looked
for.
It would not be inappropriate here to
insert the following extract from the
"History of the City of London School,"
71
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
concerning John Carpenter, town clerk of
London :
The corporation of London, who have good rea-
son to exult in the eminent position which the City
of London School has attained under their foster-
ing care, have, in spirit of just gratitude, honored
the memory of John Carpenter by causing a statue
of him to be placed in a conspicuous part of the
building, with an inscription which presents a faith-
ful outline of his character and good deeds, and
will form an appropriate conclusion to the present
narrative. It occupies five sides of an octagonal
pedestal and is as follows :
To the memory of John Carpenter, an eminent
citizen of London and member of the Company of
Mercers, who lived during the reigns of Henry V
and Henry VI and who bequeathed to the corpo-
ration of this city certain lands and tenements for
the purpose of maintaining and educating four
boys and sending them to the Universities ; from
which bequest resulted the foundation and endow-
ment of The City of London School under the
authority of an Act of Parliament A. D. MCCCC-
XXXIV. He was distinguished by his general
attainments and learning; his knowledge of the
laws, customs and privileges of this city; his
integrity of character, and universal benevolence.
From his earliest youth he was devoted to the
service of his fellow-citizens, and throughout the
course of his life proved himself a ready defender
of their rights and a zealous promoter of their
interests. He was elected common clerk or town
clerk of London, A. D. MCCCCXVII, and held
that office for twenty-one years, during which
period he compiled that valuable treatise still extant
under the title of "Liber Albus." He likewise
represented the city in Parliament, A. D. MCCCC-
XXXVI and MCCCCXXXIX. As one of the
executors of Sir Richard Whittington, he con-
ferred essential benefits on the city by promoting
various public works, especially the erection of
conduits, the rebuilding of Newgate, the enlarge-
ment of the Hospital of Saint Bartholomew, the
completion of the Guildhall, and the formation of a
library attached thereto, to which he subsequently
bequeathed sundry rare books for the benefit of
students resorting to the same. In token of his
eminent services, he was honored both by his sov-
ereign and fellow-citizens with peculiar immunities
and privileges. He left munificent bequests to the
Charterhouse and the Fraternity of Sixty Priests
in London, of which brotherhood he was a mem-
ber, as well as to many other religious establish-
ments and persons; also to the hospitals of Saint
Mary within Cripplegate, Saint Mary without
Bishopsgate. Saint Bartholomew in Smithfield,
Saint Katherine near the Tower, and Saint Thomas
in Southwark ; to the houses for poor lepers at
Holborn, Locks and Hackney, and for poor mad-
men at Bethlem ; to the prisoners in Newgate,
Ludgate, the Fleet, Marshalsea and King's Bench,
and the Prison of Convicts at Westminster. He
died on the Xllthof May MCCCCXLII; and was
buried before the chancel of the Church of Saint
Peter, Cornhill, of which parish he was an inhabi-
tant and a liberal benefactor. Thus his compre-
hensive charity embraced all the necessities of his
fellowmen, and the general conduct of his life
exhibited the character of one who (in the words
of Holy Writ) desired "To do justly, love mercy
and walk humbly with his God."
(I) William Carpenter, the American
progenitor, was born in 1605 ; his wife
was Abigail ; she died February 22, 1687 ;
he died February 7, 1659, in Rehoboth,
Massachusetts. He was a farmer. He
was admitted a freeman of Weymouth,
May 13, 1640; was representative of Wey-
mouth in 1641 and 1643, ^"d from the
town of Rehoboth in 1645 ; constable in
1641. He was admitted as an inhabitant
of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, March 28,
1645. In June of the same year he and
others were made freemen of Rehoboth.
Governor Bradford (who married his
cousin Alice) manifested great friendship
for William Carpenter and favored him
in all his measures in the Plymouth Court ;
and ever after that it appears, from all
their dealings and transactions, whether
private or public, that they were close
friends. There is no doubt but that it was
through the influence of Governor Brad-
ford and his wife Alice that William Car-
penter, of Weymouth, was induced to
come to New England ; and by William
Carpenter, of Providence, the Seekonk
Plain was pointed out to his cousin, Wil-
liam Carpenter, of Weymouth, on account
of its adaptability as a tract of territory
for a colony.
During the two years' residence in
America, of William Carpenter, of Prov-
idence (before William Carpenter, of
Weymouth, came over), he must have
learned about the soil and location. Soon
after William Carpenter, of Weymouth,
landed, his attention was drawn to this
location, probably by his cousin, and he
72
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
commenced immediately to go to work
to secure it ; and there is no doubt but
that William Carpenter, of Weymouth,
had as much or more to do in settling a
colony there than any one of the proprie-
tors. He was in the colony only three years
when he was elected to the General Court
of Plymouth, and no doubt for the pur-
pose of obtaining permission to make a
purchase of this territory. In 1641 he
was representative of Weymouth to the
General Court, and through his influence
the permission was granted. The court
conceded all that he asked, as appears
from an abstract from the Proprietors
Record :
Whereas, The Court of Plymouth was pleased
in the year 1641 (thereabouts) to grant unto the
inhabitants of Seekonk (alias Rehoboth) liberty to
take up a tract of land for their comfortable sub-
sistence containing a quantity of eight miles square ;
and the Court was pleased to appoint Mr. John
Brown and Mr. Edward Winslow to purchase the
aforesaid tract of land of Asamcum, the chief
sachem and owner thereof, which accordingly hath
been effected, and the purchase paid for by the
aforesaid inhabitants according to the Court order.
This was the same tract of land selected
by Roger Williams when driven out of
the Massachusetts Colony for settlement,
but when it was found to be in the limits
of Massachusetts, he removed to Prov-
idence, Rhode Island. At a meeting of
the proprietors held in Weymouth before
the emigration to Rehoboth, the latter
part of the year 1643, William Carpenter
was chosen proprietor's clerk. At a sec-
ond meeting in Weymouth the same year,
it was voted to divide the real estate of
Rehoboth according to the person and
value of each settler.
The town records of Rehoboth com-
menced in 1643. The territory of the
town included what is now called Attle-
boro, Seekonk, a part of Cumberland,
Swansey, and East Providence. Many
of the Carpenter residents of these towns
are treated as being residents of the old
town of Rehoboth, though they may re-
side in some one of the other towns. The
estate of William Carpenter was valued
at two hundred and fifty-four pounds and
ten shillings. He served as proprietor's
and town clerk from 1643 until 1649.
William Carpenter, of Weymouth, wit-
nessed and seems to have drawn the deed
of a tract of land from the Indians to
John Tower the elder. His autograph on
the instrument to which it is attached is
a most excellent specimen of the chirogra-
phy of that age. The legal business of the
town or colony was done principally by
him ; he was accurate in all his business
transactions. He paid at one time eight
pounds and seventeen shillings and three
pence towards the expenses of King Phil-
ip's War. He was one of the committee
to lay out a road from Rehoboth to Ded-
ham, at an early day.
In 1645, William Carpenter with others
was chosen to look after the interests of
the town, and again in the same year Wil-
liam Carpenter was chosen with others to
hear and decide on grievances in regard
to the division of land by lots ; in the same
year he was chosen by the town to repre-
sent them in the court at Plymouth. In
1647 he was chosen as one of the directors
of the town ; also again in 1655. The year
1653 was the first that his name was writ-
ten William Carpenter, Sr. His son Wil-
liam would be twenty-one at this date,
and was a resident of the town.
The first settlement of the colony of
Rehoboth consisted of fifty-eight mem-
bers from Weymouth, Massachusetts,
who drew lots on the division of lands,
June 31, 1644. William Carpenter's name
in that division stands as No. 10. By a
previous vote of the proprietors in 1643,
there was a mutual agreement that each
73
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
man's allotment might be taken up ac-
cording to his person and estate, and also
that each should bear his share of the
public charges both for the present and
future. In this list the name of William
Carpenter, individual No. i6, stood as
No. 48, and the value of his estate was
estimated at two hundred and fifty-four
pounds, ten shillings. The houses of this
colony were built in a semicircle around
Seekonk Common and open toward See-
konk River. This semicircle was called
"The Ring of the Town."
At a meeting of the proprietors in 1644
it was voted that nine men should be
chosen to order the prudential affairs of
the plantation, and that they should have
the power to dispose of the lands in lots
of twelve, eight, or six acres "as in their
discretion they think the quality of the
estate of the person do require." This
applies to house lots. It was further or-
dered that no person should sell his im-
provements "except to such as the Town
shall accept of." It was also ordered that
"the meeting house shall stand in the
midst of the town." It appears evident
by tradition that the first meeting house
was built in the old graveyard near where
the tomb now is and probably faced to-
ward the South. William Carpenter,
No. 18, and Samuel Carpenter, No. 23,
were buried near the entrance to the
church. The residence of William Car-
penter, No. 16, appears by the description
given in his will and by tradition to have
been located in the "Ring" directly east
of the meeting house. "The 'Ring' at the
present time (1896) is indicated by tradi-
tion and by some twelve or more button-
wood trees that were set out at an early
day in front of the houses ; the stumps or
roots of two of the trees are all that is
left to indicate where William and his
son Samuel resided."
At a meeting the same year (1644) it
was ordered "for the time past and to
come that all workmen that have worked
or shall work in any common work or for
any particular person shall have for their
wages for each day's work as follows : For
each laborer from the first day of Novem-
ber until the first day of February, 18
pence per day and for the rest of the year
20 pence per day except in harvest ; for six
oxen and one man seven shillings and six-
pence per day, and for eight oxen eight
shillings. The price fixed for wheat was
four shillings and six pence per bushel.
Wampum was fixed at eight for a penny."
William Carpenter and his wife Abigail
were the parents of seven children, the
first three of whom were born in England,
the next three were born in Weymouth,
and Samuel, the youngest, was born in
Rehoboth, Massachusetts. They were:
John, William, Joseph, Hannah, Abiah,
Abigail, and Samuel.
(II) Abiah Carpenter was the twin
brother of Abigail. They were born in
Weymouth, April 9, 1643. The New Eng-
land Register refers to "Abia daughter,
and Abraham son, born February 9, 1643,
children of William Carpenter." William
Carpenter had by his wife Abigail a son
and daughter born as stated above ; one of
the two appears on the records sometimes
as Abiah and sometimes as Abijah, but al-
ways, on all records except the above, as
a son and not a daughter. Abraham could
not be the daughter, therefore our natural
conclusion is that the name Abigail was
given wrongly as Abraham when re-
corded. The records of Rehoboth do not
mention an Abraham, and in the will of
William Carpenter we find Abigail men-
tioned next after Abiah. We can come to
no rational conclusion but that Abiah and
Abigail were twins, born as stated above.
Abiah was probably married, about 1659,
74
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
as his son Abiah was admitted a freeman
of Rhode Island in 1681. The indications
are that he married for his second wife
a sister of Ann Wickes, the second wife of
Joseph Carpenter, of Mosquito Cove,
Long Island, but have been unable to find
any account of his marriage on the Rec-
ords of the Providence Plantations.
William Carpenter, in his will, divided
his real estate at Pawtuxet between Han-
nah and Abiah, but gave the largest por-
tion to Abiah, including the house lot on
this land which he settled (probably the
same land that William, his father, bought
of Benedict Arnold, in 1652). Abiah was
sixteen years of age when his father died,
and about this time chose the calling of a
mariner. Possibly it was for this reason
that his father left him the "History of
the World" in his will. Abiah and his
wife were appointed guardians to Mary
Baker, daughter of William and Mary
Baker, in 1669, for which Abiah agreed
to give Mary a cow calf in one year, the
calf to be one year old. He took a receipt
of William Baker and his wife Mary for
a yearling heifer in 1669.
He testified before the Court-Martial
which sat at Newport to try certain In-
dians charged with being engaged in King
Philip's designs, that Wenanaquabin, who
had been living with him, went away
from his house some time in May, 1675,
and he did not see him again nor could he
hear from him until towards winter.
Wenanaquabin had been charged with be-
ing at the wounding of John Scott in
Providence. There was an attack made
by the Indians on Carpenter's garrison in
Pawtucket at Askaway, January 27, 1675,
and they took a large number of cattle.
Abiah Carpenter was fined twenty pounds
for not serving on a jury. He was elected
deputy in 1682, and was on the Grand
Jury, December 13, 1687.
Joseph Carpenter, of Mosquito Cove,
Long Island, (his brother-in-law), sold
land to Abiah Carpenter, November 30,
1668. Abiah Carpenter deeded the same
back to Joseph Carpenter, January, 1669.
It is evident that Joseph Carpenter, of
Mosquito Cove, deeded this land as a fight
to induce Abiah Carpenter, his brother-
in-law, to move to Mosquito Cove, which
the latter declined to accept. It is very
certain that Abiah Carpenter went with
Joseph and Hannah Carpenter to Long
Island, but after the death of his sister
Hannah he returned to Pawtuxet. Hence
the exchange of land, Abiah Carpenter
having a house lot at Mosquito Cove
which he deeded to Joseph Carpenter. (A
copy of the deed from Joseph Carpenter,
of Mosquito Cove, to Abiah Carpenter, of
Pawtuxet) :
This instrument in writing declareth to all to
whom it may concern that Joseph Carpenter, of
Mosquito Cove on Long Island, within the Colony
of His Royal Highness James Duke of York, do
make and have made an exchange of lands with
my brother-in-law, Abiah Carpenter, of Pawtuxet
in Rhode Island Colony. The said land which I
exchanged with my brother, Abiah Carpenter, is
all my right of land and commonage which fell to
me by my wife by will of her father, and also a
third part of my land which lieth between the
cove and the Pawtuxet River, and also five pounds
to be paid at Michaelmas following the date
thereof. I say I have made over from me, my
heirs and assigns from all my right, title and inter-
est of the above referred to lands, to my said
brother-in-law, Abiah Carpenter, to him, his heirs
and assigns forever and to hold as his or their own
perfect right, title or interest and this as my real
act I have herewith set my hand and seal in Oyster
Bay, the 8th day of June, in the year of our Lord,
one thousand six hundred and seventy-three and
in the twenty-fourth year of the reign of our sov-
ereign King Charles the Second.
(Signed) Joseph Carpenter.
We find by the marriage record of his
son, Joseph Carpenter, that Abiah Car-
penter died previous to 1702. Land was
75
I
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
sold by Oliver Carpenter, the son of Abiah
Carpenter, in 1699, the deed of which
states that Abiah was then deceased. We
have not been able to learn, by records or
tradition, to whom or at what time Abiah
Carpenter was married, but we find that
his son Abiah was admitted as a freeman
of Rhode Island in 1681, which indicates
that the son was born in 1660 or before.
(Ill) Oliver Carpenter, one of the eight
children of Abiah Carpenter and his wife,
was born about 1675, at Pawtuxet, Rhode
Island; he died in 1727. His residence
was at North Kingston, Rhode Island.
His wife's name was Sarah. He owned
real estate in several townships, as ap-
pears by his will. He deeded to his broth-
er, Joseph Carpenter, for love, March 18,
1705, six acres of land at Pawtuxet which
belonged to his honored father, Abiah
Carpenter, deceased. On July 27, 1724, he
deeded land to his son, Christopher Car-
penter, of East Greenwich. On Novem-
ber 23, 1724, he deeded land to his son,
John Carpenter, of Warwick — 130 acres
in East Greenwich. In 1727, he was ad-
ministrator to the estate of his son, Oliver
Carpenter, at East Greenwich. His son
Oliver probably died after his father's
will was made and before his father died.
Abstract of the will of Oliver Carpen-
ter, wife Sarah. Will was proved No-
vember 20, 1727 ; his wife Sarah was the
executrix. His friend, Jeremiah Gould,
overseer. To son Oliver £10, he having
considerable estate. To son Solomon
£ 10. To son Abiah a legacy at age. To son
Thomas a farm in East Greenwich where
William Sweet dwells. To son Joshua
£200 at age. To the youngest sons
(names not mentioned) £200 each when
they come of age. To daughter Sarah and
a daughter, name not legible, £200 each.
To a daughter, name not legible, £150.
Sarah Carpenter, relict of Oliver Car-
penter, married (second) Robert Hall.
(IV) Christopher Carpenter, second of
the nineteen children born to the marriage
of Oliver and Sarah Carpenter, was born
about 1718. He probably married Mercy
Taylor (or Roberts) in South Kingston,
Rhode Island. They resided in East
Greenwich. In 1737 they went to Mary-
land. He was a blacksmith by trade. He
built the first house on the Carpenter farm
in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, which
still remains in the family. He was the
father of ten children, born at East Green-
wich and Kingston, Rhode Island.
(V) Robert Carpenter, third son of
Christopher and Mercy Carpenter, was
born March 5, 1722, in East Greenwich,
Rhode Island. He married (first) Charity
Roberts, October 26, 1755 ; married (sec-
ond) Mercy. Robert Carpenter, of King-
ston, enlisted as a corporal in the Conti-
nental Army, in Captain Keith's company.
Colonel Michael Jackson's regiment;
served from April 24, 1777, to October 7,
1777; reported killed October 7, 1777; en-
listed again in the Continental Army, Cap-
tain Aaron Gray's company. Colonel Pyn-
chon's regiment ; enlisted for three years,
February 9, 1778. He was the father of
six children, all born in East Greenwich.
(VI) John Carpenter, second child of
Robert and Charity (Roberts) Carpenter,
was born February 11, 1758. He married
Sally Stone. He probably married (sec-
ond) Charity. He was the father of ten
children, the youngest of whom was
Amos.
(VII) Amos Carpenter, youngest child
of John and Sally (Stone) Carpenter, was
born in West Greenwich, Rhode Island,
August 23, 1793. He married (first), June
19, 1813, Mary Bailey, born February 29,
1792; died August 3, 1855, a daughter of
Joseph Bailey. He married (second),
May, 1856, Eunice Bailey, sister to Mary,
born April 6, 1802, died December 31,
1887. The Baileys were an old Rhode Is-
76
BAILEY.
Arms — Ermine, three bars wavy sable.
Crest — -^ demi-lady habited gnles, holding in her dexter hand a tower, in her
sinister a laurel branch vert.
CHAXDLER.
Anns — Chequy argent and azure, on a bend sable three lions passant or, a
canton argent, a sinister hand couped at the wrist gules.
Crest — A pelican in her piety sable, the nest vert i Fairbairn).
Motto — Ad mortem fidelis. { Faithful unto death.)
CHILD.
Arms — Gules, a chevron ermine between three eagles close argent. (Another
or.)
Crest — An eagle with wings expanded argent, enveloped around the neck
with a snake proper.
Motto — Imitari quam invidere.
BIOGRAPHY
.. itiat
-' man
indicates
or before.
the eight
1 his wife,
■<ct, Rhode
! ^ residence
Kh'jde Island.
He owned
dc;
IV) Christopher Carpenter, second of
the nineteen children born to the marriap
of Oliver and Sarah Carpenter, was born
about 1718. He probably married Mercy
Taylor (or Roberts) in South Kingston
Rhode Island. They resided in East
Greenwich. In 1737 they went to Mary-
land. He was a blacksmith bj' trade. He
built the first house on the Carpenter farm
in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, whici:
still remains in the family. He was tht
father of ten children, born at East Green-
wich and Kingston, Rhode Island.
(V) Robert Carpenter, third son of
. Chri.stopher and Mercy Carpenter, was
^i townships, as ap- "^'A >*;irrh 5, i~j-2. in East Greenwich,
" deeded to his broth- ■^■^oMW^W'a?^ 3M^^nS»Hiw0H«»8<j)i€harity
■ -'"f?l<4 ^W'ia^''^,3k¥t4)P'i8nit>lR4W^f48 bs^(<if*fl:,'(fa«l-irij3l>; AtwiMifei] I'sec-
'i'.;. :..• r. 1- ,! e^ vl.id: oniii Mf:x> . .Il^y.ldaneii'drfpitiiWfeis arflitiii^-
i h ^{o^^ eiiiisted as a corporal in the Conti-
•4i3JQi*'iA-HD..- ,11V. in Captain Keith's company,
£ ,i(i tnB^?.sq .sno'd a&irij: isfrffia bnad b ho . ,3^x15 Hn& 'tBS|iG iiffJJ>§rt!)^ii«S&.i"ient ;
.^■^rwg tehv/ ^rf^tE^fc6qr^oo-I)A«rfH^*?S^^'7B"',:Jd$^ft'^§bffl■^7•
.(^•Irsd^rE'f ) )-r9v la^ri 3fi».,Md:B(i ^'i\c^lkh'^ipf't\!fAf4^'^fiP^t'^<^7, en-
(rr,,.„|, „,.,., r.,M,;,.'.i , V*-A3^.ft,^>HUftl«RtayiyW. Cap-
-'s company, Colonel Pyn-
.vi.Ufi.v t ; enlisted for three years,
.'sia'feMnaavmVf'ahtfeT^ nfll^dD'i«;;>m*^ife,,^'^her of
" !>i>in I'A East GreenAvich.
-sJ. Ca
Ti.
the
- uh where
I (• ;son Joshua
youngest sons
"200 each when
ijter Sarah and
€200 each.
—. £150.
liver Car-
rt Hall.
■..- , 'luue. He probably married (sec-
ond) Charity. He was the father of ten
children, the youngest of whom was
Amos.
(VII) Amos Carpenter, youngest child
of John and Sally (Stone) Carpenter, was
born in West Greenwich, Rhode Island,
August 23, 1793. He married (first), June:
19, 1813, Mary Bailey, born February 29.
1792; died August 3, 1855, a daughter of
Joseph Bailey. He married (second).
May, 1856, Eunice Bailey, sister to Mary,
born April 6, 1802, died December 31,
1887. The Baileys were an old Rhode Is-
1l5ail«
(£hnndier
a\)\lb
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
land family, William Bailey, the Ameri-
can ancestor, having come from London,
England, and settled in Newport, Rhode
Island, as early as 1655. Joseph Bailey,
a resident of West Greenwich, was a Rev-
olutionary soldier.
Amos Carpenter was a man of fine phy-
sique and varied attainments, being skilled
as a shoemaker, cooper, and carpenter.
During the depression of business in 1837
the family removed to a farm in the east-
ern part of Pomfret (now Putnam), Con-
necticut, where a family of six girls and
three boys were brought up in the strict-
est Puritan ways. Amos Carpenter died
December 29, 1872.
(VIII) John Anthony Carpenter, son
of Amos and Mary (Bailey) Carpenter,
was born June 23, 1828, in West Green-
wich, Rhode Island. During his boyhood
he assisted in the work of the farm, and
attended the district school. He attended
Wilbraham Academy for a short time,
and in 1846 went to Woodstock Academy
for one term. In the winter of that year
he commenced teaching school, which oc-
cupation he followed for nearly twelve
years with marked success. Some of his
classes in mathematics were remarkable
even in those days when the "three R's"
received so great a part of the energies of
both teacher and pupil. He inherited
from his father a fine constitution, a nat-
ural adaptability to any kind of work,
and a capacity for hard, unremitting labor.
In 1857 Mr. Carpenter took charge of
the counting room and stores of M. S.
Morse & Co., where he was employed un-
til July, 1866. He was then chosen cash-
ier of the First National Bank, which po-
sition he held for forty years. On Octo-
ber I, 1866, he was chosen treasurer of the
Putnam Savings Bank, which had been
organized but a short time, and had then
between $100,000 and $200,000 in de-
posits. He held the office of treasurer
about eight years, when the deposits ex-
ceeded $1,000,000. By statute no person
could be simultaneously cashier of a na-
tional bank and treasurer of a savings
bank with deposits amounting to $1,000,-
000, and Joseph Lippitt was chosen treas-
urer, Mr. Carpenter remaining one of the
trustees until his death.
Mr. Carpenter was always a Republican
and an active party worker ; he was chair-
man of the Republican Town Committee
through the War of the Rebellion and for
some time prior thereto, and in those try-
ing times he spent much time and labor in
the upbuilding of the party. He was
elected judge of probate for Putnam Pro-
bate District in August, 1863, and held
that office for thirty-five years. He had
the high compliment many times of being
nominated by the caucuses of both Re-
publican and Democratic parties, and but
one decision made by him was appealed
from and carried to the Superior Court.
He was the first warden of the town fire
district, and assisted in getting it in work-
ing order. He was also one of the first
school visitors of the new town of Put-
nam, and held that office many years.
Mr. Carpenter was active in the interests
of improvement in schools, churches, and
general town and city affairs, and was
always willing to pay his share of all ex-
penses. He had the management as ad-
ministrator or executor of the settlement
of many large estates, several of over
$100,000 and one of over $1,000,000 with-
out being required to give bonds. He
was trustee and guardian for several large
estates and managed them with great ex-
actness and fidelity and to the perfect
satisfaction of the parties interested. Mr.
Carpenter always had the full confidence
of his townspeople, and his integrity was
never questioned.
John Anthony Carpenter married (first)
Ann Elizabeth Williams, March 30, 1852 ;
17
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
she died August 19, 1856. He married
(second) Marcia J. Chandler. To Mr.
Carpenter's first marriage two children
were born: i. Nancy Jeanette, born Oc-
tober 9, 1853, died March 26, 1854. 2.
Byron Williams, born May 13, 1856, the
namesake of his maternal grandfather; he
married (first) Maria Louisa Aldrich,
February 15, 1876; she died July 5, 1884;
he married (second) Mrs. Emma M. Good-
speed, August 16, 1885 ; she died May 22,
1890; he married (third), December 20,
1890, Mary A. Moffitt ; he has one daugh-
ter, Elizabeth W. (Carpenter) Roedel-
heim. By his second wife, Marcia J.
(Chandler) Carpenter, Mr. Carpenter had
three children, all now living in Putnam:
I. Jane Elizabeth, born March 10, 1866,
married Edgar Morris Warner, clerk in
the Superior Court for Windham County ;
they are the parents of three children, all
now living in Putnam, CoVinecticut, name-
ly: Frances Lester (Warner) Hersey,
born July 19, 1888; Gertrude Chandler
Warner, born April 16, 1890; John A.
Carpenter Warner, born July 12, 1893. 2.
Annie Chandler, born December 28, 1867;
she married, November 8, 1895, Chester
Elisha Child, previously mentioned, a
lumber dealer, and they are the parents
of four children, namely : Ruth Carpenter
Child, Bertha Elizabeth Child, Edith
Whitney Child, Donald Ezra Child. 3.
John Frederick, born April 9, 1870, a
lawyer; he married (first), December 27,
1893, Alice M. Sharpe, and they were the
parents of three daughters, namely : Paul-
ine S. Carpenter, Alice Maud Carpenter,
Mary Carpenter; he married (second)
Elizabeth L. Cornwell.
The statements in Playfair, Burke, and
Davis and Owen, in regard to the descent
of the Tyrconnel Carpenters from John
Carpenter, of 1303, and also from William
Carpenter, of Homme, establishes the fact
that the Homme Carpenters are all de-
scended from John Carpenter, of 1303.
William Carpenter, the great-grandson of
William Carpenter, of Homme, was the
direct ancestor of the Tyrconnel Carpen-
ters ; and his third son, William Carpen-
ter, was the progenitor of the Rehoboth
branch of the family.
The following list will show the line of
Tyrconnel Carpenters, commencing with
John Carpenter, of 1303.
John Carpenter, born about 1303, mem-
ber of Parliament.
Richard Carpenter, son of John Car-
penter, born about 1335, a goldsmith.
John Carpenter, St., son of Richard and
brother of John Carpenter, town clerk of
London.
John Carpenter, son of John Carpenter,
St., born about 1410.
William Carpenter, son of John Car-
penter, born about 1440, died in 1520.
(The William of Homme.)
James Carpenter, son of William Car-
penter.
John Carpenter, son of James Car-
penter.
William Carpenter, son of John Car-
penter.
William Carpenter, son of William Car-
penter, born in 1576, a resident of London,
who came over in the "Bevis" in 1638
with his son William and wife Abigail,
and returned in the same vessel in which
he came over.
William Carpenter, the American pro-
genitor.
From : ''A genealogical history of the
Rehoboth branch of the Carpenter fam-
ily," 1898.
MILLER, Frank,
Bnsiness Man, Financier, Philanthropist.
Civic, financial, industrial, fraternal and
social circles were irremediably invaded
by a severe loss in the passing of Frank
78
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Miller, on August 13, 1921, out from all
these scenes of his activities at his home
city of Bridgeport, in which, at the time
of his death, he was a great outstanding
figure of the community, particularly in
matters of finance, wherein he was an
acknowledged peer. Veteran also of the
Civil War, as well as of many a com-
mercial campaign, he made a large suc-
cess of his life. He was a sound captain
of finance, a safe and sane leader of in-
dustry, a wise counselor of the citizenry
in their municipal affairs — a positive asset
of the community. "By the sudden death
of Frank Miller," said the editor of the
"Bridgeport Times" anent the death of
this leader in so many avenues of the
city's life, "Bridgeport loses one of its
oldest and best-known business men, a
man of forceful personality, a keen stu-
dent of financial affairs, and easily the
dominant figure in local financial circles.
Largely through his careful handling of
its aflfairs, he brought to its present posi-
tion the City National Bank, which now
ranks as one of the foremost financial
institutions in the East. He was the most
democratic of men, and the door of his
office was always open to those in need
of advice or assistance. Bridgeport can
ill afford to lose such men of his type."
Frank Miller was a descendant of
Thomas Miller, the founder of the family
in America, who settled in Rowley, Mas-
sachusetts, as early as 1643. He was a
carpenter by trade, although he was "li-
censed to draw wine." He and his wife
removed to Middletown, Connecticut,
where he became the town miller. He
died August 14, 1680. He married (first)
Isabel (date of marriage not recorded).
He married (second) June 6, 1666, Sarah
Nettleton, died March 20, 1727-28, at the
age of eighty-six years. Thomas, the eld-
est child of Thomas and Sarah (Nettle-
ton) Miller, was born at Middletown, May
6, 1667, and died September 24, 1727. He
caried on the milling business of his fa-
ther. He married (first) March 28, 1688,
Elizabeth, born December 14, 1668, died
February 9, 1695, daughter of Edward and
Mary (Sanford) Turner. He married
(second) December 25, 1696, Mary Row-
ell. Stephen, son of Thomas and Mary
(Rowell) Miller, was born at Middletown,
March 5, 1699, and died August 15, 1783.
It is supposed that he was a saw and grist
miller. He married, July 2, 1730, Anna,
born in 1710, and died June 10, 1777,
daughter of Richard and Hannah (Bulk-
eley) Goodrich.
Coming down to the fourth and fifth
generations in the lineage, paternal side,
of Frank Miller, one is made acquainted
with personal history of interest in con-
nection with this memoir. Stephen Mil-
ler (in the fourth generation), son of Ste-
phen (i) and Anna (Goodrich) Miller,
was born February 11, 1739-40, and died
July 21, 1822. He married (first) Octo-
ber II, 1761, Thankful, born September
12, 1739, and died April 12, 1777, daughter
of Daniel and Mehitable (Hubbard)
Whitmore. He married (second) April
2, 1780, Lucy, born in 1755, and died Jan-
uary ID, 1837, daughter of William and
Elizabeth (Jones) Roberts of Middle-
town. Stephen (2) Miller, grandfather of
Frank Miller, was an importer and a ship-
owner. He was engaged in trade of im-
mense proportions in rum, sugar, molas-
ses, and other products of the West In-
dies. He became one of the most prom-
inent men of Middletown. During the
War of 1812 he lost sixteen of his vessels,
sunk or captured by the British. Stephen
(3) Miller, father of Frank Miller, and son
of Stephen (2) and Lucy (Roberts) Mil-
ler, was born in Middletown about July
4, 1795, and died September 26, 1877. He
79
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
carried on farming extensively in Middle-
town, and owned and operated a grist
mill and conducted a lumber business.
He was associated with other important
enterprises in his home town. At the age
of sixty years he retired from all active
business pursuits, and lived at ease in
Middletown until his death. He mar-
ried (first) October 5, i8zo, Clarissa, died
in August, 1825, daughter of Noadiah
Whitmore of Middletown. He married
(second), December 2, 1827,, Lucretia,
daughter of Elisha and Lucretia (Tryon)
Fairchild. Children by the first marriage :
Stephen Whitmore, born October 22,
1821 ; Benjamin, born May 6, 1824. Chil-
dren by the second marriage : Darius,
Nathan Gladwin, Charles, Kate (Miller)
Strickland and Frank Miller, deceased
(see forward).
Frank Miller, son of Stephen (3) and
Lucretia (Fairchild) Miller, was born at
Middletown, August 3, 1848, and died at
Bridgeport, August 13, 1921. He received
his preliminary education in the public
schools of his native town. He afterward
studied at Chase Institute under the in-
struction of the celebrated Dr. Chase. In
1863, regardless of the fact that he was
but fifteen years of age, he enlisted for
service in the Civil War and was assigned
to the 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery.
He was with the Army of the Potomac
under General Ulysses S. Grant, and
served until the close of the war, having
participated in many severe engagements.
He came to Bridgeport to make his home
in the early 70's, and soon organized a
coal business, taking into partnership Er-
win Strickland, the firm becoming known
as Miller & Strickland. He later pur-
chased the Strickland interest and the firm
now became Frank Miller & Co., who car-
ried on an extensive business in their line
until 1907, when Mr. Miller disposed of
his interest to Archibald McNeil & Sons.
Mr. Miller then became active in other
fields of endeavor, among which the lum-
ber trade attracted his major attention,
and he organized the Frank Miller Lum-
ber Company, which became one of the
largest factors in that line in the Bridge-
port territory. He remained as president
of the company until his death. In 1889
Mr. Miller made his beginning in the
financial career that was to see him at the
very top among the leaders in banking
affairs in Bridgeport. In that year he was
elected a director of the City National
Bank, afterward becoming vice-president,
and in 1906, on the death of Edwin G.
Sanford, Mr. Miller was made president,
in which office he gave invaluable service
until 1919, in which year his services be-
ing so highly esteemed he was elected
chairman of the board of directors. Ow-
ing to his sound judgment, keen insight
and business acumen, his cooperation in
other lines of business was often sought,
and he became actively and financially
interested in a number of highly import-
ant— some of them epoch-making — enter-
prises. At the time of his death he was,
in addition to being chairman of the board
at the City National Bank, treasurer of
the Lake Torpedo Boat Company of
Bridgeport ; president of the Citizens'
Coal Company of Waterbury, Connecti-
cut, and was an officer in a number of
other business undertakings. While not
actively engaged in political affairs of late
years, Mr. Miller had been prominently
identified with the Democratic party, and
had held a number of offices, civic and
political. These included membership in
the Bridgeport Board of Education and
the Board of Apportionments. He was
deeply interested in religious and philan-
thropic advance, and at his death he re-
membered churches, hospitals, and the
80
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Salvation Army of Bridgeport with gifts
totaling one hundred and fifty thousand
dollars. These bequests have aided very
materially the beneficiaries in promoting
along extensive lines the causes that come
under their respective care. Mr. Miller
was an important member of the Masonic
fraternity, and was affiliated with Corin-
thian Lodge, No. 104, Free and Accepted
Masons ; Jerusalem Chapter, No. 13,
Royal Arch Masons ; Hamilton Com-
mandery. No. 5, Knights Templar; Pyra-
mid Temple, Ancient Arabic Order No-
bles of the Mystic Shrine ; and a 32d de-
gree Scottish Rite Mason. For many
years he was an active member of Elias
Howe Post, Grand Army of the Republic.
Mr. Miller married, November 29, 1869,
at Waterbury, Connecticut, Emily Lou-
ise Clinton of Woodbury, Connecticut,
daughter of Ira A. and Mary Lewis Clin-
ton. She died October 4, 1907. They
were the parents of three children, all of
whom are deceased. Mr. Miller married
(second), November 5, 1908, at New York
City, Anne Drew Hallock, daughter of
Henry E. and Mary Frances Drew Hal-
lock, of Bridgeport.
A fitting conclusion of this review of
such an important and conspicuous figure
and his life and deeds is embraced in the
following tribute paid to Mr. Miller by
organizations with which he had to do
either directly or indirectly during his
long and varied career :
Board of Directors of the City National Bank
OF Bridgeport.
Whereas, Frank Miller lived nearly all his busi-
ness life in Bridgeport, and by his strong person-
ality, broad vision and active participation in finan-
cial and public affairs made himself a leading spirit
in the growth and life of this city, and
Whereas, In recent years his chief business
activity centered in the City National Bank, which
he served as president for sixteen years and direc-
tor for thirty-one years, and whose affairs he
Conn. 11 — 6 gj
managed with great fidelity and rare skill ; now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That we, the directors of the City
National Bank, keenly feel the irreparable loss of
Frank Miller; and, be it further
Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be con-
veyed to his immediate family and to his associates
through the press, and that these resolutions be
inscribed on the minutes of this bank.
Board of Directors of the
City National Bank.
Charles E. Hough, President.
L. S. Catlin, Clerk.
Common Council of the City of Bridgeport.
With profound sorrow we record the passing
from this life of one of our most prominent citi-
zens, Frank Miller. Mr. Miller was a conspicuous
figure in the community through his active partici-
pation in the many phases of communal develop-
ment, financial, industrial and philanthropic. He
served the city faithfully in numerous official
capacities, and at the time of his passing was a
member of the Financial Advisory Board
His passing from the scene of his earthly labors
excites not only sorrow and grief, but a deep sense
of loss, for his opinions were of inestimable value,
and his energy, wisdom and loyalty were in con-
stant demand. The city of Bridgeport and all who
have been associated with him in the many years
of his active, resourceful and successful career, in
the many industries in which he was engaged, will
greatly miss him.
Resolved, That the Common Council, in record-
ing its sorrow on the death of Frank Miller, add
its testimony to his sterling qualities, worth and
services.
Resolved. That we extend our heartfelt sym-
pathy to the bereaved family in their irreparable
loss.
Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon
the minutes of the Common Council and a copy
thereof suitably engrossed be presented to the
bereaved family.
Clifford B. Wilson, Mayor;
J. Alex. H. Robinson, Clerk.
Directors of the Lake Torpedo Boat Company
OF Bridgeport.
Whereas, Frank Miller, late of this city, was
for many years a director and officer of the Lake
Torpedo Boat Company; therefore, be it
Resolved, That the service of Mr. Miller to this
company in planning and assisting in the building
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of weapons of defense for this country was con-
sistent with that patriotism which was an integral
part of his entire life from his early boyhood;
and, be it further
Resolved, That the directors of the Lake Tor-
pedo Boat Company mourn the loss of Mr. Miller
as that of a true friend and earnest fellow-worker
and a patriot with most lofty ideals ; and, be it
further
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be
spread upon the minutes of the company and that
a copy be sent to the family of the deceased.
The Lake Torpedo Boat Company.
Herbert S. Miller, President.
Endowed with the material of which
heroes are made, Frank Miller, though
nearly always in the van of every move-
ment or enterprise in which he had been
enlisted, never played to the galleries.
He was energized by that propelling
power the results of which are to be ob-
served in that type of men who by sheer
force of character, a forceful personal-
ity and a compelling capacity for doing
large things, find themselves naturally and
logically at the front. If self-conscious-
ness or an exaggerated retiring manner
restrains them from forging ahead to the
place that they should fill, their fellows
are apt to impress them into the service
for which they are by nature and train-
ing eminently fitted. It was so with Frank
Miller; and for the very good reason that
this was so, the city of Bridgeport as a
community, its financial, industrial, and
municipal institutions have been inspired
to do the best things in a better way — and
no man, from the world point of a vision
of greatness, could have done more than
he in having been a substantial citizen and
a source of inspiration to his fellow-men.
WHEELER, Nathaniel,
Organiser, Head of Iiarge Industry.
Nathaniel Wheeler, organizer and pres-
ident of the Wheeler & Wilson Manufac-
turing Company, makers of Wheeler &
Wilson sewing machines, was born in
Watertown, Litchfield County, Connect-
icut, September 20, 1820, and died at his
home on Golden Hill, Bridgeport, in the
same State, December 31, 1893.
(I) He was of the seventh generation
of his family in America, and a descend-
ant of Moses Wheeler, born in England in
1598, who came to New England with a
company from the County of Kent. In
1643 he received a tract of land in New
Haven. Some four or five years later he
removed to Stratford. His deed was the
first recorded at Hartford of the lands
bought from the Indians at Stratford.
Orcutt's "History of Stratford and Bridge-
port," says : "The first record found in re-
gard to public convenience is concerning a
ferry: The motion made by Mr. Ludlow
concerning Moses Wheeler for keeping
the Ferry at Stratford." He was a farmer
and ship carpenter, and established the
ferry across the Housatonic River. He
lived to the age of one hundred years,
and at the time of his death was an ex-
tensive landowner.
(II) Moses Wheeler, son of Moses
Wheeler, was born in 1651, and died Jan-
uary 30, 1724-25.
(HI) Samuel Wheeler, son of Moses
Wheeler, was born February 27, 1681-82,
died in 1721.
(IV) Captain James Wheeler, son of
Samuel Wheeler, born 1716, died in
Derby, Connecticut, July 9, 1768.
(V) Deacon James Wheeler, son of
Captain James Wheeler, born April 6,
1745, died in Watertown in 1819.
(VI) David Wheeler, son of Deacon
James Wheeler, was born September 6,
1789. He was a general builder and far-
mer, and had on his farm a small shop
where he employed a few men in various
ways, including the making of wagons and
82
Yac Sivciti- Co Boston
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
sleighs. He married for his first wife
Phoebe De Forest, by whom he had two
children: Joseph and Mary. His second
wife was Sarah De Forest, of the same
family, by whom he had four children :
Nathaniel, of whom further; George,
Jane and Belinda. The De Forests were
descendants of a Huguenot family of
Avesnes, France, some of whose numbers
fled to Leyden, Holland, to escape re-
ligious persecution. One of these, named
Isaac De Forest, son of Jesse and Marie
(DeCloux) De Forest, emigrated from
Leyden to New Amsterdam in 1636, and
there married Sarah Du Trieux. One of
their sons, David De Forest, settled in
Stratford, and was the ancestor of the
mother of Nathaniel Wheeler.
(VII) Nathaniel Wheeler, son of David
and Sarah (De Forest) Wheeler, attended
the schools of his native place, and, as
often related by his father, took his full
share of whatever work was to be done
on the farm or in the shop. It was
this helpfulness to others that prevailed
throughout his life, and wherever he was
there were always numberless examples
of those to whose welfare he contributed.
He was especially solicitous for the
welfare of those associated with him.
His associates and employees shared
generously in the fruits of his success.
He was early taught, by one skilled in the
work, the elaborate painting then in vogue
for vehicles, especially sleighs. This
enabled him in later years to devise meth-
ods for finishing woods, which changed
the processes in this work throughout the
country, and in other countries as well,
and to conduct experiments, leading to
the most successful results in finishing
the products of the Fairfield Rubber
Works. On coming of age he took entire
charge of the business of the shop, his
father retiring to the farm. A few years lat-
er he learned die-sinking, and took up the
manufacture of various small metallic ar-
ticles, largely buckles and slides, and by
substituting machinery for hand labor
greatly reduced the cost of production. He
was now well equipped with a knowledge
of metals, which qualified him to direct
work with marked success in all these
branches. In 1848 he united his business
with that of Alanson Warren and George
Woodruff, manufacturers of similar arti-
cles, the new firm taking the name of
Warren, Wheeler & Woodruff. They
bought a water privilege on the stream
flowing through Watertown, some mile
and a half below the center, and erected
a factory for the enlarged business, with
Mr. Wheeler in charge. While in New
York on business and looking for some-
thing to more fully occupy the new prem-
ises, he was shown the sewing machine
invented by Allen B. Wilson, which was
then on exhibition and attracting atten-
tion.
While it is true that the art of sewing
by machinery was American in its origin
and development, European genius had
been groping toward it for nearly a cen-
tury before, Weisenthal, as early as 1755,
Heilman, Thomas Saint (granted an Eng-
lish patent in 1790), Thimonier (who
first obtained a patent in France in 1830).
Newton, and Archbold of England, and
possibly others, essayed the invention, but
not one of these pointed the way to a
practical sewing machine. Something
was said to have been done by Walter
Hunt, of New York, as early as 1832 ; but
the contrivance alleged to have been
made was abandoned or neglected until
the success of others had become publicly
known. The invention of Elias Howe,
patented in 1846, was undoubtedly the
first important step toward a practical
machine, but the perfected "Howe" was
83
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
not patented until 1857. The inventor
who first reached satisfactory results in
this field was Allen B. Wilson, a native of
Cortland County, New York. While
working at his trade as cabinetmaker in
Adrian, Michigan, in 1847, he conceived
the idea of a sewing machine. He knew
nothing of what others had thought or
done in this direction. In 1848, in Pitts-
field, Massachusetts, while still working
at his trade, he completed the drawings
of his machine, and in the spring of the
following year finished his model. Al-
though not a machinist and not able to
procure suitable tools, he made with his
own hands every part of the machine,
whether of wood or metal. Authorities
agree that "this was the first machine
ever constructed, meeting to any extent
the requirements of a sewing machine."
This machine enabled the operator to
control at will the direction of the stitch-
ing, and thus to sew continuous seams of
any length, either straight or curved.
Continuing to improve and invent, he ob-
tained patents in 1850, 185 1, 1852, and
1854. The important improvements were
developed after Mr. Wheeler became in-
terested, and with his cooperation and
suggestion. Impressed with his first
views of Mr. Wilson's achievement, Mr.
Wheeler contracted with Messrs. E. Lee &
Company, of New York, then controlling
the patent, to build five hundred machines
at Watertown, Mr. Wilson agreeing to re-
move to that place and superintend their
manufacture. Shortly afterwards, rela-
tions with Lee & Company ceased, and a
partnership was formed between Messrs.
Warren, Wheeler, Woodruff, and Wilson,
under the title "Wheeler, Wilson & Com-
pany," for the manufacture of sewing ma-
chines. They manufactured the original
"Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machines,"
and made them successful. This was
largely due to the efforts of Mr. Wheeler,
who became the mercantile head of the
company, and led the improvements into
practical lines. The introduction of the
machine, placing it in factories and work-
shops and demonstrating its value in fam-
ilies, was carried out under his control.
Opposition, prejudice and disbelief melted
away before enterprising activity and per-
severance. In a brief period the machine
was in operation in New York and other
cities. In October, 1853, the business was
reorganized as a joint stock company un-
der the title "Wheeler & Wilson Manu-
facturing Company." The capital of the
corporation was one hundred and sixty
thousand dollars, the patents being valued
at one hundred thousand, and the machin-
ery at sixty thousand. The new subscrib-
ers to this stock, the foundation of the
fortunes of so many, enjoyed the profits
of the business without any cost whatever
to themselves, as they gave their notes for
the stock, but were never called upon to
pay any part of them, as Mr. Wheeler
financed the business, providing whatever
cash was necessary, and the notes were
paid by the profits of the business as they
became due. For a year or two Mr.
Wheeler acted as the general manager.
In 1855 he became president, and filled
that office during the remainder of his
life.
About the time that the Wheeler &
Wilson machine began to attract public
attention, the sewing machine invented
by Isaac M. Singer became known, also
the Grover & Baker sewing machine. All
these machines contained principles that
Elias Howe thought were covered by his
patents, and he commenced suits which
brought them together in defense. While
these were being contested, with the best
obtainable legal talent in the country on
all sides, Mr. Wheeler proposed that, as
84
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
these machines varied so much, they col-
lectively seemed to cover thoroughly the
field of sewing by machinery, yet each
obviously had extensive fields to which
each was particularly adapted, and as
Elias Howe's patents strengthened all, it
seemed wise that all should respect his
patents and the patents and devices of
each other, and in this way join in the
defense of each other's rights. This plan
was adopted, and led to many years of
successful business for all concerned. Mr.
Howe for many years received a royalty
for each machine manufactured by all
these companies, but for several years
did nothing himself in the way of manu-
facturing.
Mr. Wilson, eager to devote attention
in other directions and explore other fields
of invention, among which were cotton
picking machines, illuminating gases and
photography, early retired from active
participation in the business, retaining
stock in the company and receiving the
benefit of dividends, a regular salary
thereafter without services and substan-
tial sums on renewals of his patents. He
invested largely in building in North
Adams, Massachusetts, the scene of part
of his early life. He built a residence on
a beautiful site overlooking the Nauga-
tuck River opposite the city of Water-
bury, and continued to live there until
his death, April 29, 1888. The residence
enlarged, has since become the Water-
bury Hospital. His inventions have been
declared by high authorities to be "as
original, ingenious, and efifective, as any
to be found in the whole range of me-
chanics."
In 1856 the factory was removed from
Watertown to Bridgeport, Connecticut,
the company buying and occupying the
works of the Jerome Clock Company. Mr.
Wheeler also removed thither and at once
identified himself with the interest of the
city. With increased factory space and
improved machinery, the business ad-
vanced with rapid strides. The capital
stock was increased from time to time,
and in 1864 to one million dollars. Fire
swept a portion of the buildings in 1875,
but they were rebuilt immediately on an
improved plan. Additions were frequent-
ly made until the company's works cov-
ered a ground space of some fifteen acres.
In recognition of Mr. Wheeler's services
in his department of industry, he was
decorated at the World's Exposition held
in Vienna in 1873 with the Imperial Order
of Francis Joseph, and at the Paris Expo-
sition in 1889 he received the cross of
the Legion of Honor of France. In addi-
tion to many sewing machine patents,
either as sole inventor or jointly with
others, he held patents for wood filling
compounds, power transmitters, refriger-
ators, ventilating cars, heating and ven-
tilating buildings. The system for ven-
tilating school houses, originated by him,
was the forerunner of the best modern
practice, and was widely sought after and
copied.
As a business man, Mr. Wheeler was
distinguished for his organizing and ad-
ministrative abilities, his energy, enter-
prise, foresight, good judgment, and fair
dealings — qualities which were recognized
throughout the business world. His so-
licitude for all employed by the corpora-
tion of which he was the head was espec-
ially marked, and won for him profound
regard. He contributed largely to the
success of various important local enter-
prises. He was an incorporator of the
People's Savings Bank ; a director of the
Bridgeport City Bank, Bridgeport Hy-
draulic Company, Bridgeport Horse Rail-
way Company, Fairfield Rubber Com-
pany, Willimantic Linen Company, and
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
the New York, New Haven & Hartford
Railroad Company. He was an active
member of the Board of Trade, and the
Board of Aldermen, and of the building
committees of schools and county build-
ings, and a commissioner for building the
State Capitol at Hartford. He was one
of the founders and the first president of
the Seaside Club ; a donor to and one of
the chief promoters of Seaside Park of
the city of Bridgeport; and a. commis-
sioner for its development. He was the
principal founder of the business of the
Bridgeport Wood Finishing Company,
and through the invention of "Wheeler's
Wood Filler" introduced new methods in
finishing woods, which continue to be
more and more widely followed. He was
a generous contributor to and for thirty-
three years a vestryman of St. John Epis-
copal Church. A Democrat in politics,
Mr. Wheeler repeatedly declined nomina-
tion to official positions. He served in the
Bridgeport Common Council, and also for
several terms in the State Legislature and
Senate. Upright in every aim, he com-
manded the esteem of the people of his
native State, and especially of those in the
community in which for so long a period
he was a vital and beneficient factor.
Blessed with robust health until 1893, he
was overtaken by illness and died just
as the year closed.
His first wife, Huldah Ruth (Bradley)
Wheeler, of Watertown, Connecticut, to
whom he was married in 1842, died in
1857. There were four children by this
union: Martha, died young; Anna B.,
died young; Samuel H., a sketch of whom
follows ; and Ellen B. (Mrs. Edward W.
Harral). The Bradley coat-of-arms is as
follows :
Arms — Gules, a chevron argent between three
boars' heads couped or.
Crest — A boar's head couped or.
Motto — Liber ac sapiens esio.
On August 3, 1858, Nathaniel Wheeler
married Mary E. Crissy, of New Canaan,
Connecticut, who survived her husband
until April 20, 1910. By this mariage there
were four sons : Harry De Forest, born
April 6, 1863, died July 10, 1881 ; Archer
Crissy and William Bishop, twins, of
whom further ; and Arthur Penoyer, born
October 20, 1875, died July 13, 1877.
WHEELER, Archer Crissy;
WHEELER, WiUiam Bishop.
Archer Crissy Wheeler and William
Bishop Wheeler, the twin brothers, who
for many years resided at No. 350 Golden
Hill Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut,
where Archer Crissy Wheeler still re-
sides, were born on September 14, 1864,
in Bridgeport, County of Fairfield, State
of Connecticut.
In 1893, at the time of the death of their
father, his duties and responsibilities fell
largely upon his sons. Archer Crissy and
William Bishop, and Samuel H. Wheeler,
a son of Nathaniel Wheeler by a former
marriage with Huldah Ruth Bradley, of
Watertown, Connecticut, who died in
1857-
Like their distinguished father, these
three brothers took up the work of these
large interests which devolved upon them
with ever increasing scope and magnitude.
Samuel H. Wheeler assumed the active
management of The Wheeler & Wilson
Manufacturing Company, which was fin-
ally sold to Singer Manufacturing Com-
pany in 1905. With their brother-in-law,
Edward W. Harral, Archer Crissy and
William Bishop Wheeler continued the
management, with practically the entire
ownership of The Fairfield Rubber Com-
pany, of Fairfield, Connecticut, which be-
came one of the largest manufacturers in
its line of production, and which made the
highest grade of rubber fabric for auto-
86
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
mobile and carriage tops produced in the
United States. In 1916 The Fairfield
Rubber Company was sold to E. I. Du-
Pont DeNemours & Company, of Wil-
mingfton, Delaware.
Besides managing and developing these
manufacturing interests, these three
brothers were largely instrumental in the
present development of Main Street, the
principle business section of Bridgeport,
as it stands to-day. In 1905 they con-
structed The Security Building at No.
1 1 15 Main Street, and gave Bridgeport
its first eight-story, all fire-proof, steel
structure. Soon thereafter, Samuel H.
Wheeler constructed the Stratfield Hotel
and gave Bridgeport its first modern fire-
proof hotel.
About this time Archer Crissy and Wil-
liam Bishop erected at No. 1140 Main
Street the fire-proof department store now
occupied by Rockwell & Company. The
Wheeler Block, for many years occupied
by the D. M. Read Company, has be-
longed to the family for more than fifty
years, and the real estate holdings and
developments of the Estate of Nathaniel
Wheeler, which have been managed by
Archer Crissy Wheeler, as sole surviving
executor of his father's will, since the
death of Samuel H. Wheeler, are located
in nearly every section of the city of
Bridgeport.
The beautiful companionship existing
between these twin brothers has perhaps
rarely obtained, and was known and noted
by and among all their friends and ac-
quaintances. They lived inseparable lives
and hardly ever were they to be seen
apart. In business matters their com-
bined judgment was brought to bear with
unusual foresight, precision and success,
and their integrity and fidelity were rec-
ognized by all with whom they came in
contact. They were unfailingly courte-
ous and their friendships were strong and
lasting. Their acquaintances were many
and nearly every acquaintance could be
said to be a friend. They were members
and liberal supporters of St. John's Prot-
estant Episcopal Church, and were more
than usually interested in the various
charities and institutions of their city.
Moreover, their private charities were
large and many. With them, the worthy
who were in need could always find not
only an audience but sympathy and sub-
stantial assistance as well. They were
fond of outdoor life and derived much
pleasure from the study of its trees and
shrubs and birds and flowers. They were
also much interested and took part in
sports of various kinds, especially outdoor
sports, and were members of nearly all of
the clubs of Bridgeport, and of clubs of
other cities besides.
William Bishop Wheeler died Febru-
ary 20, 1920, and Samuel H. Wheeler died
November 14, 1920, leaving Ellen B. Har-
ral and Archer Crissy Wheeler as the sole
surviving children of Nathaniel Wheeler.
For the Genealogy of Archer Crissy and
William Bishop Wheeler, see Orcutt's
"History of Stratford and Bridgeport,"
published in 1886 by the Fairfield County
Historical Society.
WHEELER, Samuel Hickox,
Manufacturer, Developer of Real Estate.
Samuel Hickox Wheeler was born in
Watertown, Connecticut, September 16,
1845. He died in Chicago, Illinois, No-
vember 14, 1920. He died quite suddenly
of heart trouble. He was the son of Na-
thaniel and Huldah Ruth Bradley, who
had three other children. His father was
the organizer of the Wheeler & Wilson
Manufacturing Company, makers of sew-
insf machines, at first located in Water-
87
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
town, but after 1856 at Bridgeport, Con-
necticut. The paternal grandparents of
Samuel H. Wheeler were David and Sarah
(De Forest) Wheeler, and he was a
lineal descendant of Moses Wheeler, one
of the original members of the New
Haven colony, who came from England
in 1638 and was among the first to whom
land was allotted in New Haven. He
moved to Stratford in 1648, where he died
in 1698 at the age of one hundred, the
first of the immigrants known to have
lived a full century. His wife was Miriam
(Hawley) Wheeler. Huldah Ruth (Brad-
ley) Wheeler was the daughter of Lucius
Brown Bradley and Adelia (Hickox)
Bradley. She traced her ancestry to Wil-
liam Bradley, who emigrated to America
in 1637 from Bingley, Yorkshire, England.
He moved to New Haven in 1644.
Samuel H. Wheeler was prepared for
Yale College by James M. B. Dwight.
He graduated in the class of 1868. After
graduation he went to Chicago and took
charge of the business of the Wheeler &
Wilson Manufacturing Company as a
member of the firm of Farrar & Wheeler.
He withdrew from that firm at about 1886.
He then engaged in the real estate busi-
ness in Chicago. In 1894, on the death of
his father, he moved to Bridgeport, Con-
necticut, and became president of the
Wheeler & Wilson Manufacturing Com-
pany. He held that position until 1905,
when the company sold out to the Singer
Manufacturing Company. After his re-
tirement from the manufacturing busi-
ness he became active in the development
of real estate in Bridgeport. He built the
Stratfield Hotel in that city. He was
much interested in the subject of ventila-
tion, and the last few years of his life
spent a great deal of time working out his
theory. He wrote a pamphlet on the sub-
ject called "Natural Upward Ventila-
tion." It has caused very favorable inter-
est among those who are fighting tuber-
culosis. His idea is especially adapted to
schools, and he was instrumental in hav-
ing it installed in many, where it has
given much satisfaction. He spent much
time in reading and collecting books on
American colonial history. He was a
member of the Society of the Sons of the
American Revolution and the Order of
Founders and Patriots of America.
After coming East to live in 1894 he
made his home in Fairfield, Connecticut.
He belonged to St. Paul's Episcopal
Church of that place. He was buried in
Mountain Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport,
November 17. The funeral services were
conducted by the Rt. Rev. Chauncy B.
Brewster, one of his classmates.
He was married May 17, 1876, in Chi-
cago, Illinois, to Amelia Vernon Rumsey,
daughter of Julian S. Rumsey and Martha
(Turner) Rumsey. She died April 23,
1877. They had one daughter, Amelia
Rumsey, who in 1919 married Major
Craufurd-Stuart of the British Army. He
married again, June 18, 1844, at Lake
Geneva, Wisconsin, Elizabeth Theodora
Rumsey, the sister of his first wife. They
had three children: Theodora (B. A.
Vassar, 191 1 — M. D. Johns Hopkins,
1916). She married William P. Finney,
M. D., in 1916. Nathaniel Wheeler (Yale
B. A. 1914 — LL. B., 1916). Ellen Rum-
sey (B. A. Vassar, 191 5 — R. N. Presby-
terian Hospital, New York, 1920).
BRYANT, Waldo Calvin,
Manufacturer.
In the seventh generation from his im-
migrant ancestor, Stephen Bryant, born in
England, a member of Plymouth Colony
as early as 1632, Waldo Calvin Bryant has
by dint of inventive genius, hard work
88
;^fe^
^A^ ^2>*t.^^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
and close application to business risen to
the highly important position of president
of the Bryant Electric Company, a three
million dollar corporation of Bridgeport,
and during his long and successful career
he has given to the world a number of
electrical devices which have enabled
other manufacturers by their use to mar-
ket with vastly greater volume the prod-
ucts of their own plants, and incidentally
to add to their wealth, while the employ-
ment of these devices has contributed be-
yond all computation to the comfort and
convenience! of the mercantile and in-
dustrial public and of the home-maker ;
indeed, wherever electricity has carried
its modern-day blessings, the Bryant de-
vices have been made a vehicle of its ap-
plication. Mr. Bryant is a director in
other important industries, besides being
an official in two banks. The Bryant
Electric Company has contributed in a
very large measure to the industrial
growth and the prestige of the city of
Bridgeport as a manufacturing center. Its
head stands high in favor with the United
States government. During the World
War he was appointed chief of the Bridge-
port Ordnance District by the War De-
partment in February of 1918, a position
which he filled with remarkable ability
until January, 1919. After the United
States declared war against Germany, the
country was divided into thirteen ord-
nance districts. Previous to this action
Bridgeport had attracted country-wide
attention to itself because of its great out-
put of war munitions. The Bridgeport
district was officially named District No.
2 upon the United States Ordnance De-
partment becoming decentralized. Mr.
Bryant was given full authority for the
organization of his district, which became
the second in importance of its kind in
the country.
The founder of the Bryant family name
in this country, Stephen Bryant, has his
name in the records of Plymouth Colony
in 1638. Following his removal to Dux-
bury, he was listed as among those able to
bear arms in 1643. He was admitted a
freeman June 6, 1654, at Plymouth, to
which place he again had removed about
1650, He was a constable in Duxbury
June 6, 1654; highway surveyor at Plym-
outh June I, 1658; served on the jury
March 5, 1660-61 ; and was constable at
Plymouth June i, 1663. He married Abi-
gail, daughter of John Shaw, who came
from England. Their children : Abigail,
born in Plymouth Colony, married Lieu-
tenant John Bryant; John; Mary; Ste-
phen (2) ; Sarah ; Lydia, married William
Churchill ; Elizabeth, married Joseph
King. Stephen (2) Bryant, son of Ste-
phen and Abigail (Shaw) Bryant, was
born at Plymouth, February 2, 1658. He
settled at Plymouth. The principal facts
of his record of existence are the births of
his children. He married Mehitable, sur-
name unknown. Their children : Ste-
phen (3) ; David ; William ; Hannah ; Ich-
abod ; Timothy. Ichabod, son of Stephen
(2) Bryant, was born in Middleboro, Mas-
sachusetts, July 5, 1699. He was an an-
cestor of William Cullen Bryant, poet and
journalist, through his son Philip and
grandson Peter, father of William Cullen
Bryant. Ichabod lived in Raynham, Mas-
sachusetts, and from that village he re-
moved to North Bridgewater. He died at
Bridgewater, Massachusetts, November
22, 1759. He married Ruth Staples, who
died May 27, 1777. Their children : Philip,
married Silence Harwood ; Nathan ; Seth ;
married Elizabeth French ; Job, see for-
ward ; Gamaliel, settled in New Bedford,
Massachusetts ; Phebe, married Henry
Howard ; Ruth, married Holmes ;
Sarah, married Francis Cook ; Anna, mar-
89
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ried
Robinson ; Prudence, died un-
married.
Job Bryant, son of Ichabod and Ruth
(Staples) Bryant, was born in Bridge-
water or in the neighbor town of Rayn-
ham, Massachusetts, about 1742. He was
a blacksmith and a farmer. He was also
a soldier of the Revolution. He married
Mary Turner. Their children : Anna, mar-
ried Abiel Phillips of Easton ; Nathan, mar-
ried Sarah Jordan ; Calvin, married Re-
becca Morse ; Job Staples, married Lovice
Pratt ; Thirza, married Mannasseh Dick-
erman ; Oliver, married Nabby, daughter
of Timothy Ames ; Clement, see forward ;
David ; Samuel ; Asa, married (first) Me-
hitable Snow, married (second) Betsy
Snow, sister of his first wife ; Harriet,
married David Dunbar, Jr.
Clement Bryant, son of Job and Mary
(Turner) Bryant, was bom about 1785
at Bridgewater, Massachusetts. He was
a blacksmith virtually all his life. He en-
listed for service in the War of 1812, and
his widow received a pension in the form
of a grant of one hundred and sixty acres
of land. He died in 1837. He married in
1805, at Athol, Massachusetts, Rachel
Wheeler, daughter of Zaccheus Wheeler.
Their children : Royal ; Mercy ; George
Quincy Adams, of whom further ; Mary
Ann ; Richard ; Silence ; Jonathan ; Calvin
Turner, of whom further; and Rachel.
George Q. Adams Bryant, son of Clem-
ent and Rachel (Wheeler) Bryant, born
January 9, 1819, at North Orange, Mas-
sachusetts. He removed to Athol, and
later to Winchendon, Massachusetts,
where he engaged in house-painting in
partnership with his brother Calvin
Turner. In i860 they entered the grocery
business and remained together in that
line with great success until the death
of the brother Calvin, July 14, 1906,
since which time George Q. Adams con-
ducted the business. George served in the
Civil War, entering as a private and re-
turning as third sergeant. He married
Louise A. Roby, daughter of Moody
Roby, Peru, Vermont. She died June 20,
1894. They had no own children. They
adopted Finette Miller, daughter of Mary
Ann (Bryant) Miller, sister of Mr. Bry-
ant. Children of Thomas and Mary Ann
(Bryant) Miller: Joseph of Athol; Albert
of Athol ; Finette, married John W.
Barnes, of Westminster, Massachusetts.
Calvin Turner Bryant, eighth child of
Clement and Rachel (Wheeler) Bryant,
of Athol, Massachusetts, and father of
Waldo Calvin Bryant, of this review, was
born June 11, 1830, at Athol. His time
outside school was spent in his uncle's
chair factory. After a year of work in a
restaurant in Worcester, Massachusetts,
he was employed by the successor of the
first owner, and subsequently bought the
restaurant. He sold out that business
and started another restaurant. After a
year had passed he abandoned that busi-
ness and entered a pistol factory. Tak-
ing part in the gold rush to California, he
remained there from 185 1 to 1855, and
"made his pile." He again went West in
1856, and returned in the fall of that year
to Winchendon, where he engaged in
house-painting. In 1859 he journeyed
to Pike's Peak in quest of gold, but was
unsuccessful. He went on by ox-team
to California and remained there a
year, when he returned to Winchendon
and his house-painting, which business
he conducted until i860, when he and
George Q. Adams engaged in the gro-
cery business, which Calvin Turner fol-
lowed until his death, July 14, 1906, the
partnership having been in existence for
forty-six years. Calvin Bryant was a
member of the First Baptist Church of
Winchendon. He was an active member
90
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of the Republican party, and was overseer
of the poor of his town for a number of
years. He was a director of the Win-
chendon Cooperative Bank from its in-
corporation until his death. He was one
of the town's most highly respected and
esteemed citizens. Calvin Bryant mar-
ried, October 9, i860, Almeda Dexter, of
Royalston, Massachusetts, born January
2, 1830, daughter of Ebenezer Wheeler
and Cynthia (Walker) Dexter. Mr. Dex-
ter was born March 24, 1780; died in i860.
He was a farmer and mill owner and held
many responsible offices in Royalston.
His wife was born December 19, 1799;
died in May, 1870. The children of Cal-
vin Turner and Almeda (Dexter) Bryant:
Flora Almeda, born November 21, 1861,
and became a valued teacher in the Win-
chendon public schools; Waldo Calvin,
of this review.
Waldo Calvin Bryant, son of Calvin
Turner and Almeda (Dexter) Bryant, was
born December 17, 1863, at Winchendon,
Massachusetts. He attended the schools
of his native town until he was fourteen
years of age, when he entered the shops
of Baxter D. Whitney at Winchendon
and began to learn the machinist's trade,
also pursuing his studies during the
school terms and serving at his trade dur-
ing the vacation periods. After finishing
his course of study at the grammar school
when he was sixteen years of age, he en-
tered Cushing Academy at Ashburnham,
Massachusetts, and prepared for entrance
to Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He
was graduated from the institute in the
class of 1884 at the age of twenty with the
degree of Bachelor of Science. He at
once secured a position in the expert
department of the Thomson-Houston
Electric Company of Lynn, Massachu-
setts. He only held that position one
month, and was transferred to Bridge-
port as assistant to George Cutter in the
operation of the local electric light plant.
He continued to fill that position until the
spring of 1885, when a Bridgeport com-
pany took charge of the local plant, and
he went to Waterbury, Connecticut, to
take charge of a part of the work of super-
intending the Waterbury Electric Light
Company. He was with the Waterbury
Company a little more than three years,
and during that period he had invented
the Bryant "push and pull switch," which
with other electric light supplies he soon
began to manufactureataplant in Bridge-
port. He organized the Bryant Electric
Company, having only a small capital,
but having taken out patents on a number
of electric lighting devices, he continued
to manufacture them until July, 1889,
when he incorporated the Bryant Electric
Company with a capital stock of five thou-
sand dollars.
Under the skilfully guiding hand of Mr.
Bryant the business of the corporation
took on amazing growth, and it is rated
as at the very forefront of concerns of the
kind in this country. Mr. Bryant fills the
positions of president, treasurer, general
manager and director of the corporation.
He also occupies the offices of president,
treasurer, general manager and director
of the Perkins Electric Switch Manu-
facturing Company. He is a man of in-
fluence in financial circles, and is a direc-
tor of the First National Bank of Bridge-
port, and vice-president and trustee of the
People's Savings Bank. His connection
with other enterprises includes director-
ships in the Bridgeport Hydraulic Com-
pany, the Bridgeport Brass Company, the
Bead Chain Manufacturing Company, and
the Siemon Corporation. He is a director
of the Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport
Public Library and Bridgeport Boys'
Club. He is a member of the American
91
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Institute of Electrical Engineers of New
York. His clubs are the Union League,
Bankers' University, and the New Eng-
land Society of New York, the Brook-
lawn, University and Algonquin of
Bridgeport, the Country Club of Fair-
field, Connecticut, and the Metabetchouan
Club of Canada.
Mr. Bryant married, April 6, 1887, Ida
Gerald of New London, Connecticut, and
they have two children : Waldo Gerald,
born July 30, 1891, and Doris, born March
26, 1902 ; graduated from the Westover
School, Westover, Connecticut.
Waldo Gerald Bryant, son of Waldo
C. and Ida (Gerald) Bryant, was born in
Bridgeport, Connecticut, July 30, 1891.
He was educated in public and private
schools in Bridgeport, the Hotchkiss
School and Sheffield Scientific School,
Yale University, class of 1914. In that
year the Bead Chain Manufacturing Com-
pany was organized and incorporated and
he became president and treasurer, posi-
tions he still retains. May i, 1917, he
enlisted at Newport, Rhode Island, in the
United States Naval Reserve Forces as
quartermaster, third class, for service in
the World War. September 15, 191 7, he
was transferred to the submarine base at
New London, Connecticut, and was de-
tailed for duty with the board of anti-sub-
marine devices. In January, 1918, he was
commissioned an ensign, and continued
his duties with the same board in experi-
mental work and in the development of
anti-submarine devices until January i,
1919, when he was ordered on inactive
duty until May i, 1921, when he was hon-
orably discharged. Mr. Bryant is a direc-
tor of the Bridgeport Trust Company.
His clubs are the Brooklawn Country
and the University of Bridgeport, the
Pequoit Yacht Club of Southport, Yale
Club of New York City, and the Meta-
betchouan Club of Canada. Mr. Bryant
married, October 7, 1919, Ruth McCaskey,
daughter of Frederick E. and Marietta
(Beach) McCaskey, of Toledo, Ohio. Mr.
and Mrs. Bryant are the parents of two
children : Ruth Ann and Waldo Dexter
Bryant.
BISHOP. Henry Alfred,
Rail'iray Official.
Having as his American progenitor
Rev. John Bishop, Puritan minister of
Boston, Massachusetts, who afterward be-
came the minister at Stamford, Connecti-
cut, Henry Alfred Bishop, of the fifth
generation of descent, has become one of
the best-known railroad men of the East.
He is a son of the celebrated William D.
Bishop, who as president of the New
York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad
Company gave to that system one of the
very best administrations known to rail-
road annals in the United States, and
brought that property up to a high grade
of efficiency and a place of prosperity
which since never has been surpassed and
seldom equalled in all its history. The
deplorable state of the New Haven system
of these latter days does not have its root
in the regimes at the head of which were
those genii of railroading who were of the
House of Bishop.
Henry Alfred Bishop has proved his
worth as the son of a great father, and in
addition has demonstrated his own ability
in managing important transportation
systems. He has had much to do with
the coordination of the railroad lines of
the New England States, inclusive of val-
ued service to the New Haven Railroad in
its palmy days and of executive and man-
agerial offices on railroads of the Middle
Atlantic States. His contributions to the
political life of the State of Connecticut
92
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
and his home city of Bridgeport have been
marked with fidelity to the trust reposed
in him when he filled the offices of mem-
ber of the State Legislature, a member of
the Board of Aldermen and president of
the Board of Police Commissioners. His
business, financial, social and fraternal
associations are widely varied and of great
value, he being either an officer, a director
or a stockholder in numerous industrial
and financial institutions and corpora-
tions, while in club life and in the realm
of the more important fraternities he has
membership of long standing. His career
has, in fact, shed additional luster on the
family name of Bishop, of which the peo-
ple of Connecticut in general and of New
England as well are justifiably proud.
The surname Bishop was in common
use in England many centuries ago, and
some eleven immigrants of that name
emigrated from there with their families
before 1650. Rev. John Bishop, minister
of Stamford, who founded the family
name in this country, married (first) Re-
becca, surname unknown. He married
(second) Joanna Royce, widow of Rev.
Peter Prudden and of Captain Thomas
Willet of Swansea. Massachusetts. Of the
first union there were six children, of
whom Stephen was born in Stamford
about 1660. He married Mercy, surname
unknown, and had eight children. He
had a son, John (2), born in Stamford
about 1680 and married Mary Talmadge
of Stamford. They had nine children.
From Rev. John Bishop the direct line
descends through :
(I) Pierson Bishop, lineal descendant
of the minister of Stamford, was living in
that town in 1790. He married Hannah
Finch, and had children, among whom
was William.
(II) William Bishop, son of Pierson
and Hannah (Finch) Bishop, born June
23, 1769, at Stamford, died February 24,
1844. He married Susanna, at Bridge-
port, daughter of John and Sarah (Nich-
ols) Scofield. They had eleven children,
of whom was Alfred.
(III) Alfred Bishop, son of William
and Susanna (Scofield) Bishop, was born
at Stamford, December 21, 1798, and died
June 12, 1849. He had a great career as
a railroad contractor and built a large
canal and a bridge over the Raritan River
at New Brunswick, New Jersey, and was
the first and chief builder of the New
York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad,
the old Housatonic Valley and the Berk-
shire, Washington & Saratoga Railroads,
and the Naugatuck Railroad, which after-
ward became a division of the New Haven
system. He was the first member of the
House of Bishop to lay the foundation of
the family fame as builders and execu-
tives of great transportation properties.
He married Mary, daughter of Ethan Fer-
ris of Greenwich, Connecticut, who died
January 3, 1833. They had three children.
(IV) William D. Bishop, second son of
Alfred and Mary (Ferris) Bishop, was
born in Bloomfield, New Jersey, Sep-
tember 14, 1827, and died February 4,
1904. He was the greatest of the Bishops
who had to do with the upbuilding and
executive management of the New Haven
Railroad System. He was graduated
from Yale University in the class of 1849,
having had a brilliant career as a student.
He was a skillful debater in the college's
political forum, and was president of the
Linonia Society, which was rated as one
of the highest honors in the college world
of his time. His father having died in
June, 1849, during the month of his gradu-
ation, the mantle of heavy responsibility
fell upon his young shoulders — he was
only twenty-two at the time. William
D. completed the contracts, including rail-
93
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
roads in the West. In his young man-
hood he became a director of the Nauga-
tuck Railroad. Next he filled the office
of superintendent, and the directors,
stockholders and the public saw almost at
once that in William D. Bishop they had
a "born railroad man." In 1855, six years
after leaving college, he was elected pres-
ident of the Naugatuck road, and he de-
veloped the property into one of the best
paying railroads in the United States. He
served as president of the Naugatuck for
twelve years, and in 1867 he was elevated
to the position of chief executive of the
New York, New Haven & Hartford Rail-
road, retaining, however, his interest in
the Naugatuck Railroad, to whose pres-
idency he was recalled in 1885. The in-
terims on the Naugatuck had been filled
as president by Russell Tomlinson, 1867-
69, and E. F. Bishop, brother of William
D., 1869-83. While the Naugatuck was
under the management of William D.
Bishop, that railroad became one of the
most conspicuous of the transportation
properties in the country ; for it netted the
shareholders a ten per cent dividend re-
turn, and it was on this basis that it was
leased to the New York, New Haven &
Hartford Railroad in 1887. Of the long
period of prosperity which the New
Haven system enjoyed under the guiding
hands of the Bishop family thirty-six years
constituted the tenure of office of William
D. Bishop as president, and in October,
1903, his health having become impaired,
he retired from office and was succeeded
by his son, William D. Bishop, Jr. The
senior Bishop's name remained at the
head of the list of directors of the New
Haven until his death. During his term
of office he was a member of the Con-
necticut General Assembly, and during
his membership an act was passed con-
solidating the New York and New Haven
and the Hartford and Springfield lines.
Later the Shore Line was leased, and the
Harlem & Port Chester and the Hartford
& Connecticut Valley roads were ab-
sorbed into the New Haven. Mr. Bishop
was a director for many years of the Hou-
satonic Railroad, and was a director of the
Bridgeport Steamboat Company, which
now is controlled by the New York, New
Haven & Hartford Railroad Company.
He was founder and president until his
death of the Eastern Railroad Associa-
tion, which was formed to protect the
railroads of the East against patent suits.
Mr. Bishop was an outstanding leader
of the Democratic Party in Connecticut
of his time. He was elected to Congress
in 1857, and was the youngest member
of that body, being also noted for his
eloquence in debate, or in impromptu
speeches. Failing of reelection, he was
appointed commissioner of patents by
President Buchanan, and he systematized
his department, so that it functioned in
a highly efficient manner. He was ad-
mitted to the bar of the State of Connecti-
cut in 1870, and in 1871 he was elected
representative from the Bridgeport Dis-
trict to the Connecticut Assembly. In
1877-78 he was a member of the State
Senate. He drafted and promoted the
passage of the general railroad law, which
was declared to be a model of its kind.
Mr. Bishop married Julia Ann, daughter
of Russell and Martha H. Tomlinson.
They were the parents of five children :
I. Mary Ferris, born October 4, 1851. 2.
- Alfred, born June 11, 1853, died April 18,
1854. 3. Dr. Russell Tomlinson, born
April I, 1856; married Minnie Lockwood,
and has one child, Julian Tomlinson. 4.
William Darius, Jr., born December 16,
1857, married February 21, 1882, Susan
Adele, daughter of Elihu Benjamin Wash-
burn, and has children : Natalie W. and>
94 W'
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ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
William D. Bishop (3). 5. Henry Alfred,
of whom this review is made. 6. Nathan-
iel W., born July 16, 1865 ; married, Octo-
ber 31, 1889, Anna Lucinda, daughter of
Dr. I. DeVer H. Warner of Bridgeport,
and has children, Warner, Alfred, and
Nathaniel W., Jr.
(V) Henry Alfred Bishop, son of Wil-
liam D. and Julia Ann (Tomlinson)
Bishop, was born in Bridgeport, Decem-
ber 4, i860. He was educated in the Hill-
side School of Bridgeport, Hurlburt's
School at Lime Rock, Connecticut, and
General William H. Russell's Military
School at New Haven, Connecticut. He
matriculated at Yale University in the
class of 1884, but did not finish his course.
While at college he was elected a mem-
ber of the fraternities D K, Hay Boulay,
and Psi Upsilon. His career as a railroad
man began September 21, 1881, when he
was appointed general ticket agent of the
Naugatuck Railroad. In 1883 he was
made purchasing agent, and in 1885 as-
sistant superintendent, holding all these
offices until February, 1886. He next was
appointed superintendent of the Housa-
tonic Railroad and when that road had
leased the Danbury Railroad, he was
made general superintendent of the Hou-
satonic and all its subsidiaries or branches.
He was appointed purchasing agent of the
New York, New Haven & Hartford Rail-
road April I, 1887, and held that office
until his resignation, March i, 1902, to be-
come the acting vice-president of the
West Virginia Central and the Western
Maryland Railroad companies, which had
been acquired by a syndicate in which he
was interested. He was afterwards ele-
vated to the vice-presidency of both rail-
roads, but he relinquished his offices in
December, 1903, owing to his father's ill-
health. He has, however, since been ac-
tively connected with different railroad
companies. He stands high in circles of
commanding influence in the city of
Bridgeport, which he served as a member
of the Board of Aldermen with his usual
marked ability. He was elected in 1886
to the State Legislature at Hartford. He
was president of the Board of Police Com-
missioners of the city of Bridgeport from
1888 to 1890. He was a candidate for the
office of Secretary of State on the Demo-
cratic ticket in 1888, and in 1904 was a
candidate for lieutenant-governor. For
each of these offices he received a large
vote. He was president of the Bridgeport
Board of Trade in 1900-01. He is the
president and a director of the Bridgeport
Public Library and of the Bridgeport
Boys' Club. He is a director of the Texas
& Pacific Railway Company, Westchester
Street Railway Company, Brady Brass
Company, vice-president and a member of
the executive committee of the Consoli-
dated Telephone Company of Pennsyl-
vania, trustee of the People's Savings
Bank of Bridgeport, chairman of the
board of directors of the McNabb Com-
pany, a director of the Bridgeport Gas
Company, director and member of execu-
tive committee of the Western Union
Telegraph Company, director of the
American District Telegraph Company.
He was vice-president and a director of
the Connecticut National Bank of Bridge-
port, afterward consolidated with the
First National Bank, of which he is a
director. He is vice-president of the Her-
rick Combustion Company and the Pacific
Iron Works, vice-president and a director
of the Clapp Fire Resisting Paint Com-
pany and a director of the Brooklawn
Company. He is a member of the Sinking
Fund Commission and of the City Finance
Committee of Bridgeport, a director of
the Mountain Grove Cemetery Associa-
tion and a trustee of the Bridgeport
95
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Orphans' Asylum and the Ladies' Charit-
able Society. He is a communicant of St.
John's Protestant Episcopal Church, a
member of its vestry and chairman of its
finance committee. He is a member of
the Sons of the Revolution, the Society of
Colonial Wars and the BridgefKirt Scien-
tific and Historical Society. He is affili-
ated with all the bodies of the Free and
Accepted Masons up to the 33d Degree,
and is a member of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. He is a mem-
ber of the Contemporary Club, a former
president and honorary member of the Al-
gonquin Qub, member of the Brooklawn
Country Club and a former president of
that organization, member of the Uni-
versity Club of Bridgeport, member and
secretary of the membership committee of
the New York Yacht Club, member of the
Yale Club of New York, the Recess Club,
the Hollenbeck Club of Connecticut and
the Metabetchouan Fish and Game Club
of Canada.
Mr. Bishop married, February 6, 1883,
Jessie Alvord, daughter of William E.
Trubee, of Bridgeport. Their children: i.
William Alfred, born 1885, died 1886. 2.
Marguerite Alvord, graduate of Ingleside
School, New Milford, Connecticut; mar-
ried Dr. H. LeBaron Peters, and has chil-
dren, Henry Walker and William Charles
Peters. 3. Henrietta. 4. Henry Alfred,
Jr., educated at the Hotchkiss School and
Yale University ; married Gloria Gould,
youngest daughter of George J. Gould.
The Henry Alfred Bishop residence is
No. 179 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport.
FONES, Hon. CivUian, D. D. S.,
Dental Snrgeon.
Born in the same year that the city of
Bridgeport was chartered by the Connect-
icut General Assembly as an incorporated
municipality, and of which he was twice
elected mayor. Dr. Civilian Fones, who
became one of the most prominent men in
municipal affairs of his time and one of
the foremost dentists of the State of Con-
necticut, was the father of a distinguished
son, who, following in the footsteps of his
parent, is recognized as without a peer
in his profession. Dr. Alfred C. Fones,
known throughout the country as "The
Father of the Dental Hygienist Move-
ment." During the terms of office of the
senior Fones and his regime as mayor, the
city of Bridgeport and its people became
the beneficiaries of an era of remarkable
progress in municipal improvements and
in the forward movement of her institu-
tions and the general uplift of the body
politic. It was mainly through his efforts
and influence that Congress was persuaded
to pass a bill and make the appropriation
for the erection of the United State Post
Office and Government Building at Broad
and Cannon streets, on the site of the old
St. John's Church, Bridgeport. Profes-
sionally he rose to the place of very high-
est esteem and confidence in the city of
his immediate activities, and in the State
his abilities were recognized by his ap-
pointment for two terms as a member of
the Connecticut State Dental Commission
by Governor Morris and of which body he
was elected president upon its organiza-
tion. He had also been honored with the
presidency of the Connecticut Valley
Dental Association and of the Connecti-
cut State Dental Society. When he died
in 1907, at the age of seventy-one years,
there passed one of the most remarkable
figures and versatile citizens of his gener-
ation in the city of Bridgeport, and his
death was mourned not only by the mu-
nicipality but also by men prominent in
official walks in the government of the
State, while to the dental profession there
96
J
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
was lost a member who had graced it
with his skill and with a rare and pleasing
personality and splendid fellowship.
In the sixth generation from his im-
migrant ancestor, Captain John Fones,
who settled in Newport, Rhode Island,
before 1659, ^"d afterwards lived at
Jamestown and Kingston, Rhode Island,
Civilian Fones was of French Hugue-
not stock, his paternal great-grandfather,
Daniel Fones, having been one of those
who became exiles to England during the
reign of Louis XIV and afterwards be-
came an officer in the British navy. Upon
his retirement from the service of the
Crown he was awarded a grant of fifteen
hundred acres of land in Rhode Island,
where the old town of Wickford now
stands, and on which he located. Daniel
Fones, his son, who was the father of
Christopher, who was the father of Civil-
ian Fones, was born on the ancestral tract.
Christopher, also born on the family
homestead, married Sarah A. Marigold of
South Carolina, who was of English an-
cestry, and for a time, while serving as
architect and builder in connection with
a large contract that he was executing in
Toronto, Canada, lived in that city and
the vicinity, and it was while a temporary
resident there that his son. Civilian Fones
was born, October i, 1836, at Belleville,
Province of Ontario. Civilian was reared
in his father's profession and business,
but, on the family returning to the United
States and taking their residence in
Bridgeport, the son became identified with
the pioneer dental manufacturing estab-
lishment of Dr. D. H. Porter, where he
began to study for the profession of den-
tistry. Subsequently he entered the Bal-
timore Dental College, whence he was
graduated ; and for forty-six years he
practiced his profession with signal suc-
cess in Bridgeport, his clientele including
Conn. 11 — 7 97
some of the wealthiest and most influen-
tial families in the city and its suburbs.
He became a member of the first Connect-
icut State Dental/ Commission, having
been appointed by Governor Luzon B.
Morris, in 1892-93, and was reappointed
by Governor Coffin for his second term.
Dr. Fones identified himself with the
Republican Party upon its organization,
but it was not until 1884 that he held a
political office. In that year he was
elected to represent his ward as council-
man in the City Government of Bridge-
port. In the following year he was elected
alderman, and he continued to advance in
the favor of the electorate ; for in 1886 he
was elected mayor of the city, having the
unusual honor conferred upon him of the
support of both parties. He overcame the
opposition's majority by about one thou-
sand votes, and in the campaign of the
ensuing year, 1887, his administration re-
ceived a remarkable endorsement in his
reelection by an increased majority, with
the virtually united support from both
parties. Some of the improvements
accomplished during his administrations
were the removal of the railroad tracks
from Water Street, the removal of the old
Miller Building, the erection of the lower
bridge and the locating of several gates
and crossings. Both of his terms as
mayor were marked with harmony, and
there was no political disturbance by
either party, so that his conduct of the
city's business was virtually untrammeled
and he was permitted to carry out his
policies without interference. Dr. Fones
was grand marshal of the great civic and
military parade in 1888 as a part of the
celebration of the bi-centennial of the in-
corporation of the borough of Bridgeport.
He was a member and had served as
president of the Seaside Club and the
Outing Club. He was also a member of
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
the New York Athletic Club and was
affiliated with all the bodies of the Free
and Accepted Masons, inclusive of the
32d degree Scottish Rite. He was also
a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows.
Dr. Fones married, October 21, 1863,
Phoebe E., daughter of Alfred S. Wright
of New York City. Their children :
George, died at the age of four years ;
Grace ; and Dr. Alfred C. Fones.
FONES, Alfred C, D. D. S.,
Dental Surgeon.
It may be stated with emphasis that no
member of the dental profession, at least
in the State of Connecticut, has done more
to confer the benefits of the advancement
of that department of surgery upon the
people of the commonwealth than has
Dr. Alfred C. Fones, son of Dr. Civilian
and Phoebe E. (Wright) Fones, born in
Bridgeport, December 17, 1869, and who
is acknowledged by his contemporaries to
be at the very pinnacle of the profession.
The great strides in dental hygiene among
the school children of the city of Bridge-
port and later among the schools of large
communities of the State and country are
traceable to the professional foresight and
skill of Dr. Fones, who was among the
first, if not the very first, to develop the
idea of training women to become assist-
ants to dentists in prophylactic work.
How much this progressive step has
accomplished in promoting the campaign
for sanitation of the oral cavity can only
be measured by the almost phenomenal
rise in the health of the school population
and in the beneficent results of the edu-
cation in dental hygiene not only upon the
pupils themselves but also indirectly upon
the entire family at home. The vision
that Dr. Fones received a quarter of a
century ago has been concretely realized
in the state-wide adoption of prophylactic
treatment in the hands of specially trained
women in service in dental establishments
following the amendment of the State
dental law, at his request, to the effect
that women who were not graduate den-
tists might be employed in that depart-
ment of operative work. Such remark-
able results were attained by this move-
ment, that Dr. Fones was led to seek the
establishment of dental hygiene by means
of clinics among the school children of
Bridgeport. Patient and painstaking at-
tention to the line of campaign he had
marked out was finally crowned with suc-
cess. Dr. Fones is recognized as an au-
thority on this subject, and on it he has
read many papers before dental society
gatherings and prepared many articles for
magazines devoted to the profession.
Having received his elementary train-
ing and preparatory education in the
Bridgeport schools, Alfred C. Fones en-
tered the New York College of Dentistry,
whence he was graduated in the class
of 1890. He at once engaged in the
practice of his profession in association
with his honored father, who many
years before had become established
as a dentist in Bridgeport. Some of
the high lights in Dr. Fones' career have
been raised by the following incidents:
In 1900 he conceived the idea of training
women specially for prophylactic work.
He evolved a system of instrumentation
and polishing for use in his office, and
practiced it until 1905, when the lack of
proper amount of time for the work forced
him to carry out his original conviction
of the employment of a trained woman for
that work. He did so, and has had a
highly trained woman on his staff at his
office for twenty years. He has made
prophylactic treatments compulsory with
98
'U ^. ^'^
i
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
his patients. It was in 1907 that as chair-
man of the legislative committee of the
Connecticut State Dental Association he
was able to secure an amendment to the
State dental law providing for the legal-
ized employment of women specially
trained in prophylactic treatment as as-
sistants to dentists. In 1900 he inaugu-
rated prophylactic work in his office. Be-
ginning in 1909, and after four years of
strenuous effort, he secured an appropria-
tion of five thousand dollars by the
Bridgeport City Council to the Board of
Education to conduct a demonstration of
the value of an educational and preventive
dental clinic. Dr. Fones enlisted the aid
of other professional men in order to make
use of the special fund and to train the
new corps of women prophylactic opera-
tors in Dr. Fones' magnificently appointed
office building where there were excellent
facilities for such a class. In 1914, eight-
een prominent educators of the East gave
their services gratis to educate the first
corps of women to be known as dental
hygienists, the title now generally applied
to them at the suggestion of Dr. Fones in
preference to "dental nurse," "prophy-
lactic assistant," etc. A textbook on the
subject of "Mouth Hygiene — A Textbook
for Dental Hygienists" was published and
now is in its second edition, it being in
use in many of the hygienists' training
schools. In 1915 Dr. Fones secured an
amendment to the State Dental law which
prescribed the field of the dental hygienist
and made provision for licensing these
women, for the first time in any State of
the Union. The movement has spread
from the private offices of dentists, to the
public schools, to hospitals and to dis-
pensaries. The soldiers in the World War
who were mobilized in Bridgeport were
given the prophylactic treatment by the
dental hygienists of Connecticut, with
beneficial results. This work was organ-
ized and conducted by Dr. Fones as a
free clinic in his office. In addition to this
war work, Dr. Fones served on the Dental
Committee of the Medical Board, Council
of National Defense, and was chairman of
the government's sub-committee on den-
tal hygiene for mobilized men and was
chairman of the New England division
of the Preparedness League of American
Dentists.
Dr. Fones has served as chairman of the
oral hygiene committee of the National
Dental Association. When his own
courses were completed he cooperated
with the courses in oral hygiene at Colum-
bia University, in 1918-22. In October,
1920, he was appointed professor of pre-
ventive dentistry at the Columbia Uni-
versity Dental School, and conducted this
course for two years. Owing to the pres-
sure of his work in Connecticut Dr. Fones
was obliged to resign his professorship.
In February, 1921, he went to Honolulu,
at the request of ex-Governor George
Carter and Mrs. Carter, to suggest a plan
for dental service for the school children
of the Hawaiian Islands. His suggestion
of a plan for a dental hygienist training
school was carried out in connection with
a central dental infirmary in Honolulu,
endowed by Mrs. Carter. The supervisors
of the training school were hygienists sent
out from Bridgeport to conduct the first
course in 1922. The Hawaiian Islands
now support the educational and prevent-
ive service in all public schools in the is-
lands, and hygienists are trained for this
purpose at the Honolulu Dental Infirm-
ary.
Dr. Fones' two-story office building in
Bridgeport is without doubt the most
unique, artistic, and aseptic building de-
voted to dental work owned and operated
by a dental surgeon in connection with his
99
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
private practice in this country, if not in
the world. A printed description of it is
wholly inadequate to give the correct idea
of the beauty, symmetry, appointments,
and equipment contained in this archi-
tectural and professional gem. One must
visit the building, spend not a little time
in inspecting its various departments and
hearing an explanation of the whole and
the several parts from Dr. Fones or one
of his highly specialized attendants. An
expert in dental matters has well said :
"Undoubtedly many will say : 'Only a
man of great wealth could indulge in such
an office building.' The odd thing is that
this is no realized air castle of a rich man.
This building, luxurious as it is, has been
constructed and is managed on purely
business principles. Everything is so
systematized, invested capital, cost of
maintenance and office charges so har-
monize that a wonderfully unique, abso-
lutely aseptic, thoroughly professional
dental establishment has been proven to
be practical."
Dr. Fones was president of the Con-
necticut State Dental Association, a mem-
ber of the Connecticut State Dental Com-
mission, the Northeastern Dental Asso-
ciation, The American Dental Associa-
tion, and is deeply interested in educa-
tional work, having been a member of the
Bridgeport Board of Education for seven
years and having served as its president in
1922-23. He is a Republican in politics,
a member of the University and the
Brooklawn Country Clubs of Bridgeport.
A summary of Dr. Fones' highest pro-
fessional— and civic — services to his com-
munity and country at large would quite
properly embrace these salient facts : He
has established an auxiliary department
in dentistry for the prevention of dental
disease — a new profession for women
known as dental hygienists. At pres-
ent there are ten training schools for
the education of dental hygienists, and
twenty-six states have amended their
dental laws to permit these dental hy-
gienists to practice. It was in Bridge-
port in 1914 that, at the instance of Dr.
Fones, there was started the first edu-
cational preventive dental clinics in the
public schools of that city. To-day they
are the popular vogue over this country
and in Europe, the inception of this pro-
gressive movement having been in the
city of Bridgeport.
Dr. Fones married, November 16, 1892,
Elizabeth Harwood, daughter of Henry
Harwood, a banker of Chicago, Illinois.
BASSICK, Edgar W.,
Manufacturer.
It was the good fortune of Edgar W.
Bassick, widely known industrial captain
and man of aflPairs, of Bridgeport, to have
been very happily born. On the paternal
side his immigrant ancestor was a linguist
of note and became fluent in seven dif-
ferent languages, being also a sea trader
to a considerable extent. His grandfather
was a prosperous Maine farmer, who gave
each of his children a good education and
saw them well started in life. His father
was the discoverer of the first gold field in
Australia ; he became one of the pioneer
gold mine discoverers and owners of fa-
mous gold producing mines in America.
The son, Edgar W. Bassick, whose activ-
ities have ramified over the American
continent, inherited his father's and his
great-grandfather's capacity for big busi-
ness, and he has amplified that inheritance
many-fold. Besides his heavy industrial
investments, he is prominently identified
with banking circles in Bridgeport. Dur-
ing the World War he was one of the
most highly valued men in the service of
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
the government, being at the head of a
division under the War Industries Board.
The origin of the surname Bassick is
found in the French surname Basquet,
meaning a native of Biscay. In England
the spelling is Bassack, and Burke gives
the coat-of-arms as follows :
Arms — Azure, three piles wavy, in point or, on a
chief of the first as many mascles of the second.
The family seat was at Stepney, Mid-
dlesex, England.
(I) George Bassick, the first of the
name in this country, emigrated from
England to Canada, where he settled on
the shore of the St. Lawrence River, and
was there educated by a Colonel Coleman.
He became noted as a linguist, being
known to speak at least seven different
languages. It is said that he came to
Prospect, Maine, to act as interpreter. He
settled at Hampden, Maine, in 1790, pur-
chasing lot No. 126 in the center of the
town. A considerable portion of his time
was occupied with trading, and he was
lost at sea on the vessel "Blackbird." He
married in Maine, Sarah Goodell, who at-
tained the age of ninety years and died at
Prospect. According to the Federal Cen-
sus of 1790, he was still at Frankfort, now
Winterport, Hancock County, Maine.
(II) William Bassick, son of George
Bassick, was born at Boxport, or Pros-
pect, Maine, 1790-1800, and died at Wal-
do, Maine, at the age of seventy-seven
years. He was reared by his mother, re-
ceiving his education in the district
schools, and was engaged in farming at
Prospect, throughout the active years of
his life. He was an earnest, conscientious
man. He married Polly Chase, who died
at the age of seventy-seven years. Their
children (born at Prospect) : Eliza Ann,
married Edward Gay ; William ; Mary
Jane, married Winthrop Ellis ; Nathaniel ;
Margaret, married William Adams ; John,
died young; Ira, died at the age of five
years ; Edmund Chase, of whom further.
(HI) Edmund Chase Bassick, born
August 10, 1833, son of William and Polly
(Chase) Bassick, died March 15, 1898,
while on a business trip to Denver, Colo-
rado. His early life was spent on his
father's farm at Waldo, Maine, until he
was fourteen years of age, when he
shipped on his uncle's vessel, and made a
voyage around the world. He later
shipped as second mate on another vessel
and went to Australia. Although he was
not much more than a mere boy, it was
while he was in that country that he dis-
covered the first gold to be found on that
continent. News of his discovery was
followed by the wild rush to the gold-
fields that featured the stirring scenes on
sea and continent in the years around
1850. After spending six years in Aus-
tralia young Bassick returned to his home
in Maine. In 1873-74 he was in Colorado,
prospecting its hills in search of gold. In
1877 he discovered what was afterward
known as the Bassick mine in Querida,
Custer County, in the Wet Mountain
Valley, near Silver Cliff, Colorado. This
mine developed one of the richest pro-
ducers of gold in the United States. Sub-
sequently Mr. Bassick acquired interests
in other mines all known as rich mining
properties. He also became heavily in-
terested in Colorado coal lands. In the
fall of 1880 Mr. Bassick came to Bridge-
port and acquired the old Sherwood place
at Hancock and Fairfield avenues, and
later purchased the beautiful residence,
"Lindencroft," built by the late P. T.
Barnum. From the very first of his com-
ing to Bridgeport Mr. Bassick was a firm
believer in the ultimate growth and pros-
perity of the city, and in the eventual
development on a large scale of the West
lOI
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
End, where he owned large realty hold-
ings. His long acquaintance with mining
properties had raised him to the place of
expert on the determination of the value
of such properties ; and his advice on these
matters was eagerly sought by owners
and prospective investors. He was a man
of quiet manner, clear insight, vigorous
action, and keen judgment. He was de-
voted to his family and found his greatest
pleasure in their society. He was an
ardent lover of flowers and took great de-
light in his extensive grounds and green-
houses. He enjoyed an acquaintance that
extended the country over, and his pass-
ing was deeply mourned by all who knew
him. He married, in 1871, Rebecca Eliza-
beth (Webb) Walters, daughter of Fred-
erick Cleveland and Cynthia Davidson
Webb. Their children: Edgar Webb, of
whom further; Frederick Cleveland, a
sketch of whom follows; William Ros-
coe ; and Margaret Harriett, who married
William H. Parks, of Springfield, Massa-
chusetts.
(IV) Edgar Webb Bassick, one of the
leading manufacturers of Connecticut and
a financier widely known in that State,
whose vested holdings are centered in
some of the most important industries of
the country, was born in Elston, Kansas,
April 22, 1872, and removed with his par-
ents, Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Chase Bas-
sick, to Denver in 1879, and later to Bel-
fast, Maine. In 1880 he came with his
parents who settled in Bridgeport, where
he was educated at the hands of private
tutors and in the old Jones School and in
the public schools of Bridgeport, conclud-
ing his studies with a course at the Peek-
skill Military Academy, Peekskill, New
York. His first employment was as office
boy and billing clerk with the American
Tube and Stamping Company, where he
remained two years. He then removed to
Kansas City, Missouri, where he engaged
in the wholesale and retail notion busi-
ness. After a year spent in Kansas City,
at the request of Mr. Burns, of the old
Burns & Silver Company, of Bridgeport,
who asked him to return to that city to
enter his employ and to grow up with his
increasing business, although the offer
was not very alluring, he accepted it, be-
ginning at the very bottom rung of the
ladder. He worked his way upward un-
til, in 1897, he was made secretary of the
company. In 1898 his father died in Den-
ver, and the son went West and took over
his father's aflfairs and adjusted them
satisfactorily ; and in doing so he demon-
strated his capacity for doing things on a
large scale. In 1900 he returned to
Bridgeport and joined the Burns & Silver
Company, purchasing a stock interest;
and a few years before Mr. Burns' death,
in 191 1, he acquired a one-half interest in
the M. B. Schenck Company, castor manu-
facturers, of Meriden, Connecticut. Upon
Mr. Burns' death, Mr. Bassick became
president of that company. When the
World War burst upon the nations Mr.
Bassick went to New York city, opened
offices and engaged in the sale of explos-
ives to the French government and of
large quantities of time fuses for the
Canadian government. He next pur-
chased the Universal Castor and Foundry
Company of Newark, New Jersey, and
shortly afterward organized the Bassick
Company, which took over the Burns &
Bassick Company, the M. B. Schenck
Company and the Universal Castor and
Foundry Company, capitalized at one and
one-half million dollars, preferred, and
three million dollars, common stock. Not
long after the United States entered the
World War, the great Bassick plants were
mobilized on war work, manufacturing
hand grenades and harness hardware. Mr.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Bassick was appointed chairman of the
Harness Hardware Division by the War
Industries Board. He was also interested
in a shipbuilding plant at Mobile, Ala-
bama. The war ended, the Bassick Com-
pany purchased the Alemite Lubricator
Company of Chicago, and organized the
Bassick Manufacturing Company. In 1923
the Bassick Alemite Company's Delaware
corporation was formed and it took over
the plants of the Bassick Company, the
Bassick Manufacturing Company, the
Alemite Products Company of Canada
and later the Allyne-Zerck Company of
Cleveland, Ohio, and the E. F. Evans
Company of Detroit, Michigan. The Bas-
sick Alemite Company was the holding
company, and was the parent of the Bas-
sick subsidiaries. Mr. Bassick is also
identified with numerous other enter-
prises. He is vice-president of the Bridge-
port Savings Bank, a director of the First
National Bank and a trustee of the Young
Women's Christian Association of Bridge-
port. His clubs are Brooklawn and Fair-
field Country and India House of New
York. He is a Republican in politics. He
is a member of the Free and Accepted
Masons and is a communicant of St.
John's Episcopal Church, Bridgeport.
Mr. Bassick married, May 18, 1897,
Grace Elizabeth Morris, a graduate of
Smith College, and a daughter of Mar-
shall E. and Margaret Winter Morris of
Bridgeport. Mr. Morris for a number of
years was associated with his father in
the Sewing Machine Cabinet Company of
Bridgeport, and was a large real estate
holder in that city.
Mr. and Mrs. Bassick are the parents of
three children: i. Elizabeth Morris Bas-
sick, educated at the Courtland School in
Bridgeport, the Capen School and Smith
College in Northampton, Massachusetts ;
married Tracy Campbell Dickson, son of
General Tracy C. Dickson, United States
Army ; has two children : Tracy Campbell
Dickson, 3d, and Grace Bassick Dickson.
2. Edgar W. Bassick, Jr., born in Febru-
ary, 1902, educated in public schools of
Bridgeport, the Taft School of Water-
town, Connecticut, and the Tome School,
Maryland. 3. Marshall Morris Bassick,
born in October, 1912.
BASSICK, Frederick C,
A modern philosopher, no doubt bor-
rowing from ancient opinion, declared
that the education and preparation for
life of any person should begin genera-
tions before birth, the meaning being that
a child must depend upon its forebears for
success in a great measure. Much de-
pends upon ancestry.
Frederick C. Bassick, son of Edmund
Chase and Rebecca Elizabeth (Webb-
Walters) Bassick, was born at Rosita,
Colorado, December 2, 1876. On his
paternal side an immigrant ancestor was
a linguist of note, becoming fluent in
seven different languages. He was a sea
trader to some extent, and thus knew the
world. His grandfather was a prosperous
Maine farmer who gave each of his chil-
dren a good education and saw them well
bestowed in life. His father discovered
the first gold field in Australia, and it was
he who by his rich find started the great
gold rush to that continent in the early
fifties. Thus he was one of the pioneer
gold mine discoverers and owners of one
of the most famous gold mining enter-
prises in the world. (See ancestry on a
preceding page.)
Frederick C. Bassick, son of Edmund
Chase and Rebecca Elizabeth (Webb)
Bassick, was born in Colorado, as noted.
In his early boyhood he removed with his
parents to Belfast, Maine, and later to
103
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Bridgeport. He was educated by private
tutors and the old Park Institute, the Uni-
versity School, and the Hotchkiss School,
Lakeville, Connecticut. His first employ-
ment was with the Crawford Dyeing and
Cleaning Company of Bridgeport, with
which he remained two years, when he
organized the Bridgeport Metallic Pack-
ing Company, of which he became pres-
ident. He continued in this position for
five years, when he disposed of his busi-
ness and in 1907 went with the Burns &
Bassick Company to learn the business.
He was successful in this, and later was
made secretary and manager. On the
death of Mr. Burns he still continued as
secretary and manager, and later became
chief engineer of the Bassick Company,
retiring from the organization January i,
1925. For years he had been a director
of the company.
Mr. Bassick is a Republican in politics,
a member of the Brooklawn and Algon-
quin clubs, and the Fairfield Country
Club. February 18, 1913, Mr. Bassick
married Lillian Cordelia Wheeler, daugh-
ter of Wilmot C. and Sarah F. Curtis
Wheeler, both of pioneer Connecticut
families. Mr. and Mrs. Bassick are the
parents of a daughter, Lillian Cordelia
Bassick.
HAVENS, Elmer H.,
Iron Merchant.
Perhaps no man has contributed more
substantial and progressive effort to the
cause of education in the city of Bridge-
port than has Colonel Elmer H. Havens,
who for twenty years has been a member
of the Board of Education, serving first
as secretary and afterward president,
which office he continues to fill, so great
was the demand of the people and of his
fellow members that he occupy that posi-
tion, to which he was drafted against his
will following his two years of voluntary
retirement after a continuous service of
eighteen years. Colonel Havens is a mem-
ber of Hunter & Havens, leading iron and
steel merchants of Bridgeport. He has
served his city in various important ca-
pacities, always without remuneration,
over a long period of years, having been
a member of the City Council and of the
Board of Health before entering upon his
honorable career as a member and the
executive head of the Board of Education.
He has been a member of the staff of
two governors of Connecticut, through
which service he attained his rank of
colonel. He has also been a member of
the Republican State Committee and of
the Republican City Committee of Bridge-
port ; in fact his record of service to State
and city is a well rounded and meritorious
one, to which he has generously contrib-
uted of his time and talents.
Colonel Havens is descended with other
members of the old colonial family spell-
ing their surname with a final "s," this
being the only family of that name and
period north of Virginia regularly doing
so, and his immigrant ancestor was Wil-
liam (i) Havens of England, who came
to Rhode Island and was admitted an in-
habitant of Aquidneck, later called Rhode
Island, in 1638, and on April 30, 1639, he
and twenty-eight others signed a com-
pact : "We ... do acknowledge our-
selves the legal subjects of His Majesty,
King Charles, and in his name do hereby
bind ourselves into a civil body politicke,
unto his laws according to matters of
justice." William (i) Havens had a
grant of four acres of land at Portsmouth,
Rhode Island, in 1644. December 2, 1662,
he leased his dwelling house with all lands
belonging thereto to his son John. His
will was proved September 25, 1683, his
104
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
executrix being his wife Dennis, or Di-
onis, who died in 1692. Children of Wil-
liam (i) Havens: i. William (2). 2.
John, married Ann, and both died in 1687.
They had sons William, John, Nicholas,
Daniel. 3. Sarah, married John Tyler,
who died in 1700. She died in 1718. 4.
Thomas, died in 1704. He had sons, Wil-
liam, Thomas, and Joseph. 5. Robert;
wife Elizabeth ;they had children, Robert,
Ruth Elizabeth, William, George, Joseph.
6. George (2), of whom further. 7. Mary,
married Thomas Cook, and died in 1670.
8. Ruth, married a Card. 9. Dinah. 10.
Elizabeth. 11. Martha. 12. Rebecca. 13.
Margaret.
George (2) Havens, son of William and
Dionis Havens, was born at Portsmouth,
Rhode Island, and died on Shelter Island,
New York, February 21, 1706-7. He was
made a freeman in 1680; taxed in Kings-
town, Rhode Island, 1687 ; constable in
Jamestown, Rhode Island, July 15, 1695.
He was on Shelter Island in 1701. He
married, in 1674, Eleanor, daughter of Ed-
ward and Elizabeth (Mott) Thurston,
Quakers of Newport. She was born in
March, 1655; died November 7, 1747. She
married (second) a Terry, of Newport.
Children, born in Rhode Island: i. George
(3), of whom further. 2. Jonathan, born
February 22, 1681 ; married, January i,
1706-7, Hannah Brown. 3. William, died,
unmarried, in 1746. 4. John, married
Sarah (surname unknown) and had nine
children. 5. Content, married Cornelius
Payne. 6. Patience, married a Soper. 7.
Desire, married Henry Gardiner, August
4, 1710. 8. Abigail.
George (3) Havens, son of George (2)
and Eleanor (Thurston) Havens, died at
Fishers Island, March 14, 1734; buried, on
the i6th, at Groton, Connecticut. He is
said to have been born on Shelter Island ;
but in a deed given by George Havens of
Kingstown, Rhode Island, in 1701, the
giver calls himself the son of George of
Shelter Island. His wife's name was
Mary. Their children: i. Joseph. 2
Edward, married, 1724, Desire Terry. 3
George. 4. William. 5. Ebenezer. 6.
Thurston, married, 1752, Jerusha Polly
7. John. 8. Eleanor, married a Davilt. 9
Abigail, married a Fish. 10. Hannah. II
Mary. 12. Ruth.
Jonathan Havens, brother of George
Havens of Shelter Island, had a son
George, a grandson George, and a great-
grandson George, of Shelter Island. The
public records of Somers, Connecticut, in
Volume III, of "Allen's Enfield, Connect-
icut," contains the following tombstone
inscriptions in evidence that George
Havens lived in that town : "David, son
of George and Sarah Havens, died Sep-
tember 22, 1822, aged ten weeks," and
"Infant son of George and Sarah Havens,
died May 2, 1837." George Havens, great-
grandson of Jonathan Havens, married,
November 22, 1 781, at Saybrook, Connect-
icut, Lucretia Denison, and there was a
Jonathan Havens in New London County,
Connecticut, in the census of 1790.
Colonel Havens' grandfather was
George (one of the more immediate an-
cestry) Havens, who was a resident of
Somers, Connecticut. His son was George
(2) Oliver Havens, born November 6,
1831, at Somers; died July 31, 1918, at
Bridgeport. He was reared on a farm and
educated in the district schools. In 1859
he came to Bridgeport and entered the
employ of the Wheeler & Wilson Sewing
Machine Company, and he remained with
that concern until 1912, a period of fifty-
three years, when he retired. He was
ever interested in local affairs of Bridge-
port, being also a Republican in his poli-
tics ; and he gave excellent service both as
councilman and alderman from the old
105
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Fifth Ward during the terms of office of
Mayors Morford and De Forest. For
several years he was chairman of the old
Barnum School District in the days when
the city of Bridgeport had many school
districts, and before the era of consolida-
tion. He was a member of St. John's
Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and
for forty-three years was a member of
Samuel H. Harris Lodge, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. He married Clara
M. Moore, daughter of Jonathon and Cla-
rissa Moore, of Brookfield, Massachusetts.
They were the parents of two sons: i.
Frederick W. Havens, of Springfield, Mas-
sachusetts. 2. Colonel Elmer H. Havens,
of this review.
Elmer H. Havens was born October 2,
1864, a son of George Oliver and Clara
(Moore) Havens, and was educated in
the grade and high schools of Bridgeport.
For a brief period he was employed in the
grocery establishment of Rogers & Mor-
ford, and in 1887 he organized the firm of
Patchen & Havens, iron, steel and heavy
hardware merchants. Two years later
his firm was consolidated with S. S.
Hunter, and the new organization was
known as Hunter, Patchen & Havens. In
1912 Mr. Patchen retired from the firm,
and the business was carried on under the
style of Hunter & Havens. Upon the
death of Samuel S. Hunter in 1914, his
son, Roland L. Hunter, succeeded to the
partnership, and the firm continues to be
known as Hunter & Havens. In the ear-
lier days of the firm's career the metal
chiefly sold by them was wrought iron,
but the wonder working changes in ma-
chinery, formulas and processes had de-
veloped the products into open-hearth
steel, which to-day forms the major part
of the firm's merchantable line. The firm
has an enviable reputation and is one of
the best known in the iron and steel trade
in this section of New England. It has a
valuable good-will, which is synonymous
with the large volume of business which
it enjoys.
Mr. Havens since attaining his majority
has always been an ardent supporter of
the Republican party. He continues un-
abated his interest in municipal affairs in
his home city as well as in the political
doings of the State. He entered actively
into the municipal life of the city in 1891,
when he was elected a member of the
Council from the Fifth Ward. In 1893
Mayor Taylor appointed him a member of
the Board of Health, and when Mayor
Mulverhill came into office he appointed
Mr. Havens to succeed himself on the
Board of Health. In 1903 Mr. Havens
was elected a member of the Board of
Education, and he began then a period of
service which has been of untold benefit
to the city in the administration of its
school department. Mr. Havens continued
to be a member of the board until 1921,
and for many years was honored with the
offices of secretary and president by his
fellow members. He voluntarily retired,
in 1921, believing that he had given his
full meed of service in that capacity to the
city, but only two years elapsed when he
was drafted, much against his will, to
stand for election to the same board. He
was elected and at once resumed his for-
mer duties as president, which office he
still retains. During his incumbency
many reforms have been instituted and
improvements established ; among these
are the building of the Central and War-
ren Harding high schools, which stand as
monuments to the wise and beneficient
administration of Bridgeport's school de-
partment. Mr. Havens has been a di-
rector of the Bridgeport Public Library
for eight years, and in that capacity has
given to that important center of the
106
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
city's civic life the benefit of his many
years of experience in educational matters.
Governor George L. Lilley, in 1908, hon-
ored Mr. Havens with an appointment to
his official staff, the position carrying to
the appointee the rank of colonel. Upon
Governor Lilley's death Colonel Havens
was reappointed by Governor Frank B.
Weeks. His membership of the Re-
publican State Committee and of the
Bridgeport Republican City Committee
has covered a considerable length of serv-
ice, in which he has been of invalu-
able aid to the political movements and
achievements of his party. Colonel Hav-
ens is a director of the First National
Bank of Bridgeport and is president of
the Norwalk Company of South Norwalk,
Connecticut. He is affiliated with the
Free and Accepted Masons and the In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows. He
is affiliated with the First Presbyterian
Church, Bridgeport. His clubs are the
Algonquin and Brooklawn Country,
Bridgeport.
Colonel Havens married, June 10, 1891,
Emma Curtis, daughter of Freeman Lewis
and Georgianna Howard Curtis, of Strat-
ford, Connecticut. Mrs. Havens is a sis-
ter of Judge Howard J. Curtis of the Con-
necticut Supreme Court. Colonel and
Mrs. Havens have children: i. Helen
Curtis, a graduate of Columbia Univer-
sity ; married Howard Lyons Stone of
Bridgeport, and has children, Donald, de-
ceased ; Howard, Jr. ; and Jean Stone. 2.
Mabel Howard, a graduate of Wellesley
College; married Garner Kippeu Birds-
eye, and has one son, John Havens Birds-
eye. 3. Kate Elinor, a graduate of Colum-
bia University ; married Dr. George
Cowles Brown, and has children, Eliza-
beth and Curtis Havens Brown. 4. Eliza-
beth Moore, educated at the Emma Wil-
lard School, Troy, New York; married
H. Livingston Morehouse, secretary of
the Bridgeport Trust Company, and has
one son, Bradley Morehouse. 5. Emmy
Lou Havens, educated at the Emma Wil-
lard School and Vassar College.
WALDO, George Curtis,
Editor.
When a half century ago, April 1, 1867,
George C. Waldo came to Bridgeport as
local reporter and city editor of the
"Standard," he began an association with
that paper and with Connecticut journal-
ism which has never been broken. His
previous efforts in law and business had
not proved to his liking, his tastes and
talents from youth having been literary
and his eflForts in other directions did not
prove satisfactory. His mother, a writer
and poetess, encouraged the literary
tastes of her son and under her direction
he absorbed the best in English literature,
his reading of the poets being very ex-
tensive. When he finally embarked upon
the sea of journalism he had found his
proper element, his search had terminated,
and as editor-in-chief he remained an act-
ive contributor to the newspaper on which
he began his career. During this half cen-
tury he took a part in every movement
for the upbuilding of Bridgeport, either
personally or with his pen, and in church,
scientific society, historical society, and
club he advanced the particular ,object for
which each was organized. While he
made the political fortunes of others and
ardently supported the principles of the
Republican Party, he asked nothing im-
portant for himself and kept compara-
tively free from the entanglements of po-
litical office.
He traced his ancestry through seven
generations to Cornelius Waldo, born
about 1624, in England, it is supposed,
107
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
died in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Jan-
uary 3, 1700-01. Cornelius Waldo claimed
descent from John, brother of Peter Wal-
do, founder of the Waldenses in France,
1 170. Cornelius Waldo is first of record
at Salem, Massachusetts, July 6, 1647.
The line of descent from Cornelius Waldo,
the founder, is through his son, John
Waldo, a soldier of King Philip's War, a
deputy to the General Court from Dun-
stable, Massachusetts, in 1689; later a
settler in Windham, Connecticut. He
married Rebecca Adams, daughter of
Captain Samuel and Rebecca (Graves)
Adams, who survived him. The line con-
tinues through Edw^ard Waldo, third son
of John Waldo, a teacher, farmer, lieu-
tenant of militia and Assemblyman of
Windham, and his first wife. Thankful
(Dimmock) Waldo; their son, Shubael
Waldo, and his wife, Mary (Allen) Waldo ;
their son, Daniel Waldo, of Chester-
field, New Hampshire, a soldier of the
Revolution, and his wife, Hannah (Carl-
ton) Waldo; their son Shubael (2) Waldo,
of Chesterfield, New Hampshire, and his
first wife, Rebekah (Crosby) Waldo;
their son, Josiah Crosby Waldo, and his
first wife, Elmira Ruth (Ballou) Waldo,
they the parents of George Curtis Waldo,
of Bridgeport.
Josiah Crosby Waldo was born Decem-
ber 5, 1803, at Chesterfield, New Hamp-
shire, died August 28, 1890, at New Lon-
don, Connecticut. He studied under the
Rev. Hosea Ballou, of Boston, became a
minister of the Universalist Church and
gave his life to the propagation of that
faith. His work was widespread in his
early years, covering the large cities and
towns of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana and
part of Virginia and Tennessee. He was
a pastor of the First Universalist Church
of Lynn, Massachusetts, 1835 to 1839, and
pastor of the First Universalist Society in
West Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1841-47,
and from 1849 to 1854 labored in Troy,
New York, and afterward for several
years in New London. He published over
one hundred controversial sermons, took
part in many public debates, organized
several church societies and is credited
with first generally introducing ahe Uni-
versalist faith in the West. He estab-
lished and for many years published a
weekly paper in Cincinnati, Ohio, "The
Sentinel and Star in the West," which
subsequently, through successive consoli-
dations became the "Cincinnati Times-
Star," and until his death was active in
the work of his church. He married
(first), October 26, 1831, at Boston, El-
mina Ruth Ballou, daughter of the Rev.
Hosea and Ruth (Washburn) Ballou ; she
was a cousin of Eliza Ballou, mother of
President James A. Garfield. Mrs. Waldo,
born April 3, 1810, at Portsmouth, New
Hampshire, died at New London, Con-
necticut, June 29, 1856; she was a woman
of fine intellectuality, a writer of verse,
the periodicals of her day welcoming her
poems. Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Crosby
Waldo were the parents of Ella Fiducia
Oliver, who died at the age of thirteen
years ; George Curtis, of further mention ;
Clemintina Grace ; Frances Rebecca, and
Maturin Ballou Waldo.
George Curtis Waldo, the subject of
this sketch, son of the Rev. Josiah Crosby
Waldo and his first wife, Elmina Ruth
(Ballou) Waldo, was born in Lynn, Mas-
sachusetts, March 20, 1837. He com-
pleted public school courses at West
Cambridge, Massachusetts, prepared for
college at Troy Academy, then entered
Tuft's College, whence he was graduated
Bachelor of Arts, class of i860. Later he
was awarded Master of Arts in course
and in 1900 his alma mater conferred upon
him the honorary degree of Litt. D. After
108
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
graduation from Tuft's he began the first high school building was erected on
study of law in the offices of A. C. Lippit,
of New London, but his study was inter-
rupted by his enlistment in Company E,
2d Regiment Connecticut Volunteer In-
fantry, Colonel A. H. Terry, under whom
he served as corporal during the cam-
paign of 1861. He was ready, but im-
paired health prevented his reenlistment
and he retired from the service at the ex-
piration of his term, three months.
After his return from the army he re-
sumed the study of law, then for a time
also read medicine in New London, then
engaged in business for several years,
finally in 1867 locating in Bridgeport,
there finding his true sphere. He began
his journalistic career as local reporter
and city editor of the Bridgeport "Stand-
ard," two years later became associate
editor under the Hon. John D. Candee,
and upon Mr. Candee's death in 1888, suc-
ceeded him as editor-in-chief and presi-
dent of the Standard Association, the
owning corporation. The "Standard" be-
came one of the important dailies of New
England. As president of the corporation
he conserved the material interests of the
paper and as editor maintained a policy
that caused his paper to be widely quoted
in journals throughout the country. In
politics the paper and its editor agreed
(which is not always the case) and both
were loyal supporters of the Republican
party. For twenty-six years Dr. Waldo
was a member of the Connecticut Board
of Shell Fish Commissioners and for
twenty of those years president of the
board ; he was also for twelve years one
of the trustees of the Insane Hospital at
Norwich, Connecticut.
In civic affairs he pursued the same dig-
nified course and served his city as a mem-
ber of the Board of Education. That serv-
ice continued for five years and when the
Congress Street he was one of the com-
mittee in charge, representing town and
school board. He was for fourteen years
a director in the Bridgeport Public Li-
brary. He was one of the founders of the
Bridgeport Scientific Society, was for five
years its secretary, and at the time the
Historical Society merged with the Scien-
tific Society he was vice-president of the
former. He was the first president of the
old Electric Club ; ex-president of the
Seaside and Press clubs ; for several years
was an official of the Republican Club;
was a director of the Young Men's Chris-
tian Association, and since 1876 a vestry-
man of Christ Episcopal Church, serving
five years as junior warden. He retained
his membership and interest in that fast
disappearing body of gallant men, the
Grand Army of the Republic, and was a
member of the Army and Navy Club of
Connecticut. His fraternities were Phi
Beta Kappa and Zeta Psi, and he held
membership in many other organizations,
fraternal, literary and professional.
Dr. Waldo married, in 1874, in New
Orleans, Louisiana, Annie Frye, daughter
of Major Frederick and Matilda (Brooks)
Frye, formerly residents of Bridgeport,
and a great-granddaughter of Colonel
James Frye, of Andover, Massachusetts,
who commanded a regiment at Bunker
Hill. Mr. and Mrs. Waldo were the par-
ents of four children : Selden C, deceased;
Rosalie Hillman, married Roland H. Mal-
lory ; Maturin Ballou ; and George Cur-
tis (2).
To the last of his long life Mr. Waldo
retained his youthful vitality of thought
and mind. With memory unfailing and
spirits unimpaired, he kept up to the last
his daily habit of writing for the news-
papers and his column was looked for-
ward to by hundreds of Bridgeporters
109
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
whose letters of inquiry and approval
testified their interest.
His final years of life were passed at the
home of his son, George Waldo, Jr., in
Black Rock, Bridgeport, where he died
on April 2, 1921. Civic and professional
bodies paid him honor as he was laid at
rest in the family burial plot in Mountain
Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport.
Mr. Waldo's name and his professional
tradition are carried on by his son, George
C. Waldo, Jr., who succeeded his father as
editor of the "Bridgeport Standard," and
later editor-in-chief of the "Bridgeport
Post and Telegram," which position he
now holds.
McNEIL, Archibald,
Coal Dealer.
The McNeils of Bridgeport have in the
honored head, Archibald (3) McNeil, an
octogenarian descendant of the Scottish
clan of that name, who has been a lead-
ing man of the city in business and poli-
tics and among the foremost men in the
councils of the State for more than three
decades. Essentially a self-made man,
Mr. McNeil has risen virtually by his own
merits to the important place that he oc-
cupies in the commercial, social and mu-
nicipal life of Bridgeport and in the com-
monwealth. Robust of mind and body,
aggressive in the better meaning of that
term, progressive in his worthy ambition
to excel in business, possessing strong
convictions of the advantages accruing to
dealer and buyer in the application of the
rule of strict honesty, a clear thinker, a
wise legislator when a member of tht
local board of government and of the Gen-
eral Assembly, Mr. McNeil, though far
advanced in years, is an outstanding and
important figure, to whom his three sons
and his fellow citizens may point with
pride as a worthy example of that which
is best in the body politic.
Mr. McNeil comes of ancient Scottish
ancestry. It is the theory, held by some
members of the now widely ramifying
family, that the McNeils of this country
can trace their lineage to the pure-blood
MacNeills of Barra and the MacNeills of
Gigha, generally admitted to have a com-
mon origin. Archibald (3) McNeil is in
the fifth generation from Archibald (i)
McNeil, founder of the Connecticut line
and a highly successful trader with the
West Indies, who became a prominent
citizen and a public official of New Haven.
It is interesting to observe in this con-
nection that in the mother country the old
stock — Americanized to McNeil^ — ^still is
vigorous in its descendants, who occupy
high social standing, and have figured
conspicuously in the upbuilding of the
nation politically, commercially and spir-
itually. The virility of the family has
been, and still remains, remarkable for
strength of character, patriotism and lon-
gevity. The late General Sir John Car-
stairs McNeill was of the house of Mc-
Neill of Colonsay. It is to be supposed
that the family, on account of its branches
and the diversity of service, has a number
of coats-of-arms. Burke, in his "General
Armory," gives the arms of McNeil (Fear
Fergus, Scotland) as :
Arms — Quarterly, first and fourth, azure, a lion
rampant argent; second, argent, a sinister hand
couped fesseways in chief and in base, wavy azure
a salmon naiant of the first ; third, or, a galley,
her oars in action gules, on a chief of the last
three mullets of the first.
Crest — An armed man, from the shoulder issu-
ing, holding a dagger point upwards, all proper.
Motto — Vincere vel mori. (To conquer or die.)
Honor is the warriors meed,
Or spar'd to live, or doom'd to die ;
Whether 'tis his lot to bleed.
Or join the shout of victory;
Alike the laurel to the truly brave
That binds the brow or consecrates the grave.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(I) Archibald McNeil, founder of the
Connecticut line, was of Branford, where
in 1735 he purchased lands. Subsequently
he was a prominent citizen of New Haven,
was assessor in 1740 and surveyor of
highways in 1746, and was conspicuous in
real estate transactions. A circumstance
of particular interest is his participation
as one of the "brothers" in founding the
first lodge of Free and Accepted Masons
in Connecticut (now known as Hiram
Lodge No. i) at a meeting "held at Jehiel
Tuttle's in New Haven on the festival of
St. John the Evangelist, 1750." This was
only seventeen years after the institution
of Free Masonry in the American Colo-
nies (which occurred at Boston, July 3,
1733)- Archibald McNeil was success-
fully engaged in the trade with the West
Indies, in partnership with Samuel Cook
(who was named as executor of his will),
and was owner and supercargo of the ship
"Peggy and Molly." He died in the Is-
land of Jamaica in the latter part of 1752,
and his will was probated in July, 1753,
by his widow, who was placed under bond
of three thousand pounds sterling, in-
dicative of a very considerable estate for
those times. He married Mary, daughter
of Rev. Samuel and Abigail (Whiting)
Russell, and widow of Benjamin Fenn ;
and it was at the house of her father that
the founders of Yale College held their
first meeting, he having been a member
of that distinguished company. She was
born in 1708. Children: Archibald (2),
born September 20, 1736; Charles, bap-
tized January 18, 1739; Charles, baptized
November i, 1741 ; John, born August 2,
1745. baptized August 4, 1745, removed
to Armenia precinct, Dutchess County,
New York ; Samuel, baptized October 9,
1749, of Litchfield, Connecticut.
(II) Archibald McNeil, eldest child of
Archibald (i) and Mary (Russell) Mc-
Neil, was born in Branford, Connecticut,
September 20, 1736, and baptized October
10 following. He lived in New Haven
and Milford, and was a large property
owner ; died before July 3, 1782, when the
executor of his estate was appointed. On
July 3, 1776, he enlisted in the Continental
forces. He married. May 2, 1758, at New
Haven, Sarah Clark. Child : William.
(III) William McNeil, son of Archi-
bald and Sarah (Clark) McNeil, born in
New Haven, May 13, 1759. He was a
graduate of Yale College, class of 1777, and
in the old Yale catalog is described as a
sea captain. During the Revolution
(January 30, 1782, to August 13, 1783) he
served as a gunner on the American pri-
vateer "Marquis de Lafayette," under
Captain Elisha Hinman. In the brief war
of the United States with France he was
again on the same vessel, which was cap-
tured by the enemy, and with others he
was for some time confined in a French
prison. On account of this event he was
one of those who figured in the celebrated
French spoliation claims. He was en-
gaged in business in Derby, Connecticut.
His death occurred in or before 1808. He
married, in New Haven, Huldah Augur.
Children (the order of their birth not be-
ing exactly known) : Abraham Archibald,
born July 21, 1802; William ; Maria, mar-
ried, September 12, 1824, Russell Bradley,
of New Haven; John, had a daughter,
Elizabeth, who married John E. Wylie, of
New Haven ; Henry ; Nancy, married R.
Dickinson.
(IV) Abraham A. McNeil, son of Wil-
liam and Huldah (Augur) McNeil, was
born in Derby, July 21, 1802. In early
life he was supercargo of vessels in the
West Indies trade, sailing out of New
Haven. Removing after 1825 to Bridge-
port, he became a prominent citizen of
that community. For some time he was
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
associated in the shoe manufacturing
business with Samuel Hodges, his wife's
uncle. He was the founder of the system
of lighthouses in Bridgeport Harbor, and
for many years before his death was the
keeper of the lighthouse at the entrance
of the harbor. Mr. McNeil died in Bridge-
port May II, 1873. He married in Bridge-
port, November 25, 1827, Mary Ann,
daughter of Captain William Hulse, who,
in 1813, was lost at sea with all the crew
of the brig "William," sailing out of
Bridgeport. She was born November 11,
1811, died in July, 1892. Children: i.
Charles Hubbell, born December 14, 1828;
was engaged in business pursuits, being
for many years associated with his brother
Archibald ; twice married, but had no is-
sue ; his widow married (second) Captain
Alvin P. Hunt. 2. John, born October 9,
1830 ; many years harbor master of Bridge-
port, and a highly public-spirited citizen,
especially active in all movements for the
improvement of the harbor ; married, 1865,
Anna, daughter of James and Anna Maria
(Barnes) Scofield of New York, and is
survived by one daughter, who is the
widow of Rev. Louis N. Booth of Bridge-
port. 3. Samuel William, born March 16,
1832, deceased. 4. Eliza Maria, born Jan-
uary 9, 1834, died March 6, 1835. 5.
Josiah Hoyt, born February 9, 1835, died
August 24, 1836. 6. and 7. (twins) born
August 31, 1837, Augustus, died August
18, 1838, and Sidney Adolphus, deceased,
who was a citizen of Bridgeport and
keeper of the lighthouse, and is survived
by his widow. 8. Mary Hoyt, born Octo-
ber 20, 1839, died November 25, 1840.
9. Mary Hoyt, December 12, 1840, de-
ceased. 10. Archibald (3), of whom fur-
ther. II. Maria Longworth, born Decem-
ber 25, 1845, deceased ; married Lester J.
Bradley ; no surviving children. 12. Sarah,
born August 28, 1848, died in 1853.
(V) Archibald (3) McNeil, in the fifth
generation from his American forebear,
Archibald (i) McNeil, was the tenth child
of Abraham Archibald and Mary Ann
(Hulse) McNeil, and was born at Bridge-
port, July 2, 1843. Having received his
preliminary education at Sellick's School,
Bridgeport, he attended the famous
Thomas School at New Haven and the
Hopkins Grammar School of that city,
being graduated from the last-named
school in the class of i860. He next
entered the ship-chandlery store of his
brother, Charles H. McNeil, which then
was situated opposite the old railroad sta-
tion and steamboat landing at Bridgeport.
In 1863 he entered into partnership with
his brother, the firm name being McNeil
Brothers, wholesale dealers in fruit and
produce. In 1876 the brothers, having
looked afield for the enlargement of their
business relations and activities, removed
to New York City and located at 84 Broad
Street, under the style of Archibald Mc-
Neil & Company, wholesale dealers in but-
ter and cheese. A wider domain of trade
lured them to a much broader field of
operations, and in 1879 they engaged in
the export and import business with Cuba,
making the principal commodities of their
trade bituminous coal and produce. Dis-
continuing the establishment in New
York City in 1888, Mr. McNeil returned
to Bridgeport, and in that city he estab-
lished a coal business, which since has
grown to large proportions. Later he in-
corporated the business under the style
of Archibald McNeil & Sons Company,
Incorporated, the other members of the
concern being Mr. McNeil's three sons,
Archibald (4), Kenneth W. and Roderick
C. Through years of honest effort, pains-
taking devotion to business, active par-
ticipation in the civic and social life of
the city, Mr. McNeil attained a high place
112
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
in the confidence and esteem of the busi-
ness public and the political body. He
became a conspicuous citizen, and with-
out the element of self-seeking playing an
obtrusive part in his life, he rose to a place
of prominence in the community. He be-
came closely identified with the best
movements politically, and he allied him-
self with the Democratic party. He was
never forthputting of himself for public
office, but he has on several occasions
been impressed into service as a candidate
of his party, and has ever in public office,
as in his business affairs, conducted him-
self with dignity and great efficiency. He
became extremely popular with the elec-
torate in his constituencies, and this popu-
larity obtains until the present day. His
first public office came in 1872, when he
was elected to represent the old Second
Ward in the Common Council of Bridge-
port. In i8g6, when William Jennings
Bryan made the first of his numerous at-
tempts to win the Presidency, Mr. McNeil
was a candidate for the Connecticut Gen-
eral Assembly. He was defeated, but had
the gratification of having run four hun-
dred votes ahead of his ticket. In 1897
he was offered the Democratic mayoralty
nomination, but he refused to make the
run. In 1902 he was elected to the Con-
necticut State Senate by a large majority,
and he was reelected in 1906, "defeating
the Republican State leader in a district
probably the wealthiest, most conserva-
tive and most consistently Republican in
the State." He was nominated by his
party associates for president pro tempore
of the State Senate, and by this act was
chosen the Democratic leader of that
body. The following encomium was given
of his record of service in the State
Senate.
It is worthy of note that there have been many
times when Senator McNeil, abandoning the posi-
Conn. 11 — 8 I
tion assumed by some of his best friends, has
fought almost alone for some measure which he
believed to be right, or against some measure he
thought to be wrong. And his whole legislative
record has been a steady and determined refusal to
advocate or countenance any measure, which, in
his opinion, would not be entirely for the best
interests of the State or its institutions.
Mr. McNeil was one of the organizers
of the Eclectic Club, thus becoming a
charter member, and has served as its
president. He is a member of the Seaside
Club and the Algonquin Club, and served
the latter body as its first president, hav-
ing occupied that office for two years. For
four years, 1874-1877, he was commodore
of the old Bridgeport Yacht Club, and he
became a governor of the Bridgeport
Yacht Club and served as its commodore
in 1899- 1900. He is a member of General
Silliman Chapter, Sons of the American
Revolution.
Mr. McNeil married, October 2, 1881, at
New York City, Jean McKenzie, daugh-
ter of George J. Clan Ranald of New York
City. Their children: i. Archibald (4),
born in New York, June i, 1883. 2. Ken-
neth Wylie, born in Bridgeport, Septem-
ber 14, 1885. 3. Roderick Clan Ranald,
born in Bridgeport, March 20, 1888.
HUBBELL, Harvey,
Mannfacturer,
Harvey Hubbell, president and treas-
urer of Harvey Hubbell, Incorporated,
enjoys the distinction of being the foun-
der and head of one of the leading in-
dustries of that important manufacturing
center of Connecticut, the city of Bridge-
port. The products of his concern, par-
ticularly his electrical specialties, are in
general use throughout this country and
in many foreign parts of the world. Vir-
tually all the appliances or devices manu-
factured at his plant are the creation of
13
L
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Mr. Hubbell's inventive genius, which has
made possible the inception, growth and
influence of his establishment. High
standards of quality of materials and
workmanship and conscientious super-
vision of the manufacturing details and
marketing of the products are the ele-
ments which have entered into and en-
compassed the success that has attended
the progress of this business. One of the
most highly prized of the numerous testi-
monials that have been bestowed upon
Harvey Hubbell, Incorporated, is the fol-
lowing, from the government of the
United States, for the concern's very prac-
tical and highly patriotic aid in war work
which helped win the World War:
The War Department of the United States of
America, in this award, recognizes the distin-
g^uished service, loyalty and efficiency in the per-
formance of war work by which Harvey Hubbell,
Incorporated, aided materially in obtaining victory
for the arms of the United States of America in
the war between the Imperial German Government
and the Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian
Government.
It has been a matter of tradition in the
Hubbell family for centuries that its pro-
genitor was a Dane ; though whether he
was a Hubba or a warrior Harald Hub-
bald, who came to England with Canute,
the Danish King, who reigned over Eng-
land (995-1033 A. D.), is not recorded —
at least in England. The "Domesday
Book" of William the Conqueror, made in
1086, records the name of Hugo Hubald
as holding land at Ipsley, Warwickshire,
England, before the Norman invasion
(1066 A. D.) of Osbern, son of Richard,
and this same land was in the possession
of his descendants at Ipsley in the direct
male line, passing to the eldest son of
each succeeding generation until Novem-
ber 10, 1730, when the direct male line
became extinct. This Hugo Hubald (or
Hubbald) was the founder of the Hubball
family in England and of the Hubbell
family in America.
Harvey (2) Hubbell, of this review, is
the son of Harvey (i) and Caroline
(Pinto-Hadley) Hubbell, and the seventh
in line of descent from Richard (the First)
Hubbell, his immigrant ancestor, who
came from England to America between
1631 and 1639. From Richard (the First)
the line descends through :
(II) James Hubbell of Stratford, Fair-
field County, Connecticut, born in 1673,
died October, 1777, at New Milford, Con-
necticut, son of Richard (i) Hubbell. He
married Patience, daughter of Henry
Summers of New Haven, Connecticut.
She was born in 1683 and died September
29, 1753- Children: Andrew, of whom
further; Abiah, born August 11, 1708;
Sarah, born September 12, 171 1 ; Elnathan,
born September 22, 1717; Patience, born
April 8, 1722.
(III) Andrew Hubbell of Stratford,
Fairfield County, Connecticut, born June
22, 1706, died in 1776-77, was the son of
James Hubbell. He married (first) Sarah
who died July 20, 1736. Children, by the
first marriage: Elijah, born May 9, 1727;
Jerusha, born May 19, 1729, married
Seeley; Parnach, born January 22, 1730;
Hannah, born November 12, 1732, mar-
ried Beers, died before 1777; Sarah, born
August 5, 1734. Andrew Hubbell married
(second) December 2, 1736, Mary Welles.
She was born in 1714. Children by the
second marriage : Gideon, born October
6, 1737; James, born November 6, 1738;
Andrew (2), born February 7, 1740;
Sarah, born November 18, 1741 ; Matthew,
of whom further ; Abiah, married Wood-
cock ; Mary, married Northrup ; Rhoda,
married Bennett.
(IV) Matthew Hubbell of Easton (then
Huntington), Fairfield County, Connecti-
114
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
cut, was born April 17, 1745, died April
12, 1812, a son of Andrew Hubbell. He
married Abigail Burton, born in 1758,
died February 20, 1812. Children: Gideon
Summers, of whom further ; Andrew
Read ; David Burton, died November 9,
1825 ; Ruth, married Winton, died Decem-
ber 5, 1812 ; Hannah, married Lyon, died
July 5, 1846.
(V) Gideon Summers Hubbell, of
Easton, Fairfield County, Connecticut,
was born July 3, 1768, died in Bloomfield,
Ohio, January 25, 1842, a son of Matthew
Hubbell. He married (first) Sarah Tread-
well, born May 2, 1762, died October 19,
1805. Children, by the first marriage :
Burton, born July 30, 1788, died Novem-
ber 27, 1859; Philena, born February 14,
1790, died in 1873 ; Preston, born May 20,
1792; Nathan, died August 14, 1821 ;
Zalmon, born October 27, 1794; Harvey
(i), of whom further; Eruxton, born May
7, 1800, died October 23, 1800; Washing-
ton, born March 19, 1803 ; Preston, died
August 17, 1829; Malvina, died June 29,
1823. Gideon Summers Hubbell married
(second) Sarah Wheeler, born May 15,
1775, died October 5, 1846. Child by the
second marriage : Sarah, born June 14,
1807.
(VI) Harvey Hubbell (i) of Long
Hill, Fairfield County, Connecticut, born
March 6, 1797, died July 2, 1882, was a
son of Gideon Summers and Sarah (Tread-
well) Hubbell. He married (first) Polly
Sherman, January 5, 1819. He married
(second) Caroline (Pinto) Hadley, Octo-
ber 22, 1855. After he received a common
school education he served four years as
an apprentice in the tailoring trade to his
father at Easton, Connecticut. At the
age of twenty years, in company with
three young men, he started for the then
"far off State of Ohio" to seek his fortune.
They made the journey in thirty-three
days, walking leisurely from place to
place, until Harvey (i) Hubbell arrived
at Columbus. There he plied his trade of
tailor, and within two years of his arrival
he returned to Connecticut to marry, in
1819, the young woman to whom he al-
ready was engaged, Polly, daughter of
David Sherman of Trumbull, Connecticut.
His father entreated him to abandon the
idea of returning to the West and to re-
main in Connecticut for his sake. Like a
dutiful son that he was, he did as his
father desired and settled in Weston and
there worked industriously at his trade.
He was a man of unusual ability and at-
tained prominence and position in the
community. He was made a captain of
militia and was appointed a justice of the
peace. In 1836 he disposed of his tailor-
ing business in Easton and removed to
New York City, where he was given
charge of a large clothing house in the
New Orleans trade, subsequently becom-
ing a partner, the concern being known
as Taylor, Hubbell & Co. In 1862, shar-
ing the general losses that resulted from
the Civil War, he removed from New
York City to Long Hill, Connecticut,
where he established a factory for the
manufacture of men's underwear. He
was about twenty-two years of age when
he married Polly Sherman. They had
children: i. Orange Scott Hubbell. 2.
Charles Elliott Hubbell. 3. Harriet At-
wood Hubbell. 4. John Wesley Hubbell.
5. Wilbur Fish Hubbell. By his second
wife he had children : 6. Carrie L., died
February 24, 1857, at the age of five
months, fifteen days. 7. Harvey (2) Hub-
bell, of this review. 8. Carrie, died De-
cember I, 1882, at the age of twenty-one
years. Polly (Sherman) Hubbell died
October 27, 1854, at the age of fifty-six
years. Caroline (Pinto-Hadley) Hubbell,
born July 30, 1819, died October 22, 1905,
at the age of eighty-six years.
(VII) Harvey (2) Hubbell, son of
"5
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Harvey (i) and Caroline (Pinto-Hadley)
Hubbell, was born in Brooklyn, New
York, December 20, 1857. His education
was received at Easton Academy, Easton,
Connecticut, at Eastman's Business Col-
lege, Poughkeepsie, New York, and at
Cooper Institute, New York City. In his
early life he displayed an aptitude for
mechanics, and this was especially notice-
able, following his school days, when he
gave it full rein to the end that he might
become fully accomplished along his
chosen line of work. His gift for doing
things mechanical was first principally
employed in the designing and manufac-
ture of printing presses with the Potter
Printing Works and the Cranston Print-
ing Press Works of Norwich, Connecti-
cut. For a time he was with John Roach
& Son, ship and marine engine builders,
of New York City and Chester, Pennsyl-
vania. Following his days of labor he
formed the commendable and profitable
habit of devoting his evenings to study
and drafting, by which he familiarized
himself with the theoretical as well as
with the practical side of his vocation.
His capacity for perfecting inventions
soon manifested itself, and he went to
Bridgeport, where in a humble way he
began the manufacture of two articles
which he had designed and had patented.
This small and unpretentious beginning
was actually the inception of his career
as an inventor and manufacturer. He de-
voted himself assiduously to his business,
and his keen eye perceived the possibili-
ties of commercializing the electrical in-
dustry, then in its infancy. To the elec-
trical needs of the time Mr. Hubbell ap-
plied his knowledge of mechanics, and al-
most without conscious effort on his part
he found himself a beneficiary of the
transition into this new field of science.
Domestic and industrial appliances were
in demand for general use, and the de-
mands increased by leaps and bounds.
Mr. Hubbell diverted his time, talents and
energy in the direction of supplying that
demand, and to his lines of manufacture
he added numerous electrical specialties.
Among his patented devices which have
come into general use are the Hubbell
Pull Socket and the Hubbell Interchange-
able Attachment Plug, besides many other
articles made practical with the use of
electricity. Mr. Hubbell was the first to
make rolled thread machine screws with
automatic machinery, and a part of his
manufacturing plant is given to this spec-
ial line. One of the chief secrets of Mr.
Hubbell's successful career is his deter-
mination to keep pace with the developed
needs of the industry — electrical and me-
chanical. He maintains a close personal
touch with all departments of his busi-
ness, letting no important detail go un-
supervised, whether it be engineering,
manufacturing or selling. Therein lies
the genius of the Hubbell establishment ;
it is distinctively the creature of his own
brain and the child of his own culture.
The prestige and good-will that attach to
the business have come to it through
nearly four decades of faithful devotion
and intelligent application. The business
was incorporated under its present style
in 1905.
Mr. Hubbell is a member of the Associ-
ated Manufacturers of Electrical Supplies.
He is a communicant of the United
Church of Bridgeport and a member of
its finance committee. He is of the Re-
publican persuasion of politics. His clubs
are the Electrical Manufacturers', Auto-
mobile Club of America, Union League of
New York City and the Brooklawn and
Algonquin of Bridgeport.
Mr. Hubbell married, December 2, 1896,
Louie E. Edwards, daughter of Robert
116
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
and Sereta (Edwards) Edwards of Port
Jefferson, New York. They have one
son, Harvey (3) Hubbell, Jr., born May
23, 1901, in Bridgeport; educated in pri-
vate schools and graduated from the
Choate School of Wallingford, Connecti-
cut ; associated with his father in the
Hubbell organization at Bridgeport ; a
member of the Brooklawn Club.
The House of Hubbell has its official
headquarters and plant at State Street
and Bostwick Avenue, and the Hubbell
family residence is No. 262 Park Avenue,
Bridgeport.
LOCKHART, Dr. Reuben A.,
Pbysician.
Beloved in a wide circle of permanent
friendships and highly esteemed for his
real worth as a member of the medical
profession, whose life and labors among
the people of Bridgeport and its vicinity
had embraced a period of nearly thirty-
five years, during which time he had en-
deared himself to thousands to whom he
had ministered. Dr. Reuben A. Lockhart
laid aside the mantle of service he had
worn so becomingly, November 6, 1924,
at the age of fifty-four years, when seem-
ingly he was in the prime of life and at
the height of his powers, both as a unit of
the medical profession and as a citizen
who could ill be spared from a community,
many of whose people felt a personal loss
when he was removed from their midst.
The public's sense of affliction caused by
the death of Dr. Lockhart is expressed in
the tribute voiced by another :
On all sides .... when the news of Dr. Lock-
hart's death became generally known there were
many sincere expressions of sympathy. As an
examiner for one of the insurance companies
which caters particularly to the working classes,
he had been a welcome visitor in hundreds of
homes, where his sympathetic attitude made and
retained for him innumerable warm friendships.
He was a prodigious worker and intensely
devoted to the highest ideals of his profession. His
personality was of the wholesome and friendly
type, and in all circles which he frequented he was
an ornament
In his passing the medical profession loses one
of its most valuable members and the city a citizen
who always strove for the best.
Reuben A. Lockhart was a fine example
of the initiative, force of character and
energy of the Canadian born youth who
have in such great numbers become
grafted into the body politic of the United
States. He was born in Halifax, Nova
Scotia, September 18, 1870, being one of
three children of his parents, who when
he was five years of age removed with
their family from Halifax to Bridgeport.
In the city of Bridgeport, after the family
had settled in their new home, the senior
Lockhart engaged in the retail grocery
business. His son Reuben attended the
public schools of the city and was gradu-
ated from the Bridgeport high school in
the class of 1888. In the autumn of 1888
he matriculated at Yale, and after he had
completed his medical course, he was
graduated in 1891 with the degree of
Doctor of Medicine. In his high school
days and while a student of Yale, Dr.
Lockhart was something of a celebrity
because of his athletic prowess. At the
high school he was captain of the foot-
ball team and at Yale he was catcher on
the varsity baseball team. He was recog-
nized not only as an able student but also
as possessing strength and skill which
added to the prestige of his alma mater's
athletic department.
Dr. Lockhart took up the practice of his
profession immediately upon his gradua-
tion from the Yale department of medi-
cine. He made the city of Bridgeport, his
by right of adoption, the scene of his pro-
117
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
fessional and civic activities. While yet a
young man in the field of medical practice
Dr. Lockhart conquered many a hill of
difficulty, and he recorded numerous tri-
umphs over early hardships while he was
winning his way into the confidence of the
people whom he so earnestly desired to
serve with the best that he could give
them of his native talent and acquired
skill. It was not long, however, before he
had won many laurels and numerous
friends. His patients and other acquaint-
ances found in him a loyal and true friend,
a wise counselor in their hours of illness
and a sincere and sympathetic comforter
in times of deepest trial. "His kind deeds
and genial personality will be remembered
for many years to come." In 1891 Dr.
Lockhart was appointed a medical ex-
aminer for the John Hancock Life Insur-
ance Company. He continued in that as-
sociation until the time of his death. Dur-
ing his incumbency he had gone into
thousands of homes containing applicants
for insurance, and by his tact, friendly as
well as formal offices, he had added to his
already long list of close and enduring
friendships.
Dr. Lockhart was a member of the
Order of Heptasophs, the Woodmen of
the World, St. John's Lodge, No. 3, Free
and Accepted Masons ; Samuel Harris
Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows; Joseph Dowling Lodge, Knights of
Pythias; Ivy Grove Lodge, Woodmen's
Circle ; the Foresters of America, the
Bridgeport and Fairfield County Medical
associations, Yale Alumni Association,
Delta Epsilon Iota fraternity, Nu Sigma
Nu Medical Fraternity, the Brooklawn
and Algonquin clubs, and of the staff of the
Bridgeport Hospital. He is a Republican
in politics and served on the board of
Aldermen and the Board of Education of
the city of Bridgeport; a member of
Washington Park M. E. Church and
trustee of Trinity M. E. Church.
Dr. Lockhart married, June 13, 1894,
Elizabeth Uschman, daughter of Fred-
erick and Henrietta Loezer Uschman, one
of the well known and older residents of
Bridgeport. To them were born two sons :
R. Harold Lockhart, born November 25,
1902, a medical student at Yale, and Royal
Arthur Lockhart, born June 8, 1900.
WATSON, General Thomas Lansdell,
Banker and Broker.
The city of Bridgeport has produced
many notable characters who have loomed
large in the world of finance and industry,
but none has occupied, perhaps, a larger
place, inclusive of the American metrop-
olis, than did General Thomas L. Watson,
born in Bridgeport December 13, 1847,
died December 10, 1919, who became a
power in financial institutions, an execu-
tive of a number of large organizations,
vice-president of the New York Consoli-
dated Stock Exchange and brigadier-gen-
eral of the Connecticut Brigade of the
National Guard, in which position, as in
all others, he distinguished himself for
unusual ability. General Watson was of
that type of men who accomplish things
by sheer force of native capacity plus a
rich fund of information that came to him
through long years of valued experience
with men and affairs on high planes of
endeavor. Like so many men who have
risen from humble beginnings to places
of trust and responsibility, in which they
have merited the confidence reposed in
them by their associates, the while they
more securely and with remarkable suc-
cess erected the basis of their career. Gen-
eral Watson made every move count for all
that was worth from every ounce of worth
that was in him as he patiently and with
118
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
courage and fortitude ascended the lad-
der on whose bottom rung he had set his
foot in the days of his youth. In con-
nection with a commendable ambition to
succeed in life he was fired with an earnest
desire to be of the best service possible
in him to his fellow men, and especially
to those organizations with which he was
associated first as an employee and later
as a holder of superior positions. It was
this quality of intelligent and unselfish
devotion to the cause at hand that con-
tributed in no little degree to the splendid
record he had made in the field of finance
and in military affairs and in religious cir-
cles. He was noted also for his almost
ceaseless activity throughout his long life
of seventy-two years, and by many of his
former associates in his different enter-
prises he is remembered alike for his re-
markable capacity for work, his celerity
of movement and clarity of judgment as
well as for his other personal character-
istics.
Son of Dr. William Lansdell and Jean-
ette (Nichols) Watson, his father having
been a graduate of the University of Bal-
timore, Maryland, and his mother a de-
scendant of the well-known Nichols fam-
ily of Greenfield Hill, Thomas L. Watson
received his preliminary education in the
public schools of Bridgeport, and then
entered the Military Institute at Milford,
Connecticut. With a view to making life
in the army his profession, it was sup-
posed that he would fill a cadet's uniform
at West Point, but owing to a serious
accident he was obliged, much against
his will, to forego a federal soldier's career
and instead entered the business world,
where he was destined to make a brilliant
record. His first employment in the
sphere of business was in the position of
clerk at the Farmers' Bank of Bridgeport.
From that institution he advanced to a
more lucrative and responsible position
at the City National Bank of Bridgeport.
He had now accumulated a valuable store
of knowledge of banks and banking, and
after a period of service at the City Na-
tional he resigned his position to become a
partner in the private banking and broker-
age business with Daniel Hatch. Novem-
ber I, 1866, the firm of Hatch & Watson
began to do business in Bridgeport. Fol-
lowing the death of Mr. Hatch, the busi-
ness was carried on by Mr. Watson, the
name being changed to T. L. Watson &
Company. General Watson had begun
to look further afield in his desire to
enlarge his business, and in 1879 he ex-
tended his interests to New York City,
at 55 Broadway, where he became head
of the brokerage firm of Watson & Gib-
son. This house continued in successful
operation over a period of years, and
through his association with important
business men and large affairs in New
York City and Bridgeport, General Wat-
son came to hold many positions of high
responsibility and trust in both cities.
He served the City National Bank as
one of its directors ; he was an auditor of
the City Savings Bank, treasurer of the
Board of Trade, and treasurer of the St.
John's Protestant Episcopal Church build-
ing fund, and for many years was a mem-
ber of the vestry. All the foregoing of-
fices were held in the city of Bridgeport.
He was also a director of the American
Loan and Trust Company of New York,
a director for several years of the New
York Consolidated Stock and Petroleum
Exchange and of its predecessors, and has
served as chairman of its finance commit-
tee and as a vice-president. He afterward
purchased a seat on the New York Stock
Exchange, and being elected to member-
ship, he became one of the most active
and esteemed operators of that organiza-
119
L
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
tion. He was president of an Illinois gas
and water company, and president of the
Fairfield Agricultural Society for many
years.
General Watson made an enviable rec-
ord in the Connecticut National Guard. He
enlisted in the old 4th Regiment May 28,
1877, as a member of the staff of Colonel
R. B. Fairchild with the rank of lieu-
tenant. He afterward was appointed aide
on the staff of General S. R. Smith, com-
mander of the Connecticut Brigade in
1878, with the rank of captain. His next
advancement was to the colonelcy of the
4th Regiment, to which office he was
elected and which he held until March i,
1890, when he was appointed by Governor
Bulkley to be commander of the Con-
necticut Brigade, which was composed
of four regiments of infantry, three com-
panies of heavy artillery and a number of
separate companies. His high position in
the State's military establishment was
marked with highly improved efficiency
of the military bodies, a zeal and an en-
thusiasm which were significant of the
splendid morale of the troops. General
Watson received his honorable discharge
from the service in 1897.
In the club circles in which General
Watson moved he was a popular and in-
fluential member. He had served as pres-
ident of the New York Athletic Club, as
commodore of the Larchmont Yacht Club
and as fleet captain of the Atlantic Yacht
Club. He had served as vice-president
and president of the Union League Club
of New York, and was a member of the
Pilgrim Society, the New England Soci-
ety, the Sons of the Revolution, New
York Yacht Club, Lotus Club and of the
Brooklawn Country and Seaside clubs of
Bridgeport. General Watson was of
strong Republican faith in his political
preferments and practices, but he con-
sistently with his policy steadfastly de-
clined to accept the honor of election to
public office, which he might have graced
with rare ability, if he had but given his
word to his large and influential follow-
ing.
General Watson married Alice Cheever
Lyon, daughter of Hanford Lyon of
Bridgeport. To them were born two
children : Arthur Kent Lansdell Watson,
and Alice Lyon, who married Paul Armit-
age.
Out of his varied walks of life there
has departed a figure, stalwart and com-
manding, who left the impress of a force-
ful life upon numerous diversified en-
deavors— the honors that came to Gen-
eral Watson and the measure of success
that resulted from his own capacity for
hard work intelligently done rejoiced the
hearts of his multitude of friends in the
city of New York and throughout the
State of Connecticut. His life and deeds
comprise another chapter in the illumin-
ated annals of the city of Bridgeport.
KIRKHAM, Thomas Atwood,
Manufacturer.
Long before the New World was dis-
covered the Kirkham name was a prom-
inent and honorable one in England. "At
the time of Henry III, and probably much
earlier, they had their residence at
Ashcombe under Haldon Hill, and of
this they were possessed," according to
Prince's "Worthies of Devon," C. 1700.
They continued to be its lords for four
hundred years after the death of that
monarch. Later, in the reign of Edward I
Sir Nicholas Kirkham removed his dwell-
ing unto Blagdon, which was the long con-
tinued seat of this name and family ; an-
other property belonging to them was at
Honiton. The most interesting personage
^
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Co/ vyi^^wytyh^<^i^>'y-^~
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of this knightly race was Sir John Kirk-
ham, made high sheriff of the county by
Henry VIII in the fifteenth year of his
reign (1523). He made the noble and
large benefaction of All Hallows ; he with
Elizaeus Harding, clerk, by their deed
bearing date 20th July, 1523. The same
year he was sheriff he did grant and feo-
fee and confirm unto certain persons
named in the same deed about nineteen
tenements in houses and lands lying in
the parish of Honiton aforesaid, that the
said feofee should employ and bestow
from time to time all the rents and profits
arising and issuing out of the said estates
for and towards the reparation and main-
taining the chapel of All Hallows. But
then this gift is not so confined to this
particular use, but also extended to such
other good and charitable purposes within
the said town and parish as shall be
thought fit and convenient by the feofees.
What other acts of charity or piety he
did, or what brave exploits he performed,
or exemplary virtues he was eminent for,
I nowhere find. They are now all swal-
lowed up in oblivion ; the upshot of all is
that he died and lieth interred in the aisle
of the south side of the Parish Church of
Paignton.
At Paignton stands the old Parish
Church built in the time of Henry V.
This contains "the glorious Kirkham
Chantry" with the stone parclose screen.
The tomb of the Kirkham family is within
the Chantry ornamented with their ar-
morial bearings, with the cross and crown
and the motto: Spes et Corona. The
eastern and western bays of the parclose
screen each contain two recumbent efii-
gies which tradition says are those of Sir
John Kirkham, who died in 1529, and his
lady ; of his father. Sir Nicholas Kirk-
ham, who died in 1515, and his lady.
Among the first settlers of Connecticut
from England was Thomas Kirkham, of
Wethersfield. The first English settlement
was made in 1635. There are no records
to show whether or not Thomas Kirkham
came there direct from England or came
from Watertown, Massachusetts, with the
original settlers ; probably the latter is
correct, as he is referred to in a will made
in Wethersfield in 1640. He evidently
then was an established resident. He
probably was a cabinet-maker or joiner,
as the testator names him as executor and
leaves in his will a sum of money to be
paid him for making his coffin. From
that time on the Kirkham family has fig-
ured prominently in military, financial,
industrial, and professional affairs of
Connecticut and of the nation. A father
and his son gave their lives to their coun-
try in the war of the Revolution ; Henry
Kirkham, the father, died of camp fever
at Saratoga, and John, the son, enlisted at
the age of sixteen years and received a
wound from which he never recovered.
His death, thirty-seven years later, was
caused by the closing of the gunshot
wound, which had never healed. The
family has been identified with Wethers-
field and with Newington, which was the
western part of Wethersfield till it be-
came a separate town in 1870, in an un-
broken line since the first settlement till
the death of John S. Kirkham in 1918.
The home farm is still in the possession
of the family, and Judge John H. Kirk-
ham of New Britain still represents the
family in Hartford County. In all gen-
erations the family name has been em-
bellished by leadership in the various call-
ings, as soldiers, scholars, churchmen,
municipal officers, legislators and indus-
trialists, who have borne the name of
Kirkham. They have left, and still are
maintaining a lofty standard of family
pride and virtue.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Thomas Atwood Kirkham, successful
business man of Bridgeport, whose an-
cestral line goes back to the original
Kirkham, who came from England early
in the seventeenth century and trans-
planted the family tree to the beautiful
Connecticut Valley — in that region local-
ized by the city of Hartford and the towns
of Newington and Wethersfield — is pres-
ident and treasurer of the Berkshire
Fertilizer Company of Bridgeport, which
business he founded thirty years ago, and
has other varied and important business
interests, being a director of a num-
ber of corporations in Bridgeport and
elsewhere. His interest in the com-
plex life of the city of Bridgeport,
while not politically active, is keen and
intelligent, and his civic duty is per-
formed with that fidelity which ranks
him among the substantial citizens of the
community. He is a member of the
Brooklawn Country Club, and for twenty-
eight years a member of the old Seaside
Club.
The first Kirkham, for the purposes of
this review, was:
(I) Thomas (i) Kirkham, who came
from England to Wethersfield, Connecti-
cut, in 1640, or earlier. He was tax-
gatherer in 1648-9. He died in 1677 or
earlier.
(II) Thomas (2) Kirkham, son of
Thomas (i) Kirkham, married, March 24,
1684, Jane Butler. He was appointed
town shepherd March 21, 1689, and at one
time was constable.
(III) Henry (i) Kirkham, son of
Thomas (2), married, December 21, 1719,
Martha, daughter of Samuel Burr of Hart-
ford. She died June 2, 1759. He fought
in the French and Indian wars.
(IV) Henry (2) Kirkham, son of Henry
(i), was born August 30, 1728. He mar-
ried Eunice Butler, October 31, 1757 (or
'59). He was in General Gates' Northern
Army in the Revolution, and was present
at Burgoyne's surrender. He died of
camp fever at Saratoga, New York.
(V) John Kirkham, son of Henry (2)
Kirkham and his wife Eunice, was born
November 5, 1760. He enlisted in the
army of the War of the Revolution at
the age of sixteen years as a musician —
he was a fifer — and served till the close
of the war. He was wounded (tradition
has it that he was shot while in a tree
fifing to his comrades in arms) at the bat-
tle of Monmouth, New Jersey. When he
was given his honorable discharge from
the service he walked from Newburgh,
New York, to his home in Newington,
Connecticut, though lame from the ef-
fects of his wound, which never healed
until the week before his death, June 8,
1815. He married, June 28, 1785, Jen-
nette, daughter of Captain Jonathan Stod-
dard, a Revolutionary officer. She was
born August 29, 1767; died June 8, 1818.
(VI) William Kirkham, son of John
and Jennette (Stoddard) Kirkham, was
born March 29, 1788, at Newington ; died
in 1868 at Newington at the age of eighty
years. In 1815 he married Sophia, daugh-
ter of Joshua and Elizabeth (Cook) Lef-
fingwell and a descendant of Thomas Lef-
fingwell, one of the founders of Norwich,
Connecticut. She died November 14, 1880,
at the age of eighty-four years. At New-
ington Center is the beautiful Mill Pond,
a natural lake, fed by a brook of spring
water from Cedar Mountain and teeming
with trout and other fish. This body of
water owes its existence to a wonderful
ledge of rock which extends across the
lower end of the pond, with a perpen-
dicular outward face, giving a fall of more
than twenty feet. The top of the ledge
is of uniform width and is wide enough
to be used as a driveway. It is a natural
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
dam, and is so adapted for that purpose
that, one seeing it for the first time, would
think it had been designed and built by
man. There is but one other freak of
nature similar to this in the country. In-
dians, before they were crowded out by
the white man, lived on the banks of this
pond, and hunted and fished there for a
livelihood. This pond with the ledge and
the meadow under it came into the pos-
session of William Kirkham by the death
of his father in 1815. That same year he
married and built a new home on the
street at the east end of the "ledge" on the
bank of the pond. This house recently
burned after standing more than one hun-
dred years. There was a big water-wheel
that gave power for running the mill,
which was used for making cloth and also
cider, cider vinegar and cider brandy.
This was William Kirkham's home for
the major part of twenty-five years. But
the inclinations of Mr. Kirkham were
more toward the vocation of a teacher
than a business life, and for about thirty
years he taught school at Hartford and
in other places in Connecticut and in
Springfield, Massachusetts. After teach-
ing in Springfield a number of years, mak-
ing his home while there with his brother
John, he moved his family to Springfield,
about 1835, and they all lived there for
several years. The moving was done in
the winter, the household goods being
transported by ox-sled for thirty-two
miles, and Mrs. Kirkham and the children
by horse and sleigh. Because Mr. Kirk-
ham was teaching in Springfield, the bur-
den of moving, closing the house, dispos-
ing of a small but varied assortment of
livestock, fell upon his wife. Her's was
the self-sacrificing life of the unapplauded
heroine.
He sings to the wide world, and she to her nest.
In the nice ear of nature which song is the best?
William Kirkham was a member of the
Congregational Church and prominent in
church circles. He had an excellent tenor
voice, and had been taught music by his
father. He was a fifer in the Governor's
Footguard for many years. In 1840 he
sold the Mill Pond property and bought
a farm on the main street of Newington
Center which still is held by his descend-
ants. Of the children borne him by his
wife Sophia, seven grew to maturity.
(VII) John Stoddard Kirkham, son of
William and Sophia (Leffingwell) Kirk-
ham, was born April 6, 1826, at Newing-
ton; died February 8, 1918. His educa-
tion was acquired at the old Newington
Academy and in schools of Hartford and
Springfield, Massachusetts. He was a
"Forty-niner" and a member of the com-
pany organized and headed by Major
Horace Goodwin of Hartford that made
that historic trip in a schooner, owned and
fitted out by the company, around Cape
Horn to California in the quest of gold.
The journey "around the Horn" occupied
six months, the first port of call being
Rio de Janeiro. Arriving at San Fran-
cisco, the ship was abandoned and John
Stoddard Kirkham, in a company com-
posed of six friends, went into the moun-
tains, where they were very successful in
their search for gold. They later engaged
in the ambitious venture of damming and
turning from its course the Sacramento
River. They succeeded in their undertak-
ing, only — on the night the job was fin-
ished— to have the dam swept away by a
freshet that roared down from the moun-
tains in a resistless torrent. Youth, a
good constitution and powerful physique
have their limitations, and as a result of
working in the ice-cold water from the
melting snow of the mountains, John
Stoddard Kirkham was stricken with
pneumonia, and this attack was followed
i
123
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
by chronic dysentery. His life was des-
paired of, and his body wasted almost to a
skeleton. He started for home. He got
passage on a sailing ship bound for Cen-
tral America, where he landed and spent
some time recuperating his health and
waiting for an opportunity to cross to the
Atlantic side of the isthmus. The day
he landed he bought a coarse grass sack
holding a bushel of sweet oranges for ten
cents, including the sack. He told of hav-
ing sucked one hundred oranges that first
day, and declared that almost immedi-
ately he was cured of the chronic com-
plaint that had refused to respond to
medicine. That grass sack was taken
home and preserved for many years. Mr.
Kirkham crossed the isthmus by way of
ox-carts and Lake Nicaragua. The ox-
carts were made with wooden axles, the
wheels were solid sections sawed from
large round logs. A native ran alongside,
pulling large green leaves from the road-
side and thrusting them into the axles to
take the place of grease and to alleviate
the screaming of the wheels. The route
followed was strewn with the machinery
and tools that had been left by Commo-
dore Vanderbilt when he abandoned his
attempt to construct the Nicaraguan ca-
nal. John Stoddard Kirkham arrived at
his old home early in 185 1, and entered
with a will the vocation of farming on his
father's property, and on a farm adjoining,
which he bought. He also followed in
his father's footsteps by teaching school
for a number of winters. The farm still
is in the possession of the Kirkham fam-
ily. In 1870 Mr. Kirkham played a prom-
inent part in bringing about the incorpo-
ration of Newington as a separate town.
He was an ardent member of the Demo-
cratic party and a leader in municipal
aflfaivs in his locality. He was the first
town clerk of Newington, and filled that
office for many years. He was also chair-
man of the school board and acting school
visitor. He was a member of the General
Assembly in 1877 and served his district
in the State Senate in 1887. He was a
candidate for lieutenant-governor on the
ticket with Governor Luzon B. Morris at
the time when the rule was in effect that
required a majority over all to elect a
candidate for State office. He received a
plurality, but the election was thrown in-
to the Legislature, and the minority can-
didates were declared elected. Mr. Kirk-
ham was a member of the Connecticut
State Board of Agriculture for many
years. He was a charter member and for
many years secretary of the State Dairy-
men's Association. He was a charter
member of the Newington Grange, Pa-
trons of Husbandry. He was a deacon
and for many years treasurer of the New-
ington Congregational Church and super-
intendent of the Sunday School. He mar-
ried, December i, 1859, Harriet P. At-
wood, born May 17, 1827, died December
I, 1882, daughter of Josiah and Prudence
(Kellogg) Atwood, of the Atwood fam-
ily, whose members were pioneer settlers
of Hartford and Newington. Their chil-
dren: I. Frances H., married Henry
Laurens Kellogg, of Newington, both de-
ceased. 2. Thomas Atwood. 3. John H.,
who is a prominent attorney of New Brit-
ain, Connecticut. 4. Mary Atwood (de-
ceased), married Roderick Whittlesey
Hine of Lebanon, Connecticut, a gradu-
ate of Yale College, and who for many
years has been superintendent of schools
at Dedham, Massachusetts.
(Vni) Thomas Atwood Kirkham, son
of John Stoddard and Harriet Prudence
(Atwood) Kirkham, was born March 7,
1862, at Newington, Connecticut. He was
educated in the public schools of his na-
tive town and at the New Britain High
[24
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
School, whence he was graduated in the
class of 1880. He became identified with
Bridgeport in a business way in 1882, al-
though he made his home in Newington
until 1895, when he took up his residence
in Bridgeport. As a boy his ambition was
to be a farmer, and one would have to
look far to find a more attractive farm
than the one he was born on. For a
dozen years he managed his father's farm,
his father being interested in the latter
part of his life in other pursuits. This
love of the soil has never left him, and in
spite of a busy life, he has always found
some time for farming. Going from
school back to the farm, it was a natural
sequence that drew him into the fertilizer
business. From 1882 to 1895 he acted as
traveling salesman for the National Fer-
tilizer Company of Bridgeport. In 1895
he formed a partnersip with John A.
Barri, who was one of the incorporators
and treasurer of the National Fertilizer
Company, under the name of the Berk-
shire Mills Company, for the purpose of
manufacturing fertilizers and dealing in
grain and coal. They rebuilt the old
Berkshire Mill at North Bridgeport and
operated it until 1890, when the partner-
ship was dissolved by mutual consent,
Mr. Barri retaining the coal and grain, and
Mr. Kirkham the fertilizer business. Mr.
Kirkham then conducted the fertilizer
business individually under the name of
Berkshire Fertilizer Company. In 1900
Mr. Kirkham bought water-front property
on Harbor Street, on Cedar Creek, Black
Rock Harbor. He erected a plant, built
a dock, and thought he had room for fu-
ture expansion ; but the business grew so
rapidly that soon he was cramped for
space, and in 1910 he bought of the Hep-
penstall Forge Company the plant of the
old Bridgeport Forge Company at the
foot of Howard Avenue, on the east, or
water side of the street. This present
location with railroad sidings and five
hundred and forty feet of water-front pro-
vides ample facilities for taking care of
the larger business of to-day, which has
continued to grow uninterruptedly. The
company also has built and operates a
castor oil plant for the manufacture of
castor oil. The castor meal, which is a
by-product, is used as a fertilizer. The
business was incorporated in 1913 with
Thomas A. Kirkham as president and
treasurer, which offices he still fills. Mr.
Kirkham is a member of the United Con-
gregational Church of Bridgeport.
Mr. Kirkham married. May 23, 1906,
Fanny Leffingwell Brown, daughter of
Martin and Elizabeth (Kirkham) Brown
of New Britain, Connecticut.
MANWARING, Hon. Moses Warren,
Senator, City Treasurer, Business Man.
The sudden death of Moses Warren
Manwaring on January 23, 1925, took
from Bridgeport a citizen widely known
and respected in business and political
circles for his active and unwearied con-
cern in civic matters and his high unself-
ishness and personal integrity. He repre-
sented the best type of citizen, and his
passing was felt not only by his friends
as a personal loss, but by many who
scarcely knew him as a loss to the city
which he had served for years in many
capacities.
He was born in East Lyme, Connecti-
cut, August 18, 1845, of Allen W. and
Lydia (Warren) Manwaring. On his
mother's side he was descended from
Richard Warren, one of the first arrivals
in the "Mayflower," from Moses Warren,
captain in the Revolutionary Army ; and
from Moses Warren, son of the preceding,
who aided Moses Cleveland in making a
125
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
survey of "New Connecticut," later Ohio.
It was this Moses Warren who provided
its name for Euclid Avenue, Cleveland,
and for whom the city of Warren, Ohio,
was named.
Moses W. Manwaring was educated in
the public schools at East Lyme and New
London. He learned the carpenter's trade
in East Lyme, and came to Bridgeport in
1869 to engage with the late Andrew
Morehouse in the building business. Their
firm built many of the houses on the East
Side, in the section which was developed
by P. T. Barnum and General Noble.
Later Moses Manwaring entered the em-
ploy of the Union Metallic Cartridge
Company, and had charge of erecting
many of its present buildings. In 1891
he bought out the Curtis Brothers' plumb-
ing and heating business, and erected the
brick block on East Main Street now
owned by the Bridgeport Arion Singing
Society. In 191 1 he was chief organizer
of the American Bank and Trust Com-
pany, of which he was the first president.
He retired from business in 1919, selling
out to Horace J. Wellington.
He held many political offices. In the
mayoralty of P. T. Barnum he was a
Councilman, and was later for several
terms Alderman from the old Fifth Ward.
In 1906-1910 he was chairman of the Con-
gress Street Bridge Commission, and had
the distinction of returning to the city
unspent a considerable part of the appro-
priation. He represented the Twenty-
third District in the Connecticut Senate,
1909-1910. For six years, 1913-1919, he
was treasurer of the city. Besides polit-
ical offices he was president of both local
and State organizations of the Master
Plumbers' Association and the Business
Men's Association. He was an organizer
and for some years treasurer of the
Bridgeport Protective Association.
He married, December 11, 1872, Em-
meline Louise Comstock, daughter of the
Hon. John Jay Comstock of East Lyme.
They had two daughters, one of whom,
May Louise, died in infancy, and the
other, Elizabeth Wheeler Manwaring, is a
member of the faculty of Wellesley
College.
WARNER, Donald Judson,
Secretary of State.
One of the oldest of English surnames,
the name of Warner is found in the
Domesday Book, and there have been two
suppositions to the derivation of this
name, one being that it was derived from
Warriner, the keeper of a warren, and
other antiquarians claim the following
derivation : "It appears that near the
boundary of Wales, in the southwest sec-
tion of England, there dwelt a race of
people who were engaged in agricultural
pursuits. To protect themselves from
the surrounding savage tribes, these peo-
ple were forced to appoint from among
themselves the most athletic and discreet
men, who might go out into the surround-
ing country and warn people of the ap-
proach of the enemy. Hence the name
Warner, and this explanation of the origin
and significance of the name corresponds
with the derivation from the old high
German Warjan, meaning to defend, as
given by Zeuss. It seems likely that the
name is derived from the ancient German
and like all historic names was spelled in
a variety of ways. In the seventh century
we find the old form, Warin, Guarin,
Warne, and Wern, and at a later date,
Warrerner, Warner and Werner, the lat-
ter also being common English forms of
the name. The arms of the Warner fam-
ily are:
126
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Arms — Or, a bend engrailed between six roses,
gules.
Motto — Non nobis iantum nati.
These were emblazoned on their shields
and are also found carved in several parts
of the ceiling of the South Isle of the
Church of Great Waltham, England.
Burke gives the significance of the motto
as "we are not born for ourselves alone."
(I) Andrew Warner, the immigrant an-
cestor, was born in England about 1600, a
son of John Warner of Hatfield, Glouces-
ter, England, and came from there to
Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1630 or
1633, becoming a proprietor of Cam-
bridge in that year. He was admitted a
freeman May 14, 1634, and in 1635 was
living in Cambridge on the northerly side
of Eliot Street, and also owned several
other lots in Cambridge. In December,
1636, he sold his property and removed
to Hartford, Connecticut, thence remov-
ing to Hadley, Massachusetts, about 1659,
of which town he was one of the first set-
tlers, and where he died December 18,
1684.
(II) Lieutenant Daniel Warner, son of
Andrew Warner, was born about 1640.
He went in 1659 with his father to Had-
ley, and settled in that part of the town
afterwards called Hatfield, where he died
April 30, 1692. He was a farmer and
owner of much land.
(III) John Warner, son of Lieutenant
Daniel Warner, was born in Hatfield in
April, 1677. He married, in 1716, Me-
hitable Richardson, and settled in East
Haddam, Connecticut, where he died in
March, 1750. His wife died March 10,
1776, and both are buried about three
miles southeast of Chapman's Ferry.
(IV) Rev. Noadiah Warner, son of
John Warner, was born in East Haddam,
January 12, 1728-29, and died at Newton,
Connecticut, February 2, 1794. In 1759,
he graduated from Yale Divinity School
and was installed pastor of the church at
Danbury, Connecticut, in 1762, later serv-
ing at Hoosac and Trumbull. In 1781,
he bought a farm at Newton, his church
having been taken over to store rebel pro-
visions in, and retired to his farm. Rev.
Mr. Warner married Elizabeth De Forest,
September 17, 1761, and she died in Sep-
tember, 1812. She was of Huguenot de-
scent from Jesse De Forest, born in 1575,
who removed from France to Holland in
161 5, and was one of the leaders of the
Huguenot Colony that settled in New
York in 1623. Mrs. Warner was also de-
scended from John Peet, who came from
Duffield, England, to Stratford in 1635.
(V) Harvey De Forest Warner, son of
Rev. Noadiah Warner, was born in Dan-
bury, August I, 1769, and died at Salis-
bury, Connecticut, March 30, 1859. He
engaged in farming and also was the
owner of an iron ore mine. He married
(first) December 10, 1796, Elizabeth Clark
born September 4, 1778, daughter of Na-
thaniel Carey and Sarah Clark of Salis-
bury, and grand-daughter of Gamaliel and
Elizabeth (Carey) Clark of Milford. Mrs.
Warner died June 2, 1821.
(VI) Donald Judson Warner, son of
Harvey De Forest Warner, was born in
Salisbury, September 15, 1819, and died
there March 31, 1904. In 1842, he was
admitted to the Litchfield County Bar and
engaged in practice in Salisbury. He was
judge of the District Court and of the
Court of Common Pleas for eight years
and several times served as representa-
tive. He was appointed quarter-master-
general by Governor Buckingham but
never qualified to this office. On Novem-
ber 16, 1847, he married Lois Camp Tick-
nor Ball, born in Salisbury, March 27,
1829, died January 13, 1880, daughter of
Robert and Sophia Buckingham (Tick-
nor) Ball, a descendant of Rev. Robert
Ball, a clergyman from the north of Ire-
127
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
land ; she was adopted by an uncle, Ben-
ajah Ticknor, fleet surgeon in the navy
under Commodore Decatur.
(VII) Donald Ticknor Warner, eldest
son of Donald J. and Lois Warner, was
born in Salisbury, December 15, 1850, and
was educated in the district schools of
that town and the Salisbury Academy.
In the class of 1872, he entered Trinity
College at Hartford, but owing to ill
health was unable to complete his course.
He took up the study of law under the
able perceptorship of his father and was
admitted to the bar in 1873. He practiced
his profession in association with his
father until the latter was appointed
judge, and in 1890 Mr. Warner formed a
partnership with Howard Fitch Landon
under the firm name of Warner & Lan-
don. From June, 1896, to March, 1917,
he was State's Attorney for Litchfield
County, being appointed Judge of the
Superior Court in the latter year. From
1885 to 1917, Judge Warner was also
Judge of the Probate Court ; is President
of the Litchfield County Bar Association,
and from November, 1874, to 1885, served
as postmaster. He is a Republican in
politics and served the interests of that
party in the State Senate in 1895 and 1897,
being chairman of the Judiciary Commit-
tee both sessions. He is treasurer of the
Salisbury Cutlery Company ; president of
the Lakeville Water Company, and holds
the same office with the Lakeville Gas
Company ; director of the National Iron
Bank of Falls Village, Connecticut. Judge
Warner attends St. John's Episcopal
Church of Salisbury, and is also one of the
financial agents of the parish.
He married, October 4, 1884, Harriet
E. Wells, born November 14, 1857, daugh-
ter of Philip and Elizabeth (Harrison)
Wells, and their children were : Donald
Judson, born July 24, 1885, of extended
mention below ; Elizabeth Harrison, born
November 2"], 1886, wife of Irving Kent
Fulton of Salisbury; Lois Caroline, born
June 30, 1888 ; Mary Virginia, February 5,
1891 ; Philip Wells, November 2, 1893 \
Jeanette De Forest, born December 3,
1896.
(VIII) Donald Judson Warner, eldest
son of Judge Donald T. and Harriet
(Wells) Warner, was born in Salisbury
where he attended the public schools and
was also under private tutors. He at-
tended the Hotchkiss School where he
prepared for Yale College and graduated
from that institution in 1906; two years
later he graduated from the Yale Law
School and was admitted to the bar at
Winsted the same year. He engaged in
practice in Salisbury, the third genera-
tion of his family in succession to follow
this profession in that town, and in 1908
was elected Justice of the Peace on the
Democratic ticket and still holds this
office. He was Secretary of the State of
Connecticut in 1921-1923, and has long
been an active member of the town com-
mittee.
Fraternally, he is a member of Mont-
gomery Lodge, No. 13, Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons; the Hartford Club;
the Graduates Club of New Haven; the
Sons of the American Revolution ; and
the Connecticut Historical Society.
Mr. Warner married Lois Church Sco-
ville of Salisbury and they attend the
Episcopal Church there, of which Mr.
Warner is a member of the Vestry and
assistant clerk of the parish.
BURNHAM, William Edward,
Business Executive.
Place names were first adopted by the
French in the twelfth century, and were
taken from the estates of those who used
128
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
them. The custom of using surnames
was introduced into England at the time
of the Norman Conquest, and, as in
France, the first names used were place
names. The name Burnham was first
assumed in England shortly after the
Conquest, and is Anglo-Saxon in deriva-
tion. Walter de Veutre, first bearer of
the name, came to England in the army
of William the Conqueror, in the train of
his cousin, Earl Warren, who was the son-
in-law of the Conqueror. At the institu-
tion of the feudal system of land tenure
under the Norman regime, Walter de
Veutre was made Lord of several Saxon
villages, among which was the village of
Burnham, where he took up his residence
and became known as de Burnham. Burn-
ham is derived from Beorn or Burn, old
Anglo-Saxon meaning a bear. According
to Ferguson the patronymic signifies
"chief, hero, man." In Anglo-Saxon the
name is Beornham, Byrbham, etc., and is
at present variously spelled Burnham,
Bernham, Berham, and Barnham. The
family is one of the most ancient and hon-
orable in England, and is entitled to bear
arms by royal patent.
Arms — Gules a chevron between three lions'
heads erased or.
Crest — A leopard's head erased proper.
Burke records a different coat-of-arms
for Burnham of Suffolk and several vari-
ations of the above arms for various
branches of the family.
(I) Thomas Burnham, immigrant an-
cestor and founder of the family in Amer-
ica, was born in Hatfield, Herefordshire,
England, in 1617. There is authentic rec-
ord of Thomas Burnham in an old docu-
ment, dated November 20, 1635, when he
"imbarqued for the Barbadoes, in the Ex-
pedition, Peter Blacklee, Master, took the
oath of allegiance and Supremacy, Ex-
Conn. 11 — 9
amined by the Minister of the town of
Gravesend." The first record of him in
America appears in the year 1649, when
he was in Hartford, and served as bonds-
man for his servant, Rushmore, "that he
should carry good behavior." From the
fact that he brought servants to America,
it is established that Thomas Burnham
was a man of means, and he is also known
to have been a man of excellent education
and mentality ; he practiced as a lawyer
for several years after coming to America.
In 1659 he purchased an extensive tract
of land now lying principally in the towns
of East Hartford and South Windsor.
This he purchased from Tantonimo, the
chief sachem of the Potunke tribe, and
held it under a deed from the aforemen-
tioned chief, and later in 1661, under a
deed from six of his successors and allies,
by which they renounce "all our right and
title in those lands aforesayd unto Thomas
Burnham and his heirs." During the time
that the land was in his possession Thom-
as Burnham was forced to prosecute sev-
eral lawsuits, supported by the govern-
ment. It was finally ordered divided, but
he refused to give it up, thereby prolong-
ing the contest for a longer period. At a
town meeting in Hartford in 1688, the in-
habitants sanctioned the appointment "of
a Committee in behalf of this town, to
treat with Thomas Burnham, Senior, up-
on his claim to the lands on the East side
of the Great River." On this vast tract
he erected a house which, during the In-
dian War of 1675, was one of five which
were fortified and garrisoned. He was a
man of considerable prominence in the
official life of the town, and in 1649, 1656,
1659 and 1660, was the plaintifif in several
court actions, in which he usually de-
fended himself. In 1659 he was attorney
for Jeremy Adams, of Northampton, and
in 1662 defended Abigail Betts, in a
129
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
charge of blasphemy ; for his successful
defense of her, "for saving her neck," the
court condemned him to "ye prison-keep."
The sentence was not carried out, but he
was deprived of citizenship for a period,
and prohibited from acting as attorney
for others. In 1665 he served on the jury.
In 1662 he gave bonds to keep the peace,
because of a complaint against him for
abuse in the case of Abigail Betts. Some
of the land originally purchased from the
Indians by Thomas Burnham is still in
the possession of the Burnham family.
Thomas Burnham married Anna Wright
in 1639. She was born in England in
1620, came to America with her husband,
and died here on August 5, 1703. He died
on June 24, 1688, before his death dividing
the greater part of his estate among his
children by deed. His wife did not pro-
duce his will immediately after his death
when it was called for by the court. It
was proved by witnesses in June, 1690.
(II) Richard Burnham, son of Thomas
and Anna (Wright) Burnham, was born
in America in 1654 and died on April 28,
1731. He married Sarah Humphries,
daughter of Michael and Priscilla (Grant)
Humphries, of Windsor, Connecticut, on
June I, . He inherited extensive
land holdings from his father, and on
May 29, 171 1, with three of his brothers,
he received a deed of land from three
women. In 1721 Richard Burnham re-
ceived another deed of land, from John
Morecock. In 1730, in place of lands
taken by the town of Windsor, the pro-
prietors of five miles of land on the east
side of the great river, in the township of
Hartford, conveyed to the heirs of Thom-
as Burnham the title to two hundred and
twenty-seven acres of land. Richard
Burnham was a wealthy property owner
and prominent in local affairs.
(III) Lieutenant Richard (2) Burn-
ham, son of Richard (i) Burnham and
Sarah (Humphries) Burnham, was born
July 6, 1692, and died February 11, 1754.
He married Abigail Easton, on May 5,
1715 ; she was born March 16, 1687. He
married (second) Hannah Goodwin or
Hannah Risley. His second wife died
on March 28, 1784. In 1738 Richard
Burnham was confirmed by the general
assembly to be lieutenant of the third
company in the first regiment in the col-
ony. He was an important man in the
affairs of the community, as is shown by
the fact that on December 26, 1716, he,
with Roger Wolcott, Captain Stoughton
and Ensign Burnham, was "appointed to
dignify the seats in the Meeting House."
He received a deed of land on the east
side of the Connecticut River from the
administrators of the estate of John
Easton, his wife's father, in 1726. A deed
of land to him from Joseph Keeney is also
recorded.
(IV) Elisha Burnham, son of Lieuten-
ant Richard (2) Burnham, was born on
June 22, 1717, and died on July 18, 1770.
He received much land in the vicinity of
Hartford from his father, to which he
added by purchase. Elisha Burnham was
noted in the community for his size and
extraordinary strength. He married, on
February 5, 1742, Sarah Olmstead, daugh-
ter of Deacon Joseph and Hannah (Marsh)
Olmstead of East Hartford. She was
born November 10, 1716, and died at the
home of her daughter at Hartford Neck,
on September 3, 1810, at the advanced age
of ninety-four years. Elisha Burnham
died in an epidemic of fever which swept
Hartford in 1770. On November i, of the
same year, the court granted letters of ad-
ministration on his estate to Joseph
Church, Jr., who gave bonds with Elisha
Burnham, son of the deceased.
(V) George Burnham, son of Elisha
130
i
^^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
and Sarah (Olmstead) Burnham, was
born August 13, 1753, and died on March
10, 1830. He married Nancy Bigelow.
She was married November 16, 1775, and
died on January 16, 1800, aged forty-five
years.
(VI) Charles Burnham, son of George
and Nancy (Bigelow) Burnham, was born
on June 18, 1786, and died May 29, 1852.
He married (first) Hannah White, who
was born February 20, 1786, and died
October 16, 1812, at the age of twenty-six.
He married (second) Persis White, daugh-
ter of Preserved White of Springfield,
Massachusetts, where she was born April
30, 1792. Charles Burnham was one of
the inspectors in the United States ar-
mory at Springfield, and was thoroughly
respected and honored in the community.
(VH) Edward Goodwin Burnham, son
of Charles and Persis (White) Burnham,
was born in Springfield, Hampden County
Massachusetts, on June 2, 1827, died in
Bridgeport February 28, 1908. He spent
the early years of his life in Springfield,
and received his education in the local
public schools there. At a very early age
he became interested in mechanical occu-
pations, and devoted a large portion of his
time to study and experiment in that
field. At the age of sixteen years, he
went to Brattleboro, Vermont, and ap-
prenticed himself to the firm of Hines,
Newman & Hunt, to learn the machinist's
trade. After serving his apprenticeship
he left the aforementioned firm and en-
tered the United States Armory at Spring-
field as a machinist, later becoming a con-
tractor. Mr. Burnham resigned his posi-
tion in the armory several years later and
removed to Bridgeport, Connecticut. In
Bridgeport, he became connected with the
manufacturing firm of Dwight, Chapin &
Company, then engaged in the manufac-
ture of appendages for rifles for the United
States Government. The company later
extended the work to include the mak-
ing of firearms. This was during the
Civil War, and the business was greatly
strengthened and increased by extensive
orders for war munitions.
At the close of the war, Mr. Burnham
severed his connections with Dwight,
Chapin & Company, and became inter-
ested in the manufacture of steam, gas
and water fittings, in partnership with
Charles F. Belknap of Bridgeport. The
business grew with such rapidity that
shortly after the inception, the corpora-
tion of Belknap and Burnham was formed
with Mr. Burnham as president. Mr. Burn-
ham was a man of considerable inventive
genius, and skilled in the handling of
problems in manufacturing. Under his
management the business of the firm
went forward in such strides that in 1874
the Eaton, Cole & Burnham Company
was formed with greatly increased cap-
ital, and enlarged factory accommoda-
tions. Mr. Burnham was vice-president
of the new concern at the time of its or-
ganization, but later became president,
which post he held until he resigned from
active business life, in 1905. During the
time of his presidency Mr. Burnham
greatly advanced the efficiency of the
plant, and raised the working force to
fourteen hundred men. The firm was one
of the principal industries of the city of
Bridgeport, and one of the largest of its
kind in the State of Connecticut, employ-
ing over twenty-four hundred men.
As the head of a corporation of such
size and prominence in the life of the
city of Bridgeport, Mr. Burnham was in-
fluential in the executive councils of other
large interests of the city, and also in
public life. He was vice-president of the
United Illuminating Company, president
of the Bridgeport Crucible Company,
131
L
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
vice-president of the Bridgeport Hospital
and a trustee of the Bridgeport Protestant
Orphan Asylum, and a director of the City
National Bank. In addition to the ab-
sorbing duties of his business, Mr. Burn-
ham gave much time and energy to honest
and unselfish service of public interests,
and he was recognized throughout the
city as a man of sterling character as well
as unusual ability in public service. In
1887 he was elected State Senator of the
Connecticut Legislature and served in
this capacity for two years. He also
served on the Bridgeport Board of Public
Works for several years. Prior to the
organization of the Republican party,
he was a staunch Whig, but on the forma-
tion of the latter, transferred his allegi-
ance, and to the time of his death re-
mained the best type of a Republican.
Mr. Burnham was a member and vestry-
man of St. John's Church of Bridgeport.
He was a member of the Seaside Club,
the Algonquin Club and the Bridgeport
Yacht Club, and was a keen sportsman.
He gave generously but unostentatiously
to charities and before his death presented
a large and valuable building to the
Bridgeport Hospital.
In September, 1853, Edward Goodwin
Burnham married Mary Ferree, born July
5, 1826, died June 12, 1899, daughter of
Uriah and Syble Russell Ferree, of Spring-
field, Massachusetts. Their children :
Mary W., married Henry D. Henshaw ;
Carrie Bell, married John A. Ten Eyck;
and William Edward, of whom further.
Edward Goodwin Burnham died in
Bridgeport, February 28, 1908. The fol-
lowing excerpt is taken from the Bridge-
port Standard of that date : "Mr. Burn-
ham's life was marked by many splendid
qualities, and above all by his great gen-
erosity and his broad charity, which was
the greater for being of the unobtrusive
kind. Since his retirement from business
he has given away a large sum of money
in useful charity. Among his public
works was the erection of one of the
wings of the Bridgeport Hospital, but
that was a small undertaking compared
to the steady stream of help which has
flowed from time to time to the poor and
needy, always quietly, the satisfaction
coming to Mr. Burnham in the perform-
ance of the deed and not in the receiving
of public credit for it."
(VIII) William Edward Burnham, son
of Edward Goodwin and Mary (Ferree)
Burnham, was born in Springfield, Mas-
sachusetts, on November 25, 1856. Mr.
Burnham, Sr., removed from Springfield
to Bridgeport in i860, and William E.
Burnham attended the schools of that
city, public and private, and later studied
for two years at Seabury Institute in Say-
brook, Connecticut. His career, like his
father's, has been devoted to mechanics
and manufacture. Very early he deter-
mined on the mechanical field for his life
work, and secured his first employment
in this line in the iron fitting department
of Eaton, Cole & Burnham, of which his
father was president. Convinced that thor-
ough acquaintance with every phase of
the work of the place was the only basis
on which to build his career, Mr. Burn-
ham began on the lowest rung of the lad-
der, rising gradually through positions of
varying responsibility to the capacity of
vice-president, assistant treasurer and
manager. During the term of his service
and connection with it, the firm Eaton,
Cole & Burnham became one of the larg-
est and most important of the enormous
and extensive brass and iron industries of
the entire State of Connecticut. In 1905
the year of his father's retirement, Mr.
Burnham sold out his interest in the com-
pany to the Crane Company of Chicago,
132
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Illinois, and since then has given the
greater portion of his time to a large iium-
ber of interests with which he is con-
nected. He is president of the Pacific
Iron Works, director of the First National
Bank, director, for past twenty-five years,
of the Bridgeport Hospital, and director
of the Bridgeport Public Library and
Bridgeport Boys' Club.
Mr. Burnham has served the city of
Bridgeport faithfully and well in the fol-
lowing official capacities : In 1897, he was
appointed park commissioner and served
for seven years ; and has served on board
of apportionment and taxation, and on
board of contracts and supplies for several
years, retiring in 1925. In 1908 he was
elected delegate to the Republican Na-
tional Convention ; in 1909 he was one of
the Republican presidential electors, and
was a member of the Republican Central
State Committee. He is a member of the
order of Knights Templar, Pyramid Tem-
ple of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine;
the Order of Elks ; the Algonquin of
Bridgeport; the Union League Club of
New Haven, and the New York Yacht
Club.
William Edward Burnham married
Hattie J. Keifer, on December 10, 1884,
daughter of Jacob and Effie Jane (Decker)
Kiefer, old residents of Bridgeport. Their
home is on Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport.
They are members of St. John's Protest-
ant Episcopal Church. Mrs. Burnham
died January 17, 1923.
Mr. Burnham is one of the substantial,
highly respected, and progressive busi-
ness men of the city of Bridgeport, and
of the type of enterprising excutive that
has been responsible for the extraordinary
development of the city two decades.
Bridgeport is now the largest and most
important manufacturing city in the en-
tire State, and this fact is due largely to
the presence in the city of such men as
William Edward Bumham's type.
ACHESON, Edward Campion,
Saffragan Bishop of Conneotiont.
One of the most active and useful of-
ficials of the Anglican Church, Bishop
Acheson and his talented wife are among
the leading citizens of Middletown in all
good work, calculated to promote the
welfare of the community and of the
State. Edward Campion Acheson was
born in 1858 in Woolwich, England, of
Irish parents, and reared in Ireland. In
1881 he accompanied his parents to Can-
ada and was in business for a time at
Toronto. For some time a student at the
University of Toronto, he graduated in
1888 from Wyckliflfe College at Toronto,
a divinity school. In 1892 he received the
degree of A. M. from the University of
New York, being at that time a curate at
St. George's Church of that city. He was
ordained to the Protestant Episcopal
priesthood by Bishop Sweatman of To-
ronto, June 16, 1888. For one year he was
a curate at All Saints Church at Toronto.
In 1892 he was called to the church of the
Holy Trinity at Middletown, Connecti-
cut, as rector, and continued in this posi-
tion until his consecration as Suflfragan
Bishop. With an active mind and deeply
engrossed in his work, he rapidly grew in
the esteem not only of his parish, but of
his fellow citizens generally. One who
knew him well said: "He is first of all,
a man. His beneficences have extended
to people of every denomination and every
creed. Going about doing good is his re-
ligion." In these brief words is summed
up the character of the man and cause for
the respect and esteem in which he is held
is revealed.
While he was rector of Trinity, the
133
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
present parish house and rectory were
built ; also a parish house in the Staddle
Hill district, and on Warwick Street. He
was consecrated Bishop, November 4,
191 5, being the two hundred eighty-third
American Bishop. He received the degree
of Doctor of Divinity from Wesleyan
University and on November i, 1916, this
degree was conferred upon him by Trinity
College of Hartford. His activities in
church affairs are numerous and he has
served as chairman of the Committee on
Church Revision Fund; was vice-presi-
dent of a Church Auxiliary and is a trustee
of Berkeley Divinity School. While a
student at the University of Toronto,
Bishop Acheson was active in the militia
service of the Province, was a member of
Company K, the university company, of
the Queen's Own Regiment, and distin-
guished himself for bravery under fire
during the second Riel Rebellion, for
which he received a medal from Queen
Victoria. During the recent World's War,
his military and patriotic spirit led him
into many activities and he served as
Field Director of the American Red Cross
in this country. At its outbreak he was
stranded in Italy with many other Ameri-
can tourists, and was appointed by Am-
bassador Page on a commission to relieve
American tourists and arrange for their
transportation to this country. Because
of his executive ability and his cheerful
and hopeful disposition, he was particu-
larly valuable to this organization. He
is affiliated with St. John's Lodge, No.
2, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ;
and Cyrene Commandery, No. 8, Knights
Templar, of Middletown.
Bishop Acheson was married, June 8,
1892, in Canada, to Eleanor Gooderhan,
daughter of George Gooderhan, a mer-
chant of Toronto. Mrs. Acheson is a
leader in many of the uplifting activities
of Middletown, among which may be
mentioned the Visiting Nurses' Associa-
tion, and has been very active in Red
Cross work, in community service and
other movements along the lines of these
organizations. Mr. and Mrs. Acheson
are the parents of a daughter and two
sons: Margaret C, Dean G., and Ed-
ward C.
PECK, Howard Sydney,
Public Servant.
A scion of one of the oldest Connecti-
cut families, Mr. Peck is an exponent of
the steady virtues which have for three
centuries distinguished the Puritan fa-
thers of New England. Among the first
settlers of New Haven, in 1638, was
Henry Peck, probably a relative of Dea-
con William Peck, who settled there in
the same year. They are supposed to
have been members of Rev. John Daven-
port's flock that came with Governor
Eaton in the ship "Hector," arriving at
Boston, June 26, 1637. Henry Peck signed
the fundamental agreement of the settlers
of New Haven, and took an active interest
in the management of the affairs of the
colony. A portion of his home lot, on
what is now George Street, is still in pos-
session of his descendants. His will is
dated October 30, 165 1, and he died soon
after that day. His third son, Benjamin
Peck, was baptized September 5, 1647,
and lived in that part of New Haven
known as "Sperry Farms," now the town
of Woodbridge. His will, made March
30, 1730, was proved April 5, following.
He married March 29, 1670, Mary, daugh-
ter of Richard Sperry of New Haven,
born March 14, 1650. Benjamin, eldest
child of Benjamin and Mary Peck, was
born January 4, 1671, in (then) New
Haven, and settled in "Norwich West
134
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Farms," now Franklin, about 1700, in
which year he was made a freeman there.
He was a man of ability, wealth and in-
fluence, and died May 3, 1742, having sur-
vived his wife Mary by fourteen years.
She died March 3, 1728. Their second
son, Benjamin Peck, born December 4,
1710, settled in Canterbury, Connecticut.
He married, November 3, 1736, Martha
Carrier, a descendant of Thomas Carrier,
a remarkable man in both England and
America. He was born as early as 1635,
was noted for his fleetness of foot, and
was a member of the body guard of
Charles I. After he was one hundred
years old he walked a distance of eighteen
miles, from Colchester to Glastonbury,
carrying a sack of corn and stopping only
once on the way. He was in Billerica,
Massachusetts, in 1665, in Andover in
1692, later at Colchester, Connecticut,
where he died March 16, 1735, "aged over
one hundred years." He married. May
7, 1674, Martha Allen of Andover, daugh-
ter of Andrew and Faith Allen. She
was executed as a witch at Salem, August
19, 1692. Their son, Thomas Carrier,
married, at Andover June 19, 1705, Susan-
na Johnson, who was born December 30,
1682, daughter of William and Sarah
(Lovejoy) Johnson of Andover. Their
daughter became the wife of Benjamin
Peck, as before related. Their eldest
child, Reuben Peck, was born October 17,
1737. in Canterbury, where he made his
home. He married, December 6, 1759,
Charity French, born May 20, 1736, in
Norwich, daughter of Abner and Sarah
(Sluman) French of that town. Sarah
Sluman, born January 31, 1704, in Nor-
wich, daughter of Thomas and Sarah
(Pratt) Sluman, was married November
6, 1723, to Abner French. Jesse Peck,
third son of Reuben and Charity Peck,
born October 3, 1764, lived in Canter-
bury and married March 31, 1795, Sarah
Carver, born December 14, 1775, daughter
of Gideon and Abigail (Hovey) Carver
of Canterbury. She was admitted ("wife
of Jesse Peck") to the Westminster
Church of Canterbury in January, 1808.
Joseph Peck, fourth son of Jesse and
Sarah, was bom May 14, 1807, in Canter-
bury (according to Canterbury records)
May 15, 1808, by family records, and lived
a short time in Pawlet, Vermont. He also
resided in Litchfield and Rocky Hill,
Connecticut, and settled permanently on
Farm Hill, in the town of Middletown,
where he was a successful farmer and
died October 26, 1876. He purchased
tracts of timber land and did a large busi-
ness in lumber and railroad ties, beside
furnishing wood for locomotives on the
main line and Berlin branch of the New
Haven Railroad. A man of industry and
business ability, he filled an important
place in the community. He was a mem-
ber of the Methodist Church, a Repub-
lican in political principle, but never
sought political preferment. He married,
January i, 1843, Harriet Winchester, born
September 24, 1820, died November 24,
1861, daughter of Joel and Sophia (Arm-
strong) Winchester of Pawlet.
The pioneer ancestor of the Winchester
family was John, who is found of record
at Muddy River, now Brookline, Massa-
chusetts, in 1637, when he was made a
freeman there. In 1638 he was a member
of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery
Company of Boston, lived in Hingham in
1647-48 and in 1655 was again at Muddy
River. He joined the church with his
wife in 1674, held various town offices and
died April 25, 1694, aged over eighty. He
married, October 15, 1638, in Scituate,
Hannah, daughter of Richard Scales. She
died in Brookline September 18, 1697.
Josiah, third son of John Winchester, was
135
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
born March 27, 1655, and died February
22, 1728. He married December 10, 1678,
Mary, daughter of Peter and Ann Lyon,
born 1650, died July 27, 1730. Their
third son, Amariah Winchester, baptized
April 8, 1688, died after January, 1773,
probably in Connecticut. He married,
December 15, 1714, in Boston, Sarah
Seaver, born December 4, 1696, daughter
of John and Sarah Seaver. Andrew Win-
chester, third son of Amariah and Sarah
born February 4, 1723, died May 18, 1793.
He married Joanna, daughter of Ebenezer
Williams of New London. Their eldest
child, Andrew Winchester, born October
16, 1750, settled at Pawlet, Vermont, in
1786, and died 1827. He married Lydia
Carver, and they were the parents of Joel
Winchester, born 1790. He married Sophia
Armstrong of Castleton, Vermont, and
their third daughter, Harriet, became the
wife of Joseph Peck, as previously noted.
Howard S. Peck, fourth son of Joseph
and Harriet (Winchester) Peck, was born
April 20, 1858, in Middletown, where he
has made his home to the present time.
His attendance at the public schools ended
before the completion of his eighteenth
year, and he has since been actively en-
gaged in the practical affairs of life, to his
own profit and that of the community.
Until 1881 he remained on the paternal
farm, and for the succeeding eleven years
was employed by the Middletown Silver
Plate Company. For fifteen years he
occupied the paternal homestead, and sold
milk in the city, delivering from one hun-
dred to one hundred and twenty-five
quarts three hundred and sixty-five days
in the year. He continues to manage the
farm, a portion of which is rented. Mr.
Peck was early drafted by his townsmen
for the public service and, after serving
as assessor and member of the board of
relief several years, he was elected select-
man. In 1912 he was chosen first select-
man, and has since filled that responsible
position. The care of the roads and mul-
titude of interests of the large and popu-
lous town furnish ample employment for
his natural executive qualities, and, when
not traversing the field of his responsibili-
ties, he is daily found in his office in the
municipal building. In the social life of
the town and city, he bears an active part,
and is a supporter of the "North" Congre-
gational Church, with which his family is
identified, and holds membership in sev-
eral fraternal and benevolent bodies.
Among these are included : St. John's
Lodge, No. 2, Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons ; Apollo Lodge, No. 33, Knights
of Pythias; Middletown Lodge, No. 771,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ;
and Mattabessett Grange, Patrons of
Husbandry. Mr. Peck has consistently
supported the principles avowed by the
Republican party in public aflfairs and has
been influential in shaping the manage-
ment of local affairs. In his active career
he has suffered no serious illness, and is
still in prime order for action.
Howard S. Peck married, September
12, 1882, Carrie Doud, born in South
Farms, Middletown, daughter of Na-
thaniel S. and Sarah (Roberts) Doud.
Nathaniel S. Doud was born in Madison,
November 24, 1827, died June 15, 1921,
married Sarah Roberts, born September
II, 1833, died July 10, 1891, daughter of
William and Clarissa (Blake) Roberts,
who were married December 4, 1823. Mr.
and Mrs. Peck were the parents of three
sons and two daughters : Grace Frances,
died at the age of thirty-two, while the
wife of Richard A. Ray. Joseph Norman
is a plumber in Middletown, residing near
his father. Horace Howard has been
with the Russell Manufacturing Company
since the age of sixteen years, and also
136
r
^^^Ly^.-^..w€^e^ ,x»^ c^ko.t^<>c-*^t-^r
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
resides near his father. Harry Doud is
engaged in the manufacture of motors at
Detroit, Michigan. Helen Louise died at
the age of three years, three months and
three days.
TRUMBULL, Alexander H.,
Manufacturer.
It is a noteworthy example of the
Trumbull family, now widely dispersed
throughout the United States, and numer-
ous members of which have become prom-
inent in the industrial world, in the field
of letters and in political and professional
activities. A branch of the Trumbull
family, migrated from Great Britain,
probably in the latter part of the sixteenth
or early in the seventeenth century, to
Ulster County, Ireland. There, Hugh H.
Trumbull, father of Alexander H. Trum-
bull was born and on emigrating to Amer-
ica, settled in West Hartford, Connecti-
cut, afterward removing to Plainville,
Connecticut. He was a strong, intensively
religious and substantial citizen of the
communities where he carried on his agri-
cultural pursuits. He was the father of
seven sons, of whom is Alexander H.
Trumbull, of this review, president of the
Connecticut Electric Manufacturing Com-
pany of Bridgeport, which ranks as one
of the most important concerns of its kind
in New England, while its head is also
recognized as an industrial leader of this
section of the country. From a small be-
ginning in Bantam, Connecticut, where
the concern still maintains that unit of
its establishment, the Connecticut Elec-
tric Manufacturing Company now sends
its products all over the world and has
offices at a number of strategic points in
this country. The company also operates
its own pottery plant at Trenton, New
Jersey, where it manufactures the porce-
lain used in the production of its elec-
trical devices at Bridgeport.
Alexander H. Trumbull is a son of
Hugh H. and Mary (Harper) Trumbull.
His father was born in Ireland. After his
arrival in America he first took up his
residence in West Hartford, Connecticut,
where he bought a tract of land and oper-
ated a farm on a considerable scale for a
number of years. He was a communicant
of the West Hartford Methodist Episco-
pal Church. He and his wife were the
parents of seven sons : John H., present
Governor of Connecticut ; Henry ; Frank ;
Alexander H., of this review ; James, who
died in April, 1916; Isaac B., who was
drowned when the Lusitania was sunk
while making a trip to England in May,
1915; and George. All of the surviving
sons are engaged in manufacturing.
Alexander H. Trumbull, son of Hugh
H. and Mary (Harper) Trumbull, was
born in West Hartford, Connecticut, Oc-
tober 12, 1878. His father, having re-
moved with his family from West Hart-
ford to Plainville, Connecticut, sent the
son Alexander to the public schools of
that town. He attended his classes until
he arrived at the age of fifteen years, when
he left school and became associated with
his brothers in the electrical business at
Hartford. He early demonstrated a re-
markable capacity for things mechanical,
particularly with the application of elec-
tricity. His genius for organization also
began to be active at the beginning of his
career. In 1904 he launched out into
business for himself as an electrical
contractor at Torrington, Connecticut,
shortly before absorbing the business in-
terests of his brothers at Hartford. In
1906, in association with his brother, Isaac
B. Trumbull, he organized in the town of
Bantam, the Connecticut Electric Manu-
facturing Company, which was destined
^Z7
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
to become one of the most important con-
cerns of its kind in this section of the
United States. In December, 1912, the
Trumbull brothers, finding it necessary to
expand their plant under the increasing
demand for their products, removed from
Bantam the major part of their establish-
ment to Bridgeport, where the company
engaged in a more extensive manufacture
of its ow^n inventions, which consist prin-
cipally of switches, sockets, etc., in addi-
tion to other devices. Under the skilfully
guiding hand of Alexander H. Trumbull,
the business has made remarkable strides.
Upon the organization of the company
Mr. Trumbull was elected president, and
still occupies that office. He himself is
the inventor of a number of wiring de-
vices in the electrical line which are in
use throughout the country. The envi-
able reputation which has come to the
Connecticut Electric Manufacturing Com-
pany is due in very large part to the in-
troduction and manufacture of numerous
important inventions in the electrical field
which were perfected and brought out by
Mr. Trumbull and his late brother, Isaac
B. Trumbull.
Mr. Trumbull is a member of the
Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce, and
State Chamber of Commerce, also of the
Manufacturers' Associations, both local
and national ; the Association of Manu-
facturers of Electrical Supplies. He is
affiliated with American Lodge, Free and
Accepted Masons, of Stratford, and is a
vestryman and a member of the board of
finance of Christ Protestant Episcopal
Church of Stratford, Connecticut. His
clubs are the Algonquin of Bridgeport,
the Cupheag of Stratford, and the Strat-
ford Mill River Country Club, being also
a member of the board of governors of the
latter club.
Mr. Trumbull married, December 6,
1905, Mary J. Smith, a daughter of An-
drew and Jane (Kilbourne) Smith of
Litchfield, both of whom were members
of old Connecticut families. Mr. and Mrs.
Trumbull are the parents of two children :
Marian, born November 27, 1906, a grad-
uate of the Stratford High School, and
now (1925) a student at the Wykham-
Rise School for Girls at Washington,
Connecticut, and Donald Trumball, born
June 18, 1910, who is attending the Gun-
nery School at Washington, Connecticut.
CURRY, James A.,
Iiaxryer.
Prominent among the enterprising, en-
ergetic, and successful lawyers of Hart-
ford, Connecticut, is James A. Curry, of
the law firm of Curry & Curry. Mr. Curry
was born in that city, January 24, 1890,
son of Thomas and Ann (Flannigan)
Curry. The former was born in Bally-
cumber, Queen's County, Ireland, and
died in November, 1915, aged sixty-four
years. He was about seventeen years of
age when he came to America with hi?
brother, Peter, and located in Hartford.
There Mr. Curry learned the trade of
brass moulder at the Colt Patent Fire-
arms Company, where he remained for
almost twenty years. He became exceed-
ingly expert in combining metals to give
special qualities for special uses. Though
never trained in the modern technical
sense, he was naturally possessed of keen
observation and an analytical mind, and
these qualities gave him such a command
of his business that requests came to him
from all over the country to work out
metal formulae. He was the one to first
make a metal to be successfully used in
the manufacture of link chains. Mr.
Curry worked out the formula for the
metal for the first gatling gun manufac-
138
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
tured. When the Colt Company had the
contract for the making of government
guns, he mixed the metals. In the late
" 'eighties," Mr. Curry resigned from the
position of Superintendent of the Colt
Brass foundry, a position which he had
held for many years, and engaged in the
real estate business on his own account.
He had always been thrifty, and with
keen foresight had invested his savings in
property which greatly enhanced in value,
and the income from this property was re-
invested with the same discriminating
judgment. It was very seldom that Mr.
Curry sold a piece of property.
He was a Democrat in politics, and
served two terms in the Common Council.
Mr. Curry married Ann Flannigan and of
their family of ten children, nine grew to
maturity, i. John, a graduate of Notre
Dame University. He was a lawyer and
died in 191 1, unmarried. 2. Ann, wife of
Joseph G. Woods of New Britain. 3.
William P., married Ann Golden. He
was alderman for several terms and is
now in the real estate and insurance busi-
ness in Hartford. 4. Margaret, deceased
wife of Truman D. Cowles of Hartford.
5. Mary, who lives at home. 6. Thomas
B., graduate of Notre Dame Law De-
partment in 1914. He had taken special
academic work before entering the law
school, and was admitted to the bar the
same year he graduated. He is now in
partnership with his brother, James A.,
who is more particularly the subject of
this sketch. Thomas Curry married An-
gela Jane Connor and has a daughter,
Angela Jane. 7. James A., of extended
mention below. 8. Edward P., of Hart-
ford, engaged in the real estate business.
He married Mary Doyle and is the father
of two children. 9. Teresa, a graduate of
St. Mary's College, Indiana, now engaged
in social service work with the Diocesan
Bureau of Social Service in Hartford. The
mother of this family died in August, 191 7.
James A. Curry attended the grammar
and high schools of Hartford and St.
Thomas Seminary. After completing his
courses at these institutions, he went to
Colorado where he worked for a year as
a surveyor in Routt County. At the death
of his brother, John Curry, he returned to
the East and the following September
entered the Law School at Notre Dame
University from which he was graduated
in 1914 and admitted to the bar the fol-
lowing year. At the same time he formed
his present partnership with his brother,
Thomas Curry, under the firm name of
Curry & Curry and they engage in a gen-
eral practice of their profession.
Although comparatively a young man,
Mr. Curry has been very active in public
affairs and has been a staunch supporter
of the Democratic party. For two terms
he served as assistant chairman of the
County Committee and also served as
secretary to Mayor Richard Kinsella.
Mr. Curry married Mary Agnes, daugh-
ter of Honora Mahoney of Rawlins, Wy-
oming, and neice of Senator Patrick Sul-
livan of Caspar, Wyoming. The latter is
also a Republican National Committee-
man. Mr. and Mrs. Curry are the parents
of a daughter, Mary Agnes, and of a son,
John Patrick Curry. Mrs. Curry holds
the degree of A. B. and B. M. received
from St. Mary's College.
Mr. Curry's fraternal affiliations are
with the Knights of Columbus ; the Be-
nevolent and Protective Order of Elks;
and the Royal Arcanum. With his family
he attends St. Joseph's Cathedral.
OTIS, John M.,
Banker.
There is an erroneous impression that
New England, with its greatly enlarged
cities and a vast increase in population.
139
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
has almost lost the leavening influence of
its original settlers, but a canvass of that
part of the country will show an amazing
number of the descendants of that hardy-
race, with which is included the "May-
flower" stock that aids materially in the
forefront of its enterprise and character-
izes its citizenship.
Among the many prominent men in
Connecticut who hark back to the foun-
ders of the land in ancestry is John M.
Otis, president of the Mechanics and
Farmers' Bank of Bridgeport. Mr. Otis
has all his adult life been connected with
that bank and banking interests generally.
He comes of Revolutionary stock, and is
a great-great-grandson of Stephen Otis,
who was one of the minute men of Con-
cord, Massachusetts, and Lexington, the
very vital engagements which preceded
the battle of Bunker Hill — men whose
deeds even today thrill Americans. Later
this Revolutionary hero took part in the
battle of Long Island, where he was cap-
tured by the British, dying when still held
by them. John M. Otis' line is traced
down through Robert, Richard and Mar-
shall Otis, but its anterior history is very
interesting.
The family name of Otis, Otes, Ottys,
is derived from the old Anglo-Norman
Christian name Oto, Odo, Oto de Bayley,
and is on record as early as about 1300.
Andreas Otes is in the Hundred Rolls of
County Norfolk, A. D. 1273, and Otes de
Howorth in the poll-tax of Yorkshire,
1379. The coat-of-arms of Otis (Ottys) is :
Arms — Azure, a cross engrailed argent between
four crosslets fitchee, or.
Robert Otis, born in England in 1696,
appears in Lyme, Connecticut, before
1737. He is said to have served as a
wagoner in the Revolution, but the mili-
tary record given is probably that of
Robert, Jr. "He died at Lyme, 181 1, aged
one hundred and fifteen years." (See
Robert, Jr.) Robert, Sr., married, in 1737,
Margaret Sabin. His diary has for Sun-
day, November 15, 1741 : "Robert Otis
and Mary Daton publisht." This entry
perhaps referred to a second wife. "Rob-
ert," his son, over sixteen, and his wife,
are in the census of 1780. A partial list
of his children born at Lyme : Robert, Jr.,
born 1740; enlisted May i, 1777, in the
Connecticut Line, Captain Ely's company,
for three years ; reenlisted in Captain
Richard Douglass' company, serving from
January i to May 4, 1781, and he was
among those drafted from the Fifth Con-
necticut Regiment to serve under Mar-
quis de la Fayette in Virgfinia at the end
of the war, in October, 1781. He married
Lydia , and had a son, John. He
and his wife may have been the subjects
of the diary entry of "Robert" quoted
above, in 1790. Stephen (2) Otis, son
of Robert and (Mary Daton?) Otis, bom
at Lyme, 1738, died at Halifax, Ver-
mont, in 1831. The lineage book of the
Daughters of the American Revolution
says that he served from Lyme for twen-
ty-nine days in Captain Joseph Jewett's
company at the Lexington Alarm, begin-
ning in April, 1775. He was at the battle
of Long Island, August 27, 1776, but in
the roll after the battle this was recorded :
"Sergeant Stephen Ottis missing." He
married, about 1760, Lucy Chandler. He
was representative of Halifax, Vermont,
1812-17. Partial list of children born at
Lyme : Arannah, served in Colonel Sam-
uel Canfield's regiment at West Point,
New York, September, 1781, enlisting
from East Haddam ; he appeared as
"Arime" in the roll, and married Eliza-
beth Adams. His second child was Caro-
line, born in 1764, died 1834. Robert (3)
said to be the son of Stephen and Lucy
140
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(Chandler) Otis. Seth, married Chloe
Taylor. Stephen, who served from Gro-
ton and Saybrook. Little is known of
Robert (3). He is said to have been the
father of a Richard who remained in
Lyme. A Richard Otis was born in Lyme
Jn 1775- He settled in Canaan, New York.
Richard (4) Otis, said to have been the
son of Robert and Otis, was born
at Lyme, but there is no record of his
death.
John M. Otis' grandfather was Rich-
ard Otis, a farmer born in Lyme, Con-
necticut. He married Nancy Palmer, of
the Walter Palmer line of Stonington,
Connecticut. They were the parents of
Marshall Otis, born in Lyme in 1831, and
died at the age of seventy-five years. He
was reared on the farm, attended the dis-
trict schools, and learned the trade of a
carpenter in Groton, Connecticut. At the
age of twenty-two he moved to Newtown,
Connecticut, and became a member of the
firm of Otis & Gillette, contractors and
builders. Their business was successful,
and they constructed many buildings in
Newtown and vicinity. Mr. Otis was
active in church affairs and a strong Con-
gregationalist. He married Mary J. Gil-
lette, a descendant of Jonathan Gillette,
of Windsor. They were the parents of
two children : John M. and Jennie Otis,
who married I. H. Camp, of Waterbury,
Connecticut, and they have one child,
Marion.
John M. Otis was born at Newtown,
Connecticut, October 21, 1855. His early
education was in the public schools of his
native town. He entered Yale University
in 1876, and after three years attendance
was taken ill and was forced to give up
his studies. In 1880 he located in Bridge-
port and entered the employ of the Me-
chanics and Farmers' Savings Bank. Here
he continued in various positions until
1907, when he was made assistant treas-
urer, which position he ably filled until
1922, when he was elected president, suc-
ceeding the late John L. Wessels. For
twenty-one years Mr. Otis served as
treasurer of the Bridgeport Hospital, re-
signing in 1920. He is now (1925) a
director in that institution. He is a mem-
ber of the Sons of the American Revolu-
tion ; of the Park Street Congregational
Church. October 21, 1886, Mr. Otis mar-
ried Carrie F. Beers, of Newtown. One
daughter, Mildred E. Otis, a graduate of
the Bridgeport High School and Welles-
ley College, class of 1910. She married
Dr. Robert C. Lewis, a professor in the
Colorado State University. They have
children : Robert, Elizabeth, Marshall,
John, and Roy.
RAFTERY, Oliver Henry, D. D.,
Episcopal Clergyman.
For a period of thirty-three years. Dr.
Raftery ministered, not only to Trinity
parish of Portland, but was the friend and
well-wisher of all the people of the town.
He was among the first to welcome the
new resident, ready to perform any kind-
ness, and always wistful for the well-
being of old and young. Known to all,
he was everywhere respected and loved.
His death at the age of sixty-six years
was widely regretted and caused a great
shock to the community.
Oliver Henry Raftery was born May
31, 1853, at Achill Island, in Northern
Ireland, son of Thomas and Catherine
Raftery. The father was a missionary in
Northern Ireland, where he spent his ac-
tive years and died when the son was a
small boy. Soon after, the latter came
with relatives to America, and his boy-
hood was spent in New York City. He
received some schooling there and, as
141
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
soon as prepared, became a student at
Cheshire Academy, Cheshire, Connecti-
cut, whence he went to Trinity College,
Hartford, from which he was graduated
in 1873. Three years later he was gradu-
ated from Berkeley Divinity School. Mid-
dletown, and ordained deacon by Bishop
Williams. In 1877 ^^ was ordained to
the priesthood and became rector of St.
Peter's Church, Cheshire, where he con-
tinued ten years, practicing the same lov-
able works which made him so beloved in
Portland. To Trinity Parish, in the latter
town, he came in 1886, and continued his
labors in its behalf until a few days be-
fore his death, May 17, 1919. In 1908
Trinity College conferred upon him the
well earned degree of Doctor of Divinity.
Dr. Raftery was a familiar figure on the
streets of the town and his visits were not
confined to the members of his parish, his
kind words were for everybody and every-
body was his friend. Dr. Raftery partic-
ipated in many ways in the work of the
diocese, and in the promotion of local in-
terests outside the church. He was a
member of the Portland school board and
director of the Buck Library, the public
library of the town. For twenty years,
from 1898 to 1918 he was archdeacon of
Middlesex County. From 1895 to 1907
he was deputy to the General Convention
and, at the time of his death, he was one
of the examining chaplains of the diocese.
He retained membership in the Psi Up-
silon college fraternity and was a member
of Warren Lodge, No. 51, Masonic fra-
ternity, of Portland. He maintained a
non-partisan interest in public affairs,
aiming and hoping to secure the best gov-
ernment.
At a service when a tablet in memory
of Dr. Raftery was unveiled, held in Trin-
ity Church, Portland, May 8, 1921, the
sermon was delivered by his classmate,
predecessor a? rector, and lifelong friend.
Rev. Frederick W. Harriman, D. D., rec-
tor emeritus of Grace Church, Windsor.
These loving words of a confrere were
based upon the words of St. Paul in II
Timothy, 2:15: A workman that needeth
not to be ashamed.
.... God has use for many kinds and types of
ministers ; and if a man can find the right field of
work for which he is adapted, his success will be
assured and his happiness will be great.
Among the various descripti.ons of ministers in
the New Testament I desire to select one that does
justice to the long and honorable service of him
whom we commemorate to-day; one that fits accu-
rately his personal character, attainments and
activities. More than one might well be applied to
him. By his long and liberal education he was
"thoroughly furnished unto all good works" ; and
the results of his training and devotion justified
St. Paul's ideal for Timothy, and rendered him "a
workman that needeth not to be ashamed." I feel
that it is but moderate praise, amply deserved, to
characterize Dr. Raftery as "a workman that need-
eth not to be ashamed." There are men at work
in all departments of life who cannot be thus
described with any regard for truth .... and I
fear that, in every profession and occupation, at
all times, there are "slackers" who need to be
ashamed, and to whom in the day of judgment the
Son of God will certainly not say, "Well done,
good and faithful servant."
Dr. Raftery was always a good worker — a very
diligent and thorough worker. My acquaintance
with him began in 1869, when he entered Trinity
College, in the class just after mine. He studied
hard and lived very quietly. We of his fraternity
knew him best and esteemed him highly. In 1873
he graduated second in his class, delivering a
Latin salutatory oration which was unusually
bright and original, even witty. I remember that
about that time he seemed to develop new powers,
became less silent and more genial.
In 1886 I laid down my rectorship here in Port-
land, and was much gratified when Mr. Raftery
was called to succeed me On the twentieth
day of March, 1886, he began his second and last
rectorship, which was to be so fruitful and full of
honor. The parish has .... been united and
peaceful May we not say of Dr. Raftery,
as the psalmist said of Moses : "Lo, he fed them
with a faithful and true heart, and ruled them pru-
dently with all his power?"
It is not always that good workmanship receives
recognition and human applause. Some faithful,
142
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
able and laborious ministers never reap much
earthly reward, or see the fruits of their planting.
To such the hymn says :
Men heed thee, love thee, praise thee not ;
The Master praises : what are men ?
Your rector had his share of honors such as the
Church can bestow upon those who achieve
visible success in the sacred ministry. Trinity
College gave him the degree of Doctor of Divinity.
The Church in Middlesex County made him Arch-
deacon, which office he filled for twenty years —
five successive terms. The Diocese elected him
deputy to the General Convention four times. He
was an examining chaplain, appointed by the bishop
to test the fitness of candidates for Holy Orders.
The Episcopal Academy at Cheshire made him a
trustee. The Church Scholarship Society was glad
to have him serve as one of its directors in the
work of granting loans to divinity students
Doctor Raftery's executive ability found ample
exercise as Archdeacon of Middlesex, with over-
sight of its various missions. His learning was
useful in examining divinity students. His knowl-
edge of history and his sound judgment came in
play when taking part in the legislative functions
of the General Convention I think a Divine
blessing rests upon a parish and a rector who com-
plete thirty-three years together in harmony and
united efforts for the Kingdom of Christ. Happy
is he who is permitted to round out such a period
— a third of a century ; happy is he who dies in the
harness as he did Happy is the parish that
can look back over thirty-three years of harmony
under one respected and beloved pastor, during
which the Church was indeed "edified" or built up
by mutual activity and conscientious service to
God and man. And all that time the domestic life
at the rectory has been a model of mutual affection
and a sustaining power to the rector himself.
In 1881 Mr. Raftery married Mary E.
Clark, daughter of Dr. William N. Clark
of Augusta, Georgia. She died without
issue. He married (second), in 1891,
Adelaide Emery Brainard, of Portland,
daughter of the late Benjamin F. and
Amelia Ann (Davis) Brainard of that
town, descended from Daniel Brainard,
one of the founders of the town of Had-
dam, Connecticut, elsewhere mentioned
at length. One child of this marriage died
in infancy, and two survive: i. Harold
Brainard, a graduate of Salisbury School
and of Trinity College, served in the
United States navy during the recent
World War. 2. Elizabeth Brainard Raf-
tery, a graduate of Westover School in
Middlebury, Connecticut, and Wellesley
College.
SANFORD, Charles G.
Ancestral History
The Sanford family of which Mr. San-
ford is a descendant, date their ancestry
back to Thomas Sanford, a descendant of
Thomas de Sanford, a follower of William,
Duke of Normandy, mentioned on the
Role of Battle Abbey, October 14, 1076.
A descendant, Thomas Sanford, came to
Boston in 1631, settled in Milford, Con-
necticut, in 1639, died there in 1681, and
from him the Connecticut Sanfords trace
their ancestry. Glover Sanford, grand-
father of Charles G. Sanford, was the
third son of LiflFe and Huldah Blackman
Sanford, and was born in that part of the
town of New Milford now known as
Bridgewater, March 3, 1797. His father,
Liffe Sanford, served seven years in the
Revolutionary War, and was present at
the execution of Major Andre. He died
December 3, 1815. After the death of his
father. Glover Sanford apprenticed him-
self to his brother, John B., in the adjoin-
ing town of Brookfield to learn the trade
of hatter, being then eighteen years of
age, and in 1820 began business in the
town of Salisbury. In 1823 he returned
to his native town where for a period of
forty-seven years was engaged in the
manufacture of hats, having associated
with him his four sons, Charles H., Homer
B., Frederick S., and Edwin G., which
composed the well known firm of Glover
Sanford and Sons. In 1870, for want of
143
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
better facilities, the firm removed to
Bridgeport, and in this business Glover
Sanford continued until his death.
In the affairs of his town he always
took a lively interest ; in politics, a staunch
Democrat, twice a representative to the
State Legislature. He was the first post-
master of his town, his first commission
being issued during the administration of
President Jackson. He was one of the
original incorporators of the Bank of
Litchfield, Connecticut, and a director
until a few weeks of his death. He was
one of the incorporators of the town of
Bridgewater, in 1856, and one of the first
selectmen. He was self-reliant, perse-
vering, of keen business foresight, a pub-
lic-spirited, honorable and upright man,
and always ready to lend a helping hand
to others. His habits kept him from the
infirmities of age, and he died May 30,
1878, aged eighty-one years. February,
.1821, he married Betsey Lake, daughter of
Benjamin and Mabel Lake, of Brookfield.
ROGERS, John WilUam,
Faithfnl Official.
For more than forty years a resident of
Middletown, Mr. Rogers has established
a reputation as a sound business man and
has, naturally, been called upon to handle
public affairs. In this he has maintained
the same standard as that governing his
own concerns, and the confidence of his
fellows has been justified and enhanced.
He is a descendant of some of the oldest
and influential families of New England,
partaking, thus, of those qualities making
for success and leadership. The name of
Rogers may have been of French origin
derived from Roger I of Sicily and Ca-
labria, born about 1031 in Normandy,
France. Some say it is derived from the
Prankish word Hruod, Hrother in North
German, Ruhm in modern German, mean-
ing fame or glory. Another meaning as-
cribed to it is "one whose word is reli-
able." It is among the most ancient
names in both England and America, as
well as most numerously found. No less
than eleven by the name of John Rogers
were among the seventeenth century im-
migrants in this country. Among these
may be mentioned the president of Har-
vard College in 1683. None of the immi-
grants of the name have been able to
establish descent from the martyr, John
Rogers, who was burned at Smithfield,
England, in 1555, though several families
have traditions to that effect. Probably,
the earliest American Rogers was Thomas
who came over in the "Mayflower" ac-
companied by his son Joseph, and died in
1621.
Robert Rogers was in Newbury, Mas-
sachusetts, in 1651, with his wife Susanna,
and died December 23, 1663. Their sec-
ond son, Thomas Rogers, was born July
9, 1652, in Newbury, where he resided,
and died October 15, 1735, in his eighty-
fourth year. He married. May 18, 1677,
Ruth Brown, who was born May 26, 1662,
daughter of Isaac and Rebecca (Bailey)
Brown of Newbury. Thomas Rogers, Jr.,
eldest child of Thomas and Rebecca, born
August 15, 1678, lived in Newbury and
there married, August 18, 1702, Hannah
Long, born April 6, 1684, daughter of
Abiel and Hannah (Hill) Long of that
town. Robert Long was a freeman of
Newbury in 1645, was a deacon of the
church there, and died of smallpox De-
cember 27, 1690. He married, in 1647,
Alice Stevens, who died three weeks after
him. Their eldest son, Abiel Long, was
born February 19, 1650, and married, Oc-
tober 27, 1682, Hannah Hill. They were
the parents of Hannah Long, wife of
Thomas Rogers, Jr.
144
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Amos Rogers, son of Thomas, Jr., and
Hannah, was born October 30, 1724, and
died in 1809. He married, November 22,
1748, Abigail Brown, born April 17, 1724,
daughter of Stephen and Sarah (Morse)
Brown. Stephen Brown, born July i,
1702, in Newbury, son of John and Mary,
married, February 26, 1722, Sarah Morse,
who was born October i, 1706, daughter
of William and Sarah (Merrill) Morse.
The name of Morse is inseparably con-
nected with the invention of the electric
telegraph and is otherwise distinguished
in relation to science, literature and all in-
fluences that make for the betterment of
the condition of mankind. Its bearers
have been noted for their maintenance of
the standards set by their Puritan fathers.
Anthony Morse of Newbury, Massachu-
setts, came from Marlboro, Wiltshire,
England, and settled in Newbury in 1635,
with his brother William, both registering
as shoemakers. They sailed from Lon-
don, England, in the ship "James," April
5, 1635. Anthony Morse built a house
in what is called "Newbury Old Town,"
about one-half mile south of the old ceme-
tery, on a slight eminence in a field which
is still called "Morse's Field." Traces of
the house a few rods from the road are
still visible. His will is on file in Salem.
He died October 12, 1686, in Newbury.
His first wife, Mary, is supposed to have
been the mother of his children. The fifth
son. Deacon Benjamin Morse, was born
March 28, 1640, in Newbury, where he
resided and was deacon of the church,
was made a freeman in 1673, subscribed
to the oath of fidelity and allegiance in
1668 and 1678, and was still living No-
vember 22, 1707. He married August 26,
1667, Ruth Sawyer, who was born Sep-
tember 16, 1648, daughter of William and
Ruth (Binford) Sawyer. She was a mem-
ber of the Newbury Church in 1674.
Conn. 11 — 10
Deacon William Morse, third son of Ben-
jamin and Ruth, was born January 23,
1674, in Newbury, where he made his
home and died May 20, 1749. He mar-
ried. May 12, 1696, Sarah Merrill, who
was born October 15, 1677, in Newbury,
daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Clough)
Merrill, granddaughter of Nathaniel Mer-
rill, born in 1610. in England, and one of
the first settlers of Newbury, in 1635.
His wife was Susannah Wellerton, whose
name is also written in early records as
Wilterton and Williston. Sarah Morse,
second daughter of William and Sarah,
became the wife of Stephen Brown and
the mother of Abigail Brown, wife of
Amos Rogers.
Amos Rogers, eldest child of Amos and
Abigail (Brown) Rogers, was born No-
vember 3, 1749, in Newbury, where he
lived and married, December 28, 1769,
Mary Davis, who was born July 31, 1750,
daughter of Benjamin and Ruth (Brown)
Davis.
Joshua Rogers, son of Amos, Jr., and
Mary (Davis) Rogers, was born July 21,
1777, in Newbury, and lived in the ad-
joining town of Hampstead, New Hamp-
shire. He married Nabby Currier, born
January 16, 1783, in Haverhill, Massachu-
setts, daughter of Reuben and Lydia (At-
wood) Currier. Their son, Ezekiel Cur-
rier Rogers, was born June 28, 1800, in
Hampstead, and lived in Concord and
other towns in that State. He married
Lavina Leavitt, and they were the parents
of George Leavitt Rogers, who was born
December 8, 1836, in Concord. The last
named engaged in the trucking business
in Plymouth, New Hampshire, whence
he removed to Middletown. Connecticut,
in 1880. Here he built up a handsome
business in storage and trucking, which he
continued until a short time before his
death, which occurred in 1912, in Ash-
US
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
land, New Hampshire, near Plymouth, in
his seventy-sixth year. He married Han-
nah Lambert, daughter of Joseph and
Margery (Clark) Lambert, who survives
him.
John W. Rogers, son of George L. and
Hannah, was born April 21, 1877, in Ply-
mouth, New Hampshire, and was a small
boy when his parents removed to Middle-
town, where his whole business career has
been developed. Until thirteen years old
he was a diligent student in the city
schools, and has since given close atten-
tion to the business established by his
father, of which he took charge more and
more as advancing age compelled the lat-
ter to relinquish its cares. With ready
business tact, he has made friends and his
business has grown and flourished. He
gives employment to fourteen men and
several motor vehicles, and his monster
vans are much in evidence about the
streets of the city and surrounding towns.
His present handsome residence on South
Main Street was purchased in 1920, and
is the abode of hospitality and good cheer.
Mr. Rogers has always taken a lively
interest in the progress and prosperity of
Middletown, and has been called upon
by his fellows to take part in the manage-
ment of its affairs. His political affilia-
tions are with the Republican party, and
he has been chosen to fill various offices,
including those of councilman, alderman
and representative of the town in the
State Legislature. In the election of Jan-
uary, 1924, he was elected mayor of the
city by a handsome majority, and was im-
mediately installed in office by his pred-
ecessor. In all matters given into his
charge, whether public or private, Mr.
Rogers has sought to pursue the straight
and just course, and the trust reposed in
him by the public has never been be-
trayed. He is a regular attendant of the
Baptist Church, and is affiliated with sev-
eral of the fraternal and benevolent or-
ganizations of the city, including St.
John's Lodge, No. 2, Free and Accepted
Masons ; Washington Chapter, No. 6,
Royal Arch Masons ; and Cyrene Com-
mandery. No. 8, Knights Templar. He
is also a member of Apollo Lodge, No. 33,
Knights of Pythias ; Middletown Lodge,
No. 771, Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks ; and Arawanna Tribe, No. 17, Im-
proved Order of Red Men.
Mr. Rogers was married to Emma E.
Eastwood, who was born September 29,
1875, i" Middletown, daughter of John T.
and Mary S. (Taylor) Eastwood, the for-
mer a native of England, and the latter of
Greenwich, New York. John T. East-
wood was born, 1830, in England, son of
Benjamin and Hannah Eastwood, and
was a house painter. He died July 11,
1883, in Middletown, as the result of a
fall. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are the parents
of two sons and a daughter, namely: i.
George Eastwood, born February 10,
1897. 2. Theodore Eastwood, January 28,
1901. 3. Ruby Taylor, October 11, 1906.
Theodore E. married Dora Grillam and
has a daughter, Jean, born 1925.
DICKERMAN, William Elihu,
Mannfacturer, Iiegislator.
Born of a fine old New England family,
whose generations since early Puritan
days aided in the economic, agricultural
and political development of Connecticut,
William Elihu Dickerman made for him-
self an enviable place in his native com-
munity.
He was the ninth in the line of Dicker-
mans descending from the original Thom-
as Dickerman who settled in Dorchester
Massachusetts, about 1635 and whose son,
Abraham, came to New Haven about
146
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
1658. Abraham married Mary Cooper,
daughter of John Cooper, one of the orig-
inal grantees of the town of New Haven,
and from this union sprang a host of de-
scendants including in their numbers men
of such prominence as members of Con-
gress, ministers, magistrates, writers,
Wall Street financiers, railroad and in-
dustrial corporation officials, State Legis-
lators, etc. Abraham's youngest son. Cap-
tain Isaac Dickerman, was a deputy to the
Connecticut General Assembly for fifty-
nine terms, outstripping the longest rec-
ord of any other deputy by twenty-six
terms. He was also one of the committee
to arrange for the transfer of Yale Col-
lege from Saybrook to New Haven in
1716 and made a gift of two acres of land
to assist the college in getting established
in New Haven.
Isaac had considerable property near
Mt. Carmel about seven miles north of the
New Haven green opposite which he lived
and about 1735 his second son, Jonathan,
went out there to improve the lands and
establish a home. In those historic years
just before, during and right after the
Revolution, Lieutenant Jonathan Dicker-
man played an important part, being at
various times surveyor, lister, assessor,
tj^hingman, selectman, grandjuryman, in-
spector, member of the committee which
voted New Haven's approval of the as-
sociation entered into by the Continental
Congress at Philadelphia, and one of the
eight members of the Special Committee
on Admitting to Inhabitancy, whose re-
port constitutes one of the town's most
important documents.
Among Jonathan's children who were
in the Revolution was Enos, his oldest
child, who was taken prisoner by the
British and died in New York in 1776.
Following in the direct line came Enos,
son of Enos, a farmer, and Elihu, son of
Enos, a large land owner, civil engineer
assisting on the Farmington Canal, Dea-
con of the Mt. Carmel Congregational
Church for twenty-five years, and a jus-
tice of the peace. He moved to North
Haven on the Ridge Road in 1848 al-
though his son, Elihu Justus, was born in
Mt. Carmel. Elihu Dickerson was born
May 14, 1802, and married Sylvia Hum-
iston, who was born February 3, 1805.
His son, Elihu Justus, was born Septem-
ber 6, 1828, taught school in his youth
and later farmed. He married Grace An-
geline Blakeslee, born March 8, 1831, who
died April 18, 1889, seventeen years after
the death of her husband on September
12, 1872.
The maternal grandparents of William
Elihu Dickerman, subject of this bio-
graphical record, were Zophar Blakeslee,
born March 8, 1803, died February 15,
1875, and his wife Sarah Brockett Blake-
slee, born in 1808, died August 11, 1876.
Zophar Blakeslee was the son of Zophar
and Sybil Brockett Blakeslee, Zophar be-
ing a wagon and carriage builder and
blacksmith in the days when horse power
ran machinery. On both sides the family
was Congregationalist in religious faith.
The children of Zophar and Sarah Brock-
ett Blakeslee were : Zerah Thomas
Blakeslee, a farmer; Hermenea ; Grace
Angeline ; Henry E. ; and Charles Edgar.
William Elihu Dickerman, son of Elihu
Justus and Grace Angeline (Blakeslee)
Dickerman, was born in North Haven
November 3, 1861, in the house on the
Ridge Road where his brother and sister
still live. His brothers and sisters were :
Sarah Elizabeth, born May 8, 1858 ; Ro-
bert Ellsworth, born September 27, 1863 ;
Grace Emma, born April 18, 1867, died
March 13, 1895 ; Julia Maria, born April
22, 1872, died November 2, 1872.
His early childhood was spent on the
147
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
farm and his first schooling obtained at
the country district school, later attend-
ing Mrs. Henry G. Dickerman's private
school in Mt. Carmel. His eagerness for
knowledge took him to high school in
New Haven where his aptitude for learn-
ing and rapid grasp of subjects enabled
him to gain this education while going
back and forth from his home in the
country and helping on the farm. On
account of the early death of his father
he was obliged to give up his studies and
go to work. For a short time he taught
school. He also worked in the country
store of Joseph Pierpont in North Haven
village for a while.
About November, 1882, Mr. Dickerman
became established with the firm of
Morgan & Humiston in New Haven,
dealers in sash, doors and blinds. He
first started as a bookkeeper but rapidly
assumed more responsibility and in April,
1885, the business was incorporated with
Fred'k J. Morgan as president, Wm. E.
Dickerman, secretary and treasurer, and
Oswin W. Humiston, superintendent, each
owning one-third of the stock. Mr.
Humiston resigned after a year or two
and Mr. David F. Wiser came in as secre-
tary shortly afterward, the company how-
ever retaining the same name it was in-
corporated under which it carries to this
day. This business was established in
1870 as Bowman & Company and changed
hands a number of times but never grew
very rapidly until Mr. Dickerman became
associated with it. Then however, through
his hard work, likeable personality and
square dealing, it increased so fast that
in less than ten years they were doing
most of the business in town in their line.
It was then located at Nos. 142-144 State
Street but needing larger quarters, in 1900
they erected their own spacious building
at Nos. 30-42 Prout Street, where it has
been ever since.
Although most of the time from eight
o'clock or earlier in the morning until ten
o'clock at night was spent at his business
in New Haven he kept himself in good
physical condition by arising at six every
week-day morning and working in the
garden or about the grounds of his home
in North Haven. He never retired before
eleven or twelve o'clock and seemed to
get along satisfactorily with about six
hours sleep six days a week, observing the
Sabbath religiously as a day of rest as
his forefathers had done for two hundred
and fifty years. In spite of his close ap-
plication to his business he found time
to participate in public affairs in which he
was always interested. He was well
known by most of the residents of his
native town and his kindliness and good
will made everybody his friend. A test
of his popularity was made on two dif-
ferent occasions. The first time was in
1896 when he decisively defeated the fore-
most politician of the town for the office
of chairman of the Republican Town
Committee, and the second in 1900 when
he overwhelmed the wealthiest man and
greatest landholder in the vicinity for the
nomination of Representative to the State
Legislature. Practically every living voter
in the town came out for this caucus, the
like of which had never before been seen.
His exceptional ability was recognized in
the Legislature by his appointment as
clerk of the important Committee of Fi-
nance. His insight into the log-rolling
methods of politics dampened much of
his ardor for public affairs so that with
the demands of his continually increasing
business he gave up active participation
in politics although he was continually
consulted regarding town affairs, and
acted as Registrar of voters during 1903
and 1904.
He was a member of Hiram Lodge of
Masons in New Haven, an active com-
148
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
municant of the North Haven Congre-
gational Church, agent of the First Ec-
clesiastical Society, and chairman of the
building committee to replace the struc-
ture which burned in 191 1. He led an
active, healthy life and came to an un-
timely end on December 9, 1913, from an
accidental gunshot wound from which he
never regained consciousness.
William E. Dickerman married in the
Hamden Plains Methodist Church, April
8, 1884, Lillian Alice Snow, born at Ham-
den, November 25, 1862, who survives her
husband. Mrs. Dickerman was the daugh-
ter of Albert R. Snow, a mason and con-
tractor, a descendant of the Adams family
of Suffield, Connecticut, and his wife,
Hulda (Warner) Snow, whose grand-
father, Samuel Warner, was a soldier in
the Revolution.
For a year or two after their mar-
riage Mr. and Mrs. Dickerman lived in
what is known as the center of North
Haven near the green and here their
first child. Grace Lillian, was born May
I, 1886. Towards fall of that year they
moved to New Haven, residing on Orange
Street, near Canner Street, not far from
East Rock. Their second child, Elihu
Elias, was born here November 18, 1887.
Early in the year 1888 they moved back
again to the old home town of North
Haven, purchasing the Fowler place be-
side the Quinnipiack River, where the
family has lived ever since. The old house
was torn down and a new one built in
1900 so that with the improvements that
have been made in the grounds this home-
stead of fourteen acres is regarded as the
most beautiful in town.
There were but two children, Grace
Lillian, who after completing the high
school course in Meriden attended St.
Lawrence University at Canton, New
York, and Elihu Elias, who attended
Boardman Manual Training High School
and New Haven High School, graduated
from Sheffield Scientific School of Yale
University in 1909, was in the insurance
business for four years, and, upon the
death of his father, assumed the manage-
ment of The Morgan & Humiston Com-
pany, of which he is now president.
A kindly man, modest, unassuming, but
full of good works, Mr. Dickerman was
known and loved throughout the town.
His party knew it could count on his
support for worthwhile legislation ; his
church could call on him in time of need
and be sure of generous aid. His friends
and the poor knew of his constant readi-
ness to help, and to his family he was the
wise guide, the ambitious provider, and
the faithful friend.
EDGERTON, Francis Daniels,
Pbysician and Surgeon.
Among the most successful and highly
honored physicians of Middlesex County,
the late Dr. Edgerton enjoyed a high rep-
utation as a citizen as well as a healer,
and was held in confidence and esteem by
all his contemporaries, professional or
non-professional. He was descended from
a very old Connecticut family, which was
founded by Richard Edgerton of Nor-
wich, where he was one of the founders.
He came from England and was located
first in Massachusetts, whence he re-
moved to Norwich among the early set-
tlers. He married, April 7, 1653, Mary
Sylvester, and their eldest son, John Ed-
gerton, was born June 12, 1662, in Nor-
wich, and died there in May, 1692, near
the close of his thirtieth year. He mar-
ried March 20, 1690, Mary Renalls (Rey-
nolds) born April, 1664, daughter of John
Renalls of Norwich. She manied (sec-
ond), December 30, 1697, Samuel Loth-
149
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
rop. John Edgerton, only child of John
and Mary was born February 26, 1691,
and married, December 28, 1714, Ruth
Adgate, who was born March 27, 1693, in
Norwich, eldest child of Thomas and
Ruth (Brewster) Adgate. Ruth Brewster
was born September 16, 1671, third daugh-
ter of Benjamin and Anne (Dart) Brew-
ster. Benjamin Brewster, born January
17, 1633, died September 14, 1710, in Nor-
wich. Ann (Dart) Brewster died May
9, 1709. Benjamin Brewster, son of Jon-
athan Brewster, was born August 12,
1593. '" Scrooby, England, and died 1659
in Connecticut. He married, April 10,
1624, Lucretia Oldham of Darby, Eng-
land. John Brewster was the eldest child
of Elder William Brewster of the famous
"Mayflower" party, the organizer and
head of the Plymouth Pilgrims of 1620.
The name of Brewster appears among the
oldest families, in the reign of Edward
III as ranking among the English landed
gentry. As early as 1375 John Brewster
lived in the parish of Henstead in Suf-
folk, England, and in the reign of Richard
II John Brewster was prebend of God-
wich, in the county of Norfolk. By mar-
riage the Norfolk branch was connected
with several distinguished houses of
Ivlolkham. Robert Brewster owned lands
in Henstead and from the Suffolk branch
lines are established at Castle Heding-
ham in Essex, where it was connected
with several knightly families.
It was supposed that Elder William
Brewster, probably of this connection,
was born at Scrooby in Nottinghamshire,
where he was active in the organization
of dissenters from the established church.
In 1607 he was imprisoned at Boston in
Lincolnshire for his activity against the
established religious order. With great
difficulty and expense, his release was se-
cured and he went to Leyden, whence he
came with the Pilgrim band to Plymouth,
Massachusetts. In early life he held a
responsible position in the service of Wil-
liam Davidson, one of Queen Elizabeth's
ambassadors, and afterward a secretary of
state. From this service he went to
Scrooby, which is supposed to have been
his native village and there aided in form-
ing the company which first settled at
Plymouth, Massachusetts. His eldest
son, Johnathan, born at Scrooby, some
thirteen miles distant from Doncaster in
Yorkshire, came to Plymouth in 1621 and
in June, 1636, had command of the Plym-
outh trading house on the Connecticut
River. He gave notice to Governor John
Winthrop of the evil designs of the Pe-
quots. Later he settled at Duxbury, Mas-
sachusetts, which he represented in the
General Court in 1639. Before 1649 he
was a resident of New London, Connecti-
cut, where he was selectman in that year
and where he died before September. His
wife, Lucretia Oldham, was the mother of
Benjamin Brewster, born November 17,
1633, in Duxbury. He settled on his
father's homestead at Brewster Neck,
which he acquired by purchase, the farm
originally in the town of New London,
now in Ledyard, then a part of the former
town. He was much in the public serv-
ice ; long deputy to the General Court,
lieutenant of the New London troop, later
captain of the Norwich Military Com-
pany. He married, February 28, 1660,
Anne Darte, who was probably the widow
of Ambrose Darte of Boston. The lat-
ter's wife was Anne Adis, daughter of
William Adis of Cape Anne. Ruth, sec-
ond daughter of Benjamin Brewster, be-
came the wife of Thomas Adgate and the
mother of Ruth Adgate, who married
John Edgerton of Norwich. Her second
son, Elisha Edgerton, was born February
28, 1727, in Norwich, and married there,
150
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
May 9, 1753, Elizabeth Lord, born Au-
gust 24, 1731, eldest daughter of Cyprian
and Elizabeth (Backus) Lord.
Simon Edgerton, eldest child of Elisha
and Elizabeth, was born December 14,
1753. '" Norwich, and married there
February 7, 1792, Lucy Griswold, who
was born February 26, 1765, second
daughter of Abel and Ruth (Avery)
Griswold, descendants of two prominent
families of the New London section.
Francis G., third son of Simon and Lucy
(Griswold) Edgerton was born March 23,
1797, in Norwich, and died at East Hamp-
ton, Connecticut, in 1870. He began the
study of medicine with Dr. Philomen
Tracy and was later with Dr. William P.
Eaton, both of Norwich, and after attend-
ing courses of lectures at New Haven in
1824 and 1825, received his diploma. The
death of Dr. Richmond of East Hampton
left a vacancy and Dr. Edgerton located
there, where he continued in practice un-
til the end of his life, becoming one of the
best known physicians of his section. He
was a man of commanding presence,
standing over six feet in height with
weight in proportion and by his intel-
lectual force and personal probity gained
the esteem and confidence of his fellow
citizens. He was a supporter of the Con-
gregational Church, one of the most pub-
lic-spirited of citizens and acted in polit-
ical movements with the Republican
Party. He married Marietta Daniels, a
native of East Hampton. She was a
woman of much independence and origin-
ality and after the death of her husband
she continued to manage the homestead
farm for a period of thirty years, dying
there in 1900 at the advanced age of
eighty-nine years.
Dr. Francis Daniels Edgerton was born
August 26, 1838, at East Hampton, the
only child of Dr. Francis G. and Marietta
15
Edgerton, and was reared under intelli-
gent direction, enjoying superior educa-
tional privileges of which he made excel-
lent use. At the age of twelve years he
entered the celebrated preparatory school
of Daniel H. Chase in Middletown, was
subsequently a student at Wilbraham
Academy and the academy at East Green-
wich, Rhode Island. In 1857 he entered
Wesleyan University at Middletown, and
was graduated four years later from its
classical course. His early life had been
passed in the home of a busy physician
and after completing his college course he
settled down to a systematic study of
medicine under his father's instruction.
Later he attended the regular course of
lectures at Berkshire Medical College in
Massachusetts, and in the medical depart-
ment of the University of Vermont, from
which institution he received his first di-
ploma as a doctor of medicine. About this
time the Civil War engaged his attention
and he passed an examination and be-
came assistant surgeon to the 21st Con-
necticut Volunteer Infantry and was duly
commissioned. Circumstances over which
he had no control prevented his entering
active service and during the winter of
1863-64 he attended a course of lectures at
the College of Physicians and Surgeons,
a branch of Columbia University, from
which he was graduated in the spring of
the latter year, receiving a second di-
ploma. In April of that year he passed a
competitive examination under the com-
missioners and continued eighteen months
in the service of the city of New York in
Bellevue Hospital and in the hospitals
on Blackwell's Island. Having completed
thus a very thorough preparation, Dr.
Edgerton located in Middletown, July 6,
1866, succeeding Dr. John Ellis Black,
who removed to New York City.
Dr. Edgerton's superior qualifications
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
were soon manifest to the medical profes-
sion, as well as to a multitude of patients,
and his practice extended rapidly until
his time was very closely occupied. In
fact, it is probable that his death, which
occurred January 19, 1905, was hastened
by his very close application to the de-
mands of his numerous patients. For
twenty-four years he was located on
Washington Street and in 1890 purchased
the house which is now No. loi Broad
Street, and continued to reside there af-
terward. His success was the natural
result of his intelligent application and
industry. He was never idle and when
not actively engaged with patients he was
devoted to study or to some effort for the
promotion of the public interest. His
genial disposition and invariable cheerful
demeanor coupled with his faithful atten-
tion to his patients, not only gained their
confidence and love, but was a powerful
element in aiding their recovery. His
very courteous and generous treatment of
his contemporaries made him much
sought after in consultation and it is prob-
able that no other practitioner in Mid-
dlesex County had such an extensive list
of patients or the ability to make a greater
number of daily visits. In manner modest
and quiet, his judgment was ever ready
and his success was remarkable. In the
various medical associations of the com-
munity he was active and useful, serving
from 1873 to '^'^77 as clerk of the Middle-
sex County Medical Society and from
1876 to 1882 as treasurer of the State
Medical Society, and under his adminis-
trations both these organizations were
greatly advanced in a financial way as
well as in all other departments.
On the organization of the State In-
dustrial School for Girls at Middletown,
Dr. Edgerton was appointed attending
physician and continued in that service
until the end of his life. In 1878 he was
chosen to deliver the annual address be-
fore the graduating class of Yale Medical
School. For three years he was a mem-
ber of the State Pharmacy Commission.
In 1893 he was elected vice-president of
the State Medical Society and in the fol-
lowing year was made its president. Very
active in the local medical association,
he was made president of the Middlesex
County Hospital Society, whose project
- for the establishment of a hospital in Mid-
dletown was happily carried to success
during his lifetime. He was seldom ab-
sent from the meetings of any of the soci-
eties with which he was identified, and
contributed largely to the literature of
the profession. Among his valuable
papers, was one read at the centennial
of the State Society, May 27, 1892, at
New Haven, in which he discussed his
successful treatment of a case of diph-
theritic croup. His services were re-
peatedly in demand on commissions ap-
pointed by the Governor, to determine the
mental soundness of State prisoners. As
becomes every patriotic citizen, Dr. Ed-
gerton entertained a lively interest in the
conduct of public affairs. His first pres-
idential vote was cast for Abraham Lin-
coln, and he continued a constant sup-
porter of Republican principles, though
never accepting a nomination for any
civic office. In the midst of his great
activities Dr. Edgerton found temporary
recreation in music, and made occasional
trips to New York or Boston, where he
was enabled to hear some of the greatest
performers of his day. This did not
cause any neglect of patients, because he
always returned on an early train and
resumed without break his daily round of
visits. About every third year he made
a short summer trip to Europe and in this
way crossed the ocean many times. In
52
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
most of these trips he was accompanied
by some member of his family, and dur-
ing the later visits he placed his sons
under favorable surroundings for the com-
pletion of their professional equipment.
Like his father, Dr. Edgerton was tall in
stature and of heavy weight, but was quick
and light of foot, due largely to his careful
and correct living. He was a total abstainer
from the use of stimulants and always
brought to bear upon cases in his charge a
pure and strong mind in a healthy body. A"
contemporary physician once said of him :
"I never heard him utter one word of de-
traction or disparagement of a brother
practitioner." Of easy and agreeable man-
ners, a pleasing speaker, choice in lan-
guage and convincing in argument, his
public addresses were highly appreciated.
Dr. Francis D. Edgerton was mar-
ried, November 5, 1868, to Amelia Du-
pont Cruger, a native of New Orleans,
daughter of Henry C. and Henrietta
(Cruger) Cruger, descended from some
of the oldest and best families in New
York. She passed away at the family
home in Middletown, September 21, 1919.
The children of Dr. and Mrs. Edgerton
are justifying the promise of such excel-
lent parentage, and the educational oppor-
tunities afforded them. The eldest, Henry
Cruger Edgerton, born May 21, 1870,
graduated from Wilson's School on High
Street in Middletown and is now tilling
the old family homestead in East Hamp-
ton. Francis C, the second, graduated
from Trinity College, Hartford, in 1894,
from the College of Physicians and Sur-
geons in 1898, and was two years house
surgeon at Bellevue Hospital in New
York. He continued his studies under
tutors in Berlin, Germany, and returning
to New York began practice there as a
physician. He was made resident phy-
sician at the Sloan Maternity Hospital,
was subsequently elected assistant sur-
geon of the Cornell University Medical
Clinic. He is now established on Fifty-
eighth Street, near Fifth Avenue. He has
a daughter, Frances Cruger. John War-
ren Edgerton, third child of Dr. Francis
D., graduated from Trinity College in
1894, receiving the degrees of B. A. and
M. A., subsequently taking the latter de-
gree from Yale. In that institution, he
completed three years of post-graduate
work, was graduated from the Yale Law
School in the class of 1900 with the degree
of LL. B. cum laude. At the time of his
graduation, he was a tutor, and also de-
livered lectures on legal subjects before
the New York Bankers' Association. He
was also engaged to lecture at the West
Point Military Academy and in attempt-
ing to fill all these engagements broke
down his health so that he was obliged
to give up. He died in July, 1919, at his
home in New Haven. He married Marion
Gallaudet of Hartford, youngest child of
the late Dr. Edward Miner Gallaudet of
that city. Of the five children of John W.
Edgerton, two sons and two daughters
are now living.
EDGERTON, Henry Cruger,
Agriculturist, Stock Breeder.
The eldest child of the late Dr. Francis
D. Edgerton of Middletown, Mr. Edger-
ton was born May 21, 1870, in that town,
where he grew to manhood. After at-
tending two years at the Middletown
High School, he was three years a student
at "The Gunnery," a very high class school
for boys founded by Dr. Gunn at Wash-
ington, Connecticut; he entered upon
a business career, starting as a clerk in
the office of I. E. Palmer, a large manu-
facturer of Middletown. Here he gained
a valuable business experience, and sub-
153
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
sequently he traveled widely as a sales-
man in the employ of Mr. Palmer, for a
period of five years. At the urgent re-
quest of his father, he settled upon the
paternal acres in East Hampton, wrhere
he still resides. For several years he en-
gaged in breeding Ayrshire cattle, in
which he was successful, and is still a
member of the Ayrshire and Brown Swiss
Cattle associations. Mr. Edgerton is now
a dealer in thoroughbred saddle horses,
making a pastime of fitting up and selling
the best specimens of their kind. He is
an enthusiastic horseman, and his wife is
also an equestrienne, usually accompany-
ing him in rides about the scenic sections
of Central Connecticut. Mr. Edgerton
has never attempted to mix in the conduct
of public affairs, though he is a steadfast
Republican and endeavors to forward the
public interests through the instrumen-
tality of the principles he believes in. The
Protestant Episcopal Church in East
Hampton occupies land donated by the
Edgerton family, and he is a supporter
of the faith. The bell in the church was a
gift to the parish from his mother. The
original family residence on the Edgerton
farm at East Hampton has been re-
modeled and beautified by its present oc-
cupants, and constitutes one of the most
desirable rural homes in the State. Mr.
and Mrs. Edgerton divide their time in
summer between this mansion and their
handsome summer home at Westbrook,
and winters find them in California or
other milder climes. Wherever they may
go, they are welcomed for their fine and
genial manners and intelligent person-
ality.
Mr. Edgerton was married, in 1914, to
Mrs. Annie E. (Day) Hotchkiss, widow of
Frank Hotchkiss of Seymour, Connecti-
cut, and daughter of the late Edmund and
Annie E. (Melcher) Day of the same place.
Edmund Day was the original manu-
facturer of the famous Waterman Ideal
fountain pen. He was descended from
Robert Day, born about 1604, who came
from Ipswich, England, in the ship
"Elizabeth" to Boston, accompanied by
his wife Mary, aged twenty-eight. He
was admitted a freeman at Cambridge
May 6, 1635, and was one of the original
settlers of Hartford, Connecticut, where
he was living as early as 1639. There he
died in 1648, aged forty-four. His second
wife, Editha Stebbins, was a sister of
Deacon Edward Stebbins. She married
(second) Deacon John Maynard and
(third) in 1658, Elizur Holyoke of Spring-
field, where she died October 24, 1688.
Thomas, son of Robert Day, born about
1638, resided in Springfield, where he
died December 27, 171 1. He married,
October 27, 1659, Sarah Cooper, daughter
of Lieutenant Thomas Cooper, who was
born 1617, came to Boston in 1635, settled
at Springfield in 1641, and was killed by
Indians when they burned Springfield.
Sarah, wife of Thomas Day, survived him
about fifteen years, dying November 21,
1726. Ebenezer, sixth son of Thomas and
Sarah Day, was born September 5, 1677,
in Springfield, lived in West Springfield
and died there September i, 1763. He
married April 18, 1700, Mercy Hitchcock,
and their youngest child, Timothy Day,
was born September 5, 1720. His home
was in West Springfield, where he died
September 29, 1797. He married, Febru-
ary 6, 1747, Sarah Munn, of Deerfield,
born November 14, 1724, died October 4,
1800, sixth daughter of Benjamin and
Thankful (Nims) Munn, granddaughter
of John and Abigail (Parsons) Munn,
great-granddaughter of Benjamin and
Abigail (Burt) Munn. Benjamin Munn
was in Hartford, 1639, ^t Springfield,
1649. His wife was a daughter of Henry
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Burt, ancestor of a large progeny prom- bridge. Theophilus Goodyear, third son
inent at Springfield and throughout the
nation. Edmund Day, youngest child of
Timothy and Sarah Day, born January
17, 1767, in West Springfield, where he
made his home and died September 2,
1831. He married, January 16, 1794, Bede
Hitchcock, born 1767, third daughter of
Jacob and Phebe (Ives) Hitchcock, de-
scended from Matthias Hitchcock, the
pioneer, through Nathaniel, Nathaniel,
Caleb, and Jacob. Julius Day, second son
of Edmund and Bede Day, born May 10,
1797, in Springfield, and lived there. He
married, January 15, 1824, Lois Goodyear,
born August 17, 1794, only daughter of
Austin and Susanna (Pardee) Goodyear
of Hampden and West Springfield. The
Goodyear family, famous in the produc-
tion of rubber wares, is descended from
Stephen Goodyear, who was forty-third
on the list of freemen at New Haven
in 1638, was a large landowner in 1641,
and was one of the London merchants
who fostered the New Haven colony, and
died in England in 1658. From 1643 to
1658 he was deputy governor of the col-
ony. His first wife, Mary, was lost on the
"phantom ship" which sailed from New
Haven and was never heard of again. In
1648 he married Margaret, widow of Cap-
tain George Lamberton, commander of
the "phantom ship." Lieutenant John
Goodyear, son of Stephen and Mary, born
March 8, 1650, in New Haven, died there
January 14, 1702. He married, June 26,
1683, Abigail Gibbard, born August 18,
1660, daughter of William and Ann
(Tapp) Gibbard. Their fourth son, The-
ophilus Goodyear, born 1698 in New
Haven, died there April 22, 1757. He
married, December 16, 1725, Esther
Sperry, born 1703, granddaughter of Rich-
ard Sperry of New Haven, proprietor of
"Sperry's Farms" in what is now Wood-
of Theophilus and Esther, born May 29,
1731. was a soldier of the Revolution. He
married Sarah Munson, born March 18,
1732, died December i, 1775, daughter of
Joel and Mary (Morris) Munson of New
Haven. Their third son, Austin Good-
year, was born April 23, 1759, in Ham-
den, and married, in April, 1790, Susanna
Pardee, who was born February 7, 1760.
Their daughter, Lois Goodyear, became
the wife of Julius Day, as previously
related.
Edmund Day, third son of Julius and
Lois Day, born December 12, 1831, in
West Springfield. He married, June 18,
1863, Annie E. Melcher, daughter of Wil-
liam and Susan (Brown) Melcher of
Springfield. Annie E. Day, senior daugh-
ter of Edmund and Annie E. Day, became
the wife of Henry C. Edgerton, as above
stated.
TERRILL, Moses Weld,
Manufacturer.
The grandson and namesake of an ef-
ficient business man of Middlefield, Con-
necticut, Mr. Terrill was trained in busi-
ness methods, and is following in the foot-
steps of those who went before him, man-
aging a large business enterprise with
profit. He is a descendant of an old New
England family, which has been traced
back several centuries in England. The
name is of French origin and was derived
from a village not far from Paris, where
Ralf de Tirel had his castle at the begin-
ning of the eleventh century. He was
descended from Charlemagne and Alfred
the Great of England. Sir Walter Tyr-
rell went with William the Conqueror to
England in 1066, and was prominent in
the battle of Hastings in that year. From
him the English families are descended.
155
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
The name appears under a great variety
of spellings in England and America,
such as Tyrel, Tyrrell, Terrell, Tirrell,
and others. In the early records of Essex
County, Massachusetts, it often appears
as Thurrall, and under this name it went
thence to the ancient town of Windham,
Connecticut, where the first of this family
now known is discovered. In Cromwell's
time several moved to Ireland, whence
they soon after came to America. These
included three brothers, William, James,
and John. Lewis Terrill, probably a son
of one of these, born about 1700-1710, set-
tled in Mansfield, part of the old town of
Windham, and married (second), May 30,
1745, Anna Simons. The second son of
this union, Arad, was born August 23,
1750, in what is now Coventry, and lived
several years in Hampden, formerly a
part of Hampshire County, Massachu-
setts, whence he moved to Benninglon
County, Vermont. There he died, leaving
a numerous family and he has many de-
scendants in that State. He was a black-
smith and farmer, industrious and pros-
perous. In 1790 the census shows he was
living in Rupert, Bennington County. He
married Jemima Brace, and they were the
parents of seven children. The eldest of
these, Timothy Terrill, was born August
7, 1770, in Hampden, was a farmer in
Rupert, a Congregationalist and Whig,
and died at the age of sixty-two years.
He married, November 22, 1792, in Ru-
pert, Martha Leavitt. Their second child
and eldest son, Moses Terrill, was born
May 9, 1799, in Rupert, purchased a tract
of land near the paternal homestead,
which he cleared and tilled until his death,
in 1883. He was largely self-educated,
after attaining his majority, was industri-
ous and shrewd, acquired a competence,
and was influential and public-spirited.
In early life he was a Democrat, later
joined the Liberty party, and was a Re-
publican from the organization of that
party. He represented his town in the
State Legislature. He married, in Octo-
ber, 1825, Matilda Weld, born April 14,
1801, in Cornish, New Hampshire, daugh-
ter of Moses and Miriam (Harding) Weld,
who moved to Vermont in 181 1. She was
a descendant of Joseph Weld, of Welsh
stock, who came from Suffolk, England,
to Massachusetts in 1636, when he became
a freeman. He rendered important serv-
ice to the colony and received valuable
estates in Roxbury as a reward and was
the richest man in the colony at the time
of his death. He stands third on the
original roll of the Ancient and Honorable
Artillery Company, and was chosen en-
sign at its organization, on the first Mon-
day of June, 1638. The family is traced
back to 1352, when William Weld was
high sheriff of London. In 1637 Joseph
Weld was representative of Roxbury in
the general court and several years fol-
lowing, and was captain of militia. He
was a son of Edmund Weld of Sudbury,
Suffolk, England, and died October 7,
1646. His wife, Elizabeth, died in Octo-
ber, 1638. John Weld, eldest son of
Joseph, born October 28, 1623, in Eng-
land, came to America in 1638, was a free-
man in 1650, served in King Philip's War
and died September 20, 1691. He married,
December 24, 1647, Margaret Bowen,
daughter of Griffith Bowen, who came
from Wales and lived in Boston. Lieu-
tenant Joseph Weld, second son of John
Weld, born September 15, 1650, died b'^-
fore 1719, when his widow married a set,
ond husband. He married, November 27,
1679, Sarah Faxon of Braintree, daughter
of Richard and Elizabeth Faxon, grand-
daughter of Thomas Faxon who became a
freeman of Braintree in 1657 and died
October 14, 1675. John Weld, second son
156
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of Joseph and Sarah (Faxon) Weld, born
August 19, 1689, married, December 3,
1812, Elizabeth Child, scion of one of the
old families of Roxbury. Moses Weld,
son of John and Elizabeth (Child) Weld,
born March 27, 1722, moved in old age to
Cornish, New Hampshire, where he died
May 10, 1806. He married, December 6,
1748, Elizabeth Holbrook, born January
13, 1727, died July 11, 1763. Their second
son, Moses Weld, born January 15, 1757,
was a Revolutionary soldier, a noted
singer and chorister, many years deacon
of the Baptist Church of Cornish, and
also long clerk of the town. He died June
22, 1839, in Morristown, Vermont. He
married, May 17, 1781, Miriam Harding,
who died June 26, 1845. Their youngest
child, Matilda, born April 14, 1801, in
Cornish, became the wife of Moses Ter-
rill, as above noted. Moses Weld Terrill,
eldest child of Moses and Matilda (Weld)
Terrill, was born October 2, 1826, in Mor-
ristown, Vermont, and attended the pub-
lic school of his native town. As he was
not robust, he was sent to school at the
academy in Johnson, Vermont, for a year,
and had two terms of instruction in a
select school. He began his business ca-
reer in a general store at Morristown,
where he continued two years and was
next employed in a similar establishment
at Wolcott, Vermont. In partnership with
W. G. Ferrin he purchased the business,
which was sold out at the end of a year
and Mr. Terrill established a general store
in Morristown, which he conducted suc-
cessfully twelve years. In 1861 he took
an interest in the manufacture of a clothes
wringer invented by Rev. E. Dickerman
of Morristown and, in the same year, se-
cured a third partner in the person of
David Lyman of Middlefield, Connecti-
cut. The business was established in Mid-
dlefield, under the name of the Metropoli-
tan Washing Machine Company, later
called the Metropolitan Manufacturing
Company, with Mr. Terrill as president.
After the death of Mr. Lyman in 1871,
Mr. Terrill became treasurer, and con-
tinued in both capacities until 1891, when
the concern became merged in the Ameri-
can Wringer Company, when he retired
from active business. In October of the
same year he became a large stockholder
in the Rogers Manufacturing Company
of Rockfall and was elected its president,
but did not take an active part in the man-
agement. In 1892 he moved from Middle-
field to Middletown, where he died Sep-
tember 7, 1905. Mr. Terrill always strove
to perform his duty as a citizen and was
active in many progressive movements.
His first presidential vote was cast for the
Free Soil candidate and he was an earnest
supporter of Republican principles. In
1855-56 he represented Morristown in the
Vermont Legislature, and served in the
Connecticut Assembly in i860, 1867 and
1883. In Middlefield he acted as first
selectman, assessor, justice of the peace,
school visitor and member of the board of
relief. An active member of the Methodist
Church, he contributed generously to the
building fund in Middlefield, and was a
valued member of the church in Middle-
town. Mr. Terrill married, at Morris-
town, July 17, 1848, Almira Ortensia Fer-
rin, born June 24, 1826, daughter of John
and Hannah (Jacobs) Ferrin, the former
a member of the Vermont Legislature.
She died March 6, 1896, in Middletown.
Willis Edward Terrill, second son of
Moses Weld and Almira O. (Ferrin) Ter-
rill, was a very active and useful citizen of
Middletown and Middlefield. He was
born June 16, 1851, in Morristown, and
was eleven years old when he went with
his parents to Middlefield. *With good
educational opportunities, he became
57
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
shipping and stock clerk of the Metro-
politan Manufacturing Company in Mid-
dlefield in 1871, and continued three years.
For eight years following he operated a
general store in Middlefield, and after-
ward conducted a mercantile business at
Eustis, Florida, eight years, serving as
alderman of the city. In 1891 he became
a stockholder in the Rogers Manufactur-
ing Company and was made secretary,
treasurer and manager, continuing until
the death of his father in 1895, when he
became president and continued to act as
treasurer until his death, January 17, 1919.
He was a director of the Middlesex
County National Bank, of the Farmers'
and Mechanics' Savings Bank and a mem-
ber of the First Ecclesiastic Society, all of
Middletown, in which city he lived from
1892.
Frederick Weld Terrill, third son of
Moses Weld and Almira O. (Ferrin) Ter-
rill, born April 30, 1853, in Morristown
and went with the family to Middlefield
when eight years old. He attended the
public schools and Wilbraham Academy
and assisted in the tillage of his father's
farm three years. For some ten years he
was employed by the American Wringer
Company, and was with the Rogers
Manufacturing Company, of which he is
still a stockholder, until 1916, when he re-
tired from active labor on account of the
condition of his health. He is a trustee
of the Middlefield Methodist Church, a
Republican in politics, and represented
the town in the General Assembly, also
in the Constitutional Convention of 1892.
He married, in November, 1872, Mary Ida
Louise Skinner of Middlefield, born
March 8, 1853, died March 19, 1903, daugh-
ter of Albert and Almira (Bailey) Skin-
ner. All the children of this marriage
are a credit to their parents. They were :
I. Ivy L., wife of Selden Johnson of Hart-
ford, now deceased. 2. Moses, of further
mention. 3. Lily M., residing with her
father. 4. Whitman Earl, foreman of the
Collins Company, Collinsville, Connecti-
cut. 5. Almira A., wife of Harrison
Beamer of Hartford. 6. Paul F., adver-
tising manager of the Houghton & But-
ton Company of Boston. 7. Marie Ward,
widow of Harold Cummings, now resid-
ing with her father.
Moses Weld Terrill, eldest son of Fred-
erick Weld Terrill, was born February 18,
1875, in Middlefield, where he attended
the public schools and was later a student
at Wilbraham Academy and Hacketts-
town Institute, New Jersey. On attain-
ing his majority he entered the employ of
the Rogers Manufacturing Company,
where he proceeded to learn the details
of the business, under the tutelage of his
uncle, Willis E. Terrill. After eight years
in the shop, he became shipping clerk and,
later, did clerical work in the office. In
time he became the superintendent and
in 1919 became treasurer and manager
of the establishment. Previous to 1915
the establishment was devoted to the
manufacture of bone goods and fertilizer.
In the year named the fertilizer business
was sold to the Rogers & Hubbard Com-
pany and at the same time the latter's
bone novelty business was transferred to
the Rogers Manufacturing Company,
which it continues. His home is in Rock-
fall, and he attends the worship of the
Methodist Church in Middlefield. Polit-
ically he is a steadfast Republican, but is
essentially a business man, with no in-
clination to accept proffered public office.
The record in business, in social affairs of
his forebears is being continued by Mr.
Terrill, and he is an esteemed citizen and
straightforward business man. He has
attained high degrees in the great Ma-
sonic organization, is a member of St.
158
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
John's Lodge, No. 2, Free and Accepted
Masons ; Washington Chapter, No. 6,
Royal Arch Masons ; Cyrene Command-
ery, No. 8, Knights Templar; and Sphinx
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine, of Hartford. He is
also affiliated with Apollo Lodge, No. 33,
Knights of Pythias.
Mr. Terrill married, April 19, 1900, Lil-
lian Eva Johnson, born in Versailles, Con-
necticut, daughter of Theodore and Rose
(Wilson) Johnson.
COUGHLIN, William Joseph,
Attorney.
Among the leading Hibernian families
of Middletown is that of Coughlin, which
has been actively identified with business
affairs for over half a century. John
Coughlin came from County Cork, Ire-
land, before 1850, and settled in Portland,
Connecticut, where his son, William John
Coughlin was born August 19, 1850. He
grew up in that town attending the pub-
lic schools until he was ten years of age,
when he became an apprentice to the tin-
ner's trade. After mastering this busi-
ness, he was employed in the capacity of
tinner for some years by the Providence
and Fishkill Railroad, and in 1871 en-
gaged in business in Middletown with a
partner, dealing in stoves and tinware
and conducting operations as a plumber.
After two years he continued in business
independently, and about 1888 embarked
in the undertaking business on the site
still occupied by his sons near the upper
end of Main Street, Middletown, also con-
tinuing the tinning and plumbing busi-
ness until his death, which occurred De-
cember 27, 1913. He married Harriet
Elizabeth D'Arcy, who was born in
County Queens, Ireland, and came to
America when two years old with her
father, Michael D'Arcy, who settled in
Middletown. He was a soldier of the
Civil War and died from disease con-
tracted in the army. She is still living in
Middletown. The family has always been
identified with St. John's Roman Catholic
Parish of that city and Mr. Coughlin was
active in city affairs, serving as water
commissioner, and at the time of his
death, was sinking fund commissioner of
the city of Middletown. His sons have
been and are still active in business affairs
in the city.
The subject of this sketch is the eldest.
His second child, Elizabeth, a graduate
of Wesleyan University, and now mar-
ried to William A. Redden, a practicing
attorney in Bridgeport, Connecticut. They
have one child, Miriam. John B. Cough-
lin, the second son, married, resides in
Middletown and with his brother Arthur
M., conducts the business formerly of
their father. Arthur M. was a student at
Holy Cross College and is married. Sara
F. is the wife of Dr. Gerald F. Bransfield
of Middletown. Robert E., the youngest
son, served in the great World War in
the 165th Company, the old 69th of New
York, was eighteen months in France and
was slightly wounded while in the serv-
ice. Henrietta D., the youngest, the wife
of Louis F. Quirk, who was lieutenant in
the American Army of Occupation abroad.
William Joseph Coughlin, born Octo-
ber 18, 1876, in Middletown, attended the
parochial school, graduated at the public
high school, 1894, student at the Holy
Cross College, Worcester, Massachusetts,
for two years and graduated from Yale
University, Department of Law, in the
class of 1899. He has been engaged in
the active practice of law in his native
city since that time and has been active in
promoting the progress of city affairs.
During the years from 1905 to 1907 and
159
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
from 1909 to 1917 he was prosecuting
attorney of the City Court and from 1917
he has been clerk of the City Court and
was appointed June 9, 1919 as assistant
clerk of the Superior Court. He is a
member of the Knights of Columbus and
the Middletown Yacht Club. On August
31, 1916, he married Eva L. Wallmo, a
native of Pennsylvania. They have no
children.
BLAKESLEE, Robert N.,
state Representative.
Although a well known business man
and present State Representative, Robert
N. Blakeslee made his entrance into pub-
lic life through the medium of journalism
and was long connected with "Bridgeport
Farmer" and "Bridgeport Post." When
in 1890 he left the counting room of the
"Farmer" to become treasurer and assist-
ant general manager of the newly formed
Post Publishing Company, the "Farmer"
editorially commented upon the fact that
he was not required to furnish a bond, a
splendid tribute to his character. He is
a descendant of ancient New England an-
cestors and in his own right has won
honorable standing among the leading
men of his city.
Robert N. Blakeslee, son of Daniel and
Maria Blakeslee, was born November 9,
1856, and was educated at Hartford High
School. He became a bookkeeper in the
office of the "Bridgeport Post" in 1886,
that paper then being edited and owned
by the Hills brothers, George W. and
Henry M. Later Mr. Blakeslee entered
the counting room employ of the Bridge-
port "Farmer," continuing until Septem-
ber 15, 1891, when he became treasurer
of the Post Publishing Company, a stock
company formed to take over the Hills'
interests and publish the "Post." The
new company consisted of George W.
Hills, president; Henry M. Hills, vice-
president ; Frank W. Bolande, secretary ;
Robert N. Blakeslee, treasurer ; all men
of experience in the conduct of a news-
paper. Mr. Bolande became managing
editor of the "Post," Mr. Blakeslee, in
addition to his duties as treasurer, becom-
ing assistant general manager. The com-
pany published both the "Evening Post"
and the "Morning Telegram," therefore
his office was no sinecure. He was very
successful in securing new business for
both papers and by fair treatment won the
support of the business men of the city.
As treasurer he ably administered the
finances of the company and much of its
success may justly be traced to the wis-
dom and uprightness of the financial head.
In 1914 Mr. Blakeslee disposed of his
interests and has since been engaged in
other activities, now being head of a pros-
perous trucking enterprise. He is a Re-
publican in politics and has ever taken a
deep interest in public affairs. In 1916
he was the candidate of his party for
representative from Bridgeport and at the
November polls was returned a victor.
He is serving his second term as an Alder-
man, representing the Fifth District.
Mr. Blakeslee married Minnie O. Nich-
ols, daughter of William B. and Lucy
Middlebrooks. There are two daughters
and a son.
SHERMAN, Freeman Collins,
Public UtiUty Official.
In New Haven, where Freeman Collins
Sherman was for a quarter of a century
officially connected with the New Haven
Gas Light Company, an association ended
by his retirement in 1903, he was known
not only for efficient and able service in
a capacity intimately touching the public
160
{>i^ £S ivaha.-ris l.Brc^
(2^,^y<jy^^iA.-miJ /Q^
Vl^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
welfare, but for participation in civic af-
fairs whose object was the promotion of
the general good. There in Hartford, and
in their earlier places of residence, Mrs.
Sherman, who survived her husband ten
years, gave of devoted service to her
church and to all forms of well-doing in a
spirit of selflessness and kindliness that
made her beloved of all who knew her.
Freeman Collins Sherman and Marcia S.
Sherman walked the path of life in a union
of love that found its expression in mutual
helpfulness and in sharing whatever of
substance came to them with others, and
when death removed the strong arm upon
which she had leaned and that had at
times been extended to her for aid, Mrs.
Sherman continued her way alone, in-
creasing, if that were possible, the out-
pouring of sympathy and cheer that had
long been her gift to all about her.
The Sherman family is of old New
England record and Cape Cod residence,
and of the generation to which Freeman
Collins Sherman belonged there were two
or three sons who followed the sea, and
another who journeyed West, where he
followed ranch life. Freeman Collins
Sherman was born in Ware, Massachu-
setts, March 20, 1833, in the old Moss
parsonage. He attended school in his
birthplace and for one year pursued a
course in Boston University, as a young
man becoming interested in gas lighting
in Ware. For one year thereafter he was
connected with the same line in Newport,
Rhode Island, and subsequently, for
eleven years, in Brookline, Massachusetts,
then pursuing the same business in
Worcester, Massachusetts. From Worces-
ter he came to the New Haven Gas Light
Company and began twenty-five years of
service that brought him to the office of
superintendent, which he held until his re-
Conn. 11—11 161
tirement April i, 1903. Mr. Sherman was
extremely well versed in all technical mat-
ters dealing with gas supply as a public
utility, and was regarded by his associates
in this field as an expert authority. He
was one of the charter members of the
New England Association of Gas Engi-
neers, and a member of the Society of Gas
Lighting of New York, his ingenuity and
resourcefulness being responsible for
many forward steps in the New Haven
system. He was a Republican in political
faith, although never an office holder, and
was a member of the Congregational
Church of the Redeemer, which he joined
by letter, in 1875, also belonging to the
New Haven Congregational Church Club.
He met all of the demands of good citi-
zenship with a ready cooperation in
effort for the common good, and by his
fellows in business, social and fraternal
life was held in unvarying regard. He
affiliated with Athelston Lodge, Free and
Accepted Masons, of Worcester, Massa-
chusetts.
Mr. Sherman married, in Greenwich,
Massachusetts, on Thanksgiving Day,
1857, Marcia S. Douglass, born March 17,
1836, died in Hartford, December 5, 1921,
daughter of Jeremiah and Eucla (New-
ton) Douglass, her father a farmer of
Greenwich, Massachusetts, her mother
born in Paxton, that State. After the
death of her husband, which occurred in
New Haven, December 18, 191 1, Mrs.
Sherman came to Hartford, bringing her
membership to Center Church, and here
continuing her religious, charitable and
neighborly work until she sustained the
injury that resulted in her death. Mr.
and Mrs. Sherman were the parents of : i.
Charles Douglass, born in Brookline,
Massachusetts, June 4, 1867; educated in
the Polytechnic Institute of Worcester,
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Massachusetts, after which he became
assistant superintendent of the New-
Haven Gas Company. He now lives at
the Highland Court Hotel, Hartford. 2.
Edward F., born July 10, 1870; educated
in the Boston Technical School, served
with the Hackensack (New Jersey) Gas
Light Company, the East Portland (Ore-
gon) Gas Company, as superintendent,
now interested in orange growing in Al-
hambra, California, where his home is
one of the beautiful show places of the
district. He married Mrs. Florinda Lysle.
STEVENS, Burr Edward,
Pablisher.
In the history of the life of Burr E.
Stevens is found another example of the
result of industry and pertinacity in the
pursuit of an aim. He was born January
20, 1875, in Russell County, Kansas, the
eldest son of Frederick C. and Harriet A.
(White) Stevens. The father was born
in 1846, in London, England, and came to
America in 1867, settling at Bridgeport,
Connecticut, where he was employed as a
carpenter, later as a contractor in the
Howe sewing machine shops. When the
Kingman colony was organized to settle
in Kansas, Mr. Stevens joined it and set-
tled in Russell County, that State, where
he engaged in stock growing and agri-
culture for a period of twenty years. A
member of the same colony was Harriet
A. White, born in Norwalk, Connecticut,
in 1859, daughter of Henry A. and Mary
E. (Smith) White. She was married to
Mr. Stevens in March, 1873, ^^^ came
with him to Bridgeport, this State, and
died there in 1916, at the age of fifty-
seven years. Mr. Stevens was employed
by the Post Publishing Company of
Bridgeport in its mechanical department
until his retirement in 1910. He died
there in 1922, aged seventy-six years. His
children numbered eight sons and four
daughters, of whom seven sons and three
daughters grew up and are now living.
The eldest of these, Burr E. Stevens, re-
ceived most of his formal education in
the frontier schools of Kansas, and early
turned his attention to industry. At the
age of eighteen years he became an ap-
prentice in the office of the Bridgeport
"Post," to learn the art of printing, and
his faithful attention to his duties is
evidenced by his rapid advancement in
the establishment. At the end of twenty-
six years' service, when he left to engage
in business elsewhere, he was vice-pres-
ident of the Post Publishing Company, in
charge of the mechanical department of
the plant. From assistant foreman he
was advanced to foreman, and from 1916
to 1919 was vice-president and mechanical
superintendent. In the last named year
he went to Middletown, and organized the
Press Publishing Company, having pur-
chased the plant and good will of the Mid-
dletown "Press," in association with
Elmer S. Hubbell, a former associate in
business. A certain amount of stock was
taken by Middletown merchants and
others, and the history of the newspaper
under new management is one of pros-
perity and good will. Mr. Stevens is
president of the company, Mr. Hubbell
is secretary. With an able corps of edi-
tors and mechanical experts, every de-
partment operates with regularity, and
the Middletown "Press" is one of the r
best representatives of its field found in
the newspaper industry anywhere in the
country. Outside of this establishment
Mr. Stevens has investments in Western
ranching, and all his interests have been
acquired unaided, except by natural apti-
tude, by faithful application and a con-
sideration of the rights of others. He is
162
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
found every day at his post, giving espe-
cial attention to the operation of the me-
chanical department of the "Press" plant.
Upon settling in Middletown, he pur-
chased a home on Park Place, and began
assuming his share in the social, moral
and material development and progress of
the town. In fact, the "Press" carries a
progressive policy, and seeks to develop
a spirit of enterprise in the community.
Mr. Stevens is a regular attendant at the
Church of the Holy Trinity, and is af-
filiated with the leading fraternal bodies
of the city, including St. John's Lodge,
No. 2, Free and Accepted Masons ; Wash-
ington Chapter, No. 6, Royal Arch
Masons ; Cyrene Commandery, No. 8,
Knights Templar ; Columbia Council, No.
9, Royal and Select Masters ; all of Mid-
dletown, and Sphinx Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine, of Hartford. He is a member of
Job Sahara, a club composed of Shriners,
of Central Lodge, No. 12, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows ; Priscilla Rebekah
Lodge, No. 12, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows ; and Middletown Lodge, No. 771,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
and of the Middletown Chamber of Com-
merce, and Rotary Club of Middletown.
Politically, his principles are those of the
Republican Party, but he does not en-
courage partizan preference in the selec-
tion of local officials. He has dodged any
political preferment offered him, and has
used his best endeavors and influence to
procure faithful and competent managers
of public concerns. While the "Press" is
outspokenly independent, it shows no
partizan favor in approval of justice and
condemnation of unjust or impractical
measures in legislation.
Mr. Stevens was married (first), 1918,
to Miss Anna M. Held, who was born in
January, 1873, in New York City, daugh-
ter of John L. and Christine (Bruner)
Held, died June, 1924, in Middletown,
leaving a son and three daughters,
namely: Ethel Mildred, Anna Marie, Ed-
ward Burr, and Beatrice Harriet. Mr.
Stevens married (second), August 18,
1925, in New York City, Bertha M.
Schneider, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Ferdinand Schneider, of Waterbury, Con-
necticut.
WEEKS, Frank Bentley,
Sixty-fourth Governor of Connecticut.
The name of Weeks is one of the oldest
in New England, and it is very fitting that
one bearing this ancient name should
occupy the highest office of the State of
Connecticut, during his career. There
were several immigrant ancestors of the
name, all of whom left large progeny, and
the name is found in the early records
under a great many different spellings.
The ones chiefly used now being Weeks,
Weekes, and Wicks. In the early gen-
erations in England it was very often
spelled Wyke. According to the English
authorities the Devonshire family of
Weeks was descended from Robert Le
Wrey, who was living in 1135, the first
year of the reign of King Stephen, and
was undoubtedly of Norman blood. Pre-
sumably his father came into England
with William the Conqueror. Late in
the fourteenth century, this family had a
seat in North Wyke, in Tawton Hundred,
some twenty miles west of the city of
Exeter.
Thomas Weeks, who came from Eng-
land in 1637, is the ancestor of Frank B.
Weeks, on the paternal side, and he also
traces to several other distinguished fam-
ilies through his maternal lines.
Honorable Frank B. Weeks was born
January 20, 1854, in Brooklyn, New York.
163
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
the son of Daniel L. and Frances M. (Ed-
wards) Weeks. He attended school there
and also a military academy. At the lat-
ter he learned the habits of discipline that
were ever useful to him in his after life.
He was but a lad of thirteen years when
brought by his parents to Middletown,
Connecticut, and in that city he attended
the high school. He also attended private
and military schools. Daniel L. Weeks,
his father, fully appreciated the need of
equipping a young man for a business life,
and he sent his son to the most famous
commercial college of that day, East-
man's, at Poughkeepsie, New York, from
which he graduated in 1872. The young
man had always taken an interest in good
literature and was very well read on many
subjects, so that at the age of eighteen he
entered upon life with a good business
education and a large fund of useful
knowledge. In 1874 he became assistant
to the superintendent of the Connecticut
State Hospital for the Insane at Middle-
town, continuing for six years. Since
that time he has been a trustee of this in-
stitution and is chairman of the board.
In 1880 he became associated with George
A. Coles in a grain and milling business,
under the firm name of Coles & Weeks.
This association continued for fifteen
years and at the end of that time the pub-
lic and private obligations of Mr. Weeks
had become so great that he was obliged
to give his entire attention to them.
Mr. Weeks was the Representative
from Connecticut, appointed by Governor
Coffin and chairman of the commission to
the Cotton States Exposition at Atlanta,
Georgia, in 1895. ^^ served two years as
a member of the Common Council of
Middletown, and was the first President
of its Board of Trade. In 1904 he was a
Republican presidential elector and four
years later was elected Lieutenant-Gov-
ernor of Connecticut. There is only one
other man in the State who was similarly
placed, and who was called upon to take
the important office of chief executive at
so short a notice. Governor Lilley died
April 21, 1909, but previous to this time
he had been in ill health and much of the
responsibility and cares of the office fell
on the capable shoulders of Lieutenant-
Governor Weeks. He did not hesitate or
attempt to shirk, but manfully shouldered
the burden and the manner in which he
carried on the duties of his office reflected
credit, not only on himself, but also upon
those who were responsible for placing
him in that office. He was honored by
Wesleyan University of Middletown, who
conferred the degree of LL. D. upon him
in 1909, and he is a trustee of that insti-
tution.
Mr. Weeks is a director and president
of the Middletown Savings Bank, director
of the Middlesex Mutual Insurance Asso-
ciation of Middletown, and president of
the Walter Hubbard Realty Company of
Meriden. He is a member of the Uni-
versity Club of Middletown, the Repub-
lican Club of New York, the New Eng-
land Society of New York, the Society of
Colonial Wars, and a charter member of
the Middlesex County Historical Society.
In 1912 and 1916 he was a delegate to the
National Republican conventions.
He married, November 4, 1874, Helen
Louise Hubbard, daughter of J. Warren
Hubbard of Middletown. They are at-
tendants of the Congregational Church.
In his business and public career Mr.
Weeks has achieved much, and has shown
the characteristics of a true man.
TUCKER, LeRoy Minor,
Fanner.
Among the industrious, progressive and
successful farmers of the Westfield dis-
trict, Mr. Tucker represents one of the
164
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
oldest families of New England, de-
scended from Robert Tucker, who was
born in 1604 in England and was in Wey-
mouth, Massachusetts, as early as 1635.
In 1662 he removed to Milton, where he
purchased one-hundred and seventeen
acres consisting of several parcels and
was the first town clerk of that town,
serving in that capacity for several years.
He represented the town in the general
court, was active in church affairs and
died March 11, 1682, at the age of seventy-
eight years. He married Elizabeth Allen,
and their third son, Benjamin Tucker,
born in 1646, in Weymouth, settled at
Roxbury. He was among the purchasers
from the Indians of various tracts, had
land in what is now Woodstock, Con-
necticut, and in Spencer, Lester and Hard-
wick, Massachusetts. He died, February
27, 1714, leaving an estate valued at
fourteen hundred ninety-one pounds and
two shillings. He married Ann, daughter
of Edward and Mary (Eliot) Payson, the
latter a sister of the Apostle, John Eliot.
Benjamin Tucker, oldest child of Ben-
jamin and Ann, born March 8, 1670, in
Roxbury, inherited lands purchased by
his father from the Indians, lived in
Lester, where he died in 1728. He was
chosen constable in 1710, but refused to
serve, for which he was fined five pounds.
He married (second) Elizabeth Williams
of Roxbury. Their second son, Stephen
Tucker, born September 23, 1705, in Rox-
bury, settled in Lester and married. May
31, 1739, Hannah Parks. Their eldest son,
Stephen Tucker, was born March 9, 1741,
in Lester, and was probably a sea-faring
man in early life. Later he settled in
what is now North Madison, Connecticut,
and was married in Killingworth, January
25, 1767, to Elizabeth Ward. They were
undoubtedly the parents of James W.
Tucker, born about 1785, who resided on
what is known as Town Hill in North
Madison, where he was a farmer through
his life. He married, about 1807, Ruth
Coe, who was born June 3, 1786, in what
is now Middlefield, Connecticut, descend-
ant of Robert Coe. His son, Robert Coe,
was the father of Captain John Coe, born
May 10, 1658, in Stratford, who was less
than two years of age when his father
died. With his step-father and mother,
he removed to New Haven, where he re-
mained until he became of age, when he
took possession of lands inherited from
his father in Stratford. He married, De-
cember 20, 1682, Mary, daughter of Joseph
Hawley, and they were the parents of
Captain Joseph Coe, born February 2,
1687, in Stratford, who became a prom-
inent citizen of that town. He was com-
missioned Captain of Militia in 1729, and
died July 15, 1754. He married, Novem-
ber 21, 1708, in Stratford, Abigail Robin-
son, born April 3, 1690, in Guilford,
daughter of David and Abigail (Kirby)
Robinson, died July 6, 1775. David
Robinson was one of the early settlers of
Durham, Connecticut. Their second son
Captain David Coe, born February 18,
1716, in Durham, settled, in what is now
Middlefield about 1740, was a successful
farmer, was commissioned, in May, 1764,
captain of the i6th Company in the 6th
Regiment of Connecticut Militia. Too
late to participate in the Revolutionary
War, he was active in promoting the
cause of the colonies. He married, in
1740, Hannah Camp, born November 15,
1720, died October 16, 1808, daughter of
Nathan and Rhoda (Parsons) Camp.
Nathan Coe, eldest son of David and Han-
nah (Camp) Coe, born May 19, 1742, in
what is now Middlefield, was a farmer
there until his death, December 10, 1796.
He married, July 22, 1767, Abigail Par-
sons, born July 17, 1746. Ruth Coe,
165
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
youngest child of Nathan and Abigail
(Parsons) Coe, born in 1786, became the
wife of James Ward Tucker, as previonsly
related. Henry Tucker, eldest son of
James W. and Ruth (Coe) Tucker, was
born August 20, 181 1, in North Madison
and was bound out at the age of nine
years to Deacon Rossiter, with whom he
lived until eighteen years old. He had
limited opportunities for attendance at
the district school, and after leaving
Deacon Rossiter was employed as a farm-
hand by Levi Fowler, at Northford, Con-
necticut. Later he settled in Durham,
where he was joined by his sisters, Abbie
and Ruth, who kept house for him, and
worked as tailoresses at home. He was
economical and industrious, and with his
savings purchased a wood lot in the west
side of Durham, where for two years he
engaged in cutting wood and burning
charcoal. With the proceeds of this ven-
ture he purchased a house and small farm
on Main Street, Durham, the second north
of the Congregational Church. Besides
his own land, he tilled other sections,
which he rented, and in time built a house
occupied as the Congregational parson-
age, in which he lived for a short time.
Subsequently, he purchased a farm of
three hundred acres, one-half mile east of
Durham Main Street, and engaged quite
extensively in agriculture and stock grow-
ing. He also operated a saw mill, driven
by water power. He died February 11,
1892, and his body was laid to rest in the
Durham Cemetery. In early life he was
a Whig, became one of the original sup-
porters of the Republican party, repre-
sented the town in i86g, and filled various
town offices, including that of first Se-
lectman. Active in the Congregational
Church, he was a liberal contributor to
its support, and often entertained the
clergymen of that sect at his home. He
married, March 19, 1838, Rosilla Riedell,
who was born April 7, 1817, in Thompson,
Connecticut, died March 28, 1895, and was
buried beside her husband.
Henry V. Tucker, eldest son of Henry
and Rosilla (Riedell) Tucker, was born
October 19, 1841, and settled in West-
field section of Middletown, where he
engaged quite successfully in farming.
He married Clara Casey Bacon of West-
field, daughter of Daniel Minor and Har-
riett Blake (Hall) Bacon of Westfield.
She now resides in New Britain. She is
a granddaughter of Benjamin and Lucy
A. (Wilcox) Bacon, mentioned at length
elsewhere in this work. Benjamin Bacon
built the house in which LeRoy Minor
Tucker now resides, about two hundred
years ago. He was a member of the
South Church of Middletown, very pious,
was formerly a Whig, and later a Repub-
lican. He was the father of Daniel M.
Bacon, born January 7, 1799, died March
4, 1873. He attended the district school
and the Middletown city schools and was
a member of the North Church, a Repub-
lican in politics, captain in the militia for
a period of thirteen years, and was al-
ways thereafter known as Captain Minor
Bacon. He married, August 2, 1826, Har-
riett Blake Hall, born August 2, 1805,
daughter of Jonathan and Catherine (Sav-
age) Hall, descendant of one of the
pioneer families of Middletown, which is
mentioned at considerable length else-
where in this work. The founder of the
family in this country was John Hall,
among the earliest settlers of Hartford,
later of Middletown, who was the father
of Richard Hall, born in England, in 1620,
died March 27, 1691, in Middletown. He
was a weaver, a large land owner and
lived between Court and College streets,
his land extending westward to High
Street. His wife, Mary, died March 30,
166
I
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
1691. Their third son, born in September,
1658, in Middletown, died March 14, 1740.
He married, December 6, 1683, Phoebe
Ward, born May 17, 1663, eldest daughter
of WilHam and Phoebe Ward, died May
14, 1741. Their eldest son, Samuel Hall,
born November 25, 1696, married (sec-
ond), August 26, 1731, Abigail Starr, born
October 10, 171 1, eldest daughter of
Joseph and Abigail (Bolton) Starr, grand-
daughter of Comfort Starr, founder of the
family in Middletown (see Starr). Her
eldest child, fourth son of Samuel, was
Samuel Hall (3), born August 20, 1732,
married May 7, 1755, Lois Alvord, born
April I, 1736, third daughter of Thomas
and Submit Alvord. Thomas Alvord,
born August 28, 1683, was a son of
Thomas and Joanna (Taylor) Alvord,
grandson of Alexander Alvord of Wind-
sor, who came from Somersetshire, Eng-
land. Jonathan Hall, second son of Sam-
uel and Lois (Alvord) Hall, born March
14, 1767, died in 1863, married Catherine
Savage and was the father of Hannah
Blake Hall, wife of Daniel Minor Bacon,
as above noted. For many years he was
engaged in business in Middletown, first
in the firm of Montague & Hall, later
many years independently.
LeRoy Minor Tucker, son of Henry
V. and Clara C. (Bacon) Tucker, was bom
June 19, 1877, in the house in which he
now resides, in the eastern part of the
Westfield district, where he has ever
since resided. He attended the district
school of Staddle Hill and the Middle-
town High School and was subsequently
a student at the State Agricultural Col-
lege at Storrs, Connecticut, from which
he graduated in 1896. He settled on the
home farm and has had very few vaca-
tions. He engages in general farming and
participates himself in the labors inci-
dent to his business. He has done much
work upon the roads. For twenty-two
years he peddled milk in Middletown, and
since he ceased that occupation, he has
engaged largely in grain growing. In
1921 he produced one hundred acres of
small grains. He engaged quite exten-
sively in the construction of silos and is
always busy. He is a member of Matta-
bessett Grange of Middletown, in which
he has served as assistant steward, and
of Apollo Lodge, No. 33, Knights of
Pythias. He is also a member of the
North Church of Middletown. A Repub-
lican in politics he has ever refused to be
a candidate for office, and devotes him-
self to the demands of his extensive busi-
ness.
He married, August 10, 1905, Ida D.
Scoville, born in Maromas, daughter of
Frank S. and Harriett (McKenstry) Sco-
ville. They have no children.
PASCALL, Richard Henry,
Manufacturer.
At the head of the leading manufactur-
ing industry of Portland, of which he has
been many years manager, and as citizen
of undoubted patriotism and moral worth,
Captain Pascall enjoys the confidence and
esteem of all who are privileged to know
him. He was born October 6, 1841, in
Fenton, Staffordshire, England, a son of
Richard and Margaret (Pickering) Pas-
call. The father, born in 1800, died in
England in 1844. He was a man of un-
usual mechanical skill, the only one of his
father's family to exhibit such ability, and
the son inherited some of this talent.
Margaret Pickering, wife of Richard Pas-
call and aunt of the late Thomas R. Pick-
ering, founder of the Pickering Governor
works, was a woman of remarkable char-
acter. Left with seven children to care
for, by the early death of her husband,
167
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
she reared them to lives of usefulness.
She was born in 1800 and died in 1859, in
New York City. Her senior son, Thomas
Pascall, lived many years in New York,
where he died. A daughter, Margaret
Pickering Pascall, founder of the Pascall
Institute, on Lexington Avenue, New
York, was long at its head.
Richard H. Pascall, junior son of his
parents, was but seven years of age when
he came with his widowed mother and
her family to America. His youth was
passed in the city of New York, where he
enjoyed the benefit of public schools and
the free academy, now known as the Col-
lege of the City of New York. His strong
mechanical bent was early manifested,
and was developed by a course in me-
chanics at Cooper Institute. In 1862 he
left this institution to enlist in defense of
the integrity of the nation, becoming a
member of Company A, 71st New York
Volunteer Infantry. After the completion
of his term of enlistment in 1863, he be-
came sergeant of Company K, 37th New
York Volunteers. This was one of the
regiments called home from the front
to suppress the draft riots in New York
City. After peace was established Mr.
Pascall joined the New York Militia and
rose through the various grades until he
became Captain, receiving his commission
from Governor Fenton in 1870. This serv-
ice was broken by his removal to Con-
necticut in that year. In October, 1865,
Captain Pascall became associated with
his cousin, Thomas R. Pickering, in the
production of the Pickering Governor for
steam engines. This governor was a re-
markable innovation in mechanics, and
has grown steadily in use until the Port-
land factory is the one with the largest
production in the United States of gov-
ernors distributed to every civilized
country. When the plant was removed
from New York to Portland in 1870 to
occupy a new factory built for the busi-
ness, Mr. Pascall was foreman, and he
became superintendent in 1878. Long
before 1903 the original Portland plant
had become too small to accommodate
the work, and in that year an entirely
new plant of brick and stone was con-
structed, adjoining the Air Line Rail-
road, with switching facilities, where
greater convenience and increased capac-
ity were secured. May i, 1888, the busi-
ness was incorporated as The Pickering
Governor Company, with Thomas R.
Pickering as president. Upon his death
in 1895, John H. Hall succeeded him and
was in turn succeeded by Mr. Pascall in
1903. Through the superior business abil-
ity of Mr. Hall and the skillful manage-
ment of the plant by Mr. Pascall, the
production and sales were greatly in-
creased, being doubled in one year. In
1890 the first private electrical plant in
Portland was established at this factory,
and an independent system of fire pro-
tection is also maintained. Captain Pas-
call was a director and vice-president of
the Portland First National Bank many
years, that was later, in 1925, merged in
The Portland Trust Company, when he
became chairman of the board.
He has always been deeply interested
in advancement of educational facilities
for the town, taking leadership in pro-
moting and carrying to completion the
erection of a modern building of brick and
stone for use of the grades and accommo-
dation of the town high school, and as
chairman greatly advancing the standing
of the town schools.
With natural determination and fixed
principles he has always sustained the
Republican party as the exponent of his
ideas in good government, but has rarely
consented to be a candidate for office.
168
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
In 1906 he represented the town in the
State Legislature. He is a member of
Trinity Episcopal Church of Portland, of
Portland Lodge, No. 35, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows ; and of Mansfield
Post, No. 53, Grand Army of the Republic
of Middletown, in whose welfare he has
always felt a deep interest. In Free Ma-
sonry he has attained high degrees, being
affiliated with Warren Lodge, No. 51,
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of
Portland ; Washington Chapter, No. 6,
Royal Arch Masons ; and Cyrene Com-
mandery. No. 8, Knights Templar, of
Middletown ; also Sphinx Temple, An-
cient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine, of Hartford. Captain Pascall was
married, Decemebr 27, 1864, in New York,
to Marie A. Lasher, a native of German-
town, New York, descended from one of
the Knickerbocker families of the Empire
State. They were the parents of four
children (of whom three survive) namely :
Marie Ella, Bessie Pickering, and George
Chester. The senior daughter is the wife
of Stephen S. Hall (q. v.) vice-president
and treasurer of the Pickering Governor
Co. ; the junior of Walter H. Penfield (q.
V.) vice president of the Colts Arms Co.,
of Hartford ; and the son is secretary of
The Pickering Governor Company, all
residing in Portland.
PASCALL, George Chester,
Manufacturer.
As secretary of The Pickering Governor
Company of Portland, Mr. Pascall is mak-
ing a record as a sterling business man,
having already established himself among
his fellows as a good citizen and true
friend. The only son of Richard H. Pas-
call, whose record appears above, he was
born August 22, 1881, in Portland, where
his primary education was secured, in-
cluding the high school course. He was a
member of the class of 1900 at the Hotch-
kiss School at Lakeville, Connecticut, and
soon found employment in the office of
Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing
Company, of Hartford, Connecticut. Here
he served three years as a clerk, thus
gaining considerable knowledge of busi-
ness affairs and an experience ever since
valuable to him. Close application had
somewhat impaired his physical vigor,
and he made a trip to Texas, where he
quickly recovered. On the first of Janu-
ary, 1904, he entered the office of the
Pickering Governor Company, as general
clerk, and was made secretary of the
company in 1921. Here he has taken
from the shoulders of his honored father
much of the burden of affairs for many
years borne by the elder, whose ability
and perseverance have done so much to
build up and carry on the concern. The
junior Mr. Pascall is diligent and efficient,
and is appreciated as such by all con-
nected with the office. He bears his part
in carrying on the beneficient influences
of the community, supporting every
worthy movement. He is a vestryman of
Trinity Church, sustains his share of vari-
ous community services and helped in
every way to sustain the government in
prosecuting the nation's share in the re-
cent great World War. He is a member
of the world-known Masonic fraternity,
affiliating with Warren Lodge, No. 51,
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of
Portland, of which he has served in the
stations up to junior deacon ; Washington
Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Middle-
town ; Cyrene Commandery, No. 8, and
Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Hartford.
While not a seeker for public honors, Mr.
Pascall feels that every citizen should
bear his part in securing good govern-
169
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ment, and supports Republican principles
and policies, as the best means, in his
judgment, to secure that end.
Mr. Pascall was married, June i, 1910,
to Helen Boughton, who was born in
Hannibal, Missouri, daughter of Henry C.
and Harriet (Chamberlain) Boughton of
that city. Her grandfather, Sanford L.
Boughton, was born August 27, 1810, and
settled at Warsaw, New York, in 1840.
He was a friend of education, and was a
member of the school board of Warsaw
from the inception of its union school in
1853 until his death, September 26, 1859.
He married Maria A. Roberts, and they
were the parents of Henry C. Boughton.
The latter, born July 15, 1845, was ap-
prenticed to a printer in Warsaw, and set-
tled in Hannibal, Missouri, where he en-
gaged successfully in the book and sta-
tionery business until his death, which
occurred September 17, 1923. He mar-
ried, March 4, 1873, Harriet Chamberlain,
who was born in Brattleboro, Vermont,
and survives him.
Mrs. Pascall is a member of the general
association of the Daughters of the
American Revolution of Missouri. Mr.
and Mrs. Pascall are the parents of a son,
Richard Boughton Pascall, born January
4, 1912. He is a member of Troop 21,
Boy Scouts of America.
WAKEMAN, Howard Nichols,
Ua-wyer, Historian.
Accomplished in his profession as a
general practitioner in the law, his train-
ing and experience in both the States of
Connecticut and New York being re-
corded as of a very high order of value in
their legal interests, Howard Nichols
Wakeman, long in practice at the Con-
necticut bar, is a factor for progress in
the civic life of this State, and he has held
important State and township office in a
service of broad benefit to the community.
Learned in the historical lore of a State
abounding with distinguished Colonial
and Revolutionary records, Mr. Wake-
man is not only widely known as the cura-
tor of the archives of Bridgeport and its
neighborhood, but he is one of the best in-
formed of the State's historians concern-
ing the Plantation and Provincial eras,
and those immediately following, in Con-
necticut's remarkable story of settlement
and growth. Mr. Wakeman, one of the
accomplished editors of this work, is a
son of Zalmon Wakeman, a teacher in the
public schools, and who served as a mem-
ber of the General Assembly of Connecti-
cut, and Susan (Warner) Wakeman.
Howard Nichols Wakeman was born
November 21, 1856, at Greenfield Hill, in
the town of Fairfield, where he attended
the public schools. He prepared for his
profession in the Law School of Yale Uni-
versity, where he was graduated in the
class of 1888, with his degree Bachelor of
Laws, and upon his admission to the Con-
necticut bar in 1887 he at once began the
practice of law in this State. Mr. Wake-
man was also admitted to practice at the
New York bar in 1904, and from that date
to 1914, he was in the employ of the Law-
yers' Title and Trust Company. He is
active in financial matters, and is a mem-
ber of the board of directors of the South-
port Savings Bank.
Mr. Wakeman's interest in the political
life of the State has been notably mani-
fested in Legislature and as a member of
the General Assembly at Hartford in
1897 ; and he has also served as personal
tax collector of the town of Fairfield.
Prominently associated with the in-
jcreasingly valuable program of work of
the Bridgeport Scientific and Historical
Society, Mr. Wakeman holds the office of
170
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
secretary of that society. He is a com-
municant of the Protestant Episcopal
Church.
m Howard Nichols Wakeman married,
October 28, 1891, Grace Melville Hall,
daughter of Henry Hall and Catherine
(Silliman) Hall. Their children are: i.
Tallmadge Nichols Wakeman, born July
23, 1892. 2. Katherine DeForest Wedel-
staedt, born May 12, 1895. 3. Clara Lacey
Wakeman, born February 9, 1899.
MYLCHREEST, Joseph Warren,
Director of Public Works.
A native of Middletown, Mr. Myl-
chreest has attained a prominent position
among the citizens of the city, and is
actively useful in the direction of its ma-
terial interests, while contributing his
share to its moral and social development.
His forebears were among the leading
people of the Isle of Man, one being
among the first seven Manx settlers. The
present detailed knowledge of the family
begins with John Mylchreest, who was
the father of William Mylchreest, a con-
tractor who built many of the engine
houses at the mines of Manxland. He
died at the age of sixty years, and his
wife, Catherine (Davidson), also a native
of Man, reached the age of seventy-five
years. They were the parents of fourteen
children, the second of whom was Wil-
liam Mylchreest, born August 8, 1842, at
Kirk German. Up to the age of fourteen
years he attended an excellent school in
the neighborhood, and early began receiv-
ing instruction from his father in the
mason's art. When twenty-two years old
he went to Liverpool, whence he soon
moved to Halifax, Yorkshire, England,
where he continued at his trade and re-
ceived instruction in draughting and ge-
ometry at a night school. Returning to
his native place, he continued there until
1869, when he set sail with his bride for
the United States. The voyage was made
on the steamer "Australasia" of the
Cunard line, and they arrived at Boston,
Massachusetts, after a passage lasting
eight days and six hours, on April 9, 1869.
Seven days later found them in Middle-
town, Connecticut, where Mr. Mylchreest
continued a most industrious and success-
ful career until advancing age compelled
him to retire, and died January 13, 1922.
After working six days in the Middle-
sex quarry of Portland, he found employ-
ment as a bricklayer, in which he con-
tinued for some time in Middletown and
Hartford. In 1869 he formed a partner-
ship with Hugh McConochie and James
Moore, to engage in building operations,
under the style of McConochie, Moore &
Mylchreest, and the association was con-
tinued some nine years. At the end of
that period Mr. Moore withdrew, and the
business was continued a similar period
by McConochie & Mylchreest. Follow-
ing this Mr. Mylchreest was sole pro-
prietor of the business, being ultimately
succeeded by his sons, by whom it is still
carried on. Many of the most substantial
buildings in Middletown are monuments
to his skill, among which may be men-
tioned the Young Men's Christian Asso-
ciation building, several structures of
Wesleyan University, numerous resi-
dences, two wings of the State Hospital
and the German Lutheran Church. In-
cluded in his operations were thirteen
buildings of his own, which he sold or
rented. Thirty years after his arrival in
Middletown, he erected his substantial
residence on Brainerd Avenue and in the
same year he put up the fire engine house
on Main Street, one of the best buildings
of its kind in New England. Several of
the fraternity houses adjacent to the col-
171
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
lege are samples of his skill. A faithful
member of the Methodist Church, a use-
ful citizen and a good husband and father
passed away when he died. A consistent
Republican in political principle, Mr. Myl-
chreest served in 1898 and 1899 as alder-
man of the city.
He was married, March 25, 1869, at his
native place, to Ann Senogles, born April
9, 1850, in the same locality, being the
twelfth of the thirteen children of Joseph
and Catherine (Mylchreest) Senogles,
their fifth daughter and the only one of
the family to come to the United States.
Mr. and Mrs. Mylchreest were the par-
ents of six sons and three daughters.
Joseph Henry Mylchreest, second son
of William and Ann (Senogles) Myl-
chreest, was born October 5, 1871, in Mid-
dletown, Connecticut, where he was edu-
cated in the public schools. At the age of
thirteen years, he laid aside his books to
engage in mason work, which has occu-
pied his time since. He continued in the
employ of his father until 1906, when he
became a member of the firm including
the father and sons. He has been identi-
fied with the construction of several col-
lege buildings and fraternity houses, the
Central National Bank building and
others. Mr. Mylchreest is a member of
the Methodist Church, is a Past Grand of
Central Lodge, No. 12, Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, of which body he is a
trustee, and of Souheag Encampment, No.
6, same order, and was chairman of the
building committee of the order which
purchased and remodeled the former
Universalist Church for the uses of the
order. He is identified with the local blue
lodge, chapter, council and commandery
of the Masonic fraternity. Lady Wash-
ington Chapter, Eastern Star, and Sphinx
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine, of Hartford. He has
always been a busy man, with little time
for other than his private aflFairs, but has
ever sought to further progfressive move-
ments, without taking any political office,
and consistently supports Republican
principles and policies.
Mr. Mylchreest married, February 12,
1893, Sarah Anne Barrow, who was born
in Sheffield, England, daughter of Alfred
and Sarah Anne (Bailey) Barrow, with
whom she came to America when four
years old. Alfred Barrow, born Septem-
ber I, 1849, was superintendent of the
Soby Saw works in Sheffield some forty
years, and died in Middletown April 5,
1912. His wife died November 26, 1922,
aged seventy-two years. Mr. and Mrs.
Mylchreest are the parents of two sons,
namely: i. William B., chief draughts-
man in the New York office of the late
Henry Bacon, designer of the Lincoln
monument at Washington. 2. Joseph
Warren.
J. Warren Mylchreest, director of pub-
lic works of the city of Middletown, was
born December 21, 1894, in Middletown,
where he grew up and went through the
public schools, graduating from the high
school. He was a student at Norwich
University, Northfield, Vermont, and Cor-
nell University, Ithaca, New York, grad-
uating from the latter in 1917, with degree
of Architectural Engineer. He enlisted,
May 15, 1917, in the 309th Infantry, spent
three months in training camp at Madison
Barracks, and was made second lieuten-
ant. He was at Camp Dix with the 78th
Division, at Camps Devens and Augusta,
and made numerous trips about the coun-
try in government service. He was pro-
moted first lieutenant in August, 1918,
and was discharged April 21, 1919. Fol-
lowing this he was employed as junior en-
172
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
gineer by the Connecticut State Highway
Department for six months, and was with
the Ellison Construction Company of
Hartford one year. For six months he
was a construction engineer of the South-
ern New England Telephone Company,
and left this employment to become direc-
tor of public works at Middletown in
1922. He has charge of the streets, water
works and other departments of city serv-
ice. The elimination of the grade cross-
ing on Bridge Street, Middletown, is one
of the projects to which he has given
much attention, and the final adoption of
a plan and commencement of operations is
due chiefly to his determination and per-
severance, against the objections of some
parties in interest. The improvement of
the city water service is now engaging
his attention, and his fertile brain is con-
stantly planning improvements in the
public service.
Mr. Mylchreest is affiliated with the
Methodist Church, and is a steadfast Re-
publican politically. He is identified
with the principal Masonic bodies, from
St. John's Lodge, No. 2, to Cyrene Com-
mandery, No. 8, and including Sphinx
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine, of Hartford. He is
also a member of Central Lodge, No. 12,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; and
Middletown Lodge, No. 771, Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks. In all rela-
tions of life he is energetic and faithful,
and enjoys the esteem and confidence of
his contemporaries.
He married, February 7, 1919, Grace
Ellen Burch, who was born September
5, 1894, in Spencer, Massachusetts, daugh-
ter of Manly Erastus and Mary (Sweet)
Burch, the latter a native of Hatfield,
Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Mylchreest
are the parents of a son, Joseph Warren,
Junior.
AVERY, Edward C,
Business Man.
There is no name in New England
history borne with more worthy distinc-
tion than that of Avery. Its members
have occupied those places of prominence
that lend lustre to a family name, and
have performed those daily duties of good
citizenship that contribute even more
surely to the welfare and prosperity of
the community. The origin of this name
in England has not thus far been fully de-
termined, some authorities stating that it
was derived from Aviarus. which means a
keeper of birds, while others assert that
the storehouse in which the forage for the
king's horses was deposited was called
the avery prior to the conquest. It is
quite probable, however, that the Saxon
personal name Alberic, which became
Latmlzed into Albericus, was softened
during the Norman rule into Aubrey, and
finally acquired its present form of
spelling.
A branch of this family was founded
in New Hampshire by John Avery, born
in Groton, Massachusetts, September 17,
1705, who settled in Stratham, New
Hampshire, in young manhood. He was
of the fourth American generation, de-
scended from Christopher Avery, founder
of the family in America, through his son,
Captain James Avery, and his grandson,
Samuel Avery, all of whom held import-
ant places in public life. This is probably
the line whence sprang Robert Avery,
born near Franconia Notch, New Hamp-
shire, in 1804. He grew to manhood in
New Hampshire and shortly before his
marriage moved to Burke, New York.
There he engaged in farming on a fifty-
acre tract of land, which was a wedding
present to his wife from her father. He
married Maria Estabrook (see Estabrook
173
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
line). They were the parents of eight
children, of whom six attained mature
years : Sally, married Amos Hoadley,
of Westville, New York, both deceased ;
Samuel, deceased ; Silas, a resident of
Manchester, New Hampshire ; Hiram, de-
ceased ; Emily, married James Rogers,
both deceased, and resided in Vermont-
ville, New York ; Joel E., of whom fur-
ther; and Hoel (twins), the latter dying
in infancy.
Joel E. Avery, son of Robert and Maria
(Estabrook) Avery, was born in Burke,
Franklin County, New York, November
15, 1848. As a boy of fourteen years he
was employed for a year in a saw mill in
the Adirondack woods, and when but
seventeen years of age was in charge of a
gang of twenty-six men. In 1870 he
moved to Granby, Connecticut, and
worked for three years on a farm, then
moving to Hartland and residing there
for twenty-three years engaged in general
farming and stock raising. He returned
to Granby for three years still as a farmer,
and in April, 1899, he located in New
Britain, establishing in milk dealing on a
small scale. His operations have steadily
widened and now, the oldest milk dealer
in the city, he has four regular routes.
His business is conducted under the name
of Joel Avery & Son, and has five em-
ployees in addition to Mr. Avery and his
son. Mr. Avery continued in the work of
delivery in person until about four years
ago, and he is still active in collecting the
farm supply from local dairymen. Mr.
Avery is held in high regard in the busi-
ness fraternity of New Britain, and there
is no man of aflfairs in the city in whose
word greater dependence is placed. He
has never been attracted to public office,
but in private life has lost no opportunity
to contribute to the progress of the com-
mon good. He is the possessor of a medal
made from captured German cannon,
which was awarded by the United States
Government for efficient participation in
the Liberty Loan campaigns. Mr. Avery
is probably the only member of the Wes-
leyan Methodist denomination now in
New Britain.
He married Ella F., daughter of Luther
A. and Nancy (Woodruff) Parker. Nancy
Woodruff was a daughter of Alanson
Woodruff, of Avon. Mr. and Mrs. Avery
have a son, Edward C, the only one of
their children to reach maturity.
Edward C. Avery, son of Joel E. and
Ella F. (Parker) Avery, was born in Hart-
land, Connecticut, March 3, 1882. He was
educated in public schools and for four
years thereafter was in the employ of P.
and F. Corbin, of New Britain. The fol-
lowing nine months were spent with the
Union Manufacturing Company, and he
was then for two years on the road in the-
atrical work. His voice had attracted the
attention of an old singing master of New
Britain, who gave him his first instruc-
tion, and he later studied under A. Leo-
pold, a well known voice culturist of
Hartford, developing a second bass voice
of unusual quality and strength. While
on the road he was a member of a local
quartet which appeared in every State of
the Union, and at engagements in all of
the large cities. Tiring of the irregular
life of theatrical and concert work, with
the attendant inconveniences and discom-
forts of constantly travelling, he left the
stage and took a commercial course in
Huntsinger's Business College at Hart-
ford. Later he became associated with
his father in the milk business, and on
May 13, 1906, the present partnership was
formed. Mr. Avery has relieved his father
of many of the arduous responsibilities of
their prosperous business and has con-
tributed a full share to its upbuilding.
174
e^
c^y^^-o^^^^^^^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
From 1900 to 1908 Mr. Avery was a mem-
ber of Council No. 8, Senior Order of
United American Mechanics, and with
his wife is a member of the Congrega-
tional Church.
Edward C. Avery married Mabel Fer-
ris, daughter of Oscar and Charlotte
(Avery) Ferris, her mother a daughter of
Samuel Avery, brother of Joel E. Avery.
They were the parents of: Edward, born
March 7, 1910; Myrtle Florine, born April
25, 191 1 ; Harold Raymond, born March
2, 1916.
(The Estabrook Line).
Thomas Estabrook, born in Enfield,
County Middlesex, England, came to
America in 1660 and died January 28,
1720-21. He lived at Swanzey, Massachu-
setts, and was a selectman in 1681. He
married Sarah Temple, of Concord, Mas-
sachusetts, and among their children was
Thomas.
Thomas (2) Estabrook, son of Thomas
(i) and Sarah (Temple) Estabrook, was
born August 6, 1685. He married, De-
cember 18, 1707, Mrs. Elizabeth Parker,
and among their children was Thomas.
Thomas (3) Estabrook, son of Thomas
(2) and Elizabeth (Parker) Estabrook,
was born April 2, 1713. He married, about
1743, Prudence, surname unknown, and
among their children was Joel.
Joel Estabrook, son of Thomas (3) and
Prudence Estabrook, was born in West-
ford, Massachusetts, March 3, 1748-49. He
was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
He married, at Chelmsford, Massachu-
setts, February 4, 1778, Abigail Under-
wood, of Chelmsford. Issue : Abigail U.,
born 1779; Sophia, born 1781 ; Polly, born
1782; Susanna, born 1784; Joel, of whom
further; Sarah, born 1790.
Joel (2) Estabrook, son of Joel (i) and
Abigail (Underwood) Estabrook, was
born in Westford, Massachusetts, April
I, 1778. Among his children was Maria.
Maria Estabrook, daughter of Joel
Estabrook, married Robert Avery (see
Avery line).
MAZZOTTA, Salvatore,
liarge Bnilder.
In the career of this subject is illustra-
ted again the principle of American boast,
namely that one can make something of
himself, physically, mentally and morally,
if he have the necessary ambition, de-
termination and stamina. With these
qualities comes always success in material
things.
Salvatore Mazzotta was born February
12, 1879, in Melilli, province of Syracusa,
Italy, Island of Sicily, a region swept by
the warm Mediterranean breezes. His
father Carmelo Mazzotta, was a mason
builder all his life in Melilli, where he died
in 1903, at the age of seventy years. His
wife, Emanuella, born in the same town,
was a daughter of Vincenzo and Mariana
Nocera. Vincenzo Nocera was a mason
all his life and died in Melilli. Emanuella
Mazzotta died in 1910, aged seventy-one
years. Salvatore Mazzotta was privileged
to attend school until nine years of age,
when he began to learn the mason's trade
under instruction of his father. Very
early in life he began to cherish visions
of escape from his environment, ever his
eyes were turned longingly toward
America, the land of opportunity, and he
persevered in his ambition to strike out
in the world. At the age of eighteen years
he began to realize his desire to improve
himself by travel. An older brother was
then in Bulgaria, and thither Salvatore
turned his steps. For a period of two
years he worked as a mason in railroad
construction near Sofia and then returned
175
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
to his native place. His stay here was but
short and, in late January, 1900, he set
out for America, landed at New York, and
reached his objective at Middletown, Con-
necticut, February 18, of that year. Here
he encountered by far the most severe
cold he had thus far experienced. With
no knowledge of the prevailing language
of the country, with labor plentiful and
little in demand, his case presented dis-
couragements, but with the hope and de-
termination of youth he awaited the open-
ing of the season's activities. About a
month after his arrival he found employ-
ment with a contracting firm which had
need of workers with pick and shovel ;
he labored under hard taskmasters, who
looked only for results, while a dozen
waited to fill every vacancy in the force.
Though his hands blistered and bled,
young Mazzotta gave competent service
and earned the approval of his employers.
After two months of this employment he
found opportunity to work at his trade,
which gladly he would have accepted,
even at a reduction in pay, though he was
advanced fifty cents per day (to two dol-
lars), and built unaided the towers sus-
taining the gates in the State Hospital
water works. From this time forward he
found rather steady employment, as every
employer found him willing and ambi-
tious to give service. In the autumn of
the same year he went to Hartford, where
he found employment at another advance
of fifty cents per day. His prime object
in going to Hartford was to secure the
benefit of night school, where he might
increase his knowledge of the language
and fit himself for better opportunities
in life. In school he was just as diligent
as at work, and made rapid advancement
in knowledge of English, working each
day and going to Middletown once a
week to visit a sister living there. Re-
turning to Middletown, he was several
years in the employ of Denis O'Brien, a
large mason contractor, with whom he
grew in favor, and, after less than two
years with him, was placed in charge of
jobs. He set the stone work of the Had-
dam Library, the chapel of St. John's
Church and many other buildings in and
about Middletown. In 1909 a long strike
of building mechanics in Middletown very
much hindered operations, and Mr. Maz-
zotta became impressed with the idea of
becoming his own master, which long
had been a cherished ambition. After
some casting about he secured a job at
the corner of Union and South streets,
where he laid the cellar and first story
walls of a building, and he found by the
end of the year that it is more profitable
to handle one's own business. He built
concrete sidewalks, and no job was too
small to receive his faithful and efficient
attention. His reputation for reliable
work grew, and jobs came to him unso-
licited. In 191 1 he erected a two-story
brick block on the south side of Wash-
ington Street, for J. W. Stueck. In
1915 a much more pretentious block
arose under Mr. Mazzotta's management
— "Stueck's Tavern" — on the north side
of Washington Street. Many fine blocks
have been erected under contract by Mr.
Mazzotta, a few of which may be here
mentioned, including the Meech & Stod-
dard elevator, homes of the Middletown
Yacht and Highland Country clubs,
Poliner's store on the northerly end of
Main Street. In 192 1 he began the con-
struction of an addition to the group of
buildings constituting the Connecticut
State Hospital, a fire-proof structure, said
to be the finest in New England, and is
now (1924) constructing the Nurses'
Home, another equally fine building of
the same group, each of these contracts
176
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
involving some two hundred thousand
dollars. In 1924 he finished his contract
for erection of the Middletown Silk Com-
pany's new mill — a hundred thousand dol-
lar undertaking, also the State Trade
School, on Church Street, a handsome and
thoroughly modern structure, and the
contract for the construction of the new
North End School building, on a bid of
$131,193. Among his own enterprises
may be mentioned the erection of a hand-
some three-story brick flat-house on
Spring Street, and the recent purchase
of the Douglass homestead on Broad
Street, which he has remodeled, providing
three handsome tenements. In 1921, hav-
ing purchased a tract on the west side of
Prospect Street, he opened a street run-
ning westward from Prospect Street and
rejoining that thoroughfare, forming three
sides of a rectangle and known as Maz-
zotta Place. On this tract he erected the
elegant home of Dr. William E. Wrang.
In 1922-23 he erected for his own family
a beautiful home, which they occupied
July I, 1923. This is one of the finest
private residences in the city, overlooking
the valley of the Sabetha River and the
mountains to the west and southwest.
The first story and chimneys are of native
stone, which was also used in construct-
ing the fireplace in the parlor; the upper
story is of stucco, and the whole is finely
planned for convenience and beauty, and
its furnishings evince a refined taste.
Among the paintings are marine views,
scenes from American life, some of which
were executed in Rome, and superior
tapestries from the Old World. Its sun
parlor, on the south, is a model of taste
and utility, floored with tiles from the old
custom house and postoffice building of
Middletown, which Mr. Mazzotta demol-
ished. Another relic from the same build-
ing is the flagstaff, which forms one item
Conn. 11 — 12
in the tasteful decorations of the home
grounds. The stone work in which it is
set affords a beautiful basin for flowering
plants, and the shrubbery and blooms
working into the decorations are a delight
to the eye.
Blessed with fine native instincts, self-
cultivation has made a gentleman of Mr.
Mazzotta, and his naturally genial dispo-
sition and unvaried upright dealings have
drawn to him many friends, whose esteem
he easily retains. His business reputation
is unsmirched, and he is in a position to
enjoy life's richest blessings. With his
family Mr. Mazzotta worships at St.
John's Roman Catholic Church, and he is
a member of the Knights of Columbus,
Loyal Order of Moose, Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, Sons of Italy,
and Italio-American Club. A sound Re-
publican, he was placed in nomination in
1922 for the office of city councilman and,
though he polled the largest vote on his
ticket, he was defeated with the whole
Republican ticket in the landslide of that
year. He was again nominated in 1923
and elected by a large majority, only one
candidate receiving more votes — by a
margin of five. He is a member of the
council committee on streets, and of a
special committee on city and town plan-
ning, being especially fitted for service on
the latter by his fine taste and good judg-
ment. His public spirit is evidenced by
his offering the use of a tract of land near
Spring Street to the Social Service
League, for use as a public playground.
In 1906 Mr. Mazzotta felt that he had
been sufficiently prospered to assume the
responsibilities of a family and, in Novem-
ber of that year, he revisited the home of
his childhood and was there married,
February 2, 1907, to Angelina DiStefano,
who was born there, March 31, 1887,
daughter of Sebastiano and Anna (Mes-
177
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
sina) DiStefano. Soon after the wed-
ding they came to Middletown, and Mrs.
Mazzotta at once set about learning the
use of the English language. She has
proven herself a worthy helpmate in her
husband's progress, and their children are
being reared as good American citizens;
they are : Sabastiano George, born Feb-
ruary 22, 191 1 ; and Emanuella Maria,
February 4, 1913.
BAILEY, Edgar L.,
Business Man.
A descendant, in two lines, of the old
Bailey family of Haddam, Mr. Bailey in-
herited the native business instinct of the
Yankee and also the stable character
which has distinguished the natives of
New England. He was born February
17, 1847, ii^ Higganum, Connecticut, the
son of Richard M. and Lucy Maria
(Bailey) Bailey, who were not near rel-
atives. The descent of the mother has
been traced as follows : The name Bailey
had its origin in the office of bailiff or
steward, an occupation of much honor and
dignity in old English times. The name
of Henry le Bailie is found in writs of
parliament. A pioneer of Virginia was
William Bailey who was born about 1579,
in England, and removed to Virginia in
the ship "Prosperous." His son, Thomas
Bailey, settled in New London, Connecti-
cut, in 1651. He was founder of the
Groton family of that name.
John Bailey appears in the records of
Hartford, Connecticut, in 1648, when he
was a viewer of ladders and chimneys, an
important post, since chimneys were built
of sticks and mud, and it was necessary
to keep ladders and make frequent inspec-
tion of chimneys as a precaution against
fires. John Bailey was constable, an
office involving collection of taxes, in
1656-57. About 1662 he settled in Had-
dam, being one of the twenty-eight orig-
inal proprietors of the town, and lived in
what is now Higganum. His will was
dated June 17, 1696, and inventory of his
property, made August 29, of the same
year, placed its value at £ 186, los. and 6d.
His wife was, probably, Lydia, daughter
of Thomas Smith.
John Bailey, son of John, lived in Had-
dam, and married Elizabeth Bate, daugh-
ter of John and Elizabeth (Beckwith)
Bate of that town. John Bate (name now
written Bates) was undoubtedly a son of
Joseph Bate of Haddam. The name was
common in England several centuries be-
fore the departure of the Pilgrims for
America. In New England it was some-
times spelled "Baitt." It is supposed to
have come from Bate or Batte, a contrac-
tion of Bartholomew. About the time of
the Revolution, it came into common use
as Bates. Between 1630 and 1640 five
men named Bate settled in Boston or its
neighborhood. John Bate of Lydd, Kent,
England, died between July 31, and Sep-
tember 17, 1522. His second son, Andrew,
died there about February 22, 1533. The
latter's third son, John Bate, was buried
there March i, 1579. He married, Octo-
ber 28, 1546, Mildred Ward, who was
buried June 2, 1577, nearly two years be-
fore her husband. Their eldest son, John
Bate, described as a yeoman, died March
2, 1614, at Lydd. He married, June 6,
1580, Mary Martine, and their second
son, Joseph Bate, baptized in December,
1582, at Lydd, was the pioneer of the fam-
ily in America. In 1635 he came to Dor-
chester, Massachusetts, where he was
made a freeman in the following year,
served as selectman in 1637-38 and 1642,
and died in 1655. He married (license
issued September 13, 1603) Alice Glover
of Saltwood, England, born 1583, died
78
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
August 14, 1657, in Dorchester. Their
youngest child, Joseph Bate, baptized
December 16, 1624, at Lydd, was living
in Dorchester in 1648, was subsequently
at "Thirty-mile Island," now Haddam,
and at Saybrook from 1669 to 1677. No
doubt he was the father of John Bate,
who died January 15, 1719, father of
Elizabeth, wife of John Bailey.
Ephraim Bailey, second son of John and
Elizabeth (Bate) Bailey, was born Janu-
ary I, 1691, and lived in Haddam, where
he married, October 3, 1716, Deborah
Brainard, born April 3, 1698, eldest daugh-
ter and second child of James and De-
borah (Dudley) Brainard, granddaughter
of Daniel Brainard, born in 1641, prob-
ably in Braintree, England, the pioneer
of Haddam.
William Bailey, eighth son of Ephraim
and Deborah (Brainard) Bailey, married
Betsey Horton, and lived in Haddam,
where his son, Christopher Bailey, was
born in March, 1756, and died April 18,
1840. He married, November 26, 1782,
his second cousin, Naomi Bailey, born
1763, died September 29, 1825, daughter
of Jacob and Elizabeth (Cook) Bailey,
granddaughter of Ephraim and Deborah
Bailey, above mentioned. Christopher
Bailey, youngest child of Christopher and
Naomi Bailey, was born December 17,
1797, in Haddam, and married, June 4,
1824, Anne Tryon, of Middletown. She
was born about 1800, and died February
17, 1871, aged seventy-one. This, prob-
ably, led to his settlement at Middletown.
The records show a deed dated Novem-
ber ID, 1826, by which he received from
Josiah M. Hubbard one and one-half
acres of land in Middletown, the consider-
ation being $13.50. Presumably he was a
mechanic, and required only ground on
which to place a residence. Lucy Maria
Bailey, daughter of Christopher and Anne
(Tryon) Bailey, was born in March, 1825,
in Haddam, became the wife of Richard
M. Bailey, and died February 10, 1895, in
Middletown.
Richard M. Bailey, husband of Lucy
Maria Bailey, born in Haddam, and was a
mechanic residing in Middletown. From
1856 to i860 to he was in Arlington,
Vermont, and sought to prepare his son
for a worthy place in life.
Edgar L. Bailey was educated at the
public schools of Arlington and the private
school of Daniel Chase, which prepared so
many of the leading citizens of Middle-
town for college and for active life. After
a course in Eastman's Business College at
Poughkeepsie, New York, Edgar L. Bailey
began his business career in the employ of
the Russell Manufacturing Company of
Middletown, with which establishment
he continued for a period of fifty-two
years. This long association is ample
evidence of his integrity, industry and
business capacity. For six years he was
employed as bookkeeper and then became
a traveling salesman, in which capacity
he continued forty-six years. Because of
his almost continuous absence from home,
Mr. Bailey had little opportunity to
mingle in the political affairs of the com-
munity but he was an earnest Republican
in political principle and ever ready to
sustain with voice and thought that party.
He was an active member of the great
Masonic brotherhood, in which he at-
tained the rank of Knights Templar, and
his burial ceremonies were conducted by
the local Commandery of that branch of
the order. He died June 12, 1918, and
among his benefactions was a legacy for
the equipment of an operating room in the
Middlesex Hospital. He also left a legacy
to St. Luke's Home, one of the greatest
institutions for the alleviation of suffering
in Middletown, and also to the District
Nurses' Association, another medium of
great public good. Mr. Bailey's greatest
179
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
benefaction, which he had long cherished,
was the dedication, June i8, 1918, of the
Bailey Memorial Hall of Olivet Church
at East Arlington, Vermont. In this he
was faithfully seconded by his amiable
wife.
Mr. Bailey was married in 1875 at
Arlington to Miss Miriam S. Webb,
daughter of Reuben and Rhoda (Bowker)
Webb of that town. She is the great-
granddaughter of one of the first settlers
of that town. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey were
members of the South Congregational
Church of Middletown. One who knew
them intimately penned the following
beautiful tribute to Mr. Bailey and his
wife:
Some years ago there grew up together in
Arlington, Vermont, a boy and girl. They went
to school together and became fast friends, and
finally married and moved away to another New
England town— Middletown, Connecticut. Here
they lived for many years. Mr. Bailey occupied a
prominent position in the business life of the city
and the years went on happily full of joy and
comfort. But they never forgot the home of their
youth in the little town among the green hills.
For years, Mr. Bailey had nourished the plan of
building a memorial hall in connection with the
church in Arlington, which he had attended in his
youth and where his father had died a happy
Christian. But alas, it was not to be. Before he
could carry out his plans, he has passed away.
"God's finger gently touched him and he slept."
And now his wife has found comfort in her loss
in carrying out the plans her husband had so much
at heart, and today the work is finished ; this new
memorial hall stands as a monument to the memory
of that Christian gentleman, Edgar L. Bailey, a
memory which will be^ held by generation after
generation of men and women who shall come to
this hall from time to time to find recreation and
pleasure in the various entertainments which shall
here take place.
His soul, at last, has found a glad release,
From earthly cares and now is full of peace.
And in the days that are to come may all
Who meet together here, within this hall.
Think kindly of the friend now passed away.
Whose monument we dedicate to-day.
— Oscar Kuhns, Middletown, Conn.
The program of the dedication services
of Bailey Memorial Hall was as follows:
Pastor: To the glory of God, our Father, the
giver of all good gifts, to the honor of Jesus
Christ, His Son, our Lord and Saviour; to the
praise of the Holy Spirit, source of Life and Light.
People: We dedicate this hall. For cheer to
those who are friendless, for strength to those
who are tempted; for arousing the conscience
against all evil; we dedicate this hall. For the
strength of the Church's social life, for the recrea-
tion of all ages and classes, for Christian cheer
and fellowship, we dedicate this hall; for the
advancement of the community spirit, for the
extension of the church's influence, for the gath-
ering of all to the Master's fold, we dedicate this
hall, as a tribute of love and gratitude to the kind
and generous donors of this hall, and a heartfelt
offering to God, the source of all goodness. We,
the people of Olivet Church and congregation,
renewing the consecration of ourselves and our
service, dedicate this hall in the name of the Father
and of the Sun and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The address was given by Hon. J. K.
Batchelder.
DYER. KIRK Worrell,
Motor Mannfactnrer.
For the past ten years actively identi-
fied with the business interests of Middle-
town, Mr. Dyer has established himself
in the esteem and respect of his con-
temporaries. He is descended from one
of the first American families early estab-
lished in Rhode Island. The first in this
country was William Dyer, who was born
in London, England, where he was a mer-
chant, handling millinery and dry goods.
In December, 1635, he settled at Boston,
Massachusetts, whence he removed to
Portsmouth, Rhode Island, being one of
the original company which settled that
place, a signer of the compact made
March 7, 1638, for the government of the
Colony, and on June 5, 1639, he joined in
a similar compact for the settlement of
Newport, where he was granted land. He
180
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
was secretary of the Portsmouth and
Newport Colony, from 1640 to 1647, S^^-
1 eral recorder in 1648 and attorney-general
i from 1650 to 1653, inclusive. In 1661-62
he was a commissioner and from 1664 to
1666, inclusive, was a deputy to the Gen-
eral Court. He was general secretary of
the Colony in 1664, 1665, 1668 and died in
1677. His first wife, Mary, was one of the
martyrs, executed on Boston Common,
May 31, 1660. Their eldest child, Samuel
Dyer, baptized December 20, 1635, in
Boston, lived in Newport and Kingstown,
Rhode Island, and died in 1678. He was
appointed. May 21, 1669, one of two con-
servators of peace with the Narragansett
Country and was long active in promot-
ing its settlement. He married Anne
Hutchinson, daughter of Captain Edward
and Catherine (Hanby) Hutchinson, bap-
tized November 19, 1643, granddaughter
of the famous Anne Hutchinson of the
RTassachusetts Bay Colony, great-grand-
daughter of Rev. Francis Marbury and
grand-niece of the poet Dryden. She was
descended from Edward Hutchinson of
Alford, England, through his son, Wil-
liam Hutchinson, and his wife, Anne Mar-
low. Edward Dyer, third son of Samuel
and Anne (Hutchinson) Dyer, born in
1670, was a house carpenter and owned
a farm in North Kingstown, Rhode Is-
land. He married Mary Green, who was
born July 8, 1677, in Warwick, daughter
of William and Mary (Sayles) Green, a
great-granddaughter of Roger Williams.
Edward Dyer, eldest child of Edward and
Mary (Green) Dyer, born January 6, 1701,
in North Kingstown, lived in that town,
was made a freeman May i, 1722, and was
deputy to the General Court in 1748. He
was the father of Edward Dyer, born
1725, in North Kingstown, made a free-
man in 1752. He married, November 29,
1750, Elizabeth Fish, who was probably a
daughter of Jeremiah and Mary Fish of
South Kingstown. Their fifth son, Henry
Dyer, born July 12, 1759, in North Kings-
town, was a pioneer settler in Shaftsbury,
Vermont. He was a man of much mental
capacity and as a youth was so eager for
knowledge that he traveled three miles
twice a day in order to attend school. He
was very much interested in mathematics
and was often wont to calculate in
his mind mathematical problems quicker
than his sons could master them with
pencil. He settled in Manchester, Ben-
nington County, Vermont, where he had
a fine farm and died January 2, 1855. He
married, March 19, 1787, Sarah Coy, and
they had children: Moses, Anna, Olive,
Lydia, Rufus, Dennis, David, Daniel,
Louis and Heman.
Heman Dyer, grandson of Henry and
Sarah (Coy) Dyer, was born, 1847, in Man-
chester, where he grew up, attending the
public schools and a seminary. About
1878 he removed to Rock Falls, Illinois,
where he conducted a mercantile business
and was postmaster for several years. In
1885 he removed to Pasadena, California,
and there engaged in the real estate busi-
ness and was long in the public service.
For twenty-eight years preceding his
death he was city clerk of Pasadena. He
was buried December i, 1920. He was an
active member and Deacon of the Con-
gregational Church, a thirty-second de-
gree Scottish Rite Mason, served as State
treasurer of the Royal Arcanum and was
a member of the Modern Woodmen and
Knights of the Maccabees. Politically, a
Republican, he was many times unani-
mously elected city clerk of Pasadena, be-
ing supported by both parties. He mar-
ried Sarah Elizabeth Worrell, who was
born in the vicinity of Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania. Their only surviving child is
the subject of this biography.
181
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Kirk Worrell Dyer was born January
31, 1882, in Rock Falls, Illinois, and was a
small child when his parents removed to
California. There he attended the public
schools, graduating from the high school
in 1899, and was subsequently a student
at Throop Institute, now the California
Institute of Technology, from which he
was graduated in 1902 with the degree of
S. B. in Chemistry. For some time fol-
lowing he was employed as chemist in
a beet sugar factory and was subse-
quently employed in the city treasurer's
office of Pasadena, where he was chief
deputy treasurer and tax collector for two
years. Pursuing further studies at the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in
the years of 1905-07, he received the de-
gree of Bachelor of Science. In the mean-
time he pursued a summer course at the
University of Greenoble, France, and was
for one year following this chemical en-
gineer for the Opaque Shade Cloth Com-
pany of West Pullman, Illinois. After
spending a short time in California in 1910
he purchased a half interest in the Frisbie
Motor Company of Middletown, becom-
ing its secretary and treasurer, and in
April, 1920, succeeded B. A. Frisbie as
president of the company. Mr. Dyer has
contributed in no small degree to the
great growth and prosperity of this in-
stitution. He occupies a beautiful home
in Cromwell, formerly the home of the
late Frank Allison Pierson of that town.
Mr. Dyer is still a member of the Con-
gregational Church at Pasadena. In po-
litical principle he is a Republican and has
been allied with the Progressive wing of
that party. In 1913 he represented Crom-
well in the State Legislature and was sub-
sequently a candidate on the Progressive
ticket for member of the State Senate.
He has been several years a member of
the Cromwell School Committee, of which
he was chairman five years. He now
represents the county and is secretary of
the board in control of the Norwich State
Hospital. In 1907 Mr. Dyer was married
to Ruth (Coe) Pierson, widow of Frank
Allison Pierson, born in Providence,
Rhode Island, daughter of Orian Ward
Coe and granddaughter of Osborn Coe of
Cromwell and Pasadena. Mr. and Mrs.
Pierson were the parents of a son, Frank
Orian Ward Pierson, who now resides
with Mr. and Mrs. Dyer. The latter are
the parents of two daughters, Esther
Lavinia and Margaret Elizabeth.
ATKINS, Thomas Jefferson,
Agricnltnrist.
A prosperous and well known farmer
of West Long Hill district, Middletown,
Middlesex County, Connecticut, Mr. At-
kins is of English descent, and resides
on a homestead which has been in the
possession of the Atkins family for gen-
erations. The name of Atkins bears many
spellings in early American records ; in
fact, it is still used under various spellings
in the United States. Among the old
English spellings is Atkyns, and it fre-
quently appears in this country as Adkins.
Several of the early New England immi-
grants bore the name, including Joseph
Atkins of Roxbury in 1630 and Abraham
Atkins, residing in Boston in 1642.
Luke Atkins was in New Haven as
early as 1639, and married there (second)
May I, 165 1, Mary, daughter of Deacon
Richard Piatt of New Haven. He does
not appear in New Haven records after
that date and probably moved to Middle-
town. His widow married, January 3,
1677, in Middletown, Thomas Wetmore.
Josiah Atkins, undoubtedly a son of Luke
by the latter's first marriage, lived in
Middletown and received four acres of
182
MlroJ—J^^l^i^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
land in an allotment there, not far from
the present home of many of his descend-
ants, on West Long Hill. He died Sep-
tember 12, 1690. He married, October
8, 1673, his step-sister, Elizabeth Wet-
more, born 1648, daughter of Thomas
Wetmore. Jlphraim Atkins, fourth son
of Josiah, born March 9, 1685, lived in
Middletown and died December 26, 1760.
He married, June 16, 1709, Elizabeth Wet-
more, born September 2, 1685, eldest child
of Thomas, Jr., and Elizabeth (Hubbard)
Wetmore. Elizabeth Hubbard, born Jan-
uary 15, 1659, in Middletown, was the
youngest child of George Hubbard, the
patriarch. She was married, February
20, 1684, to Thomas Wetmore, who was
born October 19, 1652, and died February
I, 1689. She died December 6, 1725.
The eldest son of Ephraim Atkins was
Thomas Atkins, born April 5, 1710, lived
on Long Hill and built a house there in
1734, a short distance northwest of the
present handsome home of his descendant,
whose name heads this article. He mar-
ried, August 6, 1735, Martha Miller, born
March 28, 1705, daughter of "Governor"
Benjamin Miller and granddaughter of
Thomas Miller, the Middletown pioneer.
Ithamar Atkins, only son of Thomas
and Martha (Miller) Atkins, born Novem-
ber 16, 1757, was a prominent figure in
the town, residing on the spot now occu-
pied by T. J. Atkins, where he built a
brick house in 1807. His farm embraced
more than eight hundred acres of land,
much of which is still in possession of his
descendants. He was possessed of a
strong mind, was industrious and capable,
and achieved unusual success in life. He
married, November 27, 1783, Anna Hub-
bard, born October 18, 1762, twelfth child
of Nehemiah Hubbard and Sarah Sill, de-
scended from George Hubbard, the patri-
arch. Ithamar Atkins died January 27,
1829, and his wife April 11, 1838.
Albert Atkins, sixth and youngest son
of Ithamar and Anna (Hubbard) Atkins,
was born September 14, 1804, on the pa-
ternal homestead and lived there all his
life, dying January 30, 1881, as the result
of over-exertion in building a stone wall.
The strain of severe labor brought on
pleurisy, which was succeeded by con-
sumption. Like all of his tribe, he had a
strong will, was industrious, and pros-
pered accordingly. He was three years of
age when his parents moved to the house
built by his father, which continued to
be his home through life. The district
school of the day furnished the founda-
tion of his education, and he also attended
a select school in Middletown. In early
life he was a successful teacher, and
among his pupils was his first wife, the
mother of his children. Ambitious for a
military career, frail health prevented the
attainment of his hopes. In association
with his elder brother, Henry, he man-
aged the home farm for some years, and
after the death of his father, he acquired
its ownership by purchasing the interests
of the other heirs. Of medium height and
solid build, he was able to accomplish
much by his own labor, and did not flinch
from the eflfort. His labors were guided
by intelligence, and he left a fine property
to his heirs. Gifted with intelligence and
a fine memory, he acquired much informa-
tion of a practical nature, was often con-
sulted by his neighbors, who found no
cause for regret in following his advice.
His methods of agriculture were in ad-
vance of his time, he was possessed of de-
termination and independence, and none
were left in doubt as to his position on
any subject that engaged his attention.
A faithful supporter of the Methodist
Church, as the exponent of his religious
views, and an equally ardent supporter of
Democratic principles in politics, he was
respected by adversaries and adherents
183
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
alike, and exercised a wide influence.
Though not a seeker for office, he yielded
to the solicitation of his townsmen in fill-
ing local stations. Originality was a
marked feature of his character, he read
much, was a close observor, and was
much above the average of men in mental
capacity and influence. He respected
character in others, and was a strong ad-
vocate of temperance as an influence in
moulding character. Mr. Atkins married,
January i, 1836, Susan Eliza Hale, born
March 5, 1814, in Middlefield, died Octo-
ber 20, 1864, daughter of Joseph and Julia
(Stowe) Hale. Julia Stowe was a daugh-
ter of Joshua Stowe, a very prominent
citizen of Middlefield and Middletown,
twenty years postmaster in the latter
town. Mr. and Mrs. Atkins were the
parents of four children, as follows: i.
Frances, born July 16, 1837, died unmar-
ried January 30, 1862. 2. Marion, born
September 7, 1841, was married, April 25,
1866, to Leonidas C. Vinal, a druggist of
Middletown, and died February 13, 1869.
3. Osmin, born January 6, i8zJ4, graduated
from Wesleyan University at Middletown
in 1866 and from Columbia University in
1868. He engaged in the practice of law
in New York City, but his health broke
down and, after endeavoring to recuperate
by visiting Florida, Minnesota and other
parts, he died at Middletown Springs,
Vermont, September 17, 1871, and was
buried in Pine Grove Cemetery, Middle-
town, Connecticut. He married, July 13,
1868, Cordelia Knowlton of Maine. The
fourth child, Thomas Jefferson, receives
further mention below.
Thomas Jefiferson Atkins, youngest and
only surviving child of Albert and Susan
E. (Hale) Atkins, is a worthy son of a
\yorthy father, whose memory he justly
reveres, was born August 18, 1846, in a
house that stood on the site of his present
VvM^'"''"
residence. He inherits the most promin-
ent characteristics for which the Atkins
family is notable, is well read, and a keen
and intelligent observer of events and an
original thinker. In boyhood he attended
the district school on Long Hill, was
later a student at the celebrated prepara-
tory school of Daniel H. Chase in Mid-
dletown City and taught school in his
home district. At the age of twenty-two
years, he went to Minneapolis, Minnesota,
where he attended a preparatory class at
the State University and found employ-
ment in a flouring mill and a planing
mill. At the request of his father, he re-
turned to his native place to take charge
of the cultivation of the homestead. Agri-
culture has taken much of his attention,
he has always been accustomed to take
part in the labors of the farm until a very
recent period, when the bulk of the home-
stead was rented to a neighbor. Though
he has advanced beyond the allotted years
of man, he is still found actively engaged
in such labors as are necessary about a
country homestead. In 1915 the home
built by his grandfather was taken down,
and he erected on its site a thoroughly
modern house, equipped with every mod-
ern convenience, where he may rest when
fatigued by his activities. He has em-
ployed his leisure in pursuing investiga-
tions of many subjects, as well as peru-
sal of current literature, and is never at
a loss for a topic of conversation with
either the ignorant or the learned. He
despises empty show and upstart pride,
is modest and unpretentious in person,
but ^quick to recognize merit in others.
He is the owner of considerable real
estate outside of Middletown, is a sound
and conservative business man, a shrewd
investor, whose judgment is everywhere
respected. He is a charter member of
Mattabessett Grange, a consistent up-
!4 ' < i it
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
holder of Democratic principles, but has
rarely consented to become a candidate
for office. For many years he served as
justice of the peace.
Mr. Atkins married, in Minneapolis,
October 9, 1872, Mary M. House, who
was born August 18, 1852, in Manchester,
New Hampshire, daughter of Josiah and
Hannah House. She was a capable and
faithful helpmeet, a loving companion,
whose loss by death, February 14, 1883,
was a heavy blow to her husband and
children. Of the latter, only one, a daugh-
ter, Grace M., now survives. The eldest,
George R., born January 31, 1874, died
December 20, 1920, at Vero, Florida.
Albert, born December 2, 1878, died Jan-
uary 8, 1883. Richard H., born June 13,
1882, resided at home and died May 23,
1909.
BACON, Louis Paddock,
Merchant, Plnmbiug and Steam Fitting.
A worthy and respected member of
the ancient family which participated in
the first settlement of Middletown, Mr.
Bacon is identified with an important
industry of the city. Nathaniel Bacon
came from England and was among the
settlers of Middletown. His son, Nathan-
iel, was an extensive land owner in the
town, and died in 1759. He married Han-
nah Wetmore and their second son, Ben-
jamin Bacon, was born November 28,
1708, lived in Middletown and married
Rhoda Miller. Their second son, Phineas
Bacon, born October 19, 1744, was a tan-
ner, innkeeper and farmer, and died, in
1716. He married, December 25, 1766,
his cousin, Sarah Atkins, born Decem-
ber 27, 1745, daughter of Thomas and
Martha (Miller) Atkins. Benjamin Bacon,
eldest child of Phineas and Sarah, born
November 17, 1767, died in 1840. He
married December 22, 1788, Abiah Corn-
wall, who was born February 18, 1763, in
Middletown, seventh daughter of Lieu-
tenant Nathaniel and Mary (Cornwall)
Cornwall, of Westfield. Benjamin Bacon,
eldest child of Benjamin and Abiah
(Cornwall) Bacon, born October 2, 1789,
lived with his grandfather, Phineas Bacon,
until the death of the latter. The man-
agement of the paternal homestead came
into his hands. He died December 20,
1881, in his ninety-third year, in posses-
sion of all his faculties. He married
Lavinia Wilcox, born January 31, 1797,
third daughter of Joseph and Miriam (Ba-
con) Wilcox. Mr. Bacon bears in his
veins the blood of many Middletown
pioneers.
Phineas Bacon, third son of Benjamin
and Abiah (Cornwall) Bacon, was born
November 4, 1795, in the Westfield sec-
tion of Middletown, was a farmer in early
life and later, operated a grist mill on
West River, within the limits of the pres-
ent city of Middletown, at the power now
occupied by the I. E. Palmer hammock
factory. He died October 29, 1882, in
Newfield. He was a very active man, a
member of the North Church, and a Re-
publican from the organization of the
party. He married, June 9, 1823, Sarah
Paddock, born February 18, 1800, bap-
tized at the North Church, October 12,
1883, "two or three years old." She was
a daughter of Seth and Lucinda (Ken-
yon) Paddock of Middletown, descended
from Robert Paddock, who was in Plym-
outh, Massachusetts, as early as 1643,
probably earlier, and died July 25, 1650.
His second son, Zachariah Paddock, born
March 20, 1636, lived in that part of Barn-
stable now Yarmouth, Massachusetts,
where he died May i, 1727, in his eighty-
eighth year. He married Deborah Sears,
dauarhter of Richard Sears, who had a
I8S
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
wife Dorothy and lived early in Dart-
mouth. Deborah Sears was born there
in September, 1639, and died August 17,
1732, "lacking about a month of being
ninety-three years old." She was admit-
ted to the Second Church of Yarmouth
by letter from the First Church, August
16, 1727. They left forty-eight grand-
children and thirty-eight great-grand-
children, thirty of the latter being de-
scendants of their second son, Zachariah.
Robert Paddock, the fourth son, was born
January 17, 1670, and lived in Yarmouth.
There he married, March 6, 1702, Martha
Hall, born May 24, 1670, daughter of John
and Priscilla (Pearce) Hall. Their sec-
ond son, Seth Paddock, was born March
13, 1705, in Yarmouth and married there,
April 13, 1727, Mercy Nickerson, who was
born November 22, 1706, daughter of John
and Elizabeth Nickerson of that town.
Zachariah Paddock, son of Seth and
Mercy (Nickerson) Paddock, born 1728,
was the first of the family in Middletown,
where he settled as early as 1751. His
first land was purchased from Samuel
Warner, Sr., the deed dated July 24, 175 1,
the amount one-fourth acre, price three
hundred pounds. Subsequently he pur-
chased of Andrew Bacon two other par-
cels amounting to nearly forty-seven
square rods. It is apparent that he was a
mechanic or professional man, as his land
was of small dimension and located in
the village, now city. He died in Middle-
town, May 13, 1800, in his seventy-second
year. He married Hannah Smith, step-
daughter of John Birdsey of (now) Mid-
dlefield, whose wife was a widow Smith
from Long Island. They had seven sons
and one daughter, the latter being the
last. Seth Paddock, third son of Zach-
ariah and Hannah (Smith) Paddock, born
in 1756, in Middletown, was a well-known
resident of Middletown, a forceful, practi-
cal man and useful citizen. He died in 1839.
He married, January 7, 1779, Phebe John-
son, baptized June 3, 1759, died 1827,
daughter of Elijah and Mary (Hall) John-
son of Middletown, descended from John
Johnson, who came from England in 1630
and settled at Roxbury. He was made a
freeman there in May, 1631, was repre-
sentative in the first General Court in
1634 and many years afterward, was a
member, in 1638, of the Ancient and Hon-
orable Artillery Company of Boston, in
charge of arms and ammunition. He died
September 30, 1657, leaving a good estate,
and his wife, Margery, who came with
him from England, was buried June 9,
1655. Their eldest son, Isaac Johnson,
born in England, was a freeman of Rox-
bury, March 4, 1635, a member of the
Artillery Company, 1645, captain in 1667,
representative in General Court in 1671.
He was killed at the head of his company
in the "Narragansett Fight" with Indians
December 19, 1675. He married, January
20, 1637, Elizabeth Porter, and they were
parents of Isaac Johnson, baptized Janu-
ary 17, 1644, settled at Middletown,
where he died February 3, 1720, leaving
a good estate. He married, December 26,
1669, in Roxbury, Mary Harris, who died
August I, 1740. Their fourth son, Joseph
Johnson, born March 9, 1677, in Middle-
town, died November 12, 1739, and was
buried on Farm Hill. He married, Janu-
ary 25, 1698, Elizabeth Blake, who died
March 24, 1720. Their eldest son, Joseph
Johnson, born August 26, 1702, died April
30, 1768, was admitted to full communion
at the First Church. He married (first)
February 2, 1726, Mehitable Hamlin.
They were the parents of Elijah Johnson,
born December 3, 1734, baptized six days
old, married, July 19, 1756, Mary Hall.
Their daughter, Phebe, became the wife
of Seth Paddock, as above related.
186
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
James Paddock, second son of Seth and
Phebe (Johnson) Paddock, was born July
5, 1784, and lived in Middletown. He
married, January i, 1803, Grace Roberts,
who was born January 26, 1784, daughter
of Jonathan and Lucy (Fairchild) Roberts
of Middletown, died January 28, 1867.
Seth J. Paddock, third son of James and
Grace, was born November 22, 1810, in
Middletown, lived in Cromwell from the
time he was four years old, and was a
farmer and builder, dying May 12, 1888.
He married, December 4, 1833, Lucinda
Kenyon, who was born December 9, 1807,
died July 20, 1902, daughter of Green and
Hannah (Armstrong) Kenyon, natives
respectively, of Point Judith, Rhode Is-
land, and Lebanon, Connecticut. Emma
Paddock, fourth daughter of Seth J. and
Lucinda (Kenyon) Paddock, became the
wife of Charles W. Bacon, as recorded
below. Sarah Paddock, daughter of
James, became the wife of Phineas Bacon,
as above shown.
Charles William Bacon, son of Phineas
and Sarah, was born August 4, 1838, in
Newfield, was a farmer there, on the
paternal homestead, and died in the house
where he was born April 30, 191 5. He
engaged in general farming, was a mem-
ber of the North Church, a Republican
in politics, a man of domestic tastes, seek-
ing no part in the conduct of public af-
fairs. He married, in 1865, Emma Pad-
dock, born September 2, 1845, sixth child
of Seth J. and Lucinda (Kenyon) Pad-
dock of Cromwell. Mr. and Mrs. Bacon
were the parents of five children, namely :
Willis E., now a resident of Newfield ;
Louis P., mentioned further below ;
Henry, a sketch of whom follows ; Minnie
M., died at the age of fourteen years ;
Alice, wife of Bertrand E. Spencer, an
attorney of Middletown.
Louis Paddock Bacon, second son of
Charles W. Bacon, born July 6, 1870, on
the paternal homestead in Newfield, has
made his home in that section to the pres-
ent time, most actively engaged in busi-
ness with no vacation until 1922. He has
never been ill, and has felt no occasion for
extended rest. Beside the local school of
his neighborhood he attended a private
school maintained by Miss Patton in the
city of Middletown. At the age of eight-
een years he entered the employ of Ly-
man D. Mills in Middletown, to learn the
trade of tinner and plumber. There he
industriously continued until his junior
brother had completed the same appren-
ticeship under the same preceptor, and
was ready to join him in business on their
own account. In 1899 they opened a shop
and store at the corner of Main and Col-
lege streets, and two years later moved
to the Young Men's Christian Association
building, where they have continued to
the present time and built up a prosper-
ous business, now employing from twen-
ty-five to thirty-five people, according to
the season. Mr. Louis P. Bacon gives
his attention to the mechanical depart-
ment, while his brother attends to the
business management. Their store, where
metal wares are retailed, is one of the
most extensive in the city, and their job-
bing department is one of the busiest. Mr.
Bacon is a member of the North Church
and a Republican in political principle,
too busy to seek any political office,
staunch in support of his principles. He
married, in November, 1899, Nellie Owen
Crane, born July 27, 1871, in Suffield,
Connecticut, died June 16, 1921, daughter
of George S. and Jennette D. (Owen)
Crane of that town. The Crane family
is one of the oldest and most numerously
represented in New England, founded by
Benjamin Crane, born about 1630, who
was in Wethersfield, Connecticut, in 1655.
187
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
In 1656 he had lands there, was made free-
man in 1658 and was a farmer one mile
south of the village, where he died May
31, 1691, leaving an estate valued at £526
and I2S. He married, April 23, 1655,
Sarah, daughter of William and Sarah
(Charles) Backus. Their son. Lieutenant
Jonathan Crane, born December i, 1658,
lived in Windham, Norwich and Lebanon,
dying June 6, 1735. For several years he
was deputy from Windham. He married,
December 19, 1678, Deborah Griswold,
born May, 1661, daughter of Francis
Griswold, of Wethersfield. John Crane,
second son of Lieutenant Jonathan Crane
and Deborah (Griswold) Crane, born Oc-
tober I, 1687, received lands from his
father in what is now Coventry, married,
September 16, 1708, Sarah Spencer, who
died September 15, 1715. John Crane,
eldest child of John and Sarah (Spencer)
Crane, born July 31, 1709, received land in
Wethersfield from his grandfather and
purchased more. His last days were passed
in Becket, Massachusetts, where he died
March 9, 1793. He married (second), No-
vember II, 1742, Sarah Hutchinson, who
was the mother of his fifth son, Elijah
Crane, born February 22, 1746, in Lebanon.
He was one of the first settlers of Washing-
ton, Massachusetts, in 1760, and died there
January 15, 1818. He married Sarah Hill
of Woburn, Massachusetts, who survived
him a short time and died September 11,
1819, in Canton, New York. Their second
son, Amos Crane, born December 17,
1774, lived in Washington, where he died
July 25, 1863, having been thirty-two
years a member of the Methodist Church.
He married, October 30, 1799, Martha
Remington, of Suffield, who died Novem-
ber 16, 1841. Their eldest son, Amos
Crane, was born November 5, 1802, in
Washington, where he continued farming
until 1847, when he removed to Suffield,
Connecticut. In 1842 he was a member
of the Massachusetts Legislature and in
Connecticut in 1853.
He married, September 26, 1828, Fanny
Lewis, of Suffield, and they were parents
of George S. Crane, born August 27, 1831,
who was a farmer and dealer in agricul-
tural implements in Suffield. He married,
March 23, 1859, Jennette D. Owen, and
they were the parents of Nellie O. Crane,
who became the wife of Louis P. Bacon.
Mr. and Mrs. Bacon were the parents of
a son and two daughters. The latter died
in early childhood. The son, Charles
Burton Bacon, born March 13, 1906, is a
student at the Middletown High School.
BACON, Henry,
Merchant, Manufacturer.
The ancestry of Mr. Bacon is given at
considerable length above (see Bacon, L.
P.) and includes many individuals identi-
fied with the settlement and development
of Middletown through eight generations.
Among these the old New England spirit
of industry, thrift and high moral purpose
predominated, and among the descend-
ants are found many earnest in carrying
out the high ideals of their forebears.
Henry Bacon, third son of Charles W.
Bacon, was born October 20, 1874, in
Newfield, and has shared in developing an
important business in the city of Middle-
town, in association with his elder brother
above referred to. Henry Bacon attended
the district school near his native home,
a private school in Middletown, conducted
by Miss Patton, and was a student at a
Hartford business college, becoming well
prepared for the business career which
has enhanced his credit as a steady-going
and industrious citizen. When eighteen
years old he entered the shop of Lyman
D. Mills in Middletown, where he be-
^^-~A.a^4j&0
/tf^-<MS^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
came master of the plumbing and heating
industry. After seven years in this train-
ing, he embarked in business, as above re-
lated, in association with his brother,
under the title of Bacon Brothers. This
title has become a synonym for stability,
faithfulness and efficiency. The propri-
etors of the business are well convinced
of the truth of Benjamin Franklin's pre-
cept : "He who by the plow would thrive,
himself must either hold or drive," and
are found attending diligently to busi-
ness in the hours appropriated for that
purpose, and each employee is impressed
with the importance of upholding the
principle of proper service so necessary in
maintaining any business which under-
takes to serve the public. Since Febru-
ary, 1903, the establishment has been
housed in the Young Men's Christian
Association building, and has enjoyed a
continuously growing patronage. Henry
Bacon is a member of the North Church,
where many of his ancestors have wor-
shipped, is a member of St. John's Lodge,
No. 2, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons,
one of the great fraternal and benevolent
organizations, and is a supporter of Re-
publican policies in government. He has
always resided in Newfield, and now occu-
pies what is known as the Captain Daniel
Bacon place in that section.
He married, March 13, 1917, Phebe
Scoville, born at Maromas, daughter of
Henry Scoville, a farmer of that section.
DAVIS, Charles Talcott,
Agriculturist.
As a patronymic, Davis is of Welch
origin, and signifies "David's son." The
founder of the family herein considered
was John Davis, early in Ipswich, Mas-
sachusetts, later in New London, Con-
necticut. His son, Andrew Davis, lived
in New London and was the father of
Solomon Davis, the first of the name in
Killingworth, Connecticut. He married
there December 28, 1709, Sarah Hayton
or Hayden, and they were the parents of
Samuel Davis, born about 1725-30. With
his wife, Elizabeth, he lived in Killing-
worth, had five children, the eldest born
in 1753. The youngest of these, Lemual
Davis, born, probably after 1760, lived in
Killingworth with his wife, Jemima, and
had five children, the eldest born in 1783.
This one died in infancy, and the second
of the same name, Peter Davis, was a
farmer residing on Pea Hill in Killing-
worth. He married Polly Kelsey, and
they were the parents of Alvin Davis,
born December 14, 1807, on Pea Hill,
there grew to manhood and passed his
life, engaged in agriculture. He was a
man of intelligence and independent mind,
industrious and economical, and became
quite prosperous. Though not an intense
partizan, he was a staunch supporter of
Democratic principles. He died Decem-
ber 14, i860, and was buried in the Stone-
house Cemetery. He married, November
28, 1827, Julia Wright, who was born
June 3, 1807, daughter of Jesse and Nancy
(Hull) Wright. Jesse Wright, born 1786,
was a farmer in the Pine Orchard district
of Killingworth, and died in 1878. He
was a descendant of James Wright, un-
doubtedly of English ancestry, although
some people claim the name is of Scotch
origin. The first mention of James
Wright is found in the Congregational
Church records of Milford, Connecticut.
He married Hannah Sanford, of that
place. His second wife, Bethiah, was the
mother of Daniel Wright. Daniel Wright
was born June 23, 1723, recorded in Dur-
ham, where he lived with his wife, Lucy,
whither James Wright removed from Mil-
ford before 1707. He was a member of
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
the committee from Durham which set-
tled the boundary line between that town
and Guilford. Their son, Ashur Wright,
born May 9, 1755, in Durham, was a
farmer of that town, where he married
Beulah Strong, born March 13, 1757,
daughter of Lieutenant Eliakim and Han-
nah (Seward) Strong. Jesse Wright, their
son, was a farmer in KillingTvorth, and
married Nancy Hull.
The Strong family is one of the oldest
and most prolific in New England, was
founded by Elder John Strong, who was
born in 1605, in Taunton, England, and
arrived in Massachusetts, May 30, 1630.
The family was originally located in
Shropshire, and by marriage with an
heiress of Griffith County, Caernarvon,
Wales, secured a residence in that prin-
cipality. Of this family was Richard
Strong, born in 1551, removed in 1590 to
Taunton, Somersetshire, England, where
he died in 1613. His son, John Strong,
lived at London and Plymouth, and came
to New England, as above related, in the
ship "Mary and John." In 1635 he was
among the founders of Dorchester, was
admitted a freeman at Boston, March 9,
1636, and was a proprietor of Taunton,
Massachusetts, December 4, 1638. He
was prominent in that community, repre-
sented the town at the general court of
Plymouth in 1641-43-44-45. Later he re-
moved to Windsor, Connecticut, and was
one of a committee appointed to advance
the settlement of that place. In 1659, he
was among the active founders and set-
tlers of Northampton, Massachusetts,
where he engaged in business as a tanner,
and was long the ruling elder of the
church there and died April 14, 1699. His
first wife died on the passage to America
and he married, in December, 1630, Abi-
gail Ford. Thomas, son of John Strong,
born between 1630 and 1640, at Windsor,
was a trooper there in 1648 under Major
Mason. With his father, he removed to
Northampton, where he died October 3,
1689. He married, December 5, 1660,
Mary, daughter of Rev. Ephraim Hewitt
of Windsor. She died February 20, 1671.
Their eldest child, Thomas Strong, born
November 16, 1661, removed shortly
after 1708 to Durham, Connecticut, where
he was a farmer. He married, November
17, 1683, Mary Stebbins, born Septem-
ber 10, 1666, daughter of John and Abi-
gail (Bartlett) Stebbins, of Northamp-
ton. Lieutenant Eliakim Strong, son of
Thomas and Mary, born September 26,
1688, was a farmer in Northampton and
removed after 1725 to Durham, where he
engaged in farming, and died January 24,
1746. He married, April 13, 1712, Me-
hitable King, born March 13, 1690, daugh-
ter of John and Mehitable (Pomeroy)
King of Northampton, the latter born
July 3, 1666, daughter of Medad Pomeroy.
Lieutenant Eliakim Strong, eldest son
of Eliakim and Mehitable, born March 7,
1720, was a large farmer for many years
in Durham. In 1693 he removed with his
sons to Durham, New York, where he
died in 1800. He married, June 3, 1751,
Hannah Seward, born February 21, 1730,
in Durham, daughter of Lieutenant Joseph
and Hannah (Crane) Seward of that
town. Their daughter, Beulah Strong,
became the wife of Ashur Wright as be-
fore noted, and the mother of Jesse
Wright, grandmother of Julia Wright,
who became the wife of Alvin Davis.
Ashur Wright was a soldier of the Revo-
lution and died in 1853.
Sydney Talcott Davis, eldest son of
Alvin and Julia, was born June 24, 1837,
on Pea Hill, where he grew to manhood.
He is the subject of extended mention
elsewhere. He married, January 28, 1858,
Mary Ann Nettleton, who was born
190
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
March 19, 1840, in Barton, Tioga County,
New York, died May 14, 1922, in Hart-
ford, Connecticut, daughter of Heman and
Jerusha (Norton) Nettleton. Heman Net-
tleton was born November 16, 1802, in
Killingworth, where he died September
25, 1882, having returned to his native
place in old age. Jerusha Norton, born
August II, 1799, died March i, 1867.
Charles Talcott Davis, second son of
Sydney Talcott, was born January 12,
1865, in Killingworth, was early accus-
tomed to the life and activities of the farm
and attended the district school of the
neighborhood. At the age of sixteen
years he came to Middletown and entered
the employ of the late Richard Davis, an
extensive farmer and dairyman. Young
Davis drove the milk wagon delivering
to customers in Middletown and helped
in the labors of the establishment in many
capacities. After eleven years of this
healthful exercise he purchased an in-
terest in the feed business of Coe & Cro-
well, which was continued one year by
the firm of Coe & Davis, after which Mr.
Davis settled on the farm where he now
resides, adjoining that of Richard Davis,
on West Long Hill. This farm had long
been in possession of the Hubbard fam-
ily, and embraces one hundred acres of
finely located land. It is fitted with hand-
some buildings and all the equipment of
a modern farm. For many years Mr.
Davis conducted a dairy and delivered
milk in the city, and also dealt in cattle,
which busy occupations brought him a
competence. He has turned attention to
other interests, and is now secretary of
the Walter Hubbard Realty Company,
which handles property in Meriden and
Middletown, left by the late Walter Hub-
bard of the former city. Mr. Davis is
also a director of the Middletown Savings
Bank, the Central National Bank, and the
Middletown Trust Company. As an ener-
getic and sound business man, he enjoys
the esteem and confidence of his associ-
ates. He is a member of Apollo Lodge,
No. 33, Knights of Pythias, and has long
been active in Grange work. He is a
member of Mattabesset Grange No. 42,
of Pomona Central Grange, No. i, and is
a past master of the State Grange and
now a member of its executive committee.
He is an attendant of the North Church
in Middletown and ever ready to foster
every forward and upward movement. He
married, October 11, 1893, Grace L. Hub-
bard, who was born April 17, 1870, daugh-
ter of Ebenezer Prout and Maritta
(Heath) Hubbard, a descendant of George
Hubbard, patriarch of the Middletown
family of that name.
Nathaniel Hubbard, sixth child of
George and Elizabeth (Watts) Hubbard,
was born October 10, 1652, in Middle-
town and lived at the cross roads on Long
Hill, where he died May 20, 1738. He
married. May 29, 1682, Mary Earle, born
in 1663, in Northampton, Massachusetts,
died April 6, 1732, daughter of John and
Mary (Watts) Earle, who came to Mid-
dletown. John Hubbard, second son of
Nathaniel and Mary (Earle) Hubbard,
was born November 28, 1692, in Middle-
town and was a deacon of the First Church
there from May 26, 1743, until his death,
March 12, 1753. He married, August i,
1722, Elizabeth Stowe, born January 10,
1700, eldest daughter of John and Beth-
sheba (How) Stowe, of Middletown, died
May 9, 1764. Their fifth son, Jeremiah
Hubbard, born October 27, 1732, died
March 7, 1814. During the Revolution,
he was captain of a company of militia
which marched to East Guilford to defend
the coast against a threatened attack of
the British fleet. While there he attended
church and was invited to a seat in the
191
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
pew of Deacon Josiah Meigs. There he
met Elizabeth Meigs, born February 3,
1748, daughter of Josiah and Mary
(Hand) Meigs, who became his wife June
21, 1781. Both were admitted to full com-
munion in the First Church of Middle-
town January 18, 1784. Jeremiah Hub-
bard, eldest child of Jeremiah and Betty
(Meigs) Hubbard, was born March 29,
1784, in Middletown, baptized July 25th
of that year at the First Church, died
March 25, 1863. In early manhood he
traveled extensively in the South and, by
trading, amassed a capital with which he
returned to Middletown and purchased
the farm of his grandfather, John Hub-
bard, on Long Hill. He was a man of
fine appearance, a good business man, a
member of the North Church, and long
served as justice of the peace. All his
children enjoyed good educational oppor-
tunities. He married, December 15, 1815,
Eunice Prout, born in 1794, died Febru-
ary 8, 1856, daughter of Ebenezer and
Thankful (Prior) Prout of Johnson Lane
(see Roberts, Chauncey W.). Eben Prout
Hubbard, son of Jeremiah and Eunice,
was born June 15, 1833, on the farm of his
great-grandfather, which was owned by
his father, and where Charles T. Davis
now resides. Here he diligently pursued
agriculture until his death, January 10,
1894. Like most of the Hubbard family
he adhered to the Democratic party in
politics. In 1872 he erected the handsome
mansion now occupied by his daughter.
He married, March 27, 1866, Maritta H.
Heath, born July 21, 1840. Grace L.,
youngest child of Eben P. Hubbard, be-
came the wife of Charles T. Davis, as
above related. They are the parents of:
1. Abbott Hubbard Davis, now associated
with the Mechanics' Bank of New Haven ;
married Emma Louise Taylor, daughter
of Giles and Lillian Taylor and has two
children : Maritta Taylor and Abbott
Hubbard, Jr. 2. Harold Heath Davis, a
graduate of Syracuse University and now
with Charles S. Parmer, architect, of New
Haven ; married Esther Talcott Derby,
daughter of Elmer G. and Alice Derby,
and has a daughter Helen Hubbard.
HUBBARD, Russell H.,
Mannfactnrer,
One of the younger business men of
New Britain, Connecticut, who is active
in the industrial and civic affairs of that
city, Russell H. Hubbard was born in
Meriden, Connecticut, September 20, 1892,
son of Charles E. and Addie C. (Wil-
liams) Hubbard. He is a descendant of
an old Colonial family, which has also
been traced to an early date in England.
The surname of Hubbard is very ancient
and according to tradition in the Hub-
bard family in England, the name is de-
rived from Hubbs (Ubba or Ubbo), the
Danish sea king, who, in the fall of 866,
with an immense fleet and twenty thou-
sand warriors, landed on the coast of
East-Anglia or Kent to avenge the death
of his father, Ragnar Lodbrog. The latter,
whose invasions had made his name a
cause of terror on the shores of the Baltic
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."
192
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Having spent the winter in fortifying
his camp, and equipping his followers,
Hubba, in February, 1867, 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 follow-
ers now gave themselves the pleasure of
torturing to death the men who had
thrown King Ragnar Lodbrog into a cage
of snakes to be devoured.
The 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 invasions
of the surrounding country, their exploits
filling one of the most thrilling chapters
in early British history. Hubba was
finally slain in his camp with twelve hun-
dred of his followers by Odyn. Scattered
across Britain and Wales have stood
seven historic eminences each known as
Hubba's Hill.
For several centuries following the
adoption of family surnames, there was
great confusion in spelling, and the name
of Hubbard was no exception to the rule.
There are more than fifty different spell-
ings of the name found on record, and
even in America, the forms of Hubbard,
Hubbert, Hubard, Hubert, Hobart, and
Hobert are found.
Several branches of the English family
bore coats-of-arms.
Russell H. Hubbard was educated in
the public schools of Meriden and then
entered the office of J. D. Bergen & Com-
pany as bookkeeper, remaining for six
years. At the end of that time he went to
New Britain and in 1914 entered the em-
ploy of the company of which he is now
treasurer, the Beaton & Cadwell Manu-
Conn. 11 — IS 193
facturing Company. He started there as
a bookkeeper and in due course of time
proved himself worthy of greater re-
sponsibility, and was promoted to the
office of assistant secretary and secretary,
respectively. In 1920 he was elected to
the office he now holds, and it is safe to
assume that by the time Mr. Hubbard
arrives at the age when life spells success
or failure to the man, it will be the former
and well deserved.
Mr. Hubbard is a member of the Colo-
nial Club of Meriden; Meriden Center
Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows ; Center Lodge, No. 97, Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons, of Meriden ; Gid-
dings Chapter, No. 25, Royal Arch Ma-
sons, of New Britain.
He married Margaret O., daughter of
Everett S. Geer of Hartford. Mrs. Hub-
bard is a member of the Daughters of the
American Revolution, of Hartford, and
with Mr. Hubbard attends the South Con-
gregational Church of New Britain.
HARRAL, Edward Wright,
Executive, Bnsiness Man.
The city of Bridgeport, Connecticut,
lost a citizen of intrinsic worth who could
ill be spared from the scenes of his former
activities, even at his advanced age, when
Edward Wright Harral passed away,
September 26, 1923, at the age of seventy-
eight years. Public-spirited in the true
sense of the term, gfiven to generously
extending aid in any worthy movement,
and helpfully active in religious afifairs,
Mr. Harral's death is mourned by numer-
ous friends and associates who admired
him for his sterling qualities, wise coun-
sel, mature judgment, patient forebear-
ance and his righteous adherence to any
project or debated subject in which he
took a sincere and loyal part. He had
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
the mettle and stamina of which good sol-
diers are made, and but for his youthful
years, on account of which he was rejected
for service, he might have crowned an
earlier career with laurels won on the field
of battle. As it was, he had enlisted for
the Civil War before it was discovered
that, owing to his tender years, the au-
thorities could not accept him even as a
volunteer. No doubt the youthful enthu-
siast was deeply disappointed at the turn
of fate in those days of patriotic fervor
and stirring scenes, but he conquered his
displeasure and diverted his energy and
mechanical skill into industrial lines ; and
in his succeeding occupations and official
connections in the business world he made
of himself a commendable success.
For many years he was regarded as one
of the best business men of the State of
Connecticut. He was widely known also
as a devout member of the Protestant
Episcopal Church, which he had served
efficiently in an official capacity. Mr.
Harral's quality of patriotism was given
a splendid expression during the World
War. He became an active member of
the Third District Draft Board and gen-
erously donated the use of a house on his
property on "Golden Hill" for the dura-
tion of the war. In spite of his advanced
years, he gave more than his share of time
and energy in attendance upon the numer-
ous meetings and varied and multiform
activities that devolved upon the people
of the city of Bridgeport. No hour was
too early, and none was too late for him
when matters of the government were
under consideration. The spacious dwell-
ing on "Golden Hill," which he turned
over to the use of the boys of the army
and navy, will always serve as a monu-
ment to his memory and to his indefatig-
able devotion to his country. There are
few men who have so fully realized the
responsibilities that come to one as the
steward of wealth as did Mr. Harral.
Democracy, in its broadest sense, ever
dominated his life, set down in the midst
of affluence. He never lost that sense —
the common touch — which recognizes the
brotherhood of man.
Perhaps no more fitting tribute to the
life and service of Mr. Harral could be
given than that contained in the resolu-
tions adopted by his fellow-directors in
the Morris Plan Bank of Bridgeport :
Each day brings to all of us its measure of
sadness and gladness, all in accordance with the
order of Divine Providence. When one who has
been near and dear to us receives the final sum-
mons to appear before his Creator, those whom
he leaves behind are saddened by the loss. The
character of the life that we live leaves upon the
community of which we are a part the impress
of our lives.
In the death of Mr. Edward W. Harral, of
Bridgeport, Connecticut, who truly lived a life
that was a striking example of Christian manhood,
the bank which he so conscientiously and ably
served has met with a severe loss. To his fam-
ily we desire to express our most sincere sym-
pathy.
The Morris Plan Bank, of Bridgeport, at its
directors' meeting, held on November 20, 1923,
desires to express its appreciation for the many
kindly acts of cooperation, and deems it a duty
that it owes to one of its departed members to
place itself on record in such a way as to express
its appreciation for his many virtues. We desire
to forward to the members of his family this ex-
pression of sympathy in their great loss in the
death of one whom they held so dear.
Resolved, That we, the directors of the Morris
Plan Bank of Bridgeport, at this meeting vote to
forward to the members of his family a copy of
this resolution.
Edward Wright Harral, sixth child of
Henry Kollock and Sarah Ann (Peet)
Harral, was born in Bridgeport, Decem-
ber 12, 1845. His lineage has for his first
immigrant ancestor on his paternal side
George Harral, born in the city of Heidel-
berg, Germany, September 7, 1744, of
194
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
English birth and only a German by acci-
dent of birth. It is supposed that he emi-
grated from Germany about the year 1765
and landed in Charleston, South Carolina,
where he married, in 1778, Barbara Ann
Mullin. He served in the Colonial army
during the Revolution as a capital soldier
in the campaigns in the South, and gave
an excellent account of himself. Edward
Wright Harral was in the fourth genera-
tion from the Americanized founder of
the family name. His father, Henry Kol-
lock Harral, sixth child of Dr. George and
Charlotte (Wright) Harral, was born in
Savannah, Georgia, November 26, 1808,
died in Augusta, Georgia, May 10, 1854.
He was named for Henry Kollock, pastor
of the Independent Presbyterian Church
of Savannah, 1806-19. Henry Kollock
Harral went to Newark, New Jersey,
where he was associated in the saddlery
and harness manufacturing business with
William Wright, afterward United States
Senator from New Jersey. He later took
charge of Mr. Wright's business interests
at Charleston. A short time only elapsed
when he purchased the Wright interests,
placed his brother William in charge of
the Charleston branch, while he came to
New York City, where he took charge of
the New York house, founded the manu-
factory of his line of goods in the city of
Bridgeport and took into partnership
Philo C. Calhoun of that city. He early
attained prominence as a business man
and a citizen. For seven years he was
mayor of Bridgeport. He married in that
city, August 14, 1834, Sarah Ann Peet,
daughter of William and Jemima (Tom-
linson) Peet, descendant of one of the
early Stratford families, and who was
born March 5, 1806, and died December
17, 1867. The Peets are of English origin,
and members of the family took an active
part in the early wars, thus giving the
right to the children of Mr. and Mrs.
Henry K. Harral to become members of
those societies open only to descendants
of colonial families. Mr. and Mrs. Henry
Kollock Harral were the parents of six
children : William Wright, Henry Hazel-
ton, Helen Maria, Frederick Fanning,
George, and Edward Wright Harral.
After completing a course of study in
the Bridgeport schools, Edward Wright
Harral attended Marlborough Churchill's
Military School at Ossining, New York,
then regarded as the leading institution
of its kind in the United States. At the
outbreak of the Civil War he made a prac-
tical demonstration of his sympathy with
the Union cause by enlisting in the 14th
Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was
found to be under the required age, and
he was not permitted to go to the seat of
war. The industrial world then drew his
attention, and he became associated with
the firm of Lacey, Meeker & Co., manu-
facturers of harness and saddles, remain-
ing with them for ten years. He then
became general agent for the Wheeler
& Wilson Manufacturing Company at
Bridgeport, and for four years represented
that concern, his duties often requiring
him to make extensive trips in the South-
ern and Western States. Retiring from
that position in 1880, he became connected
with the then infant industry of the Fair-
field Rubber Company. Mr. Harral, as
has been stated, was also prominently
active in church matters. He was a
vestryman of the Protestant Episcopal
Church of Philadelphia, and while a resi-
dent of Fairfield, Connecticut, he was jun-
ior warden of St. Paul's Protestant Epis-
copal Church of that town. He was a
vestryman of St. John's Protestant Epis-
copal Church of Bridgepott for twenty-
five years, and its senior warden from
the year 1909 until his death. He was
195
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
mainly of the Democratic persuasion, but
his independence of thought and action
led him on occasions to go outside his
party, as he did when he cast his vote for
McKinley in the Presidential campaign
of 1896.
Mr. Harral's diversified interests in-
cluded the presidency of the Security
Building Company; directorship in the
Morris Plan Bank, Bridgeport; director-
ship in the Mountain Grove Cemetery
Association ; membership in the finance
board of the Young Women's Christian
Association, Bridgeport ; and directorship
in the Bridgeport Christian Union.
Mr. Harral married (first) Julia, daugh-
ter of Hiram and Polly (Penoyer) Crissy,
of New Canaan, Connecticut, June 12, 1867,
She was born July 24, 1844, and died June
30, 1872. They were the parents of one
son, Crissy DeForest Harral, born De-
cember 13, 1868. Mr. Harral married
(second) Ellen B., third child of Nathaniel
and Huldah R. (Bradley) Wheeler. She
was born June 19, 1848. To them was
born one daughter, Mary Louise Wheeler,
born July 11, 1879; married (first) Pier-
pont Rowland; married (second), August
22, 1910, at Bridgeport, Harry L. Strat-
ton, of Bronxville, New York; married
(third), 1921, A. Shaler Williams, of
Ithaca, New York.
Always one of the richest legacies be-
queathed by a Christian business man and
citizen of the high type as was Mr. Har-
ral is a memory hallowed with the good
deeds that do follow them. Love of his
country intensively cultivated, affection
for his native city of Bridgeport, a com-
munity of interests with his fellowmen of
his community, a close student of the
affairs of municipality of which he was
extremely zealous for its progress not
only materially but also spiritually and
morally, Mr. Harral lived on a lofty plane
of all-round endeavor which had singled
him out as a man among men. The city
as a place of great industrial activity and
as a place of residence is the better for
Mr. Harral having sojourned there for so
long a period of his life that was full of
labors and replete with service unsullied
and unselfish in every avenue into which
his multifarious activities called him. Dif-
ficult as is the task that is presented to a
community stricken with so great a loss,
its aim should be to produce from among
its citizenry a worthy successor of this
exemplar of an upright, outstanding mem-
ber of society.
WARNER, Clinton Henry,
Merchant.
The ancient town of Woodbury, Con-
necticut, "mother of towns," numbered
among its pioneers several of this name,
and their descendants are found in many
of the adjoining towns. One of the off-
shoots of Woodbury is Roxbury, which
existed a long time as a precinct of Wood-
bury, and whose earliest independent
records have been lost, blocking the dis-
covery of numerous ancestral lines.
The origin of the name Warner is very
remote. In the southwestern part of Eng-
land, near the Welsh boundary, dwelt a
race of people engaged in agriculture. To
protect themselves from the surrounding
savage tribes, they appointed their most
athletic and discreet men to go out and
warn the people of the approach of the
enemy, hence the title "Warner." The
name occurs in Domesday Book and in
the account of the Manor of Warners,
which derived its name from Edmund
Warner, who held the estate in 1630. The
arms of Warner are : Or, a bend engrailed
between six roses gules, with motto, "Non
nobis tantum nati" interpreted "We are
196
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
not born for ourselves alone." The arms
are found carved in the ceiling of the
south aisle of the church of Great Wal-
tham, England. The Manor of Pakel-
sham, containing 418 acres, was granted
to John Warner of Warner's Hall in Great
Waltham, and was held by his son John
until 1473 ; Henry, son of the latter, was
seized of it March 21, 1504; Henry's son,
John, Gentleman, held it until his death in
1552. In 1558 Queen Elizabeth granted
lands to Sir Edward Warner, Knight, in
the Manor of Gettingham, County Kent.
Northwood Manor in the same county
was held by William Warner. In 1395
John Warner was made sheriff of County
Kent, and was succeeded by his son John,
who held the position in 1442.
John Warner, first of the line in Amer-
ica, was twenty-one years old when he
came from England with a party that
sailed in the ship "Increase" in 1635. In
1637 he performed service in the Pequot
War, and was one of the original propri-
etors of Hartford in 1629. He was an
original proprietor and settler of Farming-
ton, united with the church there in 1657
and was made a freeman in 1664. In 1673
he went to Mattatuck (Waterbury) to in-
vestigate its prospects for a place of set-
tlement, and was one of its patentees in
1674. He died in 1679, before completing
his arrangements to move there. In
1649 he married (second) Ann, daughter
of Thomas Norton of Guilford. John
Warner, eldest son of John and Ann
(Norton) Warner, born about 1645 in
Hartford or Farmington, probably the
latter, was reared in that town, where he
was a freeman in 1669, and on the
list of proprietors with his father in 1672.
He was a pioneer of Waterbury, and is
called "senior" in the records of that town.
He had recorded there February 19, 1703,
one and one-half acres of land on which
his dwelling stood. In 1703 and 1706 he
called himself of Farmington, but in his
will, dated Farmington, December 27,
1706, he calls himself "of Waterbury."
He died before March, 1707, when in-
ventory of his estate was made. Two of
his sons, Robert and Ebenezer, settled in
Woodbury. The latter was grandfather
of Colonel Seth Warner, whose arrival
with 500 fresh troops at the battle of Ben-
nington defeated the British forces. Rob-
ert Warner married Mary Hurlbut, and
died April 14, 1743. Their son, 'John
Warner, born October 27, 1713, died De-
cember 8, 1785, married June 11, 1735,
Jemima Hurd. Noble Warner, probably
grandson of John and Jemima, lived in
Roxbury, with wife Sarah. They were the
parents of George Warner, who was born
June I, 1818, their second son, died in
March, 1880. He married Abigail Rug-
gles, born March 22, 1822, died in 1897,
third daughter of Daniel T. and Chloe
(Graham) Ruggles of Bridgewater, Con-
necticut. She was descended from Abi-
jah Ruggles, an early resident of New
Milford. His wife was Hannah, born
Warner. Their son, Benjamin Abijah
Ruggles, born September 9, 1758, died
November 30, 1828. He married Betsey
Trowbridge, born 1763, third daughter
of Daniel and Deborah Trowbridge of
Bridgewater. Daniel Trowbridge Rug-
gles, eldest child of Benjamin A. and Bet-
sey, was born January 2, 1783, lived in
Bridgewater and died August 6, 1874.
He married, November 19, 1806, Chloe
Gorham, born December 27, 1786, died
1876, and they were the parents of Abi-
gail Ruggles, wife of George Warner.
Their son, Theodore Warner, was a farmer
and merchant in Danbury, and now lives
retired in that town. He married, June
13, 1869, Martha Evitts, born June 15,
185 1, daughter of Augustine and Maria
197
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(Erwin) Evitts, granddaughter of Caleb
and Betsey (Thayer) Evitts. Betsey
Thayer was probably a daughter of Wil-
liam Thayer, born 1775, died April i, 1837,
his wife Sarah, born 1774, died September
1863. Augustine Evitts was born, 1833, in
New Milford, and his wife Maria, about
1830 in the same town. He died 1909, and
she died, 1858. Theodore Warner and wife
were parents of eleven children, all of
whom except one daughter are now living.
Clinton Henry Warner, son of Theo-
dore and Martha, was born September 6,
1894, in Ridgefield, Connecticut, and in
early youth attended school in Woodbury
and Danbury. When fourteen years old
he began to maintain himself, rapidly de-
veloping a spirit of self reliance and in-
dustry which has materially aided in his
advancement. For a period of two years
he was employed in peddling milk, later
he worked in general stores, thus acquir-
ing a knowledge of business. For a short
time he worked in a machine shop, and it
appears that he was not averse to any
honest employment. In 191 1 he entered
the employ of the Ailing Rubber Com-
pany of Hartford, at the time a branch
store was opened in Danbury. After six
years in this branch, in 1918, he went to
Hartford and worked in the main store of
the establishment. There he continued
until the summer of 1919, when he was
sent to Middletown to open a branch
store. Under his management this store
proved a success, and he continued in
charge until July i, 1922, when he re-
signed to engage in business on his own
account. With Ellsworth F. Page of Dur-
ham, he formed a partnership under the
title of Page & Warner, to deal in
automobile parts and accessories. They
opened a store near the south end of Main
Street in Middletown, and their personal
popularity brought to them customers
whose trade has been retained by fair
dealing and courteous treatment. Mr.
Warner was born for a merchant, and his
experience has developed a natural tend-
ency.
He is a member of Apollo Lodge, No.
33, Knights of Pythias, has passed all the
principal chairs in a lodge of the Senior
Order of United American Mechanics ; is
a Republican in political principle, with
independent mind, and is not bound by
partisan dictates. From October, 19 13, to
May, 1917, he served in the 8th Company,
Coast Artillery, as first-class private and
first-class gunner, and was company clerk
two years. In 1922 he affiliated with
Apollo Lodge, No. 33, Knights of Pythias.
He married, July 2, 1916, Mildred Grif-
fin, who was born July 2, 1896, in Dan-
bur}-, daughter of Cyrus O. and Mary
(Butterworth) Griffin, natives, respec-
tively, of Danbury and England. Mr. and
Mrs. Warner are the parents of four chil-
dren : Jane Esther, Beatrice Lois, Clinton
Henry, Jr., and Frank Griffin.
ADORNO, Salvatore,
Theatre Oxraer.
A natural ability for accomplishing his
aims and an entire devotion to his work
are the chief factors in the success at-
tained by Salvatore Adorno, owner of one
of the leading theatres of Middletown,
Connecticut. Several years ago, a stranger
in a strange land, Mr. Adorno came to
America with the feeling in his heart that
he must succeed. In spite of the handi-
caps, the new language, different customs,
and many other drawbacks, he has man-
aged by his indefatigable will to rise above
these and take his place as one of the
most substantial and honored citizens of
Middletown. Mr. Adorno was born June
20, 1879, in Italy, son of Michele and Con-
198
'^^i^ C^^7^^P>^^^ —
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
cetta (Salonia) Adorno. His father was
a clothing and flour merchant ; he died in
August, 1917, and is still survived by his
wife. The public schools of his native
home afforded Mr. Adorno his early edu-
cation ; at the age of eighteen years he
came to America and settled in Middle-
town, which city has continued to be his
home, and where he has attained his suc-
cess. It was imperative that the young
lad secure work soon after his arrival
and at that time there was not the demand
for labor such as now. His first position
was in a tin shop, where he received two
and one-half dollars a week. Soon after
he acquired a little knowledge of the
language and fortified by his ambition to
better himself, he changed his work and
went into the brickyard of the Tuttle
Brothers Company, where he received
one dollar and thirty-five cents a day.
He remained there for seven months, and
out of his salary not only supported him-
self but sent money home to his parents
as well. Mr. Adorno was all the time im-
proving himself in every respect and ap-
plied for a position with the Russell Man-
ufacturing Company. He was success-
ful in obtaining the work, and for seven
years remained in their employ as a
weaver. He has the distinction of being
one of the first of his nationality to work
there.
By being thrifty and adding to his
small competence, Mr. Adorno was able
to engage in business for himself as a
manufacturer of macaroni, in connection
with which he also conducted a small
grocery. This might be called the turn-
ing point in his career, as it was from this
date that his success was rapid. From
small beginnings the business grew un-
til two thousand pounds of macaroni was
the daily output. This part of the busi-
ness was disposed of eventually and his
whole attention given to the grocery end.
In 1913, this was also given up, and in
the same year Mr. Adorno opened a the-
atre known as the "Star." In considera-
tion of its size, it was successful enough,
but it was not large enough to accommo-
date very many patrons. Mr. Adorno
then purchased the Crescent Theatre, as
well as the ground, which is now used
as a store and apartments. In 1915 he
built and opened the "Grand" on a site of
which he has a twenty-year lease. He
conducted this theatre himself until 1919,
when he leased the theatre for a term of
years. In 1919 he bought the Mitchell
Block, which embraces three stores and
two floors of apartments.
During the World War there were
many demonstrations of allegiance to
their adopted country by those of foreign
birth ; the cause of America and the Allies
was their cause, and particularly notable
was Mr. Adorno's activities in this direc-
tion. He was a member of the War
Bureau of Middletown, and donated the
use of the theatre for both the Fourth
and Fifth Liberty Loan drives, on both
of which occasions Middletown went
"over the top." He also gave a benefit
performance and donated the gross re-
ceipts, amounting to eight hundred dol-
lars, to the Men's Service Club. He re-
ceived several flattering cards commend-
ing him for his patriotism, among them a
letter from the president of the Hartford
Manufacturers' Association. It is to be
naturally expected that a man of Mr.
Adorno's prominence is active in the
social and civic life of Middletown. His
political views are those of an independ-
ent, but he is always ready to give his
support to the best man. Fraternally he
is a member of Council No. 3, Knights of
Columbus, Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, Loyal Order of Moose,
199
i
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Italian
Society, Sons of Italy.
Mr. Adorno married, In 1901, on
Thanksgiving Day, Maria Pinto, daugh-
ter of Andrea and Cesaria Pinto, all na-
tives of Italy. The children are : Michael,
Andrew, Joseph, William, Salvatore,
Jr., and Concettina. Two daughters died
in infancy. The family are attendants of
St. John's Roman Catholic Church of Mid-
dletown, and Mr. Adorno generously aids
in the support of its charities.
NILSON, A. H.,
Mannf actnrer and Inventor.
From Washington at intervals public
documents compiled by departments and
bureaus of the government are sent out
on manifold subjects supposed to interest
the citizen. Many of these documents
relate to the development of the country,
and are of interest to the student of its
growth, and to those concerned in its wel-
fare. There is, however, a subject of
great general interest that no public docu-
ment adequately covers. How great is
the measure in which the foreign-born
citizen contributes to the expansion and
welfare of the United States? Many an
immigrant, finding no opportunity in his
own land for development, comes to this
country with no capital beyond a deter-
mination to succeed, and with an impulse
to industry, or with a dormant ingenuity
which here awakens and is effective, he
becomes an essential element in his com-
munity, winning note and fortune while
assisting in the enriching of the land of
his adoption.
Such a man is A. H. Nilson, the story of
whose life reads like romance. Mr. Nil-
son is a manufacturer, inventor and de-
signer of special machinery, and is prom-
inently identified with the business and
financial interests of Bridgeport, Connecti-
cut. Mr. Nilson started from the bottom
of the ladder and worked himself from
the condition of a poor boy to his present
enviable standing. He was born in Got-
tenburg, Sweden, April 2, 1849, the son of
Nil and Helena (Stele) Nilson, both na-
tives of Sweden. He was educated in the
excellent common schools of his native
land, and after his schooling he learned
the trade of a machinist. That he did not
have mechanical opportunity there is ap-
parent from the fact that he served as a
sailor for six years. Then he was a fire-
man and engineer in a saw-mill, a dual
position which in wages must have been
inadequate. In 1880 he came to the
United States, set upon bettering his con-
dition. He had no friends here, and was
ignorant of the language. Landing in
New York, he looked about and finally
settled in Bridgeport, even then a manu-
facturing town of consequence. Here he
found employment with the Bridgeport
Organ Company on Water Street, as a
cabinet maker at one dollar a day, and later
as operator of a wood-turning lathe. After
the expiration of two years he was sent
as an engineer to the Cornwall and Pat-
terson Manufacturing Company's plant in
Saugatuck, Connecticut. In 1883 he re-
turned to Bridgeport with this company,
and here for four years he operated all the
automatic machines in the factory. He
was then placed in charge of the machine
department, which position he held for six
years. In 1892 he established the A. H.
Nilson & Sons Machine Company, con-
ducting a machine shop in the Hamilton
Brass Foundry building. Golden Hill and
Middle Streets. Soon after the beginning
of this venture came the great business
depression of 1893, and Mr. Nilson dis-
posed of this business to Knapp & Cowles,
although he still remained in charge of
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
the enterprise. Three years later the
Cornwall & Patterson Company pur-
chased the Knapp & Cowles Company,
and Mr. Nilson again engaged in busi-
ness on his own account. Among other
things he became interested in the ma-
chinery for manufacturing corsets and in-
vented several corset machines, and these
inventions are still in use throughout the
United States. He also organized the
Automatic Machine Company, of which
he was president for two years. In 1898
the business was divided between the two
stockholders, and the Automatic Machine
Company moved to new quarters. Then
Mr. Nilson established the A. H. Nilson
Machine Company in the Knapp & Cowles
building, and in 1904 he erected the build-
ing at the corner of Railroad and Bost-
wick avenues, to which he has since added
several other buildings, until the group
is an impressive token of his success. Mr.
Nilson is the inventor of many machine
devices in use all over the country. Among
his other interests he is a director and
one of the founders of the West Side Bank
of Bridgeport. In April, 1917, the Elli-
ott-Cornwall Manufacturing Company
was purchased, and the General Machine
and Manufacturing Company was organ-
ized, of which Mr. Nilson is president.
Mr. Nilson is a Republican in politics,
and in 1907-1908 he served the city of
Bridgeport as Health Commissioner. He
is treasurer of the Elm Park Home, a
trustee and deacon of the First Swedish
Baptist Church, to which he is a liberal
contributor. March 21, 1875, Mr. Nilson
was married in Sweden to Augusta S.
Peterson. They are the parents of three
children : Ifvar, who died in infancy, in
Sweden ; William, who died in 1907 at the
age of thirty-three ; and Jacob, who is vice-
president of the A. H. Nilson Machine
Company and treasurer of the General
Machine and Manufacturing Company of
Bridgeport.
SMITH, Edward Arthur,
Manufacturer.
As responsible manager of the J. O.
Smith Manufacturing Company, Mr.
Smith has built up and extended the busi-
ness beyond any previous record. His
great-grandfather, John Smith, lived at
Belston, a suburb of Birmingham, Eng-
land, and was a jappaner by trade. In
1825 he removed with his family to New
York City, where he engaged in business
and was the first japanner in America.
This gave him some distinction, and he
was accustomed to sign himself "John
Smith, Japanner." In 1826 he purchased
from Nathaniel Bacon an apple brandy
distillery in Westfield (Middletown), and
this was soon turned into a japan factory.
It is still standing on the property occu-
pied by his descendants. He was born
July 28, 1791, and died in Westfield, No-
vember 20, 1859. His body was the first
interred in the Miner Cemetery. He mar-
ried Ann, a daughter of John Owen, who
accompanied him to America. They had
one son and three daughters.
James Owen Smith, only son of John
and Ann, was born May i, 1813, at Bir-
mingham, England, and was twelve years
old when he came to America. When
eight years old he left school and began
to assist his father, with whom he con-
tinued until attaining his majority. By
attending night school in New York, he
extended his knowledge, and was known
as a most intelligent and well-informed
man, skillful in his work and successful
in business. When about forty years old
he purchased his father's business in New
York and soon after, the plant in West-
field, and conducted both. For some time
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
he resided in Westfield and, from 1863 to
1873, in New York, returning to West-
field to give entire attention to operation
of the plant there. In 1874 a fire swept
away all the buildings except the old
distillery, but they were immediately re-
built of brick and much more substanti-
ally. In 1878 the business was incorpo-
rated under its present title, with James
O. Smith as president. He died in New
York, October 20, 1880, at the age of
sixty-seven years. A man of progressive
ideas, he favored a liberal policy in edu-
cation and every movement calculated to
advance the race. During his early years
in the town, he served as selectman but
did not care for ofiicial station. He was
independent of party direction, and in-
sisted on capability in candidates for
ofifice, as a requisite for his vote. While
in New York, he affiliated with the
Anglican Church. His wife, Mary Ann
Smith, was born May 12, 1807, at Corn-
wall, New York, daughter of Michael
Smith, granddaughter of Michael Smith,
born in 1750, a soldier of the Revolution
and a colonel in charge of the fortifica-
tions of New York in the war of 1812.
Michael Smith, Jr., was born in 1783. and
died October 10, 1876, in Westfield. Mary
Ann Smith, wife of James O., died April
8, 1900, in New York, and was buried be-
side her husband in Miner Cemetery.
Alfred Owen Smith, eldest child of
James O. and Mary Ann, was born June
20, 1836, in New York, and was a small
boy when he accompanied his parents to
Westfield. He was educated in the Mid-
dletown public schools and in the school
of Daniel H. Chase, one of the most
famous of its time. He early turned his
attention to the business of the J. O.
Smith Manufacturing Company, was its
president from 1880 until his death, which
occurred July 3, 1893. His system of
bookkeeping is still in use by the estab-
lishment. He was a member of the
Church of the Holy Trinity, of which he
was for many years a vestryman ; was a
member of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Free
and Accepted Masons ; of Washington
Chapter, No. 6, Royal Arch Masons ; and
a charter member and past commander
of Cyrene Commandery, No. 8, Knights
Templar. In politics Mr. Smith was a
Democrat, and while he did not seek
political preferment, as a matter of civil
duty, he served as first selectman of Mid-
dletown. He married. May 6, 1858, Ellen
E. Wilcox, who was born in South Farms,
daughter of Gustavus Vasa and Huldah
(Spencer) Wilcox. Gustavus V. Wilcox
was baptized in June, 1797, at the East
Guilford Church, resided in Madison in
early life, subsequently engaged in farm-
ing in the town of Middletown, where he
died June 10, 1858. He married (first)
January 26, 1823, Lucy Lee, of Middle-
town, who died about ten years later. As
early as June 30, 1836, Huldah Spencer
was his wife; on that date she was ad-
mitted to the First Church of Middletown.
She married (second), November 23, 1862,
Charles Hurlburt.
Edward Arthur Smith was born in Mid-
dletown and was educated in the public
schools of Brooklyn, New York, and of
Hudson in that State, and Meriden, Con-
necticut. He was also a student at the
Russell Military Academy of New Haven.
In 1887 he was graduated from Yale Uni-
versity with the degree of Ph. B. He early
turned his attention to business and was
employed by N. C. Stiles and the Stiles
and Parker Press Company, of Brooklyn,
and the E. W. Bliss Company of Brook-
lyn, which made the Wade torpedo. The
first torpedo was produced in 1893. Soon
after, he entered the employ of the J. O.
Smith Company, of which he was made
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
secretary in 1894, and treasurer in 1905.
The active management of the business is
in his hands and as before stated, it has
grown under his management.
He is connected with St. John's Lodge,
Washington Chapter ; Columbia Counsel
No. 9, Royal and Select Masters ; Cyrene
Commandery, and through the York Rite
he is a member of Sphinx Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine
of Hartford. He is also a member of
Westfield Grange No. 50, Patrons of Hus-
bandry, in which he has filled all the im-
portant positions, and is a director of the
Farmers' and Mechanics' Savings Bank.
He is a member of the Church of the Holy
Trinity, and of the church club of the
diocese. Politically he is a Republican of
independent tendencies, but he has never
desired to fill a public station. In his
community he seeks to serve the best in-
terests and long served on the school
board of the district, of which he was
treasurer.
Mr. Smith married, June, 1894, Lottie
S. Weir, who was born in Westfield,
daughter of James and Ann Weir, the
former a native of Canada and the latter
of England. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the
parents of two daughters, Madeline Irene,
and Marjorie. The elder is a graduate of
the Middletown High School, and the lat-
ter of the Willimantic Normal School.
PENFIELD, George Ruber,
Agricnltnrist.
Among the best known and appreciated
citizens of the town of Portland, Mr. Pen-
field was a descendant of one of the earli-
est families of that town. The founder of
the family in this country was Samuel
Penfield, who was in Lynn in 1650. Pos-
sibly he was the father of Samuel Pen-
field who was married in Lynn, Novem-
ber 30, 1675, to Mary Lewis, who was
born in January, 1653, in Charlestown,
Massachusetts, daughter of John and
Mary (Brown) Lewis. They had two
children recorded in Lynn, and before
1680 he removed to Rehoboth where two
children were born. After May, 1683, he
removed to Bristol, Rhode Island, and in
1688 was living in that town with his
wife and five children. Three of the chil-
dren of his first wife were born in that
town, the first in 1685 and the last in 1689.
His second wife, Ann, was the mother of
twin daughters born in Bristol in 1692,
and his third wife, Mary, bore him a son,
Benjamin, in 1696. No record of his death
appears in Bristol. His second son, John
Penfield, born May 31, 1683, in Rehoboth,
was attracted as a young man to the new
settlement at Lebanon, Connecticut, but
did not long remain there, removing soon
after to East Middletown, later Chatham,
now Portland, and settled in the locality
in the latter town still known as Penfield
Hill. He married, April 9, 1714, in
Middletown, Ann Cornwall, daughter of
Thomas and Mary (Clark) Cornwall,
granddaughter of William Cornwall, foun-
der of a large family, mentioned at length
elsewhere in this work. Their second
son. Colonel John Penfield, born May 14,
1721, was a prominent citizen of Portland
in his day and died February 22, 1797.
His wife, Ruth, died July 17, 1794, in her
fifty-eighth year. Their fourth son, John
Penfield, born July 25, 1767, was a farmer
occupying the paternal homestead where
he died December i, 1829. He was an act-
ive man in the church and in town affairs
fulfilling the traditions of his family. He
married, February 27, 1797, Jane Stewart,
born December i, 1769, died July 23, 1827 ;
both were buried in the Center Cemetery.
Their eldest son, Hiram A. Penfield, born
December 25, 1802, on Penfield Hill, was a
203
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
student in the neighboring district school
which occupied a different site than that
of the present Penfield Hill School. He
was studious and blessed with mental
forces. He began teaching school at the
age of eighteen years and continued very
successful in that calling for several years,
enjoying a high reputation as a disciplin-
arian. He acquired the rank of captain,
serving in this capacity in the State Mili-
tia. After his marriage he rented the farm
of Reuben Payne and about 1830 pur-
chased from his uncle, Jonathan Penfield,
the farm which was subsequently occu-
pied by his son, George H. Penfield. He
erected a substantial residence and other
farm buildings which stood until burned
in 1922, a testimonial to the honest in-
dustry of the day. He was universally
esteemed by his contemporaries as a ca-
pable and reliable man ; was a staunch
Democrat in political principle and filled
many offices in the town including those
of selectman and assessor. He declined
to be a candidate for representative in the
Legislature. A man of commanding
presence and sound mind, he was fre-
quently called upon to settle large estates.
He died December 19, 1872. He married,
December 25, 1828, Sarah Parmelee Mc-
Nary, born May 22, 1798, in Middle Had-
dam, died February 28, 1882, daughter of
Morris and Sarah (Doan) McNary. Mor-
ris McNary, born September 8, 1765, in
Northern Ireland, was a representative of
the sturdy Scotch element known as
Scotch-Irish which has contributed great-
ly to the development of the United States.
George Huber Penfield, youngest child
of Hiram A. and Sarah P. Penfield, was
born March 19, 1838, on Penfield Hill and
was reared under the conditions common
to rural life in his time, early sharing in
the labors of the paternal homestead. He
attended the district school of the neigh-
borhood and in his earlier years received
instruction from Harrison Whitcomb, a
well known teacher of the time. He con-
tinued on the homestead which came into
his possession on the death of his father
and continued to reside there until his
own death which occurred October 22,
1917, in his eightieth year. Like his father
he adhered to the policies of the Demo-
cratic party which was usually in the
minority in his home town. He was
active in support of his principles and
was defeated for the office of selectman in
1899 by only four votes, which majority
would have been less had he voted for
himself. On another occasion he was de-
feated for representative in the Legis-
lature by thirteen votes. He was among
the most faithful members of Christ
(Episcopal) Church at Cobalt which he
served many years as warden and vestry-
man, and was considered one of the lead-
ing men of the parish. His home was one
of the finest country residences in the
county and his genial and hospitable
nature made it a pleasant abiding place
for any who came that way. An industri-
ous and prosperous farmer, a man of
unswerving integrity, he enjoyed the con-
fidence and esteem of his contemporaries
and his death was widely regretted. Mr.
Penfield married, January 23, 1862, Al-
mira Griffith Bailey of Chatham, Con-
necticut, who was born October 11, 1840,
daughter of Seth and Phila (Purple)
Bailey, died December i, 1889. She was
the mother of three children : Mary Ada-
line, the eldest, now deceased, was the
wife of George M. Taylor, formerly of
Portland, now a builder in Hartford ;
Sarah Doan, became the wife of William
H. Rouse of Portland, and is now de-
ceased, and the third, Walter Hiram, is the
subject of the following biography.
204
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
PENFIELD, Walter Hiram,
Mannfactnrer.
A son of the late George H. Penfield
and Almira G. (Bailey) Penfield, born
February 4, 1873, on Penfield Hill, Port-
land, Connecticut, the subject of this
sketch, has developed much executive abil-
ity and enjoys the confidence and respect
of a wide circle of friends. Like other
sons of farmers of the district, he received
early training in making himself useful
and in diligent pursuit of duty. The
district school of the section afforded him
early instruction, and he graduated from
the three years' course at Gildersleeve
High School in Portland at the age of
sixteen years. Desirous of pursuing a
business life, in April, 1890, he entered the
employ of The Shaler & Hall Quarry
Company, subsequently The Brainerd,
Shaler & Hall Quarry Company as office
boy. Here he continued nearly twelve
years earning frequent promotions and
gaining an extensive knowledge of busi-
ness methods. During the three winter
seasons preceding 1901, owing to the in-
activity of the quarry industry, he was
temporarily employed in Hartford, Con-
necticut, by The Colt's Patent Firearms
Manufacturing Company, returning to his
position with the Quarry Company during
the summers. In December, 1901, he
again entered the employ of The Colt's
Patent Fireams Manufacturing Company
and has been continuously connected with
that world known organization since that
date. Beginning as an invoice clerk he
became successively assistant treasurer
in 1909, treasurer in 191 1, vice-president
and treasurer in 1919, director in 1921, and
holds the last three mentioned offices at
the present time. He is also treasurer and
director of the Johns-Pratt Company of
Hartford, and a director of the Middlesex
Hospital in Middletown.
Faithfulness, promptness and continued
industry gained the esteem and confidence
of those associated with him and his rapid
progress has been well earned. During
his extended business connection in Hart-
ford he has retained his residence in his
native town and is esteemed as a progres-
sive and useful citizen. For many years he
served as town auditor and town treas-
urer, has been a consistent supporter of
Republican principles in Government and
attends divine service at Trinity Episco-
pal Church. He is a member of Warren
Lodge, No. 51, Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons of Portland, having served in
various offices and as its master in 1914;
of the York Rite bodies of Middletown ;
the Scottish Rite bodies of Hartford ; the
Connecticut Consistory of Norwich and
Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Hartford.
He also holds membership in the follow-
ing organizations : The Hartford Club, of
Hartford; The Portland Club, Portland
Board of Trade, Freestone Building Com-
pany, Hemlock Grange Patrons of Hus-
bandry, of Portland : and the Connecticut
Chamber of Commerce. Of genial nature
and affable manners, Mr. Penfield easily
gains and holds lasting friendships.
He married, June 10, 1896, Bessie Pick-
ering Pascall, daughter of Richard H.
Pascall of Portland (q. v.). Mr. and Mrs.
Penfield are the parents of two children,
namely: Richard Pascall, born March 9,
1900, and Marion Almira, born September
25, 1901.
RILEY, WiUiam J.,
Executive.
One of the progressive citizens of
Hartford, Connecticut, who has won his
success through intelligently directed ef-
fort, is William J. Riley, treasurer of the
20s
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Hartford Lumber Company of that city.
Mr. Riley was born January 17, 1880, in
New Canaan, Connecticut, son of Stephen
and Julia (Egan) Riley and grandson of
Patrick Riley of Ireland. The latter grew
to manhood in his native country and then
came to America where he located in
Sheffield, Massachusetts. There he took a
sub-contract to build a section of the Cen-
tral New England Railroad which proved
a very unprofitable venture and Mr.
Riley lost a large amount of money. Soon
after this time he removed to New Canaan
where he engaged in agricultural pursuits
and where his death occurred.
Stephen Riley, son of Patrick Riley,
was born in Sheffield, Massachusetts, and
died at New Canaan, in 1918, aged sixty-
four years. Mr. Riley grew to manhood
on the homestead and soon learned to
help his father in the railroad work. After
the failure of the contract, he went to
work on the railroad as a brakeman and
later as a fireman, from which he was ad-
vanced to engineer. For many years he
was on the Central New England Rail-
road and at the time of his death was the
oldest engineer in point of service on the
road. Mr. Riley was very active in the
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers,
and was Chief Engineer of the local or-
ganization for years and often served as
delegate to conventions of the order. He
was a member of the Knights of Colum-
bus in Winsted and from 1897 until his
death was a resident of Hartford. Mr.
Riley married Julia, daughter of Patrick
Egan, born in Ballykeefe, Kilkenny, Ire-
land, and they were the parents of five
children : William J., of further mention ;
Elizabeth A., wife of Junius H. Hale of
Hartford ; Mary Luella ; Catherine ; Helen
Margaret. The family attends St. Joseph's
Church.
William J. Riley attended the schools
of New Canaan and came to Hartford
with his parents in 1897. He entered the
employ of the Plimpton Manufacturing
Company but after a few months there
Mr. Riley perceived the necessity of equip-
ping himself to meet the requirements of
business and he entered Morse Business
College. After completing the course
there he secured a position with the Hart-
ford Lumber Company as stenographer
and assistant bookkeeper.
By attention to the detail of the busi-
ness and faithful performance of his duties
Mr. Riley rapidly progressed ; he was
made manager in 1907 and five years later
was appointed treasurer of the company
which office he now holds. He has been
a director of the Retail Lumber Dealers'
Association since 1917 and was vice-
president of this organization in 1919 and
1920, now holding the office of president.
Mr. Riley is Past Grand Knight of
Charter Oak Council, No. 19, Knights of
Columbus and is now a member of Hart-
ford Council, No. 11. He married Cath-
erine Elizabeth, daughter of Michael and
Margaret (Martin) Connor and they are
the parents of four children : i. Laurence
Stephen, born July 20, 1913. 2. William
J., Jr., bom January 30, 1915. 3. Margaret
Connor, born October 23, 1916. 4. Ste-
phen, born April 18, 1919. With his fam-
ily Mr. Riley attends St. Michael's Roman
Catholic Church of Hartford and con-
tributes to its support.
PLUM, Elihu Henry,
Agricaltnrist.
The Plum family was early in Middle-
town, and its members have intermarried
with many of the leading pioneer families.
The progressive farmer, whose name
heads this article was born August 8,
1877, in the house where he now resides.
206
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
near the crown of the hill on East Street,
Westfield, the son of Loren and Charlotte
(Roberts) Plum.
John Plum (Plume, Plumb, etc.), born
about 1603, undoubtedly in England, set-
tled at Saybrook, Connecticut ; he married,
1615, name of wife unknown; she died
after 1650. He was a citizen of Wethers-
field September i, 1636, and member of the
church there in 1637. In the same year
he was a soldier of the Pequot War. In
1644 he sold out thirteen parcels of land,
ranging from two to two hundred and
four acres and including two houses, and
removed to Branford, where he died in
1648. His third son, Robert Plum, was
born 1618, and was among the original
settlers of Milford, Connecticut, where he
died after 1704. He married, January 9,
1642, Mary Baldwin, born April 22, 162 1,
died May 12, 1655. Their eldest son,
John Plum, born July 12, 1646, lived at
Milford and died in March, 1728. He
married, November 24, 1668, Elizabeth
Norton, and their son, Benoni Plum, born
about 1687, lived in Milford, where he
died about 1744. He married, in Novem-
ber, 1709, Dorothy Cole, and their eldest
child, Samuel Plum, born August 18, 1710,
died July 15, 1794. He married, January 2,
1735, Patience Ward, daughter of John
and Margaret Ward of Middletown, and
their second son, Aaron Plum, was born
March 9, 1739. He was a farmer in the
Westfield section of Middletown, where
he died August 4, 1813. He married, Jan-
uary 25, 1776, Mary Cornmall, who was
born November 4, 1746, daughter of Elisha
and Ann (Johnson) Cornmall, died Au-
gust 24, 1813. Elihu Plum, third son of
Aaron and Mary, was born September
30, 1793, and engaged in agriculture in
Westfield with success. He attended re-
ligious services at the Baptist Church. He
married, October i, 1817, Lucy Paddock,
who was born December 30, 1797, daugh-
ter of Robert and Martha (Loveland)
Paddock of Middletown.
The well-known Paddock family is among
the oldest in New England, founded by
Robert Paddock, who was in Plymouth,
Massachusetts, as early as 1643 ^nd prob-
ably earlier, and died July 25, 1650, in Dux-
bury. His second son, Zechariah Paddock,
born March 20, 1636, lived in that part of
Barnstable now Yarmouth, Massachusetts,
where he died May i, 1727. He married
Deborah Sears, daughter of Richard Sears,
who had a wife Dorothy, and lived early in
Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Deborah Sears
was born there in September, 1639, and died
August 17, 1732, "lacking about a month
of being ninety-three years old." She was
admitted to the Second Church of Yar-
mouth by letter from the First Church,
August 6, 1727. They left forty-eight
grandchildren and thirty-eight great-
grandchildren, thirty of the latter de-
scendants of their second son, Zechariah.
Their fourth son, Robert Paddock, was
born January 7, 1670, and lived in Yar-
mouth. There he married, March 6, 1702,
Martha Hall, born May 24, 1676, daugh-
ter of John and Priscilla (Pearce) Hall.
Seth Paddock, second son of Robert and
Martha, was born March 13, 1705, in Yar-
mouth, and married there, April 13, 1727,
Mercy Nickerson, who was born Novem-
ber 22, 1706, daughter of John and Eliza-
beth Nickerson of that town.
Zachariah Paddock, son of Seth and
Mercy (Nickerson) Paddock, born 1728,
was the first of the family in Middletown,
where he settled as early as 175 1. It is
evident that he was a mechanic, for his
first purchase of land included only one-
fourth acre, for which he paid three hun-
dred pounds; it was deeded by Samuel
Warner, Sr., dated July 24, 1751. He sub-
sequently purchased two other parcels
207
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
from Andrew Bacon, amounting to nearly
forty-seven square rods. He died in Mid-
dletown May 13, 1800, in his seventy-
second year. He married Hannah Smith,
born oti Long Island, whose mother, Han-
nah, was married (second) to John Bird-
sey of what is now Middlefield. Robert
Paddock, son of Zachariah and Hannah,
was born November 10, 1760, in Middle-
town, and died there January 30, 1844.
He married, May 5, 1785, Martha Love-
land, born July 4, 1767, died January 11,
1854. They were the parents of Lucy
Paddock, wife of Elihu Plum.
Henry Loveland Plum, the son of Elihu
and Martha (Loveland) Plum, was born
November 26, 1823, in Westfield, and fol-
lowed farming on the paternal homestead,
living in the house — now nearly two hun-
dred years old — nearly opposite the pres-
ent home of his widow and his grandson,
Elihu H. Plum. There he died August 24,
1863. He married, October i, 1845, Lucy
Ann Coe, descendant of an ancient and
honored Connecticut family, traced to an
early period of English history :
John Coe, of Gestingthorpe, County Essex, Eng-
land, bom about 1340, in that town in the reign of
Edward III. In 1412, when about seventy years
old, he settled his affairs, dying in the the follow-
ing year. He was the father of John Coo, as the
name was then spelled, bom about 1375, died in
1425. His wife's baptismal name was Eleanor, and
they were the parents of John Coo, bom about
1400, lived at Gestingthorpe, and died after 1448.
His son, Thomas, born about 1430, died in 1507,
and was the father of John Coe, born about 1460,
will proved in 1520, at Gestingthorpe. He mar-
ried Joane, daughter of Thomas Golding, and was
the father of John Coe, born about 1495, died in
1533. at Gestingthorpe. His wife, Margaret, was
the mother of John Coe, bom in 1523, lived at
Maplestead and Wiston, married Dorothy. Their
youngest son, Henry Coe, born in 1565, lived at
Thorpe-Morieux, died in 1631. His wife, Mary,
died the same year.
Robert Coe, son of Henry and Mary, was the
immigrant ancestor of the American family. He
was born at Thorpe-Morieux, County Suffolk,
baptized October 25, 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 England, in the
ship "Francis," with his family, settled at Water-
town, Massachusetts, where he was admitted free-
man September 3, 1634. In June of the next year
he went, with others, to settle Wethersfield, Con-
necticut, being dismissed from the Watertown
Church May 29, 1635, and remained there about
five years. In November, 1640, he was one of the
fotmders of Stamford, Coimecticut, where he was
a magistrate and deputy to the General Court. For
eight years he lived at Hempstead, Long Island,
where he was an elder of the church and magis-
trate under the Dutch government. In 1652 he
located at Newtown, Long Island, and was there
an elder of the church. In 1653 he was sent to
Boston, Massachusetts, to get protection from the
Indians, and in the same year went on the same
mission to New Amsterdam. In 1656 he was
among the founders of Jamaica, Long Island, from
1658 to 1664 was magistrate. In 1663 the town
owned allegiance to Connecticut and next year he
served as deputy to the General Court at Hart-
ford. When the English captured New Amster-
dam, Robert Coe was made judge of the Courts of
Oyer and Terminer and high sheriff of Yorkshire.
He died about 1689. His wife, Mary, who accom-
panied him from England, was the mother of his
children; she died and was buried October 27,
1628, in Boxford. Their second son, Robert Coe,
born at Boxford, baptized there September 19,
1626, did not go to Long Island, lived in Stratford,
where he died about September, 1659. He married
about 1650 Hannah Mitchell, who was baptized
June 26, 1631, at Halifax, Yorkshire, England,
daughter of Matthew and Susan (Butterfield)
Mitchell. She came with her parents to Wethers-
field, where she met her first husband. She mar-
ried (second) Nicholas Elsey, of New Haven,
where she died April 2, 1702. John Coe, son of
Robert and Hannah, born May 10, 1658, at Strat-
ford, lived with his foster-father at New Haven
until he attained his majority and received by deed
from his mother his father's estate at Stratford.
In 1685 he exchanged this for another lot, on
which he built a house and lived there until his
death. He was a prosperous farmer, land specula-
tor, merchant, miller, innkeeper, held various town
offices, including representative, was lieutenant and
208
I
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
captain of militia and served in the French and
Indian War, 1708. His will, dated January 29,
1740, was proved May s, 1741. He married,
December 20, 1682, Mary Hawley, born July 10,
1663, in Stratford, died September 9, 1731, daugh-
ter of Lieutenant Joseph and Catharine (Birdsey)
Hawley. He died April 19, 1741. Captain Joseph
Coe, son of Captain, John and Mary, was born
February 2, 1687, in Stratford, and settled at Dur-
ham, Connecticut, in 1706. There he filled many
stations of honor and responsibility, including rep-
resentative, lieutenant and captain in T729, and died
July 15, 1754. He married, in Durham, November
21, 1708, Abigail Robinson, born April 3, 1690, in
Guilford, daughter of David and Abigail (Kirby)
Robinson, died July 6, 1775. David Coe, second
son of Joseph and Abigail, was born February 18,
1716, in Durham, and settled in Middlefield, where
he was a prosperous and influential farmer. In
1759 he was lieutenant of the Sixteenth Company,
Sixth Regiment of Militia, and captain in 1764.
Though too old for military service in the Revolu-
tion, he was among the most patriotic supporters
of the colonial cause, whose triumph he enjoyed
many years, dying January 14, 1807. He married,
in 1740, Hannah Camp, born November 15, 1720,
died October 16, 1808, daughter of Nathan and
Rhoda (Parsons) Camp, descended from Nicholas
Camp, born before 1630, in England, son of John
and Mary Camp. In 1638 he came from Nasing,
County Essex, was at Watertown, Massachusetts ;
at Wethersfield, Connecticut; in 1639 was at Guil-
ford and, as early as 1646, had a house lot of six
acres, one right and two parcels at Milford, Con-
necticut. His name is on the list of free planters
there dated November 20, 1639, and he joined the
church at Milford, November 2, 1643. His wife,
Sarah, died September 6, 1645, and was the first
white adult buried at Milford. In 1670-71-72 his
son, Nicholas Camp, bom 1630, was representa-
tive ; was taxed on £ 199 of property at Milford ;
conducted a store at "the West End." He was
accepted an inhabitant of Derby in May, 1673, and
died at Milford, June 10, 1706. He married, July
14, 1652, Katherine Thompson, widow of Anthony
Thompson. Joseph Camp, third son of Nicholas
and Katherine, was bom December 15, 1657, in
Milford, graduated from Harvard College in 1677,
and died May 20, 1750, at Milford. He married
Hannah Rogers, bom 1664, died January 9, 1740,
daughter of Eleazer Rogers, who was a freeman
at Milford in 1669. The eldest son of Joseph
and Hannah (Rogers) Camp was Nathan Camp,
born 1690, died February 27, 1767. He was an
Conn. 11 — 14 209
early settler in Durham, which town he repre-
sented in the General Assembly fifteen years. He
married, January i, 1717, Rhoda Parsons, born
1694, in Northampton, Massachusetts, died July i,
1767, in Durham, daughter of Samuel and Rhoda
(Taylor) Parsons of Northampton and, late in
life, of Durham. Hannah Camp, daughter of
Nathan and Rhoda, became the wife of Captain
David Coe, as above shown. Cornet Joseph Par-
sons was an associate of William Pynchon in the
settlement of Springfield, Massachusetts, and his
name appears on a deed from the Indians to the
colony, July 15, 1636. He was one of the founders
of Northampton, one of the first purchasers from
the Indians there in 1645. He accumulated a large
estate and died October 9, 1683. He was a son of
Sir Thomas Parsons, and came from Gravesend,
England, sailing July 4, 1635, in the ship "Trans-
port." He married, November 26, 1646, Mary,
daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Ford) Bliss,
of Hartford. Their son, Samuel Parsons, was
born January 23, 1652, in Springfield, and went
with his parents to Northampton, whence he
removed, in 1709, to Durham, Connecticut. He
married (second) about 1691, Rhoda, daughter of
Robert and Thankful (Woodward) Taylor. Their
daughter, Rhoda, became the wife of Nathan
Camp, as previously related.
Jesse Coe, second son of Captain David and
Hannah (Camp) Coe, born November 14, 1743, in
Durham (now Middlefield), was a farmer in the
"South Farms" section of Middletown, where he
died October 25, 1824. He married (third), in
1795, Lucy, widow of Samuel Johnson, born April
28, 1752, daughter of Thomas and Martha (Mil-
ler) Atkins. Ezra Coe, seventh child of Jesse and
Lucy (Atkins) Coe, was born June 26, 1796, in
Middletown, remained on the paternal homestead,
which he inherited, and died March 31, 1855. He
married about 1816, Phebe Hubbard, bom about
April 14, 1795, died May s, 1870, second daughter
of Samuel and Huldah (Crowell) Hubbard, of
West Long Hill, Middletown. She was a sister of
Hon. Alfred Hubbard, of Long Hill.
Lucy Ann Coe, daughter of Ezra and Phebe,
became the wife of Henry Loveland Plum, as
hereinbefore noted.
Loren Hubbard Plum, son of Henry L.
and Lucy A. (Coe) Plum, was born April
22, 1854, in Westfield, and continued on
the paternal farm until his death, which
occurred March 22, 1901. He attended
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
the local school and Daniel Chase's pre-
paratory school in Middletown. He was
successful as a general farmer, giving lit-
tle attention to affairs beyond his own
domain, though he felt an interest in the
general welfare, and attempted to fulfill
the duties of a good citizen. He embraced
the Universalist faith in religion, and
espoused the cause of the Democratic
party in politics. He married, November
21, 1876, Charlotte Roberts, born 1857,
died July 2, 1886, daughter of Elijah and
Mary (Brock) Roberts of Johnson Lane
district, Middletown. Elijah Roberts was
a son of Wickham and Sarah (Johnson)
Roberts of Johnson Lane. After the death
of Charlotte (Roberts) Plum, Loren H.
Plum married Amelia Starr, now wife of
Chauncey W. Roberts.
Elihu Henry Plum grew up on the old
Plum homestead, attending the local
school and Central School of Middletown
city. Because of the failing health of his
father, he was early obliged to take charge
of the operation of the farm, and has
since continued in that occupation. A
reader and intelligent observer of events,
he keeps abreast of the times and is recog-
nized as a leader in agricultural aflfairs.
He is a member of Westfield Grange, of
which he has been several times Master,
of the Pomona and National granges. For
twenty-seven years, Mr. Plum has en-
gaged in the milk business, delivering to
customers in the city. He acknowledges
no allegiance to blind partizanship, though
a supporter of Democratic principles, and
seeks no political favors. While a Uni-
versalist in religious faith, he supports
the Congregational Church, and seeks to
further every moral influence.
He married, November 7, 1900, Edna
Scranton, born May 10, 1874, in North
Madison, Connecticut, daughter of Alfred
and Emma (Francis) Scranton of that
town. Mr. and Mrs. Plum are the par-
ents of: I. Marion Frances, born No-
vember 16, 1901. 2. Loren Alfred, July
16, 1903. 3. Howard Everett, October
17, 1914.
SMITH, Robert Kemble,
Business Man.
A scion of an old and distinguished
family both in the paternal and maternal
lines and a worthy representative of the
progressive American business man, Rob-
ert Kemble Smith's career proves that this
is the day of the young man, and that it
is no longer necessary to reach middle
age before attaining success. Mr. Smith
was born in Hartford, Connecticut, May
29, 1890, son of Charles Howell and Kate
(Kemble) Smith. The immigrant ances-
tor of the family was Richard Smith, an
original proprietor of Lyme, Connecticut,
and in this section of the State many de-
scendants of this worthy man are still
found. Another prominent ancestor was
Elder William Brewster, of the "Mayflow-
er," and through the maternal lines, de-
scent can be traced from Samuel Gorton,
one of the founders of the town of War-
wick, Rhode Island. The great-grandfather
of Robert Kemble Smith was Elisha Smith,
of East Lyme, and he served in the War
of 1812, holding the rank of sergeant. He
married Mary Gorton, and they were the
parents of Charles H. Smith, who was
born in East Lyme, October 27, 1828, and
died at Hartford, Connecticut, May 24,
1907. He lived in East Lyme until he
was fourteen years old, where he attended
school and was then sent to Westfield,
Massachusetts, where he lived with his
brother. Rev. William Angus Smith. For
two years Charles H. Smith attended the
Westfield Academy, and then came to
Hartford, and became associated with
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
another brother, John Gorton Smith, who
had been engaged in the dry-goods busi-
ness for many years. The store owned
by the latter was called the "Long Brick
Store" and there many merchants who
became successful in later years served
their apprenticeship. It was in 1844 that
Charles H. Smith entered his brother's
employ, and from this year until the time
of his death he was identified with the
mercantile interests of the city and sub-
sequently was among the representative
merchants. In 1851, by economy and
thrift, Mr. Smith was in a position to buy
his brother's interests in business when
the latter removed to New York City.
Twenty years later ill health obliged Mr.
Smith to sell his store to the firm of
Brown-Thomson & Company. He con-
tinued to be active in financial and in-
dustrial matters, however, and was a
trustee of the Connecticut Trust & Safe
Deposit Company ; a director of the
Phoenix Insurance Company ; a founder
and director of the Smyth Manufacturing
Company. In 1877, Mr. Smith formed a
partnership with Edwin D. Tiffany, and
his son, Charles Howell Smith, to engage
in a general brokerage business, and this
relation was maintained until 1894 in
which year the son's death occurred, and
the same year the father resigned his
active business connections. In politics,
Mr. Smith was a Republican ; a member of
the Connecticut Historical Society ; the
Hartford Club, and was a member of the
South Congregational Church. He trav-
elled extensively for over sixty years.
In 1852 he married (first) Harriet E.
Hills, a daughter of Howell R. Hills, a
merchant dealing in boots and shoes, and
they were the parents of one son, Charles
Howell Smith. The mother died in 1855,
and Mr. Smith married (second) in 1861,
Jane T. Hills, daughter of Ellery Hills,
also a prominent merchant.
Charles Howell Smith, son of Charles
and Harriet (Hills) Smith, was born in
1853 ^"d died in 1894 at the early age of
forty-one years. He received the bene-
fits of a broad education and soon after
completing school was associated with
his father and later was a partner in the
brokerage business. He was also secre-
tary and treasurer of the Valley Railroad
and gave promise of a career in business
that would equal his father's if it had
not been cut short by his untimely death.
Mr. Smith married Kate Kemble of Paw
Paw, Michigan, and they were the par-
ents of Robert Kemble Smith.
The latter was educated in the public
schools of Hartford and the Hotchkiss
Grammar School at Lakeville, Connecti-
cut. Later he was a student at Williams
College, and soon after this time became
identified with the insurance interests of
Hartford, a line of work he has continued
to the present time. He was associated
with the Connecticut Mutual Life Insur-
ance Company and later was a special
agent of the Travelers' Insurance Com-
pany. In 1914 he engaged in business on
his own account as a general insurance
broker, and is now the representative of
the Western Insurance Company of To-
ronto ; the Fidelity and Phoenix Fire
Insurance Company of New York and
several Hartford companies.
A few years ago Mr. Smith added real
estate to his other business and at this
time incorporated as the Robert K. Smith
Company, Incorporated. He is a member
of the Hartford Real Estate Board. While
at college he became a member of the fra-
ternity, Chi Psi ; is a member of Wyllys
Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Ma-
sons of West Hartford. His clubs are:
the Hartford Golf and the Town Fish
and Game Club.
Mr. Smith married Marion Calhoun,
daughter of Louis F. Middlebrook of
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Hartford. Mrs. Smith is prominent in
the social life of the city and is well known
in golf circles. The children of Mr. and
Mrs. Smith are : Lucius Middlebrook,
Katharine Kemble, Sally Brinsmade. The
family attends Trinity Episcopal Church
and aids in its support.
ROBERTS, David Beaumont,
Antomobile Dealer.
One of the earliest families in Connecti-
cut history, the descendants of the Roberts
family are now found in several States and
are among the useful and upright citizens.
This family was founded by William
Roberts, son of Catherine Leete and a Mr.
"Robards" ; the former came from Mid-
dletown, Connecticut, and lived near the
foot of Smith's lane on the Meadow Hill,
south of the present "Bridge Road," the
main street at the time following this
meadow bank. William Roberts married
Dorothy Forbes, daughter of Captain
James Forbes, the progenitor of the
Forbes family in East Hartford, and
from her father she received six acres of
land. On this plot William Roberts built
his dwelling. In 1703 he served as the
committee of the minister's house ; in
1709 he deeded land and a saw mill and in
1729 he deeded all his land to his son Ben-
jamin. William Roberts died in 1734 or
1735. The fifth of the seven children
born to William and Dorothy (Forbes)
Roberts,
(II) Joseph Roberts, was baptized
August II, 1700, and died February 14,
1774. He married Mabel Keeney, who
died October 16, 1776, at the age of
seventy-one years.
(III) Joseph Roberts, his son, married
Thankful, daughter of David and Mary
(Hills) Forbes; she died May 28, 1820,
aged eighty years. Their son.
(IV) Elisha Roberts was born April
15, 1762, and baptized on the eighteenth
of the same month, and died April 19,
1829. He married Sarah, daughter of
Joshua Risley, and her death occurred
November 16, 1829. Their son,
(V) Joseph Roberts was baptized Au-
gust 12, 1787, and died July 7, 1838. He
married Harriet, daughter of James Smith
and was the father of
(VI) Edwin Morrison Roberts, born in
East Hartford, where he was baptized
April 4, 1819, and died in 1903. He was
one of the first manufacturers of solid
silver knives, forks and spoons in this
country, and was engaged in this business
until about twelve years before his death
when he retired. In the latter years the
business was conducted under the firm
name of Edwin M. Roberts & Son. Mr.
Roberts always resided in East Hartford
where he was active in politics, and a
leader in town afifairs. He was a member
of the Putnam Phalanx and of the East
Hartford Masonic Lodge. Mr. Roberts
married Mary Ann, daughter of Russell
Cowles of Newark, New Jersey, born in
1826, died in 1891.
(VII) Joseph William Roberts, their
son, was born February 20, 1859, and was
brought up in the environment of farm
life. He became a partner of his father in
the silver business later in life, and their
plant was located near where the present
East Hartford depot is situated. After
about four years in the silver business,
the son withdrew, and went to Bristol,
Connecticut, where he was in charge of a
silver-plating plant which he installed for
the Bristol Brass & Clock Company. Mr.
Roberts was there two years and then
returned to East Hartford where he be-
came associated with the J. B. Williams
Company of Glastonbury in their cutlery
department. For years he travelled for
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
this firm, his period of service totaling
thirty-two years until his death, April 28,
1914. Mr. Roberts was essentially do-
mestic in his tastes, his interests outside
his business centering on his home and in
the church. He was a member of the East
Hartford Congregational Church for many
years. Mr. Roberts married, October 27,
1881, Jeanette Louise, daughter of David
and Rebecca (Allen) Beaumont.
(VIII) David Beaumont Roberts was
born January 6, 1882, in East Hartford,
and from a very early age showed the
dominant business instinct which has
placed him among the prominent business
men of Hartford and East Hartford to-
day. Mr. Roberts attended Morse Busi-
ness College after completing his public
school course, and when only fourteen
years of age engaged in the bicycle busi-
ness on his own account, handling the
Barnes Cycle and the Columbia bicycle,
and sold most of the bicycles that were
sold in East Hartford. After five years
he became the agent of the Pope-Hartford
automobile in Rockville, Connecticut, and
was among the earliest auto dealers in
Hartford County. Mr. Roberts was lo-
cated in Rockville for eight years and then
took the agency for Ford cars ; he came to
Hartford in 1907 and took over the Buick
agency which he still retains. His terri-
tory covers Hartford and Tolland counties
and he has an interest in three other Buick
agencies. In 192 1 Mr. Roberts built a
fine, large brick garage in East Hartford,
which is the headquarters for the Buick
cars, and which has also materially added
to the upbuilding of the town of East
Hartford. There is a large display room
taking up practically the whole front of
the garage. On the side is a wide drive-
way leading to the rear where all repairs
are made and there is also a used car de-
partment dealing entirely in Buick cars.
Mr. Roberts organized the Springfield
Buick Company and the Greenfield Buick
Company, both of which companies he
still directs. The Hartford Buick Com-
pany was organized in 1909.
Mr. Roberts has ably demonstrated
that it is not necessary to seek fields far
away from one's birthplace to win success
in the business world ; opportunities are
right at hand for those who have eyes to
see. Other business interests of Mr.
Roberts include the New England Amuse-
ment Company of which he is the organ-
izer and which operates a theater in Hart-
ford and in New London. He has also
developed several real estate properties
and has made an enviable reputation for
good judgment in seeing business oppor-
tunities and for making a success of his
undertakings.
In spite of the many demands upon his
time from his business interests, he
showed his true descent from the early
immigrants when he enlisted in service
during the World War. He was in the
air-plant section of motor production and
was transferred from Washington to the
production department of the Hispano-
Suiza Company at New Brunswick, New
Jersey, and Elizabeth, where he remained
about six months when the Armistice was
signed.
Fraternally Mr. Roberts is a member
of the Modern Woodmen of America and
of Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks of Hartford. He finds recreation and
profitable pleasure at his farm in Haddam
where he makes his home and specializes
in the raising of pure-bred Shropshire
sheep. Each year he exhibits at the State
Fair at Danbury and at Springfield and
received ribbons from both places. He is
a member of the American Shropshire
Association and is also a member of the
213
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Farm Bureau and of the Farmers' Co-
operative Buyers Company.
Mr. Roberts married Maude I., daugh-
ter of Thomas Dunn of South Manchester,
Connecticut, and they are the parents of
two children : Mabelle and Harry Roberts.
(The Beaumont Line).
The history of the Beaumont family is
closely associated with the history of East
Hartford, Connecticut. Makens Bemont,
the founder, was born in France in 1743,
and came to the United States from Eng-
land where he had resided for a time. His
occupation was a saddler and he made
saddles for the soldiers of the Revolu-
tionary War. After the country was re-
stored to peace, Makens Bemont contin-
ued to follow his trade and by industry
and thrift, combined with good judgment,
he acquired considerable wealth and was
among the prominent and substantial
citizens of his day. His wife, Parmelia,
was born in 1752 and died in 1832, and
they were the parents of seven children
of whom the youngest was :
Elijah Bemont, born in East Hartford,
July I, 1791. He attended the schools of
the neighborhood and during all his spare
time was accustomed to work about his
father's place. In those days boys were
not permitted to play very much, as their
parents believed it fostered idleness. Eli-
jah Bemont served in the War of 1812
as a member of a company of riflemen
from East Hartford, and later in life re-
ceived a pension for his services. He
married, November i, 1841, Electa, born
May 31, 1794, daughter of James and
Eunice (Rowley) White. After his mar-
riage he located on Burnside Avenue and
entered into the business of furnishing
lumber for ships and fire wood. After his
sons grew to manhood, they became his
assistants and their business grew and
prospered. It was necessary for Mr.
Bemont to make a trip to New Bedford,
Massachusetts, a ship-building center, and
some of his customers bought from him
for forty years in succession, which in
itself is proof of his integrity and upright
business dealings.
David B. Beaumont, son of Elijah and
Electa Beaumont, was born in East Hart-
ford, August 20, 1831, and died about
1881. He was reared on a farm and re-
mained at home until his marriage. For
some years he was in business for himself
as a car man and resided in Manchester,
Connecticut. He later engaged in the
railroad contracting business and built
part of the Air Line Road which ran
through Shelburne Falls and Greenfield,
Massachusetts. In his later life he pur-
chased a small place near the homestead
and dealt extensively in horses ; he had a
natural love for animals, especially horses
and for over twenty years he carried on a
successful business. Mr. Beaumont mar-
ried Emeline Rebecca Allen of Meriden,
and their daughter, Jeanette Louise, be-
came the wife of Joseph William Roberts,
as above mentioned.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts
were : David Beaumont, of extended men-
tion previously ; Elizabeth May, wife of
Eugene Oscar Peabody of Philadelphia ;
Erwin Edward, of San Diego.
STOW, James Pomeroy,
Town and Cit^ Official
The Stow family was among the early
residents of Middletown, and embraced a
large progeny, which has been identified
with the history of Middletown and Mid-
dlefield, and Cromwell, down to the pres-
ent time (See Bacon, C. S.). The first
from whom the descent of James Pom-
eroy Stow can be traced was Alanson
214
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Stow, born about 1790, who engaged in
agriculture through his life in the town of
Cromwell. His first location was in "The
Nooks" then a popular settlement near
the present factory at North Cromwell.
Subsequently he removed to what is
known as the "Plains" where he died
October 15, 1864. He married, February
7, 1812, Sally Pardee, who was a native
of Cromwell and died there March 9, 1867.
Their second son, Asa Bray Stow, born
May 15, 1818, in what is now Cromwell,
early turned his attention to business.
Before attaining his majority, he went to
Charleston, South Carolina, where he
resided for a time and later made a second
trip to the South, where he engaged in
business. He became a painter and on
the second return to his native State was
employed in that capacity for a time at
Meriden. Later he conducted a paint
shop in Middletown and in time formed a
partnership with William Bogelt.and car-
ried on an extensive business as a decor-
ator, many fresco paintings of Middlesex
County being his handiwork. He also
conducted a wood engraving business, and
died in Middletown, February 23, 1898,
and was buried in Indian Hill Cemetery.
He was one of the three original corpo-
rators of that home of the dead in associ-
ation with Daniel Chase and E. F. Shel-
don. In his later years, Mr. Stow was
engaged in developing considerable real
estate holdings in Middletown and was
interested in the summer resort at Cres-
cent Beach, which he aided largely in
building up. He was interested in mili-
tary affairs, was a member of the Cadets
and subsequently an original member of
the Mansfield Guard of Middletown, a
noted militia organization. He was affili-
ated with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Free
and Accepted Masons ; was a man of very
2
large figure, standing six feet in height
and weighed two hundred and forty
pounds. He married. May, 1843, Maria
Louise Crossley, who was born May 22,
1826, in Middletown, eldest daughter of
David and Maria (Chamberlain) Crossley
of that town. His widow continued to
reside at the family home, No. 60 Ferry
Street, erected in 1852, until May i, 1901,
when she went to reside with her young-
est son in Middletown. Mr. Stow and
wife were attendants of the Baptist
Church in Middletown, of which Mrs.
Stow was a member.
James Pomeroy Stow was born August
16, 185 1, on Ferry Street in Middletown,
where he grew up, receiving his education
in the public schools and Wesleyan Uni-
versity, from which he was graduated in
1875. As a boy he had charge of his
father's books and subsequently became
secretary and treasurer of the Middletown
Electric Light Company, upon its organi-
zation, continuing in that capacity for
several years, after which he became gen-
eral manager and continued as such to
July I, 1896. He was also a director of
the E. T. Burgess Cut Glass Company
from its organization, and in time became
its secretary and treasurer. In 1880 he
was elected a member of the Common
Council and in the following year was
made clerk and treasurer of the city of
Middletown, in which capacity he has
served continuously with the exception of
one year. He was also treasurer of the
town of Middletown from 1881 to 1893,
and from 1895 to 1920, when another was
elected to that office. His long continu-
ance in these various capacities of re-
sponsibility and importance, testify to his
standing as a business man and his popu-
larity with the voters of his native town.
This is especially emphasized by the fact
that he is a Democrat, while the normal
15
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
majority of both town and city is Repub-
lican. In 1921 and 1923 he was nomi-
nated by both parties, being elected with-
out opposition. Mr. Stow is a life trustee
of his father's estate and of the Middle-
town holdings of his deceased uncle,
James P. Stow, formerly of Meriden. He
continues as director of the Middletown
Electric Light Company and is also inter-
ested in various social organizations. He
is a member of Holy Trinity Church of
Middletown, of which he was some years
treasurer, is now secretary of Middletown
Lodge No. 2341, New England Order of
Protection, is a member of Central Lodge
No. 12, Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, and Souhegan Encampment No. 6,
of the same order ; of Middletown Lodge
No. 771, Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks ; of Arawana Tribe No. 17, Im-
proved Order of Red Men and of Mata-
besset Council No. 12, Order of United
American Men. He is a member of Mid-
dletown Yacht Club and also of the
Chamber of Commerce and is ever ready
to favor any movement calculated to
benefit the interests of the community in
general.
Mr. Stow was married, October 17,
1883, to Mary Dyas Stevens, a native of
Louisiana, reared in Middletown, daugh-
ter of Frederick Stevens. She died Janu-
ary 8, 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Stow were the
parents of two sons and two daughters :
James P. Stow, Jr., born July 12, 1884,
is superintendent of construction for a
large contracting firm in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania ; Frederick Stevens, born
October 9, 1886, is assistant superintend-
ent of the Baker Dunbar Allen Company
of Pittsburgh ; Dorothy Mary, born No-
vember 6, 1890, is the wife of James P.
Hasselman, an instructor in the college
at East Lansing, Michigan ; Sarah Nan-
nette, born April 14, 1897, was married.
October 5, 1922, to Rev. Lloyd Young
Graham, 3d., rector of Grace Church, New
York City.
SMITH, ClifTord Burr,
Engineer.
A native of Middletown, born June 13',
1879, second son of the late Herbert E.
Smith, the subject of this sketch is a mem-
ber of the well known English family
which brought the art of jappanning to
this country. James O. Smith, father of
Herbert E., introduced this business to
Middletown, and founded a business that
is still in successful and growing oper-
ation.
Herbert Edgar Smith, fifth son of James
O. and Mary A. (Smith) Smith, was born
January 28, 1849, i" the Westfield sec-
tion of Middletown, where he attended
the public schools until fourteen years of
age, when he accompanied his parents to
New York City. There he was a student
in the public schools and the College of
the City of New York, graduating from
the latter institution in 1871. After a
post-graduate course in civil engineering
at Yale Scientific School, in 1872 he was
employed in railroad construction at Ft.
Wayne, Indiana, and later in Ohio, on the
Continental Railroad, now part of the
New York, Chicago & St. Louis Line
known as the '"Nickel Plate." In 1873 he
returned to his native place and became a
part of the working force of the J. O.
Smith Manufacturing Company, with
which he continued to be identified until
his death. May 11, 1904. On the reorgan-
ization of the concern in 1878 he became
secretary and treasurer, and was treasurer
and manager many years, aiding no little
in building up the business.
Mr. Smith married, April 21, 1874, Ella
Julia Burr, who was born April 15, 1849
216
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
in Berlin, Connecticut, daughter of Julius
W. and Julia Ellen (Cornwall) Burr of
that town. Her ancestors were among
the leading citizens of Connecticut. The
founder of the family was Benjamin Burr,
one of the original proprietors of Hart-
ford, Connecticut. The first evidence of
his presence in America appears in the
land division in Hartford in 1639, where
he is spoken of as an original proprietor
and settler, indicating that he was there in
1635. He was probably in Massachusetts
before that time, as the settlers of Hart-
ford came from the vicinity of Boston.
His allotment in the division of 1639 was
six acres, and in 1658 he was admitted
freeman, showing that he was then a
member of the church. It is apparent
that he was a thrifty and well-to-do man,
as he owned more than one house lot in
Hartford, beside houses and lands at
Greenfield and Windsor. His name has
been given to one of the streets in Hart-
ford, where he died March 31, 1681. His
name appears on the monument to the
original settlers in the First Church cem-
etery. His son, Samuel Burr, born in
England, was a freeman in Hartford in
May, 1658, and he died there September
29, 1682, leaving a good estate, whose in-
ventory value was placed at £541, los.
I id. He married Mary Baysey, daughter
of John and Elizabeth Baysey, among the
early settlers of Hartford. Jonathan Burr,
youngest child of Samuel, born 1679, set-
tled after 1696 in Middletown, Connecti-
cut, where he united with the First
Church, and died January i, 1735. He
married Abigail Hubbard, born February
16, 1686, in Middletown. daughter of Na-
thaniel and Mary (Earle) Hubbard and
granddaughter of George Hubbard, found-
er of a numerous family in America and
a pioneer of Middletown. Nathaniel Burr,
third son of Jonathan and Abigail, was
born March 23, 1717, in Middletown, set-
tling in the adjoining town of Haddam,
where he was a farmer, built a house on
the present site of the Methodist Church,
and died September 12, 1802. He married
(second), August 19, 1743, Sarah Por-
ter, who was born October 28, 1724, died
May 21, 1797. The name of his first wife
is unknown. His fourth son, Jonathan
Burr, born April 11, 1756, in Haddam,
joined the Continental Army at the age
of twenty-one years and became a corpo-
ral in the company commanded by Cap-
tain Martin Kirtland, in Colonel Erastus
Wolcott's regiment. After his discharge
from the army he engaged in farming,
was captain of the local militia company
and died February 10, 1804. He married
Lydia Bailey, and their fifth son, Daniel
Burr, was a farmer and contractor resid-
ing in Haddam, where he died in 1833.
He married Betsey Wilcox, and their sec-
ond son was Julius Wilcox Burr. The
latter, born June 21, 1822, in Haddam,
began learning the blacksmith trade at the
age of sixteen years. He settled in Ber-
lin, Connecticut, and was among the
founders of the Peck, Stowe & Wilcox
Company of East Berlin. He was also a
director of the Berlin Bridge Company
and was active in the management of the
J. O. Smith Manufacturing Company of
Middletown. He was a member of the
Congregational Church, a consistent Re-
publican in political principle, essentially
a business man with no itch for office, a
good neighbor and useful citizen. He
married, October i, 1845, Julia Ellen
Cornwall, born November 21, 1823, in
Middletown, daughter of Joseph and Lu-
cinda (Miller) Cornwall. Ella Julia Burr,
daughter of Julius W., became the wife of
Herbert E. Smith, as previously related.
They were the parents of three sons : i.
Herbert Eugene, died in infancy. 2. Clif-
217
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ford B. 3. Edson Eugene, who died in
March, 1913, aged thirty-one years.
Clifford Burr Smith, second and only
surviving son of Herbert E. and Ella J.
(Burr) Smith, born June 13, 1879, in
Westfield, grew up there and received his
education in the schools of the town, in-
cluding the high school, from which he
was graduated in 1896. He began his
business career as a draughtsman appren-
tice in the office of the Berlin Iron Bridge
Company of East Berlin. Here he ap-
plied himself diligently and made rapid
progress, finding the work agreeable to
his taste. At the age of twenty-three
years, in 1902, he was employed in the
construction of the Hudson River Tun-
nels in New York, often called the Mc-
Adoo tunnels, because they were the
result of the genius and steadfast deter-
mination of William G. McAdoo. After
several years in this employment, Mr.
Smith returned to Connecticut and en-
tered the employ of the Berlin Construc-
tion Company, which is engaged in the
erection of bridges and other iron and
steel structures. Here he has continued
to the present time, sound evidence of
his capability and faithfulness. He occu-
pies a pleasant residence on Mt. Vernon
Street, Middletown, and endeavors to ful-
fill the duties of a good citizen. Though
not a blind partizan, he usually supports
the efforts of the Republican party in
securing capable and upright government.
He is vice-president of the J. O. Smith
Manufacturing Company, and is identified
with various Masonic bodies up to the
thirty-second degree, through Scottish
Rite. He is a member of St. John's Lodge,
No. 2, Ancient Free and Accepted Ma-
sons ; Washington Chapter, No. 6, Royal
Arch Masons ; Cyrene Commandery, No.
8, Knights Templar ; Columbia Council ;
and Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of
Hartford. Through descent from Michael
Smith, he is a member of the New
York Society, Sons of the Revolution.
Mr. Smith married, April 12, 1909, Bessie
E. Burns, born January 13, 1882, in West-
field, daughter of Edgar H. and Laura
Edith (Mildrum) Burns, the former a
native of Westfield and the latter of East
Berlin, Connecticut. Mr. Burns is an
active and useful citizen of Westfield,
identified with the J. O. Smith Manufac-
turing Company as foreman.
SPEAR, William Perkins,
Merchant.
A native of Middletown, Mr. Spear is
continuing the mercantile business estab-
lished by his father more than half a cen-
tury since, in that town. Aaron Spear,
grandfather of William Perkins, was born
in 1827, near Frankfurt, Germany, and
came to America before 1850, settling in
Hartford, Connecticut. Having little
capital, he started out in business in sell-
ing goods from a pack which he bore on
his back. He persevered and, in time,
saved sufficient capital to engage in busi-
ness in the city, having a partner, under
the style of Spear & Kohn. They con-
ducted a general store on Asylum Street,
and were started on a successful career
when an unfortunate accident closed Mr.
Spear's life. In i860, while passing a
building under construction, he was
struck by a falling board studded with
nails, some of which penetrated his brain,
and led to his death within a short time.
At first he seemed to recover, but his
death occurred suddenly soon after, and
was attributed to his injuries. Soon after
coming to Hartford, he brought his par-
ents from Germany to that city. He mar-
ried, in 1854, Nannie Kohn, who was born
18
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
January 3, 1834, in the same locality as
himself. On his death the widow was
left with three sons to rear and care for,
the eldest being seven years old and the
youngest a babe. With limited means,
she performed her task well, lived to see
her sons well established in business, and
able to bless her last years with every
comfort. In 1890 she moved from Hart-
ford to Middletown, where she died Feb-
ruary ID, 1899.
Isaac Spear, second son of Aaron, was
born December 25, 1858, in Hartford, and
there attended school until twelve years
of age, when he started out to earn his
livelihood, with such aids as his natural
ambition, energy and industry. His first
employment was in the store of Bernhard
Levy in Hartford, as utility boy, at the
salary of two and one-half dollars per
week. Here he continued eight years,
in that period acquiring a thorough knowl-
edge of the business, becoming buyer for
the store and enjoying a salary of eighteen
dollars per week. That was long before
the World War had established the pres-
ent ruling wages and prices. He became
very proficient as a sign-writer, and now
determined to engage in business on his
own account. His savings had gathered a
little capital, but his employer gave such
material aid as to prove the integrity of
the young man, as well as to testify to his
business ability. Mr. Levy introduced
him to wholesale dealers in New York
and guaranteed his bills, which was a
wonderful aid to one about to launch in
business. After looking about Mr. Spear
decided to establish a store in Middle-
town, and the result justified his judg-
ment, for he was immediately successful.
His first location was on the east side of
Main Street, in the building where his
sons are now conducting business. In
1880 his brother, Jacob Spear, joined him.
and since that date the business has been
conducted under the name of Spear
Brothers. In 1886 the store was moved
to Nos. 400 to 402 Main Street, and there
continued until after the death of both
proprietors. Two enlargements of the
building were made in their time and the
scope of the business was extended. In
1890 Jacob Spear retired and the younger
brother, Simon Spear, took his place. He
died May 29, 1921. Isaac Spear was a
member of the Middletown Board of
Trade from its organization. He died
June 19, 1921. Mr. Spear married, April
15, 1891, in New Bedford, Massachusetts,
Caroline Elizabeth Pitman, a native of
that city, born March i, 1864, daughter of
George W. and Elizabeth (Perkins) Pit-
man. George W. Pitman, born in Fall
River, was a carpenter and builder, and
married (recorded in Newport, Rhode
Island), April i, 1850, Elizabeth Perkins,
of New Bedford, whose paternal grand-
father, Henry Perkins, was a member of
the famous "Boston Tea Party," which
demonstrated the determination of the
colonists to resist the tax on tea, one of
the movements which precipitated the
American Revolution. Later, Henry
Perkins was a soldier of the Revolution.
The Pitman family had several repre-
sentatives early in New England. At the
comparatively recent date when English-
men took surnames the founder of this
family, probably, dwelt near a pit or was
employed in one. In the Hundred Rolls
of 1273 Johannes Piteman is mentioned.
A family of the name was seated at Dun-
chideock-house. County Devon, for sev-
eral generations, and appears in the
parish registers from 1552, Geoflfrey Pit-
man was sheriflf of SufTolk County in
1625, and the name appears in Yorkshire
pedigrees. The arms of the Suffolk fam-
ily are : Gules two poleaxes in saltire or.
219
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
headed argent, between four mullets of
the last. Crest, a Moor's arm proper
escarroned gules and or, advancing a pole-
axe, handle or, headed argent. Thomas
Pitman, born 1614, and Mark Pitman,
born 1622, were early at Marblehead,
Massachusetts. William Pitman, born
1632, settled at Oyster River, New Hamp-
shire. Nathaniel Pitman was at Salem,
Massachusetts, as early as 1639. John
Pitman settled at Charlestown in 1658.
As far as known, the first of this fam-
ily was Henry Pitman, one of the first set-
tlers of Nassau, Bahama Islands (about
1666), where he built a dwelling and
made considerable improvements, and
died at the end of fifteen years. His son
John Pitman, born 1663, lived for some
time on the plantation established by his
father, established a shipyard and built
several vessels, continuing on New Prov-
idence Island until his house was burned
by the French and Spaniards in July,
1703. For seven years he lived on the
other islands and, in 1710, moved to New-
port, Rhode Island, where he died No-
vember 21, 171 1, aged forty-five years.
His wife, Mary Saunders, survived him
ten days, dying December i, 171 1. Their
graves are marked by a double stone in
the old cemetery at Newport. They had
seven sons. The third, Benjamin Pitman,
was born 1697, on New Providence, was
a freeman at Newport in 1741, and died
September 12, 1762. His wife, Mary,
died November 19, 1746, aged forty-nine
years. They had five sons. The second
of these, John Pitman, lived in Newport,
where he died December 27, 1768. He
married, May 6, 1750, Abigail, daughter
of Andrew and Abigail (Plaisted) Nich-
ols. She was admitted to Dr. Stiles'
Church, November 10, 1771, and her four
surviving children were baptized at the
same time, namely : John, Mary, Thomas
Gilbert and Benjamin. The eldest of
these, John, born June 27, 1757, died May
25, 1809, was the father of Charles Pit-
man, first postmaster at Fall River. John
Pitman married Nancy Bennett, born
1756, died September 16, 1828.
Charles Pitman, born March 3, 1790, in
Newport, went to Fall River early in the
history of that place as a city and was its
first postmaster, opening the first mail
February 12, 181 1. Subsequently he was
a farmer and successful merchant. He
was the father of George W. Pitman,
whose daughter became the wife of Isaac
Spear, as previously related. Mrs. Spear
died June 26, 1909, and was buried at New
Bedford. She was a member of the South
Congregational Church. She was the
mother of three sons, George Pitman,
William Perkins and Robert Lyndon.
The eldest died unmarried in 1917. The
others receive further mention below.
William Perkins Spear was born June
5, 1896, in Middletown, and graduated
from the city high school in 1914, after
which he was a student at Lehigh Uni-
versity. In 1917 he entered the store of
which he is now senior proprietor, and
has since given his attention to business,
meantime giving considerable time to
public affairs. His public spirit is re-
markable, and he is often called to pub-
lic service in many ways. For thirteen
months he was in the air service of the
United States during the recent World
War. Since then his share in the social,
benevolent and fraternal activities of Mid-
dletown has been an important one. He
is a member of the South Church ; of
Central Lodge, No. 12, Independent Order
of Odd Fellows ; St. John's Lodge, No. 2,
Free and Accepted Masons ; Washington
Chapter, No. 6, Royal Arch Masons ;
Cyrene Commandery, No. 8, Knights
Templar; and Sphinx Temple, Ancient
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine
of Hartford. He is a member of the col-
lege fraternity, Sigma Phi, of the Cham-
ber of Commerce, Young Men's Christian
Association, member of executive com-
mittee Community Service, chairman of
the merchants' committee of the Chamber
of Commerce, and president of the Mid-
dlesex County Republican Club. He is
also a member of the common council of
the city, and has flattering political pros-
pects. Of genial nature, engaging manners
and frank and upright character, he easily
gains and holds enduring friendships.
Mr. Spear married, August 4, 1917,
Viola Starr, who was born June 8, 1896,
in Butler, Pennsylvania, daughter of Wil-
liam Matthewson and Isabella (Orr)
Starr. Mr. and Mrs. Spear are the par-
ents of two daughters, Caroline Elizabeth
and Patricia.
SPEAR, Robert Lyndon,
Merchant.
The youngest son of Isaac Spear, born
May 25, 1898, in Middletown, Mr. Spear
has been identified with the business
founded by his father from an early age.
After graduating from the city high
school in 1917, he permanently entered
the store where he has continued to the
present time. He has charge of the
books of the firm and is buyer for the mil-
linery department. Wide awake and ener-
getic, he has made himself thoroughly
acquainted with the details of the busi-
ness, is courteous and efficient, thus pro-
moting the continued prosperity of the
store so long ago established by Isaac
Spear. In 1923 the brothers purchased
the building in which their father began
business and now occupy a double store,
with numerous departments, a thoroughly
modern establishment, catering to the
most critical custom of the city and main-
taining the original policy which has car-
ried the concern along through more
than half a century of success. Mr. Spear
is identified with social and fraternal
organizations, thus taking part in those
movements calculated to advance the in-
terests of the community and the best
uplifting agencies. He is a member of
the South Congregational Church, of the
Middletown City Club, and Chamber of
Commerce. A consistent Republican in
principle, he has never sought any part
in political movements, beyond the nat-
ural duty of a good citizen, in caucusing
and voting. His influence is always with
what he deems the right. Mr. Spear is
affiliated with the great Masonic frater-
nity, which seeks to inculcate sound prin-
ciples and aid in promoting the progress
of the world, and is a member of its lead-
ing bodies, including St. John's Lodge,
Washington Chapter, Cyrene Command-
ery of Middletown, and Sphinx Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine of Hartford. He married,
July 22, 1921, Clara Hedin, who was born
in Portland, Connecticut, daughter of the
late Edwin P. and Emilie (Martin) Hedin,
natives of Sweden and Norway, respect-
ively. Mr. and Mrs. Spear have a son,
Robert Lyndon Spear, Jr.
REYNOLDS, Wilson S.,
Antomobile Dealer.
The successful career of Mr. Reynolds
cannot be described as a lucky accident,
because it is the result of his own initi-
ative, industry and intelligent action.
From worthy leading men and women
among his forebears, he has inherited
those qualities which make for personal
progress and esteem among one's fellows.
The family was founded in America by
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
John Reynolds, born about 1625-30 in
England. The name in early New Eng-
land records appears as Renalds, Ranals,
Runnels, and in other forms. John Rey-
nolds appears first of record in Wey-
mouth, Massachusetts, where he was
granted five acres in the first division of
land, December 14, 1663. This was the
seventy-seventh lot from the Braintree
line, and he received an additional fifteen
acres in the second division of the same
date. He sold out his holdings in the
autumn of 1664 and in the spring of 1665
located in Westerly, Rhode Island. Here
he suffered hardship and oppression be-
cause of the dispute with Connecticut
about the boundary. He soon removed
to Stonington and purchased one hundred
acres on the east side of the Mintucket
River, January 28, 1677. ^^ received a
grant of fifty acres May 25, 1679, and one
hundred acres adjoining March 8, 1680.
Again, November 14, 1690, he received
twelve acres. He died late in that year.
He married Anne, daughter of Thomas
Holbrook of Weymouth. Their young-
est child, John Reynolds, born about 1662,
received the homestead in consideration
of care of his parents in their old age. In
1701 he exchanged this property for a
large tract of wild land near Lake Amos,
in Preston, and subsequently acquired
other tracts. His property was divided
among his children before his death,
which occurred April 13, 1734. His wife,
Abigail, was received in the Stonington
Church, April 2, 1689, and was living in
1733. He was received in full communion
at Stonington, May 29, 1705. Their third
son, Jonathan Reynolds, was baptized
June 21, 1700, in Stoningfton and lived in
Preston, where he cared for his aged par-
ents, inherited the homestead and died
January 7, 1743. He married (second),
April 6, 1727, Hannah Tracy, born April
27, 1709, daughter of Christian and Lydia
(Parrish) Tracy. Ebenezer Reynolds,
fifth son of Jonathan, born February 24,
1738, bought land in Stonington, was an
innkeeper and farmer near the line be-
tween north Stonington and Griswold,
and died December 16, 1820. He married,
October 27, 1759, Sarah Eggleston, a de-
scendant of Joseph Eggleston who set-
tled in North Stonington about 1670. He
died August 26, 1826. Their third son,
Jonathan Reynolds, born November 6,
1778, was an innkeeper and farmer in
Stonington, died August 16, 1839, in
Franklin and was buried in Stonington.
He married, in 1795, Susanna Billings,
born January 19, 1775, died February 10,
1829, daughter of Peleg and Mary (Stan-
ton) Billings, granddaughter of Robert
and Mary Billings, great-granddaughter
of John and Mary, great-great-grand-
daughter of John and Hannah (Thomp-
son) Billings. The last named John was
son of John and Hannah (Lord) Bil-
lings. Hannah Lord was daughter of
Thomas and Dorothy Lord, of Hartford,
in 1636.
Henry Billings Reynolds, eldest child of
Jonathan and Susanna (Billings) Rey-
nolds, was born October 19, 1796, in
Preston, was a teacher in early life and
also went to sea as supercargo. In 1830
he settled on a large farm on Brown Hill
in Lyme, where he continued nine years,
after which he purchased another farm
which he tilled until 1854. He died De-
cember 17, 1876, in Lyme. He was a
member of the North Lyme Baptist
Church and an exemplary and useful
citizen. He married, March 27, 1825,
Mandana Merriss, born February 4, 1808,
daughter of John and Eliza Merriss. She
died April 25, 1871. They were the par-
ents of Ephraim Otis Reynolds, who was
born July 29, 1837, in Lyme and was edu-
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
cated in the local public schools and Con-
necticut Literary Institute at Suffield. At
the age of eighteen years he engaged with
an uncle at North Stonington, to learn the
art of carriage building. In 1857 he lo-
cated at the village of Hamburg, in the
town of Lyme, where he continued in the
business of building carriages and wagons
for a period of thirty-five years. This he
sold out in 1893 and thereafter conducted
a general store in Lyme until his retire-
ment in 1908. From this time he resided
in the town of Essex, where he died May
26, 1916. He married Aurelia Hayden, a
native of Hamburg.
Wilson S. Reynolds, third son of Eph-
raim O. and Aurelia (Hayden) Reynolds,
was born June 10, 1864, in Lyme, and has
long been an influential citizen of Middle-
sex County, especially active in political
councils, a leader in the Republican party.
His education was begun in the public
schools near his birthplace and he was
later a student at the Connecticut Literary
Institute, like his father before him. As
a youth he was accustomed to assist in
the shops of his father and he almost un-
consciously acquired a thorough knowl-
edge of the details of the work and busi-
ness. Before attaining his majority he
spent four years in operating a sawmill
in Lyme. In 1886 he moved to Middle-
town and was there employed as a jour-
neyman carriage builder by J. B. Evans.
Eight years later he returned to Lyme and
was engaged in agriculture for a period of
three years. In 1897 he again located in
Middletown, where he has since been
active in business, with the success natur-
ally accruing to one of his industry and
enterprise. He operated a shop where
wagons and carriages were built and re-
paired, and which was several times en-
larged. In 1905, when the automobile had
come into general use, he turned his at-
tention to handling this modern vehicle.
this necessitating further enlargement of
his space and equipment for handling and
repairing. A department for horse-drawn
vehicles is still maintained, and the agency
for some of the best makes of motor ve-
hicles is operated, as well as a large re-
pairing plant. The continual growth of the
business testifies to his good manage-
ment and fair business methods. While
actively pursuing his own business, Mr.
Reynolds has not failed to keep abreast of
the times, and to perform his share in
maintaining the best interests of the com-
munity. He is a charter member of Mid-
dletown Lodge, No. 771, Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and is also a
member of Central Lodge, No. 12, Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows ; and
Apollo Lodge, No. 35, Knights of Pythias.
He has been for several years a member of
the Middletown Volunteer Fire Depart-
ment, and has performed something of his
public duty as a member of the city coun-
cil of Middletown, in which he served two
years. He is a member of the State Cen-
tral Committee of the Republican party,
active and influential in its councils, and
was alternate delegate to the National
Convention at Chicago in 1920, which
placed in nomination the late Warren G.
Harding for the office of president.
Mr. Reynolds was married, September
27, 1888, to May Belle Warner, who was
born July 14, 1867, third daughter of
Zebulon Brockway and Harriet Miranda .
(LaPlace) Warner of Lyme. Mr. and
Mrs. Reynolds are the parents of two
daughters, Hester Wilson and Helen Wal-
lace. The elder daughter is a capable
assistant in the office of her father.
HUBBARD, Robert Paddock,
Agricnltnrist.
The ancestry of Mr. Hubbard is a long
and noteworthy one, beginning in Con-
223
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
necticut annals with George Hubbard
who settled in Hartford as early as 1639,
and since including many pioneer fam-
ilies and leading citizens down through
the generations. In the paternal Hne, he
belongs to a family noted for stalwart
men, both physically and mentally, men
of sound judgment, industrious and suc-
cessful, contributors to the general wel-
fare of the community, and respected by
their contemporaries. His maternal an-
cestors may well be included in the same
class. As shown elsewhere, intermar-
riages since the first settlement of Mid-
dletown have brought to Mr. Hubbard the
inheritance of many valuable qualities
and made him a leader among his fellows.
Among the pioneer names still or recently
well known in Middletown, in this list, are
those of Miller, Roberts, Stocking, Sears,
Hedges, Tryon, Crowell, Hubbard (sev-
eral lines), Wetmore, Hall, Savage, Corn-
wall, Bacon and Paddock. His mother,
Julia Ann Paddock, was descended from
Robert Paddock, who was in Plymouth,
Massachusetts, as early as 1643, ^"^ prob-
ably earlier (see Bacon, L. P., for ex-
tended history of the generations). Rob-
ert Paddock was the father of Zachariah
Paddock, born March 20, 1636, died in
Yarmouth, 1727. His son, Robert Pad-
dock, born January 17, 1670, lived in Yar-
mouth, married Martha Hall, and they
were parents of Seth Paddock, born 1705
in Yarmouth, married Mercy Nickerson
and lived in that town. Zachariah Pad-
dock, son of Seth and Mercy, born 1728,
was the first of the family in Middletown,
where he bought a lot in 1751. His
sixth son, George Paddock, born in Mid-
dletown, was one of the founders of
the South Church, owner of much city
property, and a pioneer settler in Herki-
mer County, New York, and other sec-
tions of the Empire State. He married
Mary Wetmore, second daughter of Cap-
tain John and Mercy (Bacon) Wetmore,
born May 12, 1771, and they had fourteen
children. The fourth son and eighth
child was Robert Paddock, a prominent
citizen of Middletown, who married. May
5, 1785, Martha Loveland, born July 4,
1767, baptized July 12, 1767, daughter of
John and Susan. Their youngest and
sixth daughter, Julia Ann, born April 12,
1812, on South Main Street, Middletown,
became the wife of Hon. Alfred Hubbard.
Robert P. Hubbard, fourth son of Al-
fred and Julia A. (Paddock) Hubbard,
was born March 6, 1847, in the brick house
on West Long Hill, now occupied as a
residence by his brother, Frank C. Hub-
bard. The district school of the neigh-
borhood supplied his early education, and
he attended the private school of Daniel
H. Chase in Middletown during one win-
ter, while farm labor was partially sus-
pended. Later he was a student at the
famous Eastman's Business College in
Poughkeepsie, New York, from which he
was graduated in 1866. He now deter-
mined to engage in some independent
occupation and his father, noting this,
presented him with ten acres of land. On
this small tract he set to work, and his
industry and determination brought him
further encouragement from relatives. He
was soon able to purchase more land
from his father, and by purchase and ulti-
mate inheritance he became the possessor
of one hundred acres of very desirable
land on West Long Hill, where he contin-
ues to reside and is one of the most active
men of his age to be found anywhere.
In his long and busy career he has cul-
tivated a variety of crops, and otherwise
demonstrated his shrewdness and alert-
ness. In his early experience he gave
considerable attention to sheep raising,
and had a flock of one hundred and fifty
224
I
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
animals. He also made a business of buy-
ing and fattening calves for market. For
many years he cultivated tobacco and has
produced much sweet corn for seed. One
who visits his fine farm is apt to find him
busily engaged in the regular labors of
agriculture, and will also find him an in-
telligent observer of events, well informed
on leading questions of the day. In 1871
he constructed barns which were burned
in 1893, causing a loss of three thousand
dollars. These have been rebuilt and, in
1890, he erected a handsome modern house
which is supplied with all conveniences.
From a spring on the hillside near his
home, water is supplied to house and
barn, as well as tenant houses, supplying
three families. His orchards include de-
sirable small fruits, as well as peaches and
apples. Mr. Hubbard is a charter mem-
ber of Mattabessett Grange, Patrons of
Husbandry, of which his late wife was a
member, and affiliates, as she did, with
the South Congregational Church of Mid-
dletown. In politics he usually supports
Democratic principles, but is independent
of party dictation and supported both
Roosevelt and Harding for the presidency.
Not a seeker for political preferment, he
has consented to serve his town as a mat-
ter of civic duty, and has acted as select-
man and assessor, also on a committee of
four in appraising public property.
Mr. Hubbard married, November 4,
1875, Margaret Stewart Kelsey, who was
born December 7, 1852, in Middletown,
daughter of Lewis L. and Caroline A.
(Camfield) Kelsey. Mrs. Hubbard passed
away May 20, 1920. She was the mother
of four children, namely : Lewis Kelsey,
died of typhoid fever while pursuing a
course at Cornell University ; Alfred, an
unfortunate invalid ; Julia Augusta and
Caroline Kelsey, the filial companions of
an honored father.
Conn. 11 — 15
PATTEN, D. Walter,
Scientific Agriculturist.
The strength of Connecticut rests on
its devoted and dependable citizens of to-
day, who are in many cases born of fine
old New England families long ago estab-
lished in the same traditions of public
service. This is true of D. Walter Patten,
His grandfather, David Patten, was born
October 20, 1775, at Mottville, Connecti-
cut, and died in Salem, Connecticut, July
19, 1857. He married, January 6, 1805,
Francis Dodge, born March 4, 1784, died
April 17, 1861, and they were the parents
of six children: i. David G. Patten, born
December 10, 1805. 2. Francis C. Patten,
born August 24, 1808. 3. Sally, born De-
cember 9, 1810. 4. John, born January 26,
1815. 5. Lucy Jane, born January 5, 1818.
6. Daniel A., born May 25, 1823. The
youngest of these, Daniel A. Patten, was
a member of the Congregational Church,
a Republican in politics, selectman for a
term in North Haven. He married Mary
Belcher Hyde, of Lyme, born October 30,
1835, died December 17, 1904, daughter of
William Hyde, Congregational minister
at Westbrook, and his wife, Martha Sock-
ett Hyde. Daniel A. Patten died July
26, 1887. They were the parents of five
children, of whom the subject of this
biographical record is one : Henry W.
Patten, born in Greenwich, Connecticut,
June 14. i860; David Walter, born Febru-
ary 7, 1862, of further mention ; Fanny
Patten, born January 28, 1865, died young ;
Lillian W. and Marion T., born October
17, 1870, and still surviving.
David Walter Patten was born in North
Haven, Connecticut. He acquired his
education in North Haven, at the private
school of Miss Eunice Linsley, and at
Bacon Academy in Colchester. For a
time he taught at General Russell's school.
225
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
He then completed his education at Shef-
field Scientific school, of Yale University,
graduating with the class of 1887. Most
of his business life was connected with
farming and fruit growing. He was a
member of the General Association, 1899 ;
member of the State Board of Agricul-
ture ; of the State Pomological Society ; of
the State Dairy Association. Later he
was first selectman, and town agent for
twenty-five years. For one term also he
was representative and clerk of the
committee of incorporations. Mr. Pat-
ten was a Mason, a member of the
Republican Club, a charter member of the
North Haven Grange. Like most of his
family, he is of the Congregationalist
faith, being a member of the First Con-
gregational Church, of North Haven.
D. Walter Patten married, October 16,
1889, in North Haven, Erminie I. Emley,
born in East Haddam, Connecticut, Feb-
ruary I, 1867, who survives her husband.
She is the daughter of George I. and
Martha (Chapman) Emley. Her father,
born July 14, 1841, died February 28, 1921,
and fought for four years during the Civil
War with the Tenth Connecticut Volun-
teers. Her mother died May 20, 1908, at
the age of fifty-two. Mr. and Mrs. Patton
were the parents of children: i. Edna I.,
born October 23, 1890, educated in the
North Haven public and high schools,
with normal training at New Britain
Normal School, who taught at the Patton
School in Middletown for three years ;
now married to Ivan H. Bradley. 2. Mabel
S., born October 30, 1893, "ow Mrs. Dan
Edward Parmlee. 3. Martha A. Patten,
born December 13, 1899, educated in the
North Haven public and high schools,
employed by the Security Insurance Com-
pany of New Haven, married, June 7,
1924, to Mr. Erik A. Hillborn of Walling-
ford, Connecticut, assistant cashier of the
First National Bank of Wallingford.
Mr. Patten died November 19, 1921. A
man well-informed in his chosen field of
scientific agriculture and its allied sub-
jects, he devoted all his ability and train-
ing to the public, and much of the pros-
perity of the Connecticut farmer today
is due to his eflforts. A kindly, generous,
man, he was loved by all with whom he
came in contact, and he left a host of
devoted friends and fellow citizens.
STODDARD, Orrin Edwin,
Grain Merchant.
A descendant of Revolutionary ancestry
and a veteran of the Civil War, Orrin E.
Stoddard embodied the best elements of
American citizenship. The family of
Stoddard has been traced to the time of
William the Conqueror, and was ancient-
ly written "de la Standard." When the
Normans invaded England, under Wil-
liam, his cousin, William Stoddard, ac-
companied him. The coat-of-arms of
the family are:
Arms — Sable, three estoiles and bordure gules.
Crest — Out of a ducal coronet a demi-horse
salient ermine.
Motto — Festina lente.
As early as 1490 the family had
an estate of about four hundred acres
near Elthan in Kent about seven miles
from London Bridge, and continued to
hold it until the death of Nicholas Stod-
dard, a bachelor, in 1765. The first of the
name in America was Anthony Stoddard,
who came from England to Boston about
1639, was admitted freeman the follow-
ing year and was representative twenty-
three years, twenty years successively,
from 1665 to 1684.
John Stoddard, born 1612, came to Hing-
ham, Massachusetts, in 1638, was at New
London, Connecticut, as early as 1650, and
died 1676, leaving a widow (who later
226
iUj/iypT^a:> a)/a:Xdcu
OL^
j
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
married John Thompson) and sons, Rob-
ert, Ralph, and Thomas. The son Robert
born 1652, was living in that part of New
London now Groton, in 1712. He mar-
ried Mary Mortimer, daughter of Thomas
and Elizabeth Mortimer of New London,
where Thomas Mortimer was constable in
1680, and died March 11, 1710. Robert
Stoddard (2) son of Robert Stoddard (i)
born 1700, baptized August 8, 1703, and
lived in Groton. He married, December
21, 1727, Bathsheba Rogers, born March
I, 1708, in New London, died there, Feb-
ruary 17, 1753, daughter of John and
Bathsheba (Smith) Rogers, granddaugh-
ter of John and Elizabeth (Griswold)
Rogers, great-granddaughter of James
Rogers, patriarch of a most numerous
pioneer family.
Mark Stoddard, fifth son of Robert and
Bathsheba (Rogers) Stoddard, was born
October 10, 1743, in Groton, where he
made his home. He was among the de-
fenders of his country in the Revolution,
serving as sergeant in the loth Company
(Captain Abel Spicer), 6th Regiment
(Colonel Samuel Holden Parsons) from
May 8 to December 18, 1775, and par-
ticipating in the battle of Bunker Hill.
He married, December 9, 1767, Lucy Al-
lyn, born January 30, 1748, fourth daugh-
ter of Samuel and Hannah (Avery) Al-
lyn, died July 29, 1831 ; granddaughter of
Robert and Deborah (Avery) Allyn, and
of Samuel and Elizabeth (Ransford)
Avery. Stephen Stoddard, son of Mark
and Lucy (Allyn) Stoddard, was born
March 18, 1788, in Groton, in which town
he was a farmer, member of the Congre-
gational Church and served in various
town offices. He married, in 1810, Sarah
Morgan, born July 21, 1788, a daughter
of Stephen and Parthenia (Parke) Mor-
gan. Both Stephen Stoddard and his wife
lived to a great age. They were the par-
ents of Stephen Morgan Stoddard, born
April 21, 181 1, in Groton. In early life
he was a whaler, later settled down to
farming in Ledyard, which was set off
from Groton in 1836. There he died in
1880. He married, in 1838, Henrietta Al-
lyn, born 1811-12, daughter of Roger and
Henrietta (Morgan) Allyn, died at the
age of seventy-five years.
Orrin Edwin Stoddard, second son of
Stephen M. and Henrietta (Allyn) Stod-
dard, was born July 9, 1843, '" Ledyard,
and died in Middletown, June 27, 1920.
He grew up on the paternal farm and at-
tended the local public school until eight-
een years of age, when he laid aside home
duties to go to the defense of his country's
integrity. In October, 1861, he enlisted
and became a member of Company K,
1 2th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers,
and spent two years in Louisiana, on the
Mississippi and Red Rivers. He was
among the brave and persistent ones who
captured Port Hudson after one of the
most sanguine battles of the war. Sub-
sequently he was with General Sheridan
in the Shenandoah Valley, where he was
made a prisoner by the Confederate
forces. After a short incarceration in the
notorious Libby Prison and at Salisbury,
North Carolina, he was paroled. This
prevented further activity on his part, but
he was promoted lieutenant for bravery
exhibited on the field of battle. He was
discharged from military service May 3,
1865, and returned to his native town.
Soon after he went to California and en-
gaged in wheat raising in Contra Costa
County, twenty miles from the present
city of Oakland, where he continued four
years. Returning to Connecticut, he
was employed two years in a factory
in Hartford. In 1871 Mr. Stoddard be-
came a resident of Middletown, where
he continued many years very actively
227
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
engaged in business as a partner of
George T. Meech, under the name of
Meech & Stoddard. This business was,
in time, incorporated and is still among
the most successful enterprises of the
city. The industry and sound business
principles of the partners caused the busi-
ness to grow, and Mr. Stoddard contin-
ued an active factor in its progress until
his retirement on account of impaired
health in 1903. For many years his home
was on Pleasant Street, Middletown,
where he enjoyed a well-earned retire-
ment. He held the esteem and respect of
a wide circle of friends and contempo-
raries. Mr. Stoddard held membership
in the local encampment of the Grand
Army of the Republic, which he had
represented in the State Encampment. In
its day of usefulness, he was a member of
the Middletown Board of Trade, was a
faithful attendant of the South Church,
and all his life a steadfast Republican in
political association. At one time he was
the candidate of his party for the office
of alderman, and was defeated by only
one vote ; not a seeker of political honors,
this caused him no chagrin.
Orrin E. Stoddard was married. May 21,
1872, to Martha Billings, who was born
September 9, 1853, in Ledyard, and died
October 30, 1923, in Middletown, a daugh-
ter of James Allyn and Margaret (Allyn)
Billings of that town. She was a member
of the South Congregational Church and
of Wadsworth Chapter, Daughters of the
American Revolution. James A. Billings
was born February, 1821, in Groton, and
died December, 1896, in Ledyard, where he
was a teacher in early life and a farmer. He
married, in 1852, Margaret J. Allyn, who
was born November 17, 1834, daughter
of Abel and Polly (Hakes) Allyn. Four
daughters complete the family of Mr. and
Mrs. Stoddard, namely: i. Mary B., wife
of William Gordon Murphy, residing in
Garden City, New York. 2. Grace Mar-
garet, wife of C. Hadlai Hull of New Lon-
don. 3. Anna Belle, wife of Walter E.
Jones of Middletown. 4. Henrietta Al-
lyn, graduated from Smith College, and is
the wife of Robert Martin, residing on
Staten Island, New York.
THOMPSON, Finton,
Artisan.
Not a little of the stamina, intelligence
and persistence of America are contrib-
uted by citizens of foreign birth, stable
and patriotic, who appreciate the oppor-
tunity and liberty which our country af-
fords. In County Queens, Ireland, lived
for many generations the family of
Thompson, on the same farm to the pres-
ent time. This farm is at Ballyfen, where
lived and died Finton Thompson and his
wife, Jane (Little) Thompson.
Thomas Thompson, son of Finton and
Jane (Little) Thompson, was a black-
smith at Stradbally, born 1835 at Bally-
fen, died December 31, 1913, in Middle-
town, aged seventy-eight years. Late in
life he followed his son to America, where
his last days were passed in quiet com-
fort. In Ireland he married Elizabeth
Tynan, daughter of William Tynan, a
blacksmith, who lived and died at Strad-
bally. His wife, Elizabeth Gafifney, fol-
lowed her children to America, accom-
panied by her mother, who was a Lawler.
The latter is buried in Middletown.
Finton Thompson, son of Thomas and
Elizabeth (Tynan) Thompson, was born
April 19, 1869, in Stradbally, and lost his
mother when very small. Under the in-
structions of his father and grandfathe-
he became master of the blacksmith's
trade and, when a lad of seventeen years,
he came to America and made his home
228
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
in Middletown, Connecticut. In 1887 he of the National Association of Horse-
entered the employ of John Coleman, a
blacksmith of Meriden, now deceased, and
after two and one-half years engaged with
the Berlin Iron Bridge Company at East
Berlin, Connecticut. There he continued
until 1892, when he became associated
with G. F. Peckham, who operated a shop
on Court Street, Middletown, since which
time he has continued in business there.
In time he became a partner with his
former employer and, when the latter re-
tired, Mr. Thompson became sole propri-
etor, including the ownership of the prop-
erty occupied. This he sold in 192 1, and
moved to Center Street, where he may
now be found in business hours. Through
his skill and industry, Mr. Thompson has
made his own way and is now reckoned
among the enterprising and public-spir-
ited men of the growing city of Middle-
town. In 191 1 he purchased his hand-
some home at 186 Washington Street, and
he is also the owner of the large house at
the corner of Broad and Washington
streets. His worth has been recognized
by his contemporaries, and he has re-
cently been called upon to serve on a very
important committee to revise the entire
assessment system of the city. He is a
member of the board of water commis-
sioners of the city, and is ever ready to
contribute his share in promoting the
progress and welfare of his home com-
munity. He has served as a member
of the common council, and has long been
a member of the O. V. Coffin Hook and
Ladder Company, a very efficient volun-
teer fire company. He is a faithful mem-
ber of St. John's Roman Catholic Church ;
of Forest City Council, No. 3, Knights of
Columbus, of which he has been a trustee :
of Division No. i, Ancient Order of Hi-
bernians and is now president of the
county organization ; he is also a member
shoers, and at one time was the secretary
of the State organization of that body.
In political registration he is listed among
the Democrats, but his patriotism ex-
tends far beyond the boundary of partizan
lines.
Mr. Thompson was married, in Novem-
ber, 1898, to Abigail Dennan, who was
born November 24, 1870, in Moodus, Con-
necticut, daughter of Thomas and Ellen
(Pumfrey) Dennan, natives of County
Cork, Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson
are the parents of a worthy son, Thomas
Finton, who, at the age of nineteen years,
became manager of the Middletown
branch of the Elmer Automobile Com-
pany of Hartford and continues in that
position.
BRAINERD, Erastus LeRoy,
Civil Engineer.
A scion of one of the most prolific fam-
ilies in Connecticut, Mr. Brainerd was
born May 5, 1881, in Portland, son of
LeRoy Brainerd. The founder of the fam-
ily in America was Daniel Brainerd, a
pioneer settler of Haddam. James Brain-
erd, second son of Daniel, born June 2,
1669, in Haddam, was a farmer there, a
deacon of the church, ensign and cap-
tain of militia, representative in 171 1, and
from 1726 to 1737, and died February 10,
1743. He married, April i, 1696, De-
borah Dudley, of Saybrook, born Novem-
ber II, 1670, died July 22, 1709, daugh-
ter of William and Mary (Poe) Dudley.
Abiah Brainerd, third son of James and
Deborah, born November 26, 1705, in
Haddam, was a farmer at Haddam Neck,
and died in September, 1782. Fle mar-
ried, December 28, 1727, Esther Smith, of
Haddam, born November 20, 1706, daugh-
ter of Simon and Elizabeth (Wells)
229
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Smith. Simon Brainerd, second son of
Abiah and Esther, was a farmer in
Chatham (now Portland), built saw and
grist mills, and died after September ii,
1806. He married Hepsibah, daughter of
. Nathaniel Spencer of Haddam, and their
fourth son was Silas Brainerd. He was
born April 12, 1767, in Chatham and was
a carpenter, living successively in East
Haddam, Catskill and other points in
Greene County, New York, dying July 20,
1847, in Middle Haddam. He opened
stone quarries in Saugerties, New York.
His wife was Lucinda Brainerd, born in
1765, died April 9, 1816, daughter of Jo-
siah and Lois (Hurlburt) Brainerd, of
Haddam Neck.
Erastus Brainerd, eldest son of Silas
and Lucinda, born October 16, 1791, bap-
tized February 5, 1792, in Portland (then
part of Chatham), was one of the most
active and useful citizens of his native
place, and died June 15, 1861. The first
to develop the famous brownstone quar-
ries of Portland on an extensive scale,
he continued to be interested in their oper-
ation until his death. He was a director
of the Middletown Bank from 1847 to
1861, vice-president of the agricultural
society in 1858-59, representative in 1843-
1844, and one of the corporators of the
Union Mills. He married, December 25,
1815, Mary Wells Stancliff, born Decem-
ber I, 1793, died May 11, 1880, daughter
of James and Meribah (Wells) Stancliff.
-y^ Benjamin Franklin Brainerd, third son of
Erastus, was born November 29, 1823,
at the family homestead in Portland, and
was interested in the quarries all his life.
At the time of his death he was treasurer
of the quarry corporation, now known as
Brainerd, Shailer & Hall. A lifelong
member of Trinity parish, he was inter-
ested in all its good works. Not a seeker
for public office, he devoted himself to
business and was a director of the Port-
land National Bank and Freestone Sav-
ings Bank, whose judgment was respected
by his associates. He married, March
28, 1851, Amelia Ann Davis, born July 8,
1822, in Portland, daughter of Asa and
Mary (Diggins) Davis, and they were the
parents of six children.
LeRoy Brainerd, son of Erastus, born
March 12, 1840, in Portland, was a stu-
dent in Woodford's School at Meriden,
Connecticut, and the Skinner School in
New Haven. Before attaining his major-
ity, he left school and began work in the
Portland quarries, later was interested a
few years in business in New Haven. He
became treasurer and general manager of
the Middletown & Portland Ferry Com-
pany. This was replaced by the present
highway bridge, shortly before his death,
which occurred April 4, 1903. He was
also president of the quarry company,
above mentioned. He was a vestryman
in Trinity Church of Portland, one of the
founders of the Portland Social Club and
a member of the Warren Lodge, No. 51,
Free and Accepted Masons of Portland.
Politically, he was a Republican, but did
not desire any part in the conduct of pub-
lic affairs. He married, April .28, 1869,
Amelia D. Freeman, born November 23,
1845, i" Cherry Valley, New York, died
February 28, 1918, in New Jersey, buried
in Portland, daughter of Rodney B. and
Mary (Davis) Freeman, the former a
native of Massachusetts, and the latter of
Portland. Their children were : Elsie ;
Fannie, died in 1900; Clara, died in 1922;
and Erastus LeRoy.
Erastus LeRoy Brainerd, only son of
LeRoy and Amelia, was reared in Port-
land, where he was a student in Miss
White's Private School. He was four
years a student in the public schools and
attended the Middletown High School
230
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
one year. In 1902 he was graduated from
the Massachusetts Institute of Technol-
ogy, with the degree of S. B. in civil
engineering. Following this he was em-
ployed in the construction of different
railroads until 1918, when he returned to
Portland and has since been connected
with the Russell Manufacturing Company
of Middletown. He is a member of the
Portland Social Club, of Warren Masonic
Lodge ; of Trinity Church of Portland ;
and a director of the Portland Board of
Trade and Portland Building and Loan
Association. In public affairs, he acts
with the Republican party. Mr. Brainerd
married, October 3, 1910, Mildred Light-
hipe, born January 17, 1884, daughter of
Herbert and Rosalie B. (VanWagenen)
Lighthipe, natives of Orange, New Jer-
sey, where Mr. Brainerd resided for more
than thirteen years.
Mrs. Simon Brainerd was descended from a
pioneer New England family traced to Michael
Spencer, who was a landholder in Stotfold, Eng-
land. Long before that time, members of the fam-
ily had been raised to the peerage, including the
Earl of Sutherland. Michael Spencer's second
wife, Elizabeth, was the mother of Gerrard Spencer,
who was baptized May 20, 1576, and had four sons,
William, Thomas, Michael and Gerrard, all of
whom came to America in 1633-34. They received
legacies from Richard Spencer of London, who
was evidently their uncle. Thomas Spencer was in
Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1633, and took the
freeman's oath May 14, 1634. In 1639 he was liv-
ing in Hartford, Connecticut, where he owned
land at that time, and held various important local
offices from 1649 to 1672. His ownership of land
in "Soldiers' Field" indicated that he had served
in the Pequot War in 1637. In 1671 he was granted
sixty acres of land by the General Court "for his
good service in the country." He died September
II, 1687. The name of his first wife is unknown.
Their eldest child, Obadiah Spencer, was admitted
a freeman of Connecticut, May 20, 1658, indicating
that he was born about 1637. In 1669 he lived on
the north side of Little River, and he was fence
viewer in 1687, 1693-94. He died between May 2
and 26, 1 7 12. His wife, Mary, was a daughter of
Nicholas Desbrough. Their third son, Samuel
Spencer, born in Hartford, inherited one-half the
homestead "in the Neck," and was hayward for
the North Meadow in 1709 and 1711-12. In 1728
he sold his land and moved to Middletown. In
the previous year he had purchased land on the
river, near Middle Haddam. In 1731 he was grand
juror and was admitted to the Congregational
Church of the east society (now Portland) in
November, 1733, and next month was elected one
of the society committee, at that time called Cor-
poral Spencer. He was one of the fourteen organ-
izers of the Haddam Neck Church, September 24,
1740, his name appearing third on the list. He
died between April 3, 1750, and July 5, 1756. His
wife, Deborah, was a daughter of John Beckley,
of Wethersfield. Their second son, Nathaniel
Spencer, was born December 5, 1704.
His daughter, Hepsibah, born about 1740, became
the wife of Simon Brainerd, as previously noted.
WATSON, James J.,
Business Man.
The surname of Watson has been de-
rived from Watt's Son and literally sig-
nifies "mighty army." James J. Watson
was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 15,
1877, son of William and Hannah (Mur-
phy) Watson.
His father was born in the town of Mil-
ford, County Cork, Ireland, and died
August 18, 191 1. He came to America
when he was seventeen years old and lo-
cated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At
one time he drove a mule on the tow-path
of the Erie Canal. In 1871 he came to
New Britain, Connecticut, and entered
the employ of P. & F. Corbin. When
they sold their casket business to a Cin-
cinnati firm, he went there to help organ-
ize that branch of the work with the new
owner. After four or five years Mr. Wat-
son returned to the East and in 1879 be-
gan work for Jonathan Hart, in Kensing-
ton, and was employed in their finish-
ing department for many years. He later
returned to the employ of the Corbin
231
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
firm. Mr. Watson married Hannah,
daughter of James Murphy ; she was born
in Fermoy, Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Wat-
son were the parents of fourteen children,
eight of whom grew up. They were :
Mary; James J., of further mention; El-
len, wife of John Keevers of New Britain ;
Elizabeth, married Michael Carmody, of
New Britain ; Grace ; Howard ; Frederick ;
Madeline. The family attends St. Mary's
Roman Catholic Church.
The paternal grandfather of Mr. Wat-
son was William Watson. He was what
is known in the old country as a gentle-
man farmer, owner of his own estate.
The family is an old one in their county,
and members of it are now among the
leading bankers there.
James J. Watson received a practical
education in the public school and then
entered the employ of J. M. Curtin,
grocer. After six years there he went
with the Metropolitan Life Insurance
Company, remaining for three years, and
for five years was with Moss Brothers of
Hartford. From this time until 191 1,
Mr. Watson was associated with the
Home Banking & Realty Company and in
that year opened his own office. In addi-
tion to the real estate business Mr. Wat-
son handles all kinds of insurance. He
has been very successful in his undertak-
ing and is prominent in both the business
and public life of New Britain ; he served
as alderman for three years ; as council-
man for two years and as a member of the
Board of Assessors for seven years. Mr.
Watson is also a member of the Demo-
cratic Town Central Committee. During
the War he was a member of the Draft
Board and was secretary of local Board
No. I throughout the war. His fraternal
affiliations are with the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks and the Knights
of Columbus, of which he is Past Grand
Knight.
Mr. Watson married Catherine, daugh-
ter of George Scheidler, of New Britain,
and they are the parents of a son, Wil-
liam J., born January 24, 1907. With his
family Mr. Watson attends St. Mary's
Roman Catholic Church.
BOUTEILLER, William Henry,
Insurance Agent.
In the last century much of the devel-
opment and progress of America has been
brought about by people of foreign birth or
descent, and there is a much larger ele-
ment of French blood in our population
than is generally realized. During the
persecution in France many people went to
England, where their names became some-
what Anglicized and whence many of their
descendants came to the United States.
The name at the head of this article was
originally le Bouteiller, adopted, like
thousands of others, as a surname from
the occupation of its bearer at the com-
paratively recent time of adoption of sur-
names in Europe. At Andencourt, in the
department of Monte Dieu, France, for
many decades resided a family of this
name. The first of whom we have pres-
ent knowledge was Florentine Bouteiller,
who came to the United States in 1870,
accompanied by his wife, two sons and a
daughter, and settled at Otis, Massachu-
setts, where he died at the age of ninety-
seven years. His wife, Julia, died when
eighty-four years old. Their son, Emile
Florentine Bouteiller, was born May 26,
1852, at Andencourt, and accompanied his
parents to Massachusetts, whence he
came to Portland, Connecticut, where he
still resides, and is still active and in-
dustrious. He married, December 2, 1874,
Ellen Higgins, who was born September
13, 1856, in Sheffield, Massachusetts,
public schools and before his majority
was employed in the famous bell shops
232
'^^^-<Jc2^EZMt.^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
daughter of John Higgins, who was born
in Ireland and went to England when a
youth. There he met and married Ann
Hobson, of English birth. They came to
America and settled in Sheffield. Emile
F. Bouteiller had two sons and two
daughters: i. George F., now a resident
of Hartford. 2. William H., of further
mention. 3. Lily M. (Mrs. Norton Mc-
Lean), of Danbury, Connecticut, died
March, 1924. 4. Minnie, widow of Rev.
Frank Van Sciver, an Episcopal clergy-
man who died at Forest City, Pennsyl-
vania, now resides with her parents. The
family are members of Trinity Church,
Portland.
William H. Bouteiller was born De-
cember ID, 1876, in Otis, Massachusetts,
and came to Portland with his parents
in 1882. Here he attended the public
schools, graduating from the high school
in 1894. After this, he was employed for
a time on the "Middletown Press," and
was subsequently employed for a time in
a drug store at Cromwell. Since the fall
of 1898 he has been a solicitor for the
Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance
Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and
has shown exceptional ability in his line,
often winning chief or second place for
amount written in a year in Connecticut.
His diligence is evidenced by the fact
that he has written more than a million
dollars of insurance in a year. Mr. Bou-
teiller is recognized as one of the most
progressive and public-spirited citizens of
Middletown, where he resides. In 1914
he purchased a desirable residence on
Lawn Avenue, where abide hospitality
and good cheer. He is a trustee of the
Middletown Savings Bank, a director of
the Middletown Press Publishing Com-
pany, of the Young Men's Christian As-
sociation, and has recently resigned a
directorship in the Chamber of Com-
merce. During the World War he was
active in all the drives to provide for the
comfort and efficiency of the men at the
front, and has given valuable assistance in
local drives for the benefit of charitable
and benevolent institutions. He is a
member of the Church of the Holy Trin-
ity of Middletown, of which he was sev-
eral years clerk and, later, vestryman ; of
Apollo Lodge, No. 33, Knights of Pyth-
ias, and of various Masonic bodies, in-
cluding St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Free and
Accepted Masons ; Washington Chapter,
No. 6. Royal Arch Masons ; Cyrene Com-
mandery. No. 8, Knights Templar ; and
Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Hartford.
In political matters he acts with the Re-
publican party, though not a blind par-
tisan or a seeker of political honors or
emoluments As a citizen, Mr. Bouteil-
ler seeks to promote the welfare of his
home community and the rights of hu-
manity in general.
He married, November 14, 1901, Grace
Louise Austin, born August 29, 1878, in
Cromwell, daughter of Millard W. and
Elizabeth (Baker) Austin, the former a
native of Chino, Maine, and the latter of
Middletown, Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs.
Bouteiller are the parents of two sons
and a daughter: Austin Warner, Griswold
Ladd, and Marion.
DICKSON, James,
Merchant.
A son of William and Jane (Hodge)
Dickson, James Dickson was born No-
vember 15, 1843, in South Leith, Scotland,
and was in his ninth year when he came
to America. In 1852 his father came to
America and settled at East Hampton,
Connecticut, where he died. There James
Dickson received his education in the
233
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of the town. Industrious and gifted with
the noted Scotch thrift, he was able to
engage in business on his own account.
In 1890 he purchased a meat market in
the village, and continued to operate it
until his death, which took place August
31, 1896. While yet a minor he joined the
United States forces as a soldier of the
Civil War, and attained the rank of
corporal. Naturally he became a member
of the Grand Army of the Republic and
was esteemed by his associates as a brave
soldier and a good citizen. He attended
the Congregational Church and, in mat-
ters of public concern supported the prin-
ciples of the Republican party.
Mr. Dickson married. May 14, 1868,
Abbie T. Shepard, who was born August
5, 1844, in Hampton, Connecticut, daugh-
ter of Chester and Mary (Fox) Shepard.
Eben Shepard, admitted a freeman Sep-
tember 15, 1805, in Brooklyn, Connecti-
cut, was, undoubtedly, father of Chester
Shepard, who was born in Plainfield.
The latter was admitted freeman in
Hampton, Connecticut, in 1843, having
removed there from Brooklyn. He mar-
ried, February 18, 1827, Rev. A. Edson
officiating, Mary Fox of Brooklyn, born
in Franklin, Connecticut. Later, they
resided in Plainfield. Mr. and Mrs. Dick-
son were the parents of four children, of
whom two daughters survive. They are :
Isadora Imogene, born July 31, 1870, and
Clara Estelle, March 21, 1884, both resid-
ing with their mother in the family home
in East Hampton, and esteemed members
of the community.
TREVITHICK, William James,
Retired Business Man.
The name (pronounced Tre-vith'-ick) is
an old one in Cornwall, said by family
tradition to have been Cornish before it
was English. Probably it crossed the chan-
nel from ancient Brittany, with the forma-
tion of whose names it conforms better
than with more modern English names.
At any rate, it has been identified with
the chief industry of Cornwall — tin min-
ing— since the time ''when the memory
of man runneth not to the contrary."
William Trevithick, a miner, lived and
died in the same house where his father
lived and died, in the parish of Illogan,
Cornwall. He married Mary, daughter of
James and Lydia Jose, residents of Lan-
ner, in the same parish, of another family
of miners. All were very steady-going
people, and William Trevithick probably
never went thirty miles from his native
place.
W'illiam James Trevithick was born
February 16, 1864, in Illogan and at-
tended the public school of the parish un-
til eleven years old, when he was appren-
ticed to a meat dealer, with whom he
served seven years. Having mastered the
details of the business, he decided to
strike out for himself and, as a first step,
took to himself a wife. He was married,
March, 1882, to Mary E. Phillips, a native
of his own parish, daughter of John and
Mary (Warne) Phillips.
In January, 1883, they set sail for
America and landed in New York, whence
they proceeded direct to New Britain,
Connecticut. Here Mr. Trevithick found
employment for a few months in a knit-
ting mill, then for seven years he was
employed by a meat dealer. In 1890 he
opened a meat market of his own in New
Britain and in 1894 moved to Middle-
town, where he has since made his home
and engaged continuously in business un-
til a very recent period. His first market
there was located on Rapallo Avenue.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
After twelve years there he moved to
Main Street, a short distance south of
Rapallo Avenue. In addition to this, a
branch market has been operated for the
last twenty years, on Main Street, South
Farms. These markets are now managed
by his junior son, and Mr. Trevithick
gives much of his attention to his public
duties in the service of the consolidated
city. He is a member and deacon of the
First Baptist Church of Middletown, and
is a faithful member of the principal fra-
ternal orders, namely: The Free Masons
and the Odd Fellows. He is affiliated
with St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons ; Washington
Chapter, No. 6, Royal Arch Masons ;
Columbia Council, No. 9, Royal and Se-
lect Masters ; Cyrene Commandery, No.
8, Knights Templar, and with Central
Lodge, No. 12, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. On becoming a citizen he allied
himself with the Republican Party, and,
as such, has been called to the public ser-
vice. Naturally, the man who could man-
age successfully extended business enter-
prises, was sought to manage public con-
cerns. For four years he was president
of the water board, later was selectman,
and in October, 1924, was elected to that
position under the consolidated city and
town government. In all relations of life
he has been faithful to every responsi-
bility and trust, and is esteemed accord-
ingly by his fellow citizens. Mr. Trevith-
ick has reared three children, all of whom
have done credit to their parents and
themselves. The eldest, Harry Phillips
is chemist of the produce exchange in
New York City. Adelaide Mary is the
wife of Harry Foulkes of Hartford. Fred-
erick William, the youngest, is manager
of the Trevithick markets, whose former
high standard he maintains.
PORTEOUS, James Harold,
Oil Dealer,
While doing business under the name
of the Valley Oil Company, in Middle-
town and Portland, Mr. Porteous has
built up an extensive trade. He carries
only a high class of goods and endeavors
to treat the public with courtesy and fair-
ness. He was born January 23, 1882, in
Mallagash, Cumberland County, Nova
Scotia, and grew up on his father's farm.
His father, Alexander Porteous, was a
native of Scotland and went with his par-
ents to Nova Scotia when nine years old.
He was born about 1831, was a farmer in
Nova Scotia until his death in 1902, at
the age of seventy-one years. He mar-
ried Esther Treen, born in Nova Scotia.
James H. Porteous attended the public
and high schools in the vicinity of his
home until seventeen years of age and
during the intervals, assisted his father
on the farm. After leaving school, he
found employment in a sash and door fac-
tory where he continued nearly a year.
With his earnings he removed to the
United States. For two years he was
employed in Worcester, Massachusetts,
and came thence to Middletown, where
he first found employment at the State
Hospital. For nine years he was in the
employ of the Standard Oil Company in
Middletown, and in 1912 he engaged in
the oil business on his own account. A
depot is maintained in Portland and sev-
eral filling stations in Middletown. With-
out any assistance other than his own
energy, enterprise and initiative, he has
developed a profitable business, which is
still growing. He now employs four large
motor trucks in supplying the public of
Middlesex County. Mr. Porteous attends
the Methodist Church, is a Republican in
35
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
politics and is associated with St. John's
Lodge, and Washington Chapter of the
great Masonic fraternity of Middletown ;
also Central Lodge, No. 12, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows ; and Apollo Lodge,
No. 33, Knights of Pythias. He has filled
most of the principal chairs in Central
Lodge, of which he is now Past Grand.
Mr. Porteous married Eva Mitchell, and
they are the parents of two daughters and
a son, Dorothy, Etheline, and Harold
Mitchell.
LOUNSBURY, Charles Hugh,
Manufacturer, Man of Affairs
When a man has won his way to suc-
cess in the business world he has learned
much of practical value. The use of this
knowledge in the administration of pub-
lic affairs, and in the management of
economic institutions, constitutes a gen-
uine service to mankind. The city which
can command the loyal cooperation of her
successful business men is the city which
holds a leading place in the march of
progress. Stamford, Connecticut, counts
among the names of real significance to
to the community that of Charles Hugh
Lounsbury, formerly manufacturer, now
banker and merchant of that city.
(II) Michael Lounsbury, son of Rich-
ard and Elizabeth (Du Bois) Lounsbury
was likewise a prominent man in the
community, as the detailed records show.
He was born in Rye, New York, and
came to Stamford, Connecticut, about
1703. Book A, of Stamford Land Rec-
ords, page 410, records that on January
25, 1702 or 1703, he bought from Samuel
Webb for the sum of £43 los. seven
acres of upland on the west side of Mill
River, and woodland on Pepper Weed
Ridge, near Taunton. In 1706 or 1707
he obtained twenty-seven acres in the
Rocky Neck, and in the same year other
land in partnership with Edmond Lock-
wood, whose sister Sarah he married,
June 19, 1707. Records of the town of
Rye show that in the year 1709 he sold
land there which he had inherited from
his father. He was chosen highway sur-
veyor at a Stamford town meeting, De-
cember 15, 1719, and again on January 5,
1725 or 1726. On December 18, 1722, he
was one of the collectors chosen to
"gather ye Revarant Mr. Davenport's
rate." He died January 20, 1730.
Robert Lockwood, grandfather of Sa-
rah (Lockwood) Lounsbury, was one of
the early Massachusetts settlers. He
came from England about 1630, and set-
tled in Watertown, Massachusetts. He
was made a freeman March 9, 1636, and
in 1646 removed to Fairfield, Connecticut,
where he died in 1658. His widow, Su-
sannah, died December 23, 1660. Jon-
athan Lockwood, their son, was born
September 10, 1634, in Watertown, Mas-
sachusetts, and died May 12, 1688, in
Greenwich, Connecticut. He was in
Stamford, October 16, 1660, and lived
there for five years. He removed to
Greenwich, and became a freeman in
1670. He was one of the twenty-seven
original proprietors of that town, served
in the Legislature, and held several minor
offices. He married Mary Ferris, daugh-
ter of Jeffrey Ferris, who was a freeman
in Boston in 1635. Sarah Lockwood,
their daughter, married, June 19, 1707,
Michael Lounsbury, as above noted.
(Ill) Joshua Lounsbury, son of Mich-
ael and Sarah (Lockwood) Lounsbury,
was born, in Stamford, Connecticut, July
I, 1716. He was a prosperous man, and
his name appears in the records of many
land transactions. One of these was the
purchase of a triangular tract lying di-
rectly in front of the present (1919) site
236
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. At
some time between the years 1757 and
1774 he moved over the line into the Col-
ony of New York, for in the latter year
his name appears in the North Castle
Land Records as a resident of that town.
His first wife, whom he married May 3,
1739, was Hannah Scofield, born Decem-
ber II, 1718.
(IV) Joshua (2) Lounsbury, son of
Joshua (i)and Hannah (Scofield) Louns-
bury, was born October 4, 1745, and died
April 4, 1826. He was a dutiful son and
a devoted husband and father. With the
flower of the colonies he took a loyal part
in the struggle for independence in the
Revolutionary War, but survived without
being seriously incapacitated. He mar-
ried Susannah Smith, born October 3,
1752.
(V) Silas Lounsbury, son of Joshua
(2) and Susannah (Smith) Lounsbury,
was born January 17, 1771. He was a
farmer, and lived for many years in Stan-
wich, Connecticut. He was a man of pro-
gressive ideas, who thought ahead of his
time and built for the future.
(VI) George Lounsbury, son of Silas
Lounsbury, was a prominent citizen of
Fairfield County, Connecticut. He served
in local public offices and as a member of
the State Legislature. For many years
he was a merchant at Long Ridge, in the
town of Stamford, but later returned to
the life of the open, which had interested
him as a boy, and conducted a farm. He
married Louisa Scofield, daughter of Ben-
jamin Scofield, and they were the parents
of eight children : Mary, who married
Seth S. Cook; Sarah, who married James
H. Rowland ; Susan, who married Philip
Clark ; Harriet, deceased ; George, de-
ceased; Charles Hugh, of whom further;
Jane E., living; Elizabeth, deceased.
(VII) Charles Hugh Lounsbury, son
of George and Louisa (Scofield) Louns-
bury, was born August 19, 1839. He
spent his boyhood on the farm at Long
Ridge, but as he grew to manhood he
felt the restrictions of the life and chose
to branch out for himself. He entered
into a partnership with Scofield & Cook.
Three years later, in 1861, F. B. Scofield
retired from the business, which was
thereafter carried on under the firm name
of Cook & Lounsbury. The manufacture
of shoes was becoming an important in-
dustry in New England, and this firm
held a high standard of excellence in its
product. The business grew with the
growth of the section and the develop-
ment of the country. The partnership
continued until 1884, when a period en-
sued when general trade changes made
reorganization advisable. The first change
in the business was that of location, the
factory being removed to the more pop-
ulous part of the town near the railroad
tracks. At this time George H. Soule,
a bright, alert young man who had for
some time been connected with the sales
department, was admitted to membership
with the firm, and the senior member,
Seth S. Cook, withdrew. This placed
Mr. Lounsbury at the head of the firm and
the name became Lounsbury & Soule.
In 1885 the firm took a long step ahead
in assuming possession of the new fac-
tory on Broad Street, where the business
is still located The factory was equipped
with the most modern machinery, and
from that day until the present time the
policy of the firm has remained the same,
up-to-date equipment, the most improved
methods, and always quality the first con-
sideration.
In 1894 the firm branched out into the
retail trade, purchasing a store at No.
26 Atlantic Street. Here they conducted
a thriving retail business under the name
237
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of the Stamford Shoe Company. They
met the needs of the retail trade with the
same comprehensive attention to all per-
tinent details which has always charac-
terized their manufacturing business.
Later Mr. Lounsbury retired and the
company was then incorporated. Late
in the year 1904 he became president of
the Stamford Savings Bank, and since
that time this interest has almost exclu-
sively held his attention, his present office
being that of president of the board. He
still owns the Stamford Shoe Company,
which became his personal property when
he retired from the firm.
Mr. Lounsbury has always held the
keenest interest in the public welfare and
civic progress. While never seeking po-
litical preferment, and caring nothing for
the game for its own sake, he never shirks
any part in the public service which ap-
peals to him as a duty. His political
convictions hold him loyal to the Repub-
lican party. He has been a member of the
Board of Burgesses and of the City
Council, also of the Board of Trade, of
which he was president for some years.
He is a director of the Stamford Trust
Company and of the Stamford Savings
Bank, and is secretary and assistant treas-
urer of the Stamford Gas and Electric
Company, and a director of the Stamford
National Bank. He is also a director of
the Stamford Hospital. He is a member
of Union Lodge, No. 5, Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons, of Stamford, and also
of the Suburban Club.
Mr. Lounsbury married, in Stamford,
Anna Perry Samuel, of St. Louis, and
they are the parents of three daughters :
Alice ; Mary ; Louise, who was the wife
of William P. Hudson, and was the mo-
ther of two children, Florence, deceased,
and Charles H. L., who was an ensign in
the Navy during the European War.
STRANG, James Suydam,
Merchant
In the history of man's struggle for
freedom no chapter is more thrilling than
that which narrates the flight of the
French Protestants from their native
land, when in 1685 Louis XIV revoked
the Edict of Nantes. Since 1598 they
had been in the enjoyment of religious
freedom, but now, not only were they de-
prived of the privilege to worship God
according to the dictates of their con-
science, but they were not permitted to
emigrate to countries where such priv-
ileges were accorded. Most rigid meas-
ures were adopted to prevent their leav-
ing the country, every avenue of escape
being most closely guarded. However,
thousands of these sturdy folk to whom
adherence to principle was dearer than
life itself, made their way to England,
some coming thence to America Among
the latter was Daniel L'Estrange, the
progenitor of the Strang family in this
country. No element among our Colon-
ial pioneers has contributed more than
the French Huguenots to the sturdy char-
acter of American manhood, or to the
high ideals of American institutions and
government. The meager facts now
available relating to the descendants of
Daniel L'Estrange in the line here under
consideration show that in every crisis
of the nation's history they have evinced
the sturdiest patriotism, while in the less
strenuous but not less exacting times of
peace, judged by ethical standards, they
have by precept and example, in indus-
try, frugality, and upright citizenship, in
private and public life, contributed to
the material and moral advancement of
our country.
Like all historic patronymics, the name
Strang has been spelled in various ways.
238
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
The original French form was L'Es-
trange ; in America it became Streing,
then Strange, Strang, and in a few cases
was changed to Strong.
The coat-of-arms of the family is :
Arms — Gules, two lions passant, guardant,
argent.
Crest — A lion passant, guardant, or.
(I) When the list of the residents of
New Rochelle was made in 1698, Daniel
D'Estrange's age was given as thirty-
seven years. This would make the year
of his birth 1661. He was a native of
Orleans, France. According to the au-
thor of "Colonial Days and Ways," Dan-
iel L'Estrange was sent to an academy in
Switzerland to study philosophy, and
when he entered, July 29, 1672, his name
was purposely misspelled as Streing, so
that his father's persecutors might not
learn where the young man had been
sent. However, upon his return to
France, he became a member of the
Royal Guards and resumed the proper
spelling of his name. When he was
twenty-two, he entered upon a mercan-
tile career, and about that time married
Charlotte Hubert, daughter of Francis
and Levina Hubert, of Paris. He formed
a partnership with his wife's brother,
Gabriel Hubert. According to the ".Strang
manuscript," written nearly a hundred
years ago and published in a small book-
let, L'Estrange and his partner were com-
pelled to flee to London from the fury of
their persecutors who confiscated their
property. Mr. L'Estrange became a lieu-
tenant in the Guards of King James II.
The loss of their property placed Mrs.
L'Estrange in very trying circumstances,
and within a year she determined also to
flee the country. The tradition regarding
the method of her escape is thrilling; but
the family genealogist questions the ac-
curacy of the story, owing to the fact that
in her will, recorded in New York, Mrs.
L'Estrange disposes of her wedding gar-
ments, which it is hardly probable she
was able to take with her when she fled
to London. Daniel L'Estrange continued
in the King's Guards until about 1688,
when he sold his commission, the pro-
ceeds enabling him and his wife to join a
company of refugees bound for the New
World. They landed in New York and
soon proceeded to the present town of
New Rochelle. There he engaged in
farming and grazing, and for many years
taught French and the classical languages
to boys preparing for Yale or King's Col-
lege (now Columbia University).. After
a few years he removed to Rye, New
York, where he kept a store and tavern,
and also engaged in farming. Later he
became one of the patentees of the town
of White Plains. He died in Rye,
1706-07. He was a devout member of
the Episcopal church. His wife was born
in France, 1668, and died in Rye. The
baptisms of their children are recorded
in the church Du Saint Esprit, New York
City, and there Mrs. L'Estrange is re-
corded as Charlotte Le Mestre, which has
given rise to the conjecture that at the
time of her marriage to Daniel L'Estrange
she was a widow.
(II) Daniel (2) Strang, son of the im-
migrants, was born in 1692. and died in
1741. He became a resident of White
Plains, settling on a farm acquired by
his father as one of the patentees. He
was industrious and thrifty, if we may
judge by the amount of land of which he
became possessed. He married Phebe
Purdy, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth
Purdy, of Rye Neck, New York. She
died in 1761. Joseph Purdy. according to
the records, was under age in 1661. He
became a resident of Rye in 1670, and died
October 29, 1709. He married Elizabeth
239
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Ogden, daughter of John and Judith
(Budd) Og-den. She died in 1742. He
was the son of Francis Purdy (sometimes
spelled "Pardee"), who was born in Eng-
land in 1610, and came to America in
1635. He died in Fairfield, Connecticut,
in 1658. He married Mary Brundage,
daughter of John Brundage, of Wethers-
field, Connecticut. Joseph Purdy was a
leading man in his community ; he served
as justice of the peace, 1702 ; as super-
visor of the town, 1707-08; for several
terms was representative in the General
Assembly. He purchased land at North
Castle, where many of his descendants
settled. His will is dated October 5,
1709.
(HI) Major Joseph Strang, son of Dan-
iel (2) and Phebe (Purdy) Strang, was
born February 27, 1725, and died August
2, 1794. He served as lieutenant under
Captain John Verplanck in the French
War of 1757. On October 19, 1775, he
was commissioned major of the Third or
North Manor of Cortlandt Regiment un-
der Colonel Pierre Van Cortlandt. His
house, which was being used as a court
house at the time, was burned by the
British, June 3, 1779. He married for
his second wife, Anne Haight, born De-
cember 12, 1734, and died June 30, 1796,
daughter of Jonathan Haight, of Cort-
landt Manor, New York.
(IV) Dr. Samuel Strang, son of Major
Joseph and Anne (Haight) Strang, was
born November 18, 1768, and died Janu-
ary I, 1832. He was a physician. On
December 31, 1795, he married Catharine
White, born May 30, 1773, or 1778, and
died December 30, 1832, daughter of Dr.
Ebenezer White, who was a surgeon in
the New York Militia during the Revolu-
tion. He was born in Southampton, Long
Island, September 3, 1746, son of Rev.
Sylvanus White, who was pastor of the
Presbyterian church there for about fifty
years. Dr. White married, March 19,
1772, Helena Barstow, daughter of The-
ophilus and Bathsheba (Pell) Barstow.
Dr. White died in Yorktown, March 8,
1827.
(V) Joseph White Strang, son of Dr.
Samuel and Catharine (White) Strang,
was born December 7, 1797, and died in
Yonkers, New York, June 4, 1864. He
was a lawyer and resided most of his life
in Peekskill, New York, where he took an
active part in public afifairs. He was the
first man chosen president of the village.
On September 3, 1821, he married Eliz-
abeth Morgan Belcher, born October 4,
1801, and died in Yonkers, New York,
December 22, 1877, daughter of Dr. Elisha
Belcher, a physician. Joseph White and
Elizabeth Morgan (Belcher) Strang were
the parents of the following children :
Samuel A-, Matilda, Josephine A., Lydia,
Edgar A., mentioned below ; William
Belcher.
Dr. Elisha Belcher, father of Elizabeth
Morgan (Belcher) Strang, was born
March 7, 1757, and married Lydia Rey-
nolds. His father. Captain William Bel-
cher, was born August 29, 1731. He re-
sided in Preston, Connecticut, where he
died in his seventieth year. He com-
manded a company during the Revolu-
tion. He married, April 23, 1752, Desire,
born February 27, 1736, died May 15,
1801, daughter of Captain Daniel and
Elizabeth (Gates) Morgan. Captain
Daniel Morgan was born April 16, 1712,
and died October 16, 1773. He married,
September 24, 1730, Elizabeth Gates,
born March i, 1713, died February 11,
1793, daughter of Joseph Gates, of Pres-
ton. James Morgan, father of Captain
Daniel Morgan, was born about 1680, and
died in Preston. His estate was inven-
toried November 7, 1721. His father was
Captain John Morgan, who was born
March 30, 1645 ; about 1692 he became a
240
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
resident of Preston, where he died. He
was a prominent citizen, and served as
Indian commissioner and advisor, and
was elected as deputy to the General
Court from New London in 1690, and
from Preston in 1693-94. He married
(first), November 16, 1665, Rachel Dy-
mond, daughter of John Dymond. James
Morgan, father of Captain John Morgan,
and the founder of this branch of the
Morgan family, was born in Wales in
1607, and came to America in 1636. He
married August 6, 1640, Margery Hill, of
Roxbury, Massachusetts, who died in
1685, at the age of seventy-eight years.
William Belcher, father of Captain
William Belcher, was born in Milton,
Massachusetts, December 20, 1701, and
died in Preston, Connecticut, February 7,
1731-32. His father, Deacon Moses Bel-
cher, was bom August 14, 1672, and died
May 4, 1728. He bought a farm in Mil-
ton, Massachusetts, and resided there un-
til 1720, when he removed to Preston,
Connecticut. He was one of the first
deacons of the second church in Preston.
In 1 72 1 he represented the town in the
General Assembly. On December 19,
1694, he married Hannah Lyon, born No-
vember 14, 1673, died August 20, 1745,
daughter of George and Hannah (Tol-
man) Lyon, of Milton. His father, Sam-
uel Belcher, was born August 24, 1637,
was a resident of Braintree, Massachu-
setts, where he died. June 17, 1679. On
December 15, 1663, he married Mary Bil-
lings, daughter of Roger Billings, of Dor-
chester, Massachusetts. His father, Greg-
ory Belcher, was born about 1606. He
was in New England as early as 1637, and
received a grant of fifty-two acres in
Mount Wallaston, now part of Quincy,
Massachusetts. On May 13, 1640, he was
admitted freeman, and was elected select-
man in 1646. On July 14, 1664, he pur-
chased nine acres in Milton. He married
Catherine. He died November 25, 1674.
(VI) Edgar A. Strang, son of Joseph
White and Elizabeth Morgan (Belcher)
Strang, was born December 3, 1833, in
New York City, and died February 10,
1909. Edgar A. Strang's opportunities
for formal education were few. He was
only nine years of age when he went to
work in a wholesale grocery store. But
he possessed a fine type of mind, with
splendid powers of observation and per-
ception. He read extensively and pon-
dered well all that came within his ken,
so that his mind showed a much better
development than many minds which
have been favored with greatly superior
educational advantages. At the time of
the Civil War Mr. Strang was suffering
from a spinal disease which prevented
him from seeking enlistment, but so
strongly did he feel it to be the duty of
every loyal citizen to serve his country
that he paid a man to go for him. At the
time of his marriage he was engaged in
the banking business in New York City,
and continued in it until the condition of
his health made it necessary for him to
give up all physical activity. He became
a resident of Peekskill, about 1901. He
and his wife were earnest Christians,
identified with the Dutch Reformed
church for many years.
Mr. Strang married Anna Suydam. born
January 12, 1839, in New York City, died
December 21, 1907, in Peekskill, New
York, aged sixty-eight years, eleven
months, nine days, daughter of Cornelius
R. Suydam, born July 31, 1793, near Bed-
ford, Long Island, died November 12,
1845, in New York City, aged fifty-two
years, three months, twelve days, and his
wife, Jane Eliza (Heyer") Suydam, born
March 13, 1779, daughter of Cornelius
Heyer, born September 30, 1773, died
241
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
January 5, 1843 ! granddaughter of Wil-
liam Heyer, born December 14, 1723, died
April I, 1880; great-granddaughter of
Walter Heyer, born in 1699, died October
27, 1772. Mr. and Mrs. Strang were the
parents of the following children : James
Suydam, of further mention ; Clifford H.,
died August 30, 1903 ; Jane H., married
C. L. Mason, of Peekskill, New York.
(VII) James Suydam Strang, son of
Edgar A. and Anna (Suydam) Strang,
was born December 12, 1863, in Yonkers,
New York. His education was received
in the public schools and at the famous
old Peekskill Military Academy and Rut-
gers Preparatory School. After working
for a time for a firm of wholesale drug-
gists, he went into a retail drug store,
June 26, 1882, in Verplanck's Point. There
he applied himself diligently to the mas-
tery of every detail of the art of phar-
macy, and passed successfully the exam-
ination for a license as pharmacist, No-
vember 30, 1886. He later clerked for
Charles Dickinson, a New Britain drug-
gist, for about eighteen months. Mr.
Strang then opened a store of his own in
Mount Vernon, New York. Three years
more of the exacting life of a druggist,
made all the more arduous by his ambi-
tion to make his venture highly success-
ful, sufficed to cause a breakdown in his
health, compelling Mr. Strang to abandon
his profession. He sold his business, and
later became a clerk for the Union Trans-
fer & Storage Company, of New York
City. After a year and a half there, he
removed to Stamford, Connecticut, in
July, 1894, and there entered the office of
Doty & Bartel, lumber dealers, as book-
keeper. The following year Mr. Doty
sold his interest out to Mr. Strang and
his brother-in-law, Mr. C. W. Harper,
and the business was continued under the
name of Bartel & Company. After five
years Mr. Strang and Mr. Harper sold
their interests to Mr. Bartel, and Mr.
Strang became identified with the Blick-
ensderfer Manufacturing Company, where
he remained until August, 1914. Then
the present partnership with W. W.
Graves, under the firm name of Graves &
Strang, Inc., was formed to engage in
the coal and wood business. In the
spring of 1919, Mr. Strang and his part-
ner with others incorporated The Spring-
dale Ice and Coal Company, of which Mr.
Strang is secretary. Mr. Strang is a di-
rector of the Stamford Morris Plan Com-
pany and of the Young Men's Christian
Association in that city.
From the time he was made a Master
Mason in Union Lodge, No. 5, of Stam-
ford, May 3, 1899, Mr. Strang entered
actively and zealously into the cause of
Free Masonry and has attained the thirty-
second degree. He is treasurer of Union
Lodge ; treasurer of Rittenhouse Chap-
ter, No. II, Royal Arch Masons; treas-
urer of Washington Council, No. 6, Royal
and Select Masters ; member of Clinton
Commandery, Knights Templar, of Nor-
walk ; Lafayette Consistory, Ancient Ac-
cepted Scottish Rite ; and Pyramid Tem-
ple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine, of Bridgeport. Mr. Strang
thinks Masonry, like religion, is some-
thing to be lived in everyday life. Since
1884 Mr. Strang has been a member of
Courtland Lodge, No. 6, Independent Or-
der of Odd Fellows, of Peekskill, New
York. During the time he was associated
with the Blickensderfer Manufacturing
Company, he had charge of their office in
Detroit for sixteen months, and while
there he affiliated with Palestine Lodge,
No. 357, Free and Accepted Masons, as
permanent visiting member. He is also a
member of the Kiwanis and Suburban
clubs of Stamford.
On October 8, 1885, Mr. Strang was
united in marriage with Grace E. Harper,
242
I
n^.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
daughter of Rev. J. A. Harper, a clergy-
man of the Dutch Reformed church. He
was born in the North of Ireland, and
came as a young man to Mount Vernon,
New York. There Mrs. Strang was born
on April 2, 1867. Two children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Strang: Alma E.,
who graduated from the Stamford High
School, and Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, and
is now taking the nurses training course
at St. Luke's Hospital, New York City ;
Lorena S., like her sister graduated from
the Stamford High School, and Pratt In-
stitute, and at the time of writing is em-
ployed as assistant dietician, Blooming-
dale Hospital, White Plains, New York.
The family are members of the Pres-
byterian church in which Mr. Strang has
served some years as elder. In outward
demeanor he is most unassuming. His
ideas of man's duty to man are firmly es-
tablished, however, and he adheres rig-
idly to those ideals of right living that
have ever been the bulwark of American
family and national life. His sympathies
are broad, and his interest is ever keen
in what concerns the welfare of his fel-
lowman. These qualities have won for
him a host of loyal friends.
CROSBY, Joseph Porter,
Bnilder, Fabllc Official.
«i A residence of thirty-five years in
Greenwich, during which time he has es-
tablished himself as one of the leading
business men of his community, has made
Mr. Crosby's name so familiar and so
highly respected that its appearance is
sure to be greeted with instant and cor-
dial recognition. In public life Mr.
Crosby is even better known than in the
world of business, having served most
creditably as a member of the Legislature
and having filled, most honorably to him-
self and most satisfactorily to his constit-
uents, more than one local office of trust
and responsibility.
The name of Crosby signifies Town of
the Cross and is the designation of eight
places in Great Britain. Its earliest men-
tion as a family name occurs in records
of 1204.
Simon Crosby, founder of the American
branch of the family, came from England
in 1635 and settled in Cambridge, Mas-
sachusetts. His descendants established
themselves on Cape Cod which has thus
become the permanent home of the larg-
est branch of this numerous family.
(I) Lemuel Crosby, the progenitor of
the line herein followed, married and
among his children was Theophilus, of
whom further.
(II) Captain Theophilus Crosby, son
of Lemuel Crosby, married Anna Brown,
daughter of Benjamin Brown, and his
death occurred November 14, 1831.
(HI) Captain Ansel Crosby, son of
Captain Theophilus and Anna (Brown)
Crosby, was born June 11, 1786, in Nova
Scotia, whither his father had migrated
from Cape Cod. He married Tabitha
Dennis, daughter of Ambrose Dennis.
Captain Crosby died July 17, 1865.
(IV) Captain Ansel (2) Crosby, son of
Captain Ansel (i) and Tabitha (Dennis)
Crosby, was born in 1825, in Yarmouth,
Nova Scotia, and there grew to manhood.
In youth he began to follow the sea, be-
coming captain at an early age and mak-
ing deep-sea voyages for the most part
between New York City and different Eu-
ropean ports. After some years he retired
from the sea, and in 1873 engaged in
business as a ship chandler in Boston,
Massachusetts. About five years later he
went to New York City and opened a
shipping office which he continued to con-
duct as long as he lived. Mr. Crosby
married Elizabeth Porter, born 1822,
whose ancestral record is appended to
243
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
this biography, and their children were:
Alice, of Brooklyn, New York; Charles
W., also of Brooklyn, New York ; Joseph
Porter, of whom further ; and Harry A.,
a resident of Brooklyn. Mr. Crosby died
November 24, 1902. He and his wife were
members of the Baptist church.
(V) Joseph Porter Crosby, son of Cap-
tain Ansel (2) and Elizabeth (Porter)
Crosby, was born April 4, 1855, in Yar-
mouth, Nova Scotia. He received his ed-
ucation in the public schools of his home
town. He learned the carpenter's trade,
and in connection with his trade he
learned draughting, studying the theory
as well as mastering the practical art of
building, and after finishing his appren-
ticeship he went into business for him-
self in Yarmouth. In 1880 he removed
to Newton, Massachusetts, and served for
five years as superintendent for a con-
tractor and builder. In 1885 he removed
to Greenwich, Connecticut, and went into
business for himself, his specialty being
fine country houses. Among those which
he has erected may be mentioned the resi-
dences of James McCutcheon, A. W.
Johnson, N. Wetherell, the Hon. R. J.
Walsh and many others, all these being in
Greenwich. He constructed the interior
finish in the Greenwich Trust Company's
building, and since 1887 has operated a
wood-working mill, thus getting out
nearly all his own finish.
In politics Mr. Crosby is a Republican,
and has long taken an active part in pub-
lic affairs. After serving a term as a
member of the Board of Burgesses he was
elected, in 1915, to the Legislature, where
he served on the committee on cities and
boroughs. The same year he was elected
warden of the borough of Greenwich, an
office which he has ever since continu-
ously retained. Among the results ac-
complished during his administration are
the building of permanent roads and the
sewage disposal plant. When Mr. Crosby
became warden the borough was under a
floating debt of $200,000. The borough
has since been bonded to cover that
amount and the bonds are being retired.
From 1845 until Mr. Crosby became war-
den the borough borrowed money every
year, but during his administration it did
not borrow a dollar and has retired about
$25,000 of its old indebtedness. Among
the minor offices held by Mr. Crosby is
that of secretary of the school committee
that erected three modern schoolhouses,
situated, respectively, at Hamilton ave-
nue. Coscob street and New Lebanon.
He affiliates with Acacia Lodge, Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons, and he and
his wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church, in which for some years
Mr. Crosby held the office of steward.
Mr. Crosby married, August 27, 1878,
Maria D. Trefry, daughter of De Lancey
and Rachel (Wescott) Trefry, of Yar-
mouth, Nova Scotia, and they are the par-
ents of the following children: i.
Charles, born September 12, 1879; mar-
ried Elsie Clifif, of Greenwich. 2. Chester
N., born October 19, 1884; married Hilda
Wiederman, and they have three chil-
dren: Joseph P. (2), Chestine and Ruth
L. 3. Joseph Elton, born October 21,
1889; married Estelle White, and they
have one child, Joseph Elton, Jr. (see fol-
lowing sketch). 4. Genevieve, born Oc-
tober 23, 1891 ; married Ralph Benson
Hurlbutt, and they have one child, Ralph
Benson, Jr. 5. Helen, deceased.
The record of Joseph Porter Crosby is
that of an all-round man. As a business
man he has by his ability and enterprise
helped to increase the material prosperity
of his community, and in the different
offices to which he has been summoned
by the voice of his fellow-citizens, he has,
by his public-spirited devotion to the
rights and privileges of his constituents,
2.M
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
rendered service of a valuable and lasting
character. Most richly does he merit the
high esteem and cordial regard in which
he is held by his friends and neighbors
and the entire community.
(The Porter Line).
This ancient family, which has a rec-
ord of nearly three centuries in New Eng-
land, was founded by William de la
Grande, a Norman knight, who accom-
panied William the Conqueror to Eng-
land, and in return for his services was
given lands in or near Kenilworth, War-
wickshire.
Ralph, or Roger, son of William, be-
came Grand Porteur to King Henry the
First, and from his tenure of this high
office was derived the family name.
The escutcheon of the Porters is as
follows :
Arms — Argent, on a fesse sable between bar-
rulets or, three bells of the first.
Crest — A portcullis argent chained or.
Motto — Vigilantia et virtute.
(I) John Porter, founder of the Amer-
ican branch of the family, was born in
England about 1596, and about 1637 is
known to have been of Hingham, Mas-
sachusetts. Later he removed to Salem
and there passed the remainder of his
life. He was a man of prominence in the
community, holding high and responsible
offices, and is said to have been a per-
sonal friend of Governor Endicott. John
Porter married Mary . His death
occurred in 1676.
(II) Samuel Porter, son of John and
Mary Porter, was born, probably, in Eng-
land, and was a mariner, owning a farm
in Wenham, near Wenham pond. He
married Hannah Dodge. He died about
1660.
(HI) John (2) Porter, son of Samuel
and Hannah (Dodge) Porter, was born
in 1658, and about 1680 moved from Dan-
vers to Wenham. He was a maltster and
lived on a farm. He married Lydia Her-
rick. Mr. Porter was an active and influ-
ential citizen, and lived to the venerable
age of ninety-five years, passing away in
1753-
(IV) Nehemiah Porter, son of John
(2) and Lydia (Herrick) Porter, was born
in 1692, in Wenham, Massachusetts, and
was a weaver and yeoman, living on a
farm in Ipswich given him by his father.
He married, in 1717, Hannah Smith,
daughter of Hezekiah Smith, of Beverly.
He died in Ipswich in 1784.
(V) Nehemiah (2) Porter, son of Ne-
hemiah (i) and Hannah (Smith) Porter,
was born March 22, 1720. He early deter-
mined to study for the ministry. He
graduated from Harvard College, and in
1750 was ordained pastor of the church
in Chebacco parish where he remained
sixteen years. At the end of that time he
went to Nova Scotia where, however, he
spent but a few years, returning ere long
to Massachusetts and accepting a pastor-
ate in Ashfield, which he retained to the
close of his long life. He married (first)
January 20, 1749, Rebecca Chipman,
daughter of the Rev. John Chipman, of
Beverly, Massachusetts. The Chipmans
were numbered among the old Colonial
families of the Province. Mr. Porter mar-
ried (second) Elizabeth Nowell, of Bos-
ton. During the Revolutionary War he
volunteered as chaplain and always be-
lieved that his prayers turned the tide
of battle at Saratoga. To his great honor
be it recorded that he was strongly anti-
slavery. Many anecdotes are related il-
lustrative of his strength of principle, his
originality of mind and his trenchant and
ready wit. A gentleman who refused to
attend church ended his argument with
"I have a right to think as I have a mind
to." To which Mr. Porter instantly re-
plied, "You have no right to think
P
245
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
wrong." On February 29, 1820, this de-
voted man "ceased from earth." He had
rounded out, in years, very nearly a cen-
tury, seventy-five of those years having
been spent in the Christian ministry. His
character, considered from every side, is
one of the noblest in our history.
(VI) Nehemiah (3) Porter, son of
Nehemiah (2) and Rebecca (Chipman)
Porter, was born January 12, 1753. He
married, July 18, 1776, Mary Tardy, of
Halifax, Nova Scotia.
(VII) Joseph Blaney Porter, son of
Nehemiah (3) and Mary (Tardy) Porter,
was born June 28, 1795. He married, De-
cember II, 1817, in Nova Scotia, Elizabeth
Wyman, daughter of Matthew Wyman.
Mr. Porter died April 12, 1859.
(VIII) Elizabeth Porter, daughter of
Joseph Blaney and Elizabeth (Wyman)
Porter, became the wife of Captain Ansel
Crosby (see Crosby IV). She died in
November, 1868.
CROSBY, J. Elton,
Business Man.
J. Elton Crosby, one of the men who
have won success in life by virtue of their
natural ability and strength of will, was
born October 21, 1889, in Greenwich,
Connecticut, son of Joseph Porter Crosby
(q.v.).
He was educated in the Brunswick
School in Greenwich, after which he ma-
triculated in Worcester Polytechnic In-
stitute with the class of 19 14. There he
became a member of the Alpha Tau Mega
fraternity. After completing his formal
education, Mr. Crosby was associated
with his father in the contracting busi-
ness for about seven or eight years. In
1919 he took charge of the real estate of-
fice of Prince & Ripley, in Greenwich, in
the managership of which he has been
very successful. On November i, 1920,
he opened business on his own account
with offices at No. 29 Greenwich avenue,
and does an extensive business in local
real estate and insurance.
Mr. Crosby married Estelle White,
daughter of Warren P. and Jane (Sut-
ton) White, of Purchase, New York.
They are the parents of two children : J.
Elton, Jr., born October 21, 1915; Ger-
trude Estelle, born, 1920.
Warren P. White, father of Mrs. Cros-
by, was born November 20, 1854. He
was reared in Greenwich, Connecticut,
and went to school there. Thence he
went to Brooklyn and clerked in a retail
grocery store for some years, and then
formed a partnership to engage in the re-
tail grocery business. He was in business
in Greenwich for many years, and part of
this time was alone, having bought the
interest of his partner. In 1910 Mr.
White retired from active cares. He
married Jane Sutton, daughter of James
and Phoebe T. (Carpenter) Sutton. James
Sutton was born in the town of Green-
wich, Connecticut, and died in November,
1880. He was a farmer all his life. His
wife, Phoebe T. Carpenter, was a daugh-
ter of Elnathan and Hannah (Haviland)
Carpenter. Warren P. White and his
wife, Jane (Sutton) White, were the par-
ents of three children : Stephen, Edna and
Estelle. Mrs. White is a member of the
Society of Friends. Estelle White be-
came the wife of J. Elton Crosby, as
above noted.
WINCHESTER, Albert Edward,
Electrical Engineer, Inventor.
When all things were made, none was
better made than the man (the same
through all generations) who having
found his work does it with all his might,
stays on the job and attends to business,
honors all men and is honored. The high
246
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
character and strength of such men are
reflected in the enterprises they manage;
their personahty imparts the human touch
and commands confidence and respect.
Such a man is Albert E. Winchester, gen-
eral superintendent of the South Nor-
walk (Connecticut) Electric Works. In
his lineage are to be found many strains
that from the Colonial period have con-
tributed to give to America its unique
character among the nations. His ances-
tors were of English, French, Irish and
Scotch extraction, including John Win-
chester, Royal Governor Belcher, of Mas-
sachusetts and later of New Jersey, the
Jackson family of the Southern States,
and the French Huguenots, Devone and
Bennett, of New York and Canada.
The family name of Winchester is
among the oldest in England, being de-
rived from the city of that name in the
County of Hants. The name of Ralph de
Wincestre is found in the Hundred Rolls,
A. D. 1273.
(I) John Winchester, who has been re-
ferred to as one of the "Founders of New
England," established this family in
America. He was born in England in
1616, and is said to have been an ad-
venturous, religious, independence-loving
scion of a titled family of Hertfordshire.
On April 6, 1635, he sailed on the ship
"Elizabeth" and landed in Boston, Mas-
sachusetts. He was allotted five acres of
land on what is now South street, Hing-
ham, July 3, 1636, and settled there. In
the same year he became a member of the
first church of Boston. He was made a
freeman, March 9, 1637, and a year later
joined the Ancient and Honorable Artil-
lery Company of Boston. About 1650 he
and others moved to Muddy River, then
a remote part of Boston, but now the
aristocratic town of Brookline. There he
was surveyor in 1664, 1669 and 1670; in
1672 was constable ; and in 1680 was
tythingman. He and his family united
with the Roxbury church in 1674. His
estate, at his death, April 25, 1694, as in-
ventoried, indicates that he was well-
to-do for those days, for it was appraised
at £307, and consisted principally of all
the land in Harvard street, Brookline, to.
the top of Corey's hill and west to the
Brighton line.
(II) Josiah Winchester, son of John
Winchester, married Mary Lyon, or
Lyons, and their son, Elhanan, is of fur-
ther mention.
(III) Elhanan Winchester, son of Jo-
siah and Mary (Lyon or Lyons) Winches-
ter, married Mary Taylor, and their son,
Elhanan, is of further mention.
(IV) Elhanan (2) Winchester, son of
Elhanan (i) and Mary (Taylor) Win-
chester, was a deacon in the Church of
the "New Lights." In 1777 he advanced
£300 to the town of Newton, Massachu-
setts, to pay the needy soldiers, whom
the town in its impoverished condition on
account of the war was unable to provide
for. This loan greatly reduced his re-
sources, and no record that it was repaid
has been found. He married Sarah Bel-
cher, a daughter of Royal Governor Bel-
cher. He held the office of governor of
his native colony of Massachusetts from
1730 to 1741, and at his death in 1757 was
royal governor of New Jersey.
(V) Samuel Winchester, son of El-
hanan (2) and Sarah (Belcher) Winches-
ter, served in the Revolutionary War
under General Gates. He participated in
the battle of Stillwater, and was present
at the surrender of General Burgoyne's
army in Saratoga, New York. Samuel
Winchester married for his third wife
Hannah Woods.
(VI) Ebenezer Winchester, son of
Samuel and Hannah (Woods) Winches-
247
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ter, was bom in Marcellus, New York,
March 30, 1814, and died in Valley-
Springs, California, February i, 1897. He
was an editor in his early days, being a
fellow-worker with Horace Greeley and
Whitelaw Reid on the New York "Tri-
bune." For some time he was the pub-
lisher of the Fredonia, New York, "Cen-
sor." At another time he established the
"New World," said to have been New
York's first society illustrated paper. He
also did much editorial and other writing
for other newspapers. During the sixties
and seventies he and his son, Theodore
Winchester, owned and operated a news-
paper and printing establishment in
Marietta, Ohio. The latter years of Eben-
ezer Winchester's life were spent in Oak-
land and Valley Springs, California,
where until he became blind he pursued
writing and research work of a literary
nature.
Mr. Winchester married Elizabeth Nel-
son Story, who was born in Annapolis
Royal, Nova Scotia, March 26, 181 5. She
was a direct descendant of John Story,
who came from England in the first half
of the eighteenth century and settled in
Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he became
an extensive ship merchant. His young-
est son, Francis Story, father of Elizabeth
Nelson Story, was born in Laurencetown,
near Halifax, June 24, 1776. Being a
commander of ships in the West India
trade, he was known as Captain Story.
Quite early in the nineteenth century he
became a resident of Westchester county.
New York. Maternally, Elizabeth Nel-
son Story was descended from the French
Huguenot families of Devone — now called
Devoe — and Bennett, founders of the
numerous Westchester county families
bearing those names. The original De-
vones and Bennetts, having left Rochelle,
France, in consequence of the revocation
of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, were early
settlers in New Rochelle, New York.
Frederick Devone, great-grandfather of
Elizabeth Nelson (Story) Winchester,
was born there early in the seventeen hun-
dreds. He engaged in business in New
York City, where he resided during the
winter seasons on Franklin square, spend-
ing his summers at his country home in
New Rochelle. He was the owner of a
considerable estate. Frederick Devone
was a vestryman of St. Paul's Chapel,
New York. Being a Royalist, he removed
to Nova Scotia after the British evacuated
New York, taking with him his ward,
David Bennett, who was born in New
Rochelle, March 31, 1757. David Bennett
was married at Annapolis Royal, Nova
Scotia, to Charity Devone, a daughter of
his guardian, Frederick Devone, who was
born in New Rochelle, New York, Janu-
ary 27, 1759. This marriage took place
about 1782 or 1783. Their oldest daugh-
ter, Sarah Bennett, who was born in An-
napolis, Nova Scotia, December 21, 1784,
was married at that place, March 13,
1806, to Captain Francis Story, and they
were the parents of Elizabeth Nelson
Story, who as the wife of Ebenezer Win-
chester was the grandmother of Albert E.
Winchester.
(VII) Theodore Winchester, son of
Ebenezer and Elizabeth Nelson (.Story)
Winchester, was born in Brooklyn, New
York, March 30, 1842, and died in Balti-
more, Maryland, December 11, 1883. He
received an education better than was
given to most youths of his day. He pos-
sessed an active mind, and besides mak-
ing the most of the opportunities afforded
him he added to his store of knowledge
by wise and careful reading and by keen
and thoughtful observation. He literally
grew up in the printing office of his father,
the work being such as appeals to almost
248
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
every boy. He became a thoroug-h all-
round printer, and remained identified
with the printing business in one way
and another as long as he lived. He took
out a number of patents, and contributed
many improvements in methods of de-
signing, cutting and making type. Dur-
ing the sixties and seventies he was asso-
ciated with his father in the ownership
and operation of a newspaper and print-
ing plant at Marietta, Ohio. It was there
that he began his inventive work on
printing appliances. At the time of his
death he was associated with the Balti-
more Type Foundry. During all these
years he was associated with various pub-
lishers, for he was an exceptionally fluent
and versatile writer. While he never
essayed to be a poet, he possessed a splen-
did gift of poesy, though this was exer-
cised mostly for his own entertainment.
As a free-lance writer his editorial writ-
ings appeared in many publications. He
also possessed marked artistic talent, but
this too was used merely as a means of
amusement.
On December ii, 1865, Theodore Win-
chester married Anna Maud Jackson, who
was born November 25, 1847, '^i Danby,
New York, and died January 21, 191 1, in
Los Angeles, California. In her latter
years she was known in literary circles
and among her friends as Mrs. Winches-
ter-Dennie. Her second husband, de-
ceased, was Henry Eugene Dennie, a
pioneer builder of railroads in Mexico and
Central America. From girlhood, Mrs.
Winchester-Dennie was devoted to edu-
cational and literary work, and became
prominent in both, particularly as an edi-
torial writer on political and governmen-
tal matters and as a promoter of modern
education. Her newspaper work took her
to Mexico in 1881, and there she labored
for and succeeded in the introduction of
the American school system. As a mark
of distinction, she was the first woman to
be commissioned by the Mexican govern-
ment as Professor of Instruction, which
followed her marriage to Mr. Dennie.
After a residence of about twenty years
in Mexico, and having become a widow,
she made her home with her son, Albert
E. Winchester, in South Norwalk, Con-
necticut. Her long continuous work had
made her an invalid, and her entire for-
tune had been exhausted in the advance-
ment of education and uplift effort. In
about five years she went to the Pacific
coast in the hope of restoring her health,
but her strength continued to fail until
January 21, 191 1, when she passed away.
Until a few months before the end, Mrs.
Winchester-Dennie pursued her literary
work as a reviewer, rewriter and critic of
fiction and other writings. Her father,
George Jackson, of Virginia and Mary-
land stock, late of Ithaca, New York, was
of English and Scotch descent. Her
mother was Caroline (Denton) Jackson,
of Danby, New York, who was of Eng-
lish and Irish descent. A direct maternal
ancestor is understood to have been an
Irish countess who married below her
station and ran away to America. George
Jackson worked on the laying out of
Washington, D. C, and was early asso-
ciated with Samuel F. B. Morse, the in-
ventor of electric telegraphy, and Ezra
Cornell, founder of Cornell University,
with whom he helped to construct the
first electric telegraph line between Wash-
ington and Baltimore. His forefathers,
after concluding that slavery was wrong,
freed their slaves and came North, set-
tling in the vicinity of Ithaca, many years
before the war that settled the slavery
question. He was also one of the original
"Forty-niners" who went to seek gold in
249
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
California. Upon his return he resumed
his occupation of farmer and cattle dealer.
(VIII) Albert E. Winchester, son of
Theodore and Anna Maud (Jackson)
Winchester, in 1871 accompanied his
mother to her old home in Ithaca, New
York, where he attended school until
New York City became their home in
1876. At the age of ten he secured his
first position, as office boy with the Wall
street law firm of Wells Hendershott.
The spring of 1881 found our subject em-
barking for old Mexico with his mother,
who had been appointed to write a guide-
book for the Gould-Grant Railroad, then
under concession, and as Mexican corre-
spondent for several American periodi-
cals. At that time he was just fourteen
years old, and there being no suitable
school for him in Mexico in those days,
and having evinced from earliest boy-
hood an insatiable zeal and ardor for con-
structive mechanics, and a keen apprecia-
tion of scientific values, he became an
apprentice in the Mexican Central Rail-
road, which was then being built to the
United States. He served successively in
the treasury department, the mechanical
section in connection with locomotive and
car building, and out on pioneer railroad
construction. On completing his time in
1883, he was sent back to the United
States to qualify for college and took a
preparatory course in the Whitlock Acad-
emy, Wilton, Connecticut. At this early
day the young man was investigating the
then new problem of the commercial de-
velopment of electricity as his limited
time permitted, and at the conclusion of
his course at the academy, instead of en-
tering college, he began in the year 1886,
as the youngest member of the parent
Edison Company's engineering staff, un-
der the well known veteran electrical and
mechanical engineer, J. H. Vail, who was
then the general superintendent, and con-
tinued with the various organizations of
the Edison interests in line of succes-
sion from draughtsman to constructing
engineer, until the formation of the Gen-
eral Electric Company, with which he
remained until 1893, when he became a
director of the Electrical & Mechanical
Engineering Company of New York, and
its superintendent of construction for the
three ensuing years.
During 1896 and 1897, Mr. Winchester
was on the staff of the New York Edison
Illuminating Company. From that time
to the present (1921) he has held his pres-
ent position of general superintendent of
the South Norwalk Electric Works.
Back in 1892, he designed and superin-
tended the construction of this plant,
after which year and until 1902 he also
served as a member of South Nor-
walk's Board of Electrical Commission-
ers. Thus he has devoted himself contin-
uously to his city since 1892, contributing
a large part of his time and ability with-
out remuneration other than the know-
ledge of having done his best as a public
servant. Mr. Winchester's present stand-
ing in his city, in addition to that of su-
perintendent of the electrical works, is
that of superintendent of the fire alarm
telegraph since 1893, and city electrical
engineer since 1902. He also assists the
Public Utilities Commission of Connecti-
cut in a consulting capacity, and is elec-
trical adviser to several municipalities
and private corporations. He is a direc-
tor of the Norwalk Building and Loan
Association, and a member of the execu-
tive committee of the South Norwalk
Board of Trade. In 1906 Mr. Winchester
became president of the Water and Elec-
tric Company of Westport, Connecticut,
and so continued until the company was
absorbed some years later by the New
250
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
York & New Haven Railroad Company.
In the meantime, he saw the Westport
concern rise from a precarious condition
to one of prosperity as the result of the
united and earnest purpose of himself and
his associates to deal fairly with its pa-
trons.
Mr. Winchester's scientific and social
affiliations are numerous. He holds the
highest grade, that of Fellow, and has
been a full member, of the American In-
stitute of Electrical Engineers since 1887.
He is also a founder member of the Edi-
son Pioneers, who were the great inven-
tor's helpers in his discoveries before the
latter eighties. He is a member of Old
Well Lodge, No. 108, Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons ; Butler Chapter, No.
38, Royal Arch Masons ; Washington
Council, No. 6, Royal and Select Masters ;
Washington Commandery, No. 3, Knights
Templar ; and Pyramid Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine. His memberships also include
the Eastern Star, the Red Men, Elks,
Heptasophs, Royal Arcanum, South Nor-
walk Club, Knob Club, Council of the
Norwalk Division of the Boy Scouts of
America, and others.
Since 1893 Mr. Winchester has been a
constantly active member of the South
Norwalk Fire Department, of which he
was chief for two terms, stepping back
into the ranks in 1907. After twenty
years of continuous service he was made
an active life member of Old Well Hook
& Ladder Company, which he had early
joined, and of which he is now treasurer.
In the volunteer service he is credited
with never having faltered in the line of
duty ; regardless of weather, personal
safety or other consideration he would be
found in the thick of the fight, using good
judgment and telling efiForts, which won
him the respect of his associates and the
citizens generally. He is also a member
of the Connecticut State Firemen's Asso-
ciation and the Connecticut Fire Chief's
Club.
He has often been mentioned for politi-
cal offices of prominence, but has declined
to be a candidate. He is opposed to en-
tering any political contest for the glory
of winning, or to oppose a friend, or to
seek and accept an office that is held and
wanted by a man who has faithfully ren-
dered efficient service.
Though he is an inventor of acknow-
ledged genius, Mr. Winchester has never
taken out any patents for himself, holding
that his employers were entitled to the
results of his eflforts. Among other de-
vices, he originated one of the first prac-
tical quick-break switches for heavy
electric currents, the exact principles of
which are in general use to-day. The
sectional iron bracket pole for supporting
trolley wires was developed by him ; also
improvements in the key sockets for in-
candescent lamps ; an automatic trolley
pole and contact for electric train service ;
an early car motor controller, and he
aided in the evolution of the one now
commonly in use on electric street cars.
He contributed many other improvements
and modifications of great value to trol-
ley line appliances and construction, to
which work he was assigned for a consid-
erable period of time. In 1916-17 he col-
laborated with the General Electric Com-
pany in evolving the new type of very
efficient ornamental street lighting unit
that was first installed in South Norwalk
in 1918. He was also detailed from time
to time on special lines under the direc-
tion of Mr. Edison, of which fact he is
justly proud, and believes that his contact
with the great inventor has been of incal-
culable benefit to him. Mr. Winchester's
speciality, however, has gradually con-
251
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
centrated his attention on the intricate
engineering and management details of
electric lighting and power undertakings.
He has participated in the designing of
over one hundred electric lighting and
street railway generating stations, of
which some were erected under his per-
sonal supervision. Some of the more im-
portant of these plants were : The early
Edison stations in New York City, Bos-
ton, Philadelphia, Chicago, Cincinnati, St.
Louis, San Francisco, New Orleans, Kan-
sas City, Topeka, Milwaukee, Detroit,
Providence, Brooklyn, Wilmington, and
many others. In electric street railway
work he was connected with the construc-
tion of the Richmond street railway — the
pioneer of the old Sprague Company — the
street railways of Scranton, Brooklyn,
Jamaica, Hoosic Falls, Poughkeepsie and
Wappingers Falls, New York's first ex-
perimental road using the surface contact
plates, and many others.
In the autumn of 1905, representative
citizens from all parts of the Nation were
called to New York City to attend a spe-
cial convention of the National Civic Fed-
eration, assembled at Columbia Univer-
sity, in response to the demand of the
American people for real facts relating to
the advantages and disadvantages result-
ing from applied public and private own-
ership of public utilities. This vital issue
had become a topic of serious contention
between privately owned public serving
utilities on the one hand, and those people
who believed that the public should own
and operate its own utilities. A commit-
tee of twenty-one commissioners, of whom
Mr. Winchester was one, was by vote
named and given the necessary power
and finances to thoroughly investigate
this subject under operative conditions,
both in this country and abroad, aided by
a picked corps of experts in engineering.
management, accounting labor economics,
and civic efficiency. The list of names is
too long to include in this article, but it
comprises men recognized the country
over as leaders in their respective fields.
In recognition of his experience and qual-
ifications. Commissioner Winchester was
also selected as one of the two electric
lighting and power experts of the foreign
investigation committee. He sailed for
England in the early spring of 1906, and
for five months his time was wholly occu-
pied in a minute investigation of the elec-
tric, gas, and street railway undertakings
of the large cities of England, Scotland
and Ireland, and afterwards devoted much
of his time in this country to aiding in the
compilation of the vast amount of data
included in the commission's report.
This report was given to the public in
1907, and still stands as the most com-
plete work of its nature, and is the world's
best authority within its field.
During Mr. Winchester's stay in Lon-
don, in 1906, Superintendent Hamilton,
of the London Fire Brigade, gave a spe-
cial demonstration of fire fighting in his
honor as a visiting active fire chief. A
building was provided especially for that
purpose, to which fire apparatus was
called from a distance as great as three
or four miles, in order to establish a time
record for response. Prominent features
of the exhibition were the scaling of
buildings and life-net rescues.
While abroad, Mr. Winchester was
also a United States delegate of the Amer-
ican Institute of Electrical Engineers to
the International Congress of Electrical
Engineers at London. Professor J. H.
Gray, in his report on the South Norwalk
plant, speaks characteristically of Mr.
Winchester, as follows :
Although the present superintendent, Mr. A. E.
Winchester, was originally chief promoter of the
252
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
plant, the constructing engineer, and for nearly
ten years one of the Commissioners — resigning
July I, 1902, and from four years previous to that
date up to the present time superintendent of the
plant — and although he takes a very active part in
Republican politics and always has done so, I have
not been able to find that political considerations
have at any time had any influence in the promo-
tion, disciplining or dismissing of any member of
the force or with the operation of the plant. It
ought also to be said that a large part of the
success of the plant and of the enthusiasm with
which it is regarded by the public are due to the
personal activity and character of Mr. Winches-
ter. His character in connection with the plant
and his dominating influence over its fortunes are
unique, so far as my observation goes. I under-
stand that Mr. Winchester, in the early days,
served the city in connection with the establish-
ment and management of the electric plant with-
out any salary at all, and in recent years has
served as superintendent for a smaller compen-
sation than he could command elsewhere. I be-
lieve also that every extension and enlargement
of the works recommended by him has been
speedily authorized by the city, and that in no
case has the expense of the work exceeded his
estimate as presented to the city meeting. In fact,
he has come well within every special appropria-
tion made for investment, except one for $S,00o
for motors, in which the original estimate was not
exceeded. (Schedule I., volume II., pages 667-8,
report entitled "Municipal and Private Operation
of Public Utilities").
In his early career, Mr. Winchester
took up the contrasting study of private
and public ownership of public serving
utilities from the standpoint of civic bene-
fits and economies. He had heard much
strong argument on both sides of the con-
troversy by his associates and others
whose opinions were shaped by connected
interests, so seldom substantiated by
clearly demonstrated facts, that he be-
came interested, not as a radical either
way, but in the belief that the question
was of such importance that it should be
given deeper and broader consideration,
from a purely practical and unbiased
point of view, than the opposing sides
seemed able to agree upon. He wanted
to know the real truth, and although
already possessed of a fair insight into the
methods of private ownership, he felt sure
that a close investigation on both sides of
the question would fail to demonstrate
either the fallacies or the virtues of either
side to the extent alleged, and that the
best results for all concerned depended
not so much upon the title of ownership, as
upon the degree of honesty in the policy
of management and the perfection of
business methods and efiSciency of opera-
tion. When fully convinced that the
question of ownership was secondary to
service rendered, and that no up-to-date
reason existed why a well handled pri-
vately or publicly owned undertaking in
the service of the people could not oper-
ate with equal satisfaction, Mr. Winches-
ter accepted the opportunity to prove his
hypothesis in South Norwalk, with the
backing of the people and the best type of
business men as his associate commis-
sioners in the upbuilding of this enter-
prise. The resulting plant owned by the
city, as previously mentioned, was de-
signed by him, even to the details of its
business methods, its system of rates and
accounting, and has always been under
his charge. From every point of view and
from its earliest existence this plant has
made good. Not only has it expanded to
many times its original size, but it is
famous all over the country for its long
continued undeniable success, and be-
cause it paid up its entire investment of
borrowed capital, of over two hundred
thousand dollars, with interest, from its
own earned profits and has never cost the
citizens one cent of taxation, but has paid
money into the municipal treasury in-
stead.
That Mr. Winchester is not biased as
to ownership of public utilities is evident
253
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
from the fact that while busy pushing the
South Norwalk municipal plant to suc-
cess, he was also busy in the same way as
president of the private water and electric
service company, in the adjoining town of
Westport. Mr. Winchester holds that
public ownership has a legitimate field of
its own, and that no well conducted pri-
vate enterprise in the same line that gives
its community a square deal need fear
civic competition. Public ownership, in
his opinion, is the people's alternative of
the present time against an unjust mo-
nopoly armed with iniquitous power to
force unsatisfactory service and unrea-
sonable rates upon its following, simply
because, being a monopoly, it can. He is
confident that such abuse of dominion
through lack of proper control — not the
rule, and when evident is mostly the pub-
lic's fault — will in a not remote to-mor-
row compel society to assume its dormant
power and demand irresistibly that pro-
digous change be made in current laws,
establishing equal, just and sufficient
protection against infringements both
ways, between publicly ovvned common
weal and privately owned public service
monopolies.
To-day applied success is possibly our
most convincing factor, representing its
public ownership phase, on the one side,
in the model South Norwalk plant, and
on the other, private ownership in the
progress of the Westport Company, both
more or less influenced by the same mind.
Mr. Winchester has said much upon the
subject of public utilities, in print and
from the lecture platform. He read a
notable paper before the Conference of
American Mayors, held at Philadelphia in
November, 1914, covering the subject of
municipal ownership of an electric plant
as exemplified in the South Norwalk ven-
ture. The paper was of such merit that
it was published in the Annals of the
American Society of Political and Social
Science, in January, 1915. His advice has
also been largely sought by both private
undertakings engaged in public service,
and by municipalities that he has beconle
known for his broad judgment through-
out the United States, as a safe authority
on public service problems. His mother's
charge, "My son, be a good citizen," has
been Mr. Winchester's inspiration since
boyhood.
Many who know the subject of this
sketch call him "Colonel." Mr. Winches-
ter claims no title to military rank. Some
time previous to the Spanish-American
War, he served as confidential adviser to
agents of the Cuban revolutionists in
electrical and engineering matters, with
particular regard to the laying of mines.
Having been in Cuba, and speaking Span-
ish, and heartily in sympathy with the
struggle for "Cuba Libre," he was se-
lected as a member of a proposed military
engineering corps, with the rank of col-
onel, to be sent to Cuba. As the United
States had not at that time become in-
volved in Cuba's struggle, Mr. Winches-
ter declined the appointment, in the inter-
est of maintaining neutrality, but many
friends still apply the title, much to his
embarrassment.
Mr. Winchester has been married twice.
His first wife, to whom he was married
on October 24, 1888, was Carrie Augusta
Davenport Whitlock, daughter of Augus-
tus Whitlock, in whose academy Mr.
Winchester had prepared for college.
She died childless on September 24, 1894.
Mr. Winchester married for his second
wife, February i, 1896, Elizabeth Grant
Bray, who was born in Lincroft, New
Jersey, April 8, 1876, daughter of David
H. and Stella C. (Van Schoick) Bray. He
was a farmer for many years in the vicin-
254
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ity of Red Bank, New Jersey. This union
has been blessed with the following chil-
dren: I. Louis Dennie, born August 4.
1897, died July 2, 1898. 2. Herbert Dav-
enport, born July 30, 1900; he left the
freshman class at Stevens Institute of
Technology to enlist as a volunteer in the
United States army, 1918; he was not
sent overseas, but was honorably dis-
charged from the service in 1019 and
returned to college. 3. Edward Van
Schoick, bom July 8, 1901 ; at the age of
seventeen he tried three times to enlist
in the United States navy, but was re-
jected on account of his youth ; he took
a position in the New York Division Su-
perintendent's Office of the New York &
New Haven Railroad Company.
Mr. Winchester's favorite pursuits are
the study and practice of those sciences
involved in his vocation, the study of po-
litical science, economics and philosophy.
His patriotism is intense, which to his
mind finds its best expression in rendering
efficient public service for the sake of the
results rather than for personal reward.
He believes in constructive rather than
destructive criticism ; in bringing har-
mony out of confusion ; in attracting peo-
ple to each other by showing the good
that can always be found in everyone, if
it is appealed to sympathetically; in set-
tling disputes by man-to-man and heart-
to- heart conferences ; in telling the good
that can be told of others, with emphasis ;
in helping the needy without their learn-
ing the source of the benefaction. He is
greatly interested in everything that per-
tains to his fellow-man, and his special
interest in boys finds an outlet to their
advantage in his activities in connection
with the Boy Scout movement, already
referred to. Mr. Winchester is a strong
believer in Divinity, and is convinced that
all things are controlled and actuated by
a positive, authentic, supreme purpose of
concentrated right, which is perfect
power and action eternal. Though non-
sectarian in his own views, he honors and
respects all creeds and those who en-
deavor faithfully to live up to them.
EMERY, Albert Hamilton,
Celebrated Inventor.
The derivation of names, which is al-
ways an interesting study, proves that
places of abode and occupation were the
most frequent sources of their origin, but
very often we find one derived from either
a personal characteristic or similar qual-
ity. The surname, Emery, is derived
from Almeric, a Christian name signify-
ing "of obscure origin." It was gradu-
ally changed to the present English form
and spelling. In the Italian it is Amerigo
and is forever represented in the word
"America."
John Emery, founder of the American
branch of the family, was born September
29, 1598, in Hampshire, England, and was
the son of John and Agnes Emery. On
April 3, 1635, John (2) Emery sailed in
the "James," of London, for Boston, Mas-
sachusetts, landing on June 3, 1635. Soon
after, he removed to Newbury, Massachu-
setts, where he received a grant ; was
made a freeman on June 2, 1641, and re-
ceived a further grant on April 19, 1644.
He served as selectman in 1661 ; as fence
viewer in 1666 ; and as grand juryman in
1666. He married (first) in England,
Mary , who died in April, 1649, '"
Newbury. He married (second) Mrs.
Mary (Shatswell) Webster. His death
occurred in Newbury, November 3, 1683,
and he was survived by his widow until
April 28, 1694.
Six generations later the father of Al-
bert H. Emery was born and he was
Samuel Emery, son of Joshua and Ruth
255
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(Nott) Emery, born July 14, 1792, and
traveled in an ox-cart to Mexico, Oswego
county. New York, at a time when there
were but three houses in that settlement.
Undeterred by this, however, he built
the fourth house and made the place his
home, following his calling, which was
that of a farmer. He married (first) Jan-
uary 2, 1820, Catherine Shepard, who was
born August 19, 1795, in Alstead, New
Hampshire, and died July 27, 1854. The
death of Samuel Emery occurred January
24, 1876, in Mexico, New York. He and
his wife were members of the Presby-
terian church.
His son, Albert Hamilton Emery, was
born June 21, 1834, in Mexico, New York,
and was next to the youngest of eight
children. He grew up accustomed to a
farm environment, attending school dur-
ing the summer and winter from the age
of five years to that of ten, and also the
two winters when he was eleven and
twelve years old. From that time he at-
tended school no more until the winter of
1851, when he studied for three months
in the Mexico Academy, devoting special
attention to surveying. He had been,
meanwhile, employed on his father's
farm.
After studying surveying during the
winter of 1851, Mr. Emery worked at it
throughout the following summer, and
in the autumn of 1852 attended the acad-
emy for another three months. In the
winter of 1852-53 he taught a school in
Union Settlement, and then engaged in
surveying on a proposed Syracuse & Par-
ishville railroad. He later worked at
surveying on the proposed Oswego &
Troy railroad. In the autumn of 1854 he
returned home and made a copy of a map
of Niagara Falls from the State Geologi-
cal Survey. This map, which was a fine
piece of draughtsmanship, was destined
to play an important part in shaping Mr.
Emery's career. In the autumn of 1854,
desiring to perfect his knowledge of civil
engineering, he entered the Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York,
studying for five or six weeks before
the close of the winter session. The
course covered a period of four years, but
Mr. Emery was at the institute only a
little over two years and a half, not in-
cluding the year when he was absent on
account of an attack of typhoid fever. In
1858 he graduated with the degree of
Civil Engineer in the first section of a
class of forty-eight. He defrayed part
of the expense of his course by teaching
topographical drawing in the school, his
pupils including the graduating class.
The first professional work which en-
gaged the attention of Mr. Emery was the
erection of a church steeple in his native
town of Mexico, New York. This was
considered by local contractors almost
impossible, but Mr. Emery did not find
the task a difficult one. In the summer of
1859 Mr. Emery went to Washington and
took out two patents on cheese presses.
In the fall of 1859 he became acquainted
with G. B. Lamar, of Savannah, Georgia,
for whom he built a cotton packing press
and also designed two compressors for
compressing cotton. They had a capacity
of two thousand bales in twenty hours
with a pressure of five hundred tons on
each bale, but Mr. Lamar's needs changed
and the compressors were never built.
Later Mr. Emery formed a partnership
with Mr. Lamar, by the terms of which
he was to furnish the patents and Mr.
Lamar the money to build and sell cotton
packing presses and compresses. This
was in the autumn of 1859. The first press
was built in Brooklyn, whence it was
shipped South. They were planning to
put one hundred agents in the field, but
Mr. Lamar was conscious of the fast ap-
proaching upheaval and desired to pro-
2.S6
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ceed slowly with their enterprise until
after the next presidential election. Mr.
Emery, not being willing to wait a year
for the turn of political events, returned
home and during the summer built cheese
presses on his own account.
In the autumn of 1861 Mr. Emery
asked Professor Drown, of the Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute, for a letter to the
Secretary of War, Mr. Cameron. Edwin
D. Morgan was then governor of New
York and he also gave Mr. Emery a letter
to Mr. Cameron. Mr. Emery was desir-
ous of obtaining a position as engineer
in the army, a position which could ordi-
narily be held only by a West Point
graduate. Mr. Emery obtained an inter-
view with General Richard Delafield, who
had charge of all the fortifications in the
State of New York. General Delafield
requested Mr. Emery to make copies of
drawings of all these forts for him, which
he did. He also made drawings of several
batteries of field guns for the United
States Government which were built un-
der the superintendance of Mr. Emery
and paid for by the State of New York.
From 1 86 1 for several years Mr. Emery
spent much time experimenting on guns
and projectiles for the War Department.
Mr. Emery designed several sizes of pro-
jectiles, submitted his plans to Admiral
Dahlgren, and made a number of projec-
tiles for several sizes of naval guns. Lieu-
tenant Mitchell having charge of firing
them. During this time Mr. Emery was
also making cotton presses and had em-
barked in a venture to extract materials
from southern light wood or fat pine. He
worked out and patented a process by
which from one cord of that wood the
following products were obtained : Forty-
three gallons of turpentine, two barrels
of tar, one barrel of pitch, twenty-five
barrels of charcoal, five thousand cubic
feet of illuminating gas, six hundred gal-
lons of crude pyroligneous acid. Before
the enterprise could get well under way
the works were burned and with no in-
surance, so he was without funds to re-
build them. This was an early attempt to
utilize by-products which has since come
into such general use in many industries,
but at this time (1865) was much ahead
of common practice.
The next important work undertaken
by Mr. Emery was the designing of a
new system of scales. Mr. Philo Reming-
ton, of Ilion, New York, advanced the
money to build the first three scales un-
der this system, which, as has been most
truly and forcibly observed, was one of
the first great stones in the foundation of
Mr. Emery's fame. These three scales
were built in the Remington shops. One
of them was set up and loaded with seven
thousand pounds of iron. Its capacity
was twenty thousand pounds and with a
load of seven thousand pounds it was sen-
sitive to one-half an ounce. In 1873 Mr.
Emery met Mr. William Sellers, who was
reputed to be one of the best mechanical
engineers of his day. He saw him in
Philadelphia and showed him his scale
drawings. Mr. Sellers became much in-
terested, especially in one feature of the
invention, the absence of knife edges,
these scales dififering in this from the
ordinary balance or scale which has knife
edges which are rapidly injured by wear
and rust. Mr. Sellers was a manufac-
turer of machine tools and it was he who
introduced Mr. Emery to Mr. J. H.
Towne, father of Henry R. Towne, who
later became famous as the head of the
Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company.
Mr. Emery said it would require $800,000
to develop the manufacture of these scales
in the way he contemplated.
Meanwhile, Mr. Emery had designed a
great one-thousand-ton testing machine to
go to Seller's bridge works. There was
257
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
a delay in closing the negotiations, and
Mr. Emery returned home. Mr. Sellers
introduced Mr. Emery to Colonel Laid-
ley, of the Ordnance Bureau of the War
Department. He met him at the Reming-
ton Armory in Ilion, New York, by ap-
pointment and gave him a demonstration
with the scales that he had there. As a
result Mr. Emery was asked by the Ord-
nance Department to design a large test-
ing machine while Colonel Laidley was
investigating the testing machines of this
country and Europe. He then designed
a system of testing machines, from little
ones to big ones. While he was working
on these designs, Colonel Laidley re-
turned from Europe and gave him an
order for a four-hundred-ton machine.
This was on December 23, 1874.
In February, 1875, Mr. Emery was
called to Washington and there met Gen-
eral Benet, chief of the Ordnance Depart-
ment. It was decided to try to get an
increased appropriation from Congress,
which was obtained to cover additional
work, and President Grant appointed a
board to take charge of the matter and to
this board Mr. Emery's designs were sub-
mitted. The supervision of the contract
was turned over to the board, Colonel
Laidley acting as its president. Parts of
the machine were built in different places,
the whole being assembled at the Water-
town Arsenal. In order to build this test-
ing machine it was necessary to design a
number of new and novel machines, one
of these being a twenty-ton scale to
standardize some weights with which to
calibrate the testing machine. When this
was finally tested with a load of forty-
five thousand pounds, it was found to be
sensitive to half an ounce under all loads.
This demonstration greatly delighted the
board. The completion of the testing
machine was delayed by various difficul-
ties, but in 1879 it was finished, and in
1880 went into government use, constitut-
ing a wonderful monument to the genius
of the inventor.
When this machine was tested by the
board for acceptance, a bar of iron, having
a section of twenty square inches, was
pulled in two with a tension load of
722,800 pounds, and immediately follow-
ing, two horse hairs were tested, one
breaking with a load of one pound and
the other with a load of one and three-
quarter pounds. This second hair was
tested on a small dynamometer and broke
with the same load of one and three-
fourths pounds, showing the great sensi-
tiveness of this large machine, which in
1920 was as sensitive as ever, and is still
in service. The testing machine while in
operation at the arsenal in 1881 was con-
sidered part of the exhibits of the Massa-
chusetts Charitable Mechanic Association
Fair, held in Boston, on Huntington ave-
nue, and as such was awarded a large gold
medal of honor, which cost $500 and was
awarded for "That exhibit most condu-
cive to human welfare." A second gold
medal was at the same time also awarded
Mr. Emery on this same machine for
"The best scientific apparatus."
In 1882 Mr. Emery moved from
Chicopee, Massachusetts, to Stamford,
Connecticut, and the Yale & Towne Man-
ufacturing Company took up the manu-
facture of his scales, gauges and testing
machines, and three one-hundred-and-
fifty-thousand-pound, and two three-hun-
dred-thousand-pound testing machines,
for tension, compression and transverse
loads, were constructed. One of these
went to the University of Toronto, an-
other to McGill University of Montreal,
and one to the University of Vienna. One
of the large ones went to the Cambria
Iron and Steel Works in Johnstown,
Pennsylvania, and the other to the Beth-
lehem Steel Company.
25?
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Later the Yale & Towne Manufacturing
Company, to whom Mr. Emery had sold
his patents, disposed of them in turn to
William Sellers & Company. Mr. Sellers
designed a fifty-ton testing machine
which was built under Mr. Emery's pat-
ents and placed in the Watertown Arse-
nal, Watertown, Massachusetts, where
Mr. Emery's large machine was already
in use. Under these patents machines
were also built by William Sellers &
Company for several of the technical
schools and colleges in the United States
and Europe. The War Department ex-
hibited one of these machines in the Gov-
ernment Building at the Columbia Expo-
sition in Chicago in 1893, the machine
afterward going to Sibley College, Cornell
University.
After the Yale & Towne Manufactur-
ing Company sold his patents to William
Sellers & Company, Mr. Emery resigned
his position with them and resumed the
designing of cannon and projectiles in
which he had been interested during the
Civil War. He designed a gun carriage
for a twelve-inch rifle for the War De-
partment under the supervision of the
Board of Ordnance and Fortifications.
This design was never completed for the
reason that its construction required more
money than had been appropriated.
While with the Yale & Towne Manufac-
turing Company he designed and built
a car dynamometer for the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company to make autographic
records of the drawbar pull of locomo-
tives, the dynamometer having a capacity
of 28,000 pounds. Several years later, in
1902, he was asked by Mr. Vogt, me-
chanical engineer of the Pennsylvania
railroad, to consider designing and con-
structing another dynamometer for them,
as the old one was entirely inadequate to
measure the loads given by the increased
size of locomotives.
Mr. Emery was confined to his room
with a broken knee cap at that time, but
decided he could undertake the work, and
he designed and built a car dynamometer
of 100,000 pounds capacity, the Pennsyl-
vania railroad designing and building the
car therefor. The dynamometer was put
into service in 1906 and is still in service.
In the meantime the continued growth
of locomotives and the introduction of the
electric locomotive have made the ca-
pacity of this instrument inadequate, and
at present (1920) Mr. Emery is rebuilding
certain parts of this machine to increase
its capacity to measure 150,000 pounds
drawbar pull instead of 100,000 pounds.
In order to calibrate this instrument it
was necessary to have a very accurate
method of measuring hydraulic pressure,
and he designed and constructed an ap-
paratus for measuring hydraulic pressure
up to 3,000 pounds per square inch, sensi-
tive to 0.005 pound per square inch. In
order to adjust the weights for this ma-
chine a special scale, having very great
accuracy and sensitiveness, was con-
structed, using "Emery" plate fulcrums
instead of knife edges. Later an im-
proved form of this apparatus, having a
capacity of 4,000 pounds per square inch,
was built by him for the Bureau of Stand-
ards.
The next important undertaking which
engaged the attention of Mr. Emery was
the construction of two testing machines
for the Bureau of Standards in Washing-
ton. One was for loads of 230,000 pounds
tension and compression, and the other
for loads of 1,150,000 pounds tension and
2,300,000 pounds compression, on speci-
mens of any length up to thirty-three feet.
While building these machines, Mr.
Emery also constructed a machine to
calibrate testing machines, which was in-
stalled in his laboratory in Glenbrook,
Connecticut. The calibrating machine is
259
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
for loads of 4,000,000 pounds and it will
show distinctly a variation of one pound
in the load. The calibrating machine has
eight twenty-five-hundred-pound stand-
ard weights, each adjusted to a probable
error of not more than one part in eight
hundred thousand on the scale previously
mentioned.
These testing machines embodied im-
provements over his earlier testing ma-
chines, and contained a new form of
"Emery" plate fulcrum, and the E. & T.
Fairbanks & Company, of St. Johnsbury,
Vermont, saw the machine and believed
that these fulcrums could be adapted to
railroad track scale, and working in con-
junction with them and with the Penn-
sylvania railroad, Mr. Emery designed
and built such a scale, which was installed
in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, and was entirely
successful in its operations. The scale
was redesigned to embody certain fea-
tures which were developed in the con-
struction and test of the first scale, and
this design was adopted by the Penn-
sylvania railroad as their standard for
track scales, and is built by them in their
own shops and also by the E. & T. Fair-
banks & Company in St. Johnsbury, Ver-
mont.
During the first year of its use eighty
million tons were weighed on this scale,
which was located in Tyrone, Pennsyl-
vania, without impairing in the least its
sensitiveness or accuracy, whole trains
passing over the scale at the rate of four
miles an hour, each of the cars being
weighed separately without stopping the
train. Besides these trains which were
weighed, many thousand more cars
passed over that scale the first year for
classification, and over seven thousand
locomotives also passed over it. At the
end of the year the scale was retested and
pronounced as accurate as when first set
up.
In the winter 1910-11 Mr. Emery de-
signed a track scale testing car for the
United States Bureau of Standards. That
car carries 100,000 pounds of standard
weights and goes all over the United
States testing the track scales of the rail-
roads and industries. Mr. Emery con-
structed a model of it, one-twelfth of the
regular size, for the United States Bureau
of Standards, for them to exhibit at the
San Francisco Exposition. A second car,
also equipped with 100,000 pounds of
standard weights, was built for the Bu-
reau of Standards in 191 5. Eight of these
weights, each weighing 10,000 pounds,
were adjusted to one part of 1,000,000.
The Department of Agriculture had him
design and build for them a scale that
would weigh a hive of bees in one room,
the weighing being done in another room.
The temperature of the inner room be-
ing maintained within one-tenth of a
degree for long periods, to determine the
temperature at which a colony of bees
would eat the least honey. For the
United States Bureau of Standards, Mr.
Emery has built a set of test levers of
50,000 pounds capacity for calibrating
testing machines.
Very early in his study of the construc-
tion of ordnance, Mr. Emery conceived
the idea of constructing guns by hydrau-
licly expanding either a single forging or
a series of concentric forgings, by the use
of hydraulic pressure on the interior, thus
putting the required initial strains into
the metal instead of by the method of
shrinking one part onto another. This
also raises the elastic limit of the metal,
and guns so made are much stronger than
when the parts are shrunk together.
These ideas were embodied in patents
taken out by him both in this country and
in many foreign countries. He tried
many times to interest the gun manufac-
turers and the War and Navy depart-
260
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
merits in this process, but was unable to
do so until in 1918 the Navy Department
authorized the construction by him of a
four-inch gun. This was hydraulicly ex-
panded, using hydraulic pressures up to
107,000 pounds per square inch, and tests
of this gun have fully proved the value
of his process. A pressure of 40,000
pounds per square inch gave the original
forging a permanent deformation, but
after the process was completed it re-
quired 75,000 pounds per square inch to
give an additional permanent deforma-
tion. This process has been adopted by
the Navy Department for small guns
(3" to 6") and in time will probably be
adopted for large guns also. This process
will enable the gun builder to construct
a gun which will be lighter and stronger
than the present gun, in less time, from
very much less ingot metal, and with very
much less machinery, reducing the cost
20% to 30%. Eventually the government
will probably save large amounts of
money by this invention, but unfortun-
ately for Mr. Emery his patents will have
expired before any considerable applica-
tion can be made.
During the World War Mr. Emery
spent a large portion of his time in trying
to get this process of gun construction
adopted, and at the same time his labor-
atory was building tools and various
mechanisms for the government. While
in Washington, in June, 1919, Mr. Emery
was run over by an automobile, shattering
one bone of his right arm, telescoping his
left wrist, and badly breaking his ankle,
but fortunately all the breaks healed well
in spite of his advanced age, eighty-five
years, and at present he spends some time
at his office almost every day.
Mr. Emery married, March 3, 1875, in
Westmoreland, Oneida county, New
York, Mrs. Fannie B. Myers, a widow,
born September i, 1838. By her first
marriage Mrs. Myers became the mother
of a daughter, Margaret King, now the
wife of George A. Clyde, of Rome, New
York. Mr. and Mrs. Emery were the par-
ents of a son, Albert Hamilton, Jr., born
August 25, 1876, who was prepared for
college in King's School, Stamford, and
in 1898 graduated from Cornell Univer-
sity with the degree of Mechanical Engi-
neer. Since then he has been associated
with his father in the latter's scientific
work. Mr. Emery, Jr., married Julia E.
McClune, of Ithaca, New York, and they
have two children, Louise, born October
7, 1905, and Albert Hamilton (3), born
December 26, 1910. Mrs. Emery, Sr.,
passed away on April 28, 1907.
It would seem from a study of his
career that the predominant trait in the
character of Albert Hamilton Emery,
apart from his mechanical genius, has al-
ways been a perseverance which never
relaxed its efforts and a courage which
refused to be daunted by any difficulties
or disappointments, however great. We
see this in the narrative of his earlier life,
which shows how the various inventions
on which he was then engaged formed a
basis for the brilliant achievements of his
later years, and how the obstacles which
he encountered and the repeated discour-
agements which it was his lot to endure
did but stimulate him to renewed and
larger efforts. In the States of New York,
Massachusetts and Connecticut, the one
his birthplace and the scene of his early
endeavors, and the others for many years
the centers of his greatest renown, his
fame is and always will be most inti-
mately cherished. In a larger sense his
native land feels that he belongs to her,
but even by her he cannot be wholly
claimed. His name will go down in his-
tory as that of one of the world's in-
ventors.
261
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ALLEN, Lauren M.,
Physician.
A physician who for twenty-seven years
has practiced successfully, in the same
community becomes so inseparably asso-
ciated with its most vital interests as to
render the narrative of his career almost
identical with a history of his home town.
This is especially true of Dr. Allen, whose
professional reputation, high as it is, is
almost equalled by that which he enjoys
as a public-spirited citizen of South Nor-
walk.
The name of Allen, or Allin, is derived
from the British, and is thought to be a
corruption of Aelianus, which signifies
sun-bright. It is also said to come from
the root word Al, meaning mountainous,
high and bright. In the Gaelic it signifies
fair, handsome, the word being Aliune,
and the Irish Alun has the same meaning.
The English Allan, or Allen, said to have
been first spelled Alan, means all-con-
quering. As a personal name it was first
borne by the Bard of Britain, an uncle of
Caractacus, who had a long line of kings
for ancestors. The name came into prom-
inence after the Conquest, the chief gen-
eral of William's army at the battle of
Hastings having been Alan, Duke of
Brittany, who made England his home
and became the third richest man in the
kingdom. Thenceforth the name grew in
number and importance.
(I) George Allen, bom in 1568, in Eng-
land, came to America in 1635 and settled
in Saugus, Lynn, Massachusetts. In
1637 he joined with Edmund Freeman
and others in the purchase of the town-
ship of Sandwich, and settled there in the
same year. When the town of Sandwich
was incorporated he was chosen deputy,
the first office in the town, and served in
that capacity for several years. He is rep-
resented by Bowden as having been an
anti-Baptist in England, but be that as it
may, he was a member of the church in
Sandwich, and Rev. Benjamin Fessenden
reports both George and Ralph Allen as
having been previously members of the
church in Roxbury. George Allen was
the father of ten sons, some of whom pre-
ceded him to America and settled near
Boston. After the purchase of Sandwich,
most of them with their families moved
thither, and settled near their father's
residence. George Allen died in Sand-
wich. May 2, 1648. In his will, naming
his wife, Catherine, as executrix, with
Ralph Allen and Richard Brown as over-
seers, he named his five sons, Matthew,
Henry, Samuel, George, Jr., and William ;
and also made provision for his "five least
children" without naming them.
In 1774 the Rev. Joseph Thaxter, of
Edgartown, Massachusetts, whose wife
was Mary Allen, a descendant of George
Allen, obtained from England the de-
scription of the coat-of-arms borne by the
Aliens in the old country, which is as fol-
lows:
Arms — Sable shield. A cross potent with a
border engrailed, or.
Crest — A demi-lion argent, holding a rudder
gules, hawks and nails or.
Children of George and Catherine Al-
len: I. Samuel, went to Braintree; left
a will. 2. William, married, 1649, Pris-
cilla Brown, daughter of Peter Brown, of
the "Mayflower," and a signer of the
Compact. He had no children. By his
will, I2th month, 17, 1697, he devised his
estate to his nephew, Daniel, son of his
brother, George Allen, Jr., provided he
maintained his widow Priscilla for her life.
3. George, Jr., of whom further. 4. Ralph,
married, 1643, Esther, daughter of Wil-
liam and Jane Swift, died 1698. 5. Mathew,
married, June, 1657, Sarah Kirby; re-
262
'. ClCl^^^.k:'
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
moved to Dartmouth. 6. Henry, re-
moved to Milford, 1666, died at Stratford,
1690. 7. Francis, married, July 20, 1662,
Mary Barlow, and left six daughters. 8.
James, died July 25, 1714, at Tisbury. 9.
Gideon, removed to Milford, Connecticut.
10. Thomas (probably). 11. Judah, bur-
ied at Sandwich, February, 1649. 12.
Caleb, buried at Sandwich, June 27, 1647.
The sons William, George, Mathew,
Ralph and Francis, died at Sandwich,
Massachusetts, and left wills proved and
recorded.
(II) George Allen, Jr., son of George
and Catherine Allen, was born in 1619.
He is mentioned as liable to bear arms in
Sandwich in 1643.
(III) Daniel Allen, son of George Al-
len, Jr., was born in Sandwich, Massachu-
setts, in 1663. He and his wife, Beth-
sheba, were the parents of Gideon.
(IV) Gideon Allen, son of Daniel and
Bethsheba Allen, was born in May, 1686,
and died June 25, 1750. The Sandwich
records mention the removal of Gideon to
Milford, and the Milford records give
Gideon of Milford and later the same
Gideon as living in Fairfield, and if it
were not for the early age of Gideon when
Joseph was born, the line would seem
clearly established. Children of Gideon
Allen: Joseph, of whom further; Eben-
ezer, married, November 12, 173 1, De-
borah Bennett ; John, married, January
17, 1750, Abigail Jessup ; David, married,
October 11, 1739, Sarah Gold.
(V) Joseph Allen, son of Gideon Allen,
was born June 25, 1702. He married
Rachel Bennett, and they were the par-
ents of: Joseph (2), born February 16,
1725 ; Hannah, born September 20, 1727 ;
Rachel, born July 28, 1728; Elnathan,
•born June 23, 1729; Mary, born August
24, 1732; Thomas, born July 2, 1733;
Mary (twin of Thomas) ; John, born June
16, 1736; Benjamin, of whom further.
(VI) Benjamin Allen, son of Joseph
and Rachel (Bennett) Allen, was born
October 4, 1743, and died March 27, 1827.
At one time he owned land on the east
side of the Saugatuck river, extending
from the sound to Ball Mountain and in-
land about one mile. He is buried in
Greens Farms Cemetery, Westport, Con-
necticut. A sister of Dr. Allen now
(1921) resides on part of the original Al-
len estate. Benjamin Allen married
Rhoda Allen, daughter of John Allen.
(VII) Delancey Allen, son of Benja-
min and Rhoda (Allen) Allen, was born
February 24, 1783, in Westport, died
there, November 17, 1833, and is buried in
Greens Farms Cemetery. He married,
February 10, 1805, Cloe Fillow, daughter
of Isaac and Adah (Waterbury) Fillow.
The Pillows descend from John Fillow,
who came with the French Huguenots
sometime in the seventeenth century.
(VIII) Isaac Allen, son of Delancey
and Cloe (Fillow) Allen, was born Feb-
ruary 15, 1812, in Westport, where he re-
ceived his education in the public schools.
He learned the carpenter's trade, and
after working for a time as a journeyman,
went into business for himself as a con-
tractor and builder. This business he
conducted successfully until advancing
years forced him to retire. Mr. Allen
married, June 21, 1838, Eunice Ann Mur-
ray, daughter of Seymour and Ann Eliz-
abeth Seckler (Elsworth) Murray, the
former practically all his life a master me-
chanic in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. That
was in the days of wooden men-of-war.
The Elsworths were of English descent,
and the Murrays (MacMurrays) of Scotch
descent. Mr. and Mrs. Allen were the
parents of the following children: Ann
Elizabeth Murray, deceased ; Armenia,
married Rev. R. S. Putney, of Westport;
Orlando I., of Westport, now deceased ;
Emma Louise, who married Theodore
263
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Allen, of Westport; Isabella, who mar-
ried Charles Augur, of New Haven ; Lau-
ren M., mentioned below; and Elmer E.,
of Westport. Isaac Allen and his wife
were both very active members of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
(IX) Lauren M. Allen, son of Isaac
and Eunice Ann (Murray) Allen, was
born June 12, 1857, in Westport, and re-
ceived his preparatory education in the
public schools of his native town. In
1880 he received from the College of Phy-
sicians and Surgeons of New York the
degree of Doctor of Medicine. After
serving for a time as an interne in
Bellevue Hospital, Mr. Allen opened
an office in Brooklyn, New York, and
for twelve years practiced in that
city. In 1893 he moved to South Nor-
walk, where, in the course of a few
years, he established himself as one of the
leading physicians of the community. He
is a member of the staff of the Norwalk
Hospital, and also conducts a flourishing
private practice. The professional organ-
izations in which he is enrolled include
the Norwalk Medical Association, the
County and State Medical societies, and
the American Medical Association.
In the business world Dr. Allen is rep-
resented by his association with the John
R. Wrigley Paper Box Company, Inc.,
being president of the company. He affil-
iates with Old Well Lodge, No. 108, Free
and Accepted Masons; and Butler Chap-
ter, Royal Arch Masons, both of South
Norwalk ; also with Clinton Command-
ery. Knights Templar, of Norwalk ; and
Pyramid Temple, Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine, of Bridgeport.
Dr. Allen married (first) October 8,
1879, Kate M. Shaffer, daughter of James
Edward and Mary Eliza (Bennett) Shaf-
fer, of Brooklyn, and they became the par-
ents of one daughter : Katherine Charleta,
now the wife of Carl D. Mexcur, of
Bloomfield, Connecticut, and mother of
three children : Anna, Carl, and George.
Dr. Allen married (second) January 14,
1918, Helen Becker, daughter of Frank C.
and Amelia Frances (Grupe) Becker, of
South Norwalk. Dr. and Mrs. Allen are
members of the Congregational church.
The career of Dr. Allen has been fruit-
ful. He is numbered among the most
esteemed citizens of his home community,
and his professional record is rich in re-
sults of srenuine and enduringf value.
BELDEN, Charles Denison,
Broker, Man of Fine Tastes.
Many thoughts of the past will be
awakened by the appearance of this name,
and impressions, so deep that time has
been powerless to efface them, will glow
with almost pristine freshness as the
minds of old friends and former business
associates revert to events and scenes of
bygone years. Throughout the long
period during which Mr. Belden was a
figure of prominence in the brokerage cir-
cles of Wall street. New York, he re-
mained a citizen of Stamford, Connecti-
cut, ever maintaining an unwavering and
helpful interest in the advancement of all
that could minister to the welfare and
progress of his home community. The
name of Belden is an extremely ancient
one, and with the lapse of centuries has
assumed a great variety of forms. Those
which have been, at different periods, in
use in the New England branch, are
Bayldon, Belden, and Belding. This last
form is very erroneous and has been
wholly discarded by certain lines.
Bayldon Manor was in the Angle king-
dom of Deira, — hence came the immortal
youths seen by Saint Gregory at Rome,
and at the sight of whom he exclaimed,
264
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
non Angli, sed Angeli! Bayldon has been
the seat of the family of that name since
a period prior to the reign of King John,
and ever since the Norman Conquest it
has been a chapelry in the West Riding
of Yorkshire. Bayldon Hall is not far
away and is still in a good state of preser-
vation. The fact that it stands on an emi-
nence seems to render probable the idea
that the family name may be derived from
Bael, or Bel, meaning fire, a flame, or the
sun, and Don, a hill, and that the hill on
which Bayldon Manor stands may have
been selected for one of those on which
sacrificial fires were burned in honor of
Bael. The fact that high places were
chosen for these fires seems to render this
idea more probable than the one which
assumes that the name signifies merely a
beacon hill. The family, since our earliest
knowledge of it, has been distinguished in
English history.
Richard Bayldon, founder of the New
England branch of the race, was bom in
Yorkshire, England, and in 1635 settled at
Wethersfield, Connecticut. He died in
1655, and many of his numerous descend-
ants have won fame and honor in both
civil and military life. The Bayldon
escutcheon, like most others, has varia-
tions, the form displayed by the descend-
ants of Richard Bayldon being the fol-
lowing:
Arms — A fesse between three fleur-de-lis sable.
Motto — God my leader.
It is worthy of note that the motto ap-
pears to be peculiar to the coat-of-arms
of the New England branch.
David Belden, father of Charles Deni-
son Belden, was bom at East Haddam,
Connecticut, and in his infancy was de-
prived, by death, of his father. He was
taken by his widowed mother to New
York City, and as he grew to manhood
entered business life. In partnership with
his brother-in-law, George Brainerd, he
conducted a flourishing wholesale gro-
cery concern, retiring a number of years
before his death. As a young man Mr.
Belden was a member of the Militia Regi-
ment, which was the forerunner of the
famous Seventh. He married Catherine
Louisa Brush, whose family record is ap-
pended to this biography.
Charles Denison Belden, son of David
and Catherine Louisa (Brush) Belden,
was born January 9, 1844, in New York
City, and received his education in the pri-
vate school of Clark & Fanning. Inherit-
ing from his father an inclination for the
active career of an executant, he early con-
nected himself with the grocery business.
It was not long, however, before he was
drawn, by his taste and aptitude for fi-
nance, into the arena of Wall street,
where, as a stock broker, he found full
scope for his talents. He was a man
whose word carried weight and as the
years went on, his fund of experience and
the honorable success which he had
achieved caused his advice to be fre-
quently sought by young men entering
upon the active work of life, and also by
older men who found themselves in need
of counsel in relation to some problem of
unusual difficulty. A few years before his
death he retired, being ably succeeded by
his son.
As may be supposed, the strenuous life
of a Wall street broker left Mr. Belden
little leisure for orders or fraternities.
His only association of that nature was
with the New York Society of the Sons
of the Revolution. In his youth he was
actively interested in athletics and as he
grew older, hunting and fishing became
his favorite recreations. Withal, he was
a man of literary tastes, spending some of
his happiest hours in his library.
Mr. Belden married Sarah R. Allen,
265
I
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
whose ancestral record is appended to
this biography, and they became the par-
ents of three children : Edith, born April
26, 1872, wife of Charles W. Palmer, of
New York City ; Agnes, born February
ID, 1873, married George D. Arthur, also
of New York City, and has one child,
George D. (3) ; and William Allen, born
June II, 1875, and now, for some years,
the successor of his father in business.
About twenty years ago, it being the
desire of Mrs. Belden to make her sum-
mer home in Connecticut, she was author-
ized by her husband to select a site and
to make all the arrangements necessary
for the erection of a residence. She fin-
ally purchased a plot on Wallack's Point,
in the town of Stamford, one of the most
beautiful spots on the Connecticut shore,
and there built a spacious and attractive
mansion, which reflects a strong indi-
viduality and a fine sense of proportion.
One of the most important elements in
her influence was her love for the natural
beauties of the place and her care for
their preservation. In order to save a fine
tree she had a U-shaped niche built into
the house, thus giving it room for growth.
Mr. Belden was a man of exceptionally
strong domestic attachments, appreciat-
ing nothing so highly as an atmosphere of
family affection and fireside happiness.
It was not, however, in his beautiful
Connecticut home, that Mr. Belden
"ceased from earth," but in Montreal,
Canada, where, on February 12, 1912, he
passed quietly away. From the old city
of the North, rich in historic associations,
the sad tidings came to his beloved Stam-
ford, bringing to many hearts profound
sorrow for the loss of one whose daily
life among them had given an example of
every private virtue even as his course in
the turmoil of the world of business had
been one of undeviating rectitude and
stainless integrity.
A career like that of Charles Denison
Belden is independent of comment. Its
unadorned record has a simple and con-
vincing eloquence far transcending the
language of eulogy.
(The Brush Line).
This name, which is another form of
Broom or Broome, is, perhaps, derived
from the German brusch, meaning a
broom. Some claim that it is an angli-
cized form of Plantagenet (planta genista),
but it is, more probably, a local designa-
tion derived from one of the parishes so-
called in the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk,
Stafford, Bedford, and Durham. Robert
de Brus went with William the Con-
queror to England, where the name of
his son Robert was changed to Bruce.
This, some say, was the origin of the
Brush, Bruse, Bruce and Bush families.
Branches of the Brush family were
early transplanted to Massachusetts and
Long Island, and also to Westchester
county, New York. Everywhere have the
members proved themselves worthy citi-
zens, valuable, in the different walks of
life, to their respective communities.
(I) Caleb Brush was bom in West-
chester county, and was engaged in busi-
ness on Grove street, New York City. He
married Eleanor Van Tassel (see Van
Tassel family), the original of the fas-
cinating Katrina Van Tassel, the cele-
brated heroine of the "Legend of Sleepy
Hollow," perhaps the best known of those
charming tales from the pen of Wash-
ington Irving, whose genius has clothed
with an atmosphere of romance, the banks
of the Hudson from New York to Albany.
(II) Joshua, son of Caleb and Eleanor
(Van Tassel) Brush, was engaged in the
lumber business. He married Lucretia
Keesler, of New York City.
(III) Catherine Louisa, daughter of
Joshua and Lucretia (Keesler) Brush, be-
266
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
came the wife of David Belden, as stated
above.
(The Van Tassel Family).
The original form of this name was Van
Taxel. derived from the designation of the
place in Holland, which was the native
home of this heroic race. It is easily seen
that the correct orthography has only one
"1" and it is thus that the name is spelled
by Irving, the historian and eulogist of
this gallant family.
The Van Tassels came by marriage into
possession of Wolfert's Roost, the house
which was built by Wolfert Ecker, and
which became, nearly two centuries later,
the home of Washington Irving, by whom
the estate was rechristened "Sunnyside."
At the time of the Revolutionary War
Wolfert's Roost, or, as it was then called,
the Van Tassel house, was owned by
Jacob Van Tassel, a renowned patriot,
who turned his house into a garrison and
became the leader of a band of sturdy
warriors, recruited from the neighboring
farms, who scoured the countryside by
day and night, defending it from the Brit-
ish and from the marauders who followed
in the tracks of both armies.
Abraham Van Tassel was the father of
the immortal Katrina, whose kinswoman,
Eleanor Van Tassel, became the wife of
Caleb Brush (see Brush family).
(The Allen Line).
This patronymic is derived from the
personal name Alan, which was common
in Norman times, and is thought by some
to signify a hound, or wolf-dog. By
others it is said to have been introduced
into England in the Conqueror's time by
Alan, Earl of Brittany, and to be equiva-
lent to the Roman yElianus, sun-bright.
(I) John Allen, who appears to have
been the founder of the New York branch
of the Allen family, is thought by some to
have been born in Holland. If this be
true, the family was probably Scottish
and, like the Van Nesses, transplanted a
branch to Holland in consequence of the
persecutions of Charles the First. John
Allen came to New York City and mar-
ried Sabina Meyers who, as her name in-
dicates, was of German parentage. Mr.
Allen died when he was, comparatively, a
young man.
(II) Stephen, son of John and Sabina
(Meyers) Allen, was born July 2, 1767,
in New York City, and w4s a young child
at the time of the death of his father.
Mrs. Allen, however, was a noble woman
and an ideal mother. She caused the boy
to be educated in private schools of his
native city, and throughout his childhood
and youth was his wise counsellor as well
as his loving parent. And richly was she
compensated for her devotion, for her son
developed into a noble man, filling with
honor the highest municipal office in the
gift of his fellow-citizens and leading
them in all that made for reform and for
true progress. Mr. Allen was apprenticed
to the trade of sail-making and at fifteen
was thrown on his own resources. In
1787 he formed a partnership with
Thomas Wilson, a sail-maker and a mem-
ber of the Society of Friends, and in De-
cember, 1791, went into business for him-
self. So well established was his reputa-
tion for integrity and fairdealing that he
was popularly known as "Honest -Stephen
Allen."
In 1812, Mr. Allen, who was then a
wealthy merchant, joined a volunteer
company and lent all the money he could
spare from his business for the mainte-
nance of war activities. On being con-
sulted by a United States naval agent in
regard to furnishing a supply of duck, he
sold his whole stock to the government
upon its own terms. The cessation of
267
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
hostilities caused the treasury notes with
which the duck had been paid for to so
increase in value that he realized a hand-
some profit.
In April, 1817, Mr. Allen was elected to
the Common Council and in March, 182 1,
he became mayor of New York. He took
a prominent part in the completion of the
New York aqueduct. In April, 1824, he
was appointed commissioner to visit the
prisons in Auburn and in New York City
and to report upon conditions and recom-
mend changes. The result was the sale
of the old prison in New York, and the
erection of the State prison at Sing Sing.
On November i, 1825, Mr. Allen retired
from business, and in May, 1826, he was
sent to the New York State Assembly.
In 1829 he was elected Senator and, as
such, served as a member of the court for
the correction of errors. This was the
first instance in which written opinions
were given in the court of errors by a lay-
man.
In 1833 Mr. Allen was appointed one of
the water commission for supplying New
York with pure and wholesome water,
and served as chairman of the committee.
In 1840 he was relieved of the office of
water commissioner by Governor Seward,
for reasons purely political. Charles
King said, in the "Memoir of the Croton
Aqueduct :" "The chairman of the board,
in particular, Stephen Allen, has left upon
the work, from its commencement to the
advanced stage in which he relinquished
it to his successor, the stamp of his ener-
getic character and strong, inquiring
mind." All the public positions filled by
Mr. Allen were unsolicited. In early life
he was a Moravian in religious belief, but
later became a member of the Presbyter-
ian church. He was officially connected
with many public institutions of New
York City, including the Tammany So-
ciety, the Mechanic and Scientific Institu-
tion, the New York Hospital and Lunatic
Asylum and the New York Prison Disci-
pline Society.
Mr. Allen married (first) in 1788,
Marschalk, and (second) in 1807,
Sarah, daughter of Joseph and Mary
(Coleridge) Roake. Mr. Roake came
from one of the Channel Islands and his
wife was a kinswoman of the author of
"The Ancient Mariner." The marriage
was, as seemed fitting, a romantic one,
the lovers leaving England without the
knowledge of their respective families and
finding a home on the other side of the
sea in the little village of Shrub Oak
Plains, near Peekskill, New York. On
July 28, 1852, Mr. Allen passed away,
"full of years and of honors." It should
always be remembered that he was the
first man to propose bringing Croton
water into the city of New York. So sane
was he in his judgment and so impartial,
that many people brought their differ-
ences to him to arbitrate instead of tak-
ing them into the courts. He was a
wealthy man for the time in which he
lived, and drew his own will. It is on
record as a test will that could never be
broken.
(Ill) William M., son of Stephen and
Sarah (Roake) Allen, was born in New
York City, and graduated in the Law
School of Columbia University, but never
practised, his ample means enabling him
to give his time and attention to more
congenial pursuits. He was a man of
broad culture, having literary tastes, and
greatly interested in scientific subjects.
In the maintenance and improvement of
the public school system of his native city
he rendered, for many years, valuable as-
sistance. A subject in which he took the
liveliest interest was the wonderful pos-
sibilities of the microscope. Mr. Allen
268
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
married Catherine Maria Leggett, whose
ancestral record is herewith appended.
(IV) Sarah R., daughter of William M.
and Catherine Maria (Leggett) Allen,
was born October 7, 1848, and became the
wife of Charles Denison Belden, as stated
above.
(The Leggett Line).
This name, which is sometimes spelled
with only one "t," is derived from the
Latin legatus, meaning a legate or ambas-
sador.
(I) Gabriel Leggett was born in 1635,
probably in County Essex, England, and
about 1670-76 came to Westchester
county. New York. His home was at
West Farms, and he was a landowner and
merchant. He married, about 1676, Eliz-
abeth, daughter of John and Martha Rich-
ardson, the former, one of the original
patentees of the Manor of West Farms.
Gabriel Leggett died at some time prior
to July, 1700.
(II) John, eldest son of Gabriel and
Elizabeth (Richardson) Leggett, married
Cicily, daughter of Thomas Hunt, who
was a son-in-law of Edward Jessup. The
original grant of Hunt's Point was to
Hunt and Jessup.
(II) Gabriel (2), youngest child of Ga-
briel (i) and Elizabeth (Richardson)
Leggett, was bom in 1697 or '98, at West
Farms, and in his latter years moved to
West Patent of North Castle, Westches-
ter county. He was a landowner and held
the office of alderman. He married (first)
Bridget , and (second) in 1765,
Mary Wiggins, who died before 1781. He
married (third) in 1782, Sarah Brown,
and his death occurred at West Farms, in
April, 1786.
(III) Thomas, son of Gabriel (2) and
Bridget ( ) Leggett, was born June
3. 1 72 1, at West Farms. Prior to the Rev-
olutionary War he bought a farm at Still-
water, Saratoga county, New York, where
most of his children were born. At the
time of the battle of Saratoga, the dwell-
ing and outbuildings, which were of logs,
were within the Hessian redoubt, and at
the approach of Burgoyne the family
crossed the river to Easton, Washington
county. Mr. Leggett married Mary Em-
bree, who was born in 1723, and he and
his family were the first of the name to be
enrolled in the Society of Friends. They
were founders of a Friends' Society at
Stillwater.
(IV) Thomas (2), son of Thomas (i)
and Mary (Embree) Leggett, was born
January 17, 1755. and, with his brother
Isaac, was taken prisoner by the British
and carried to the camp at Schuylerville,
but escaped and returned home. Thomas
Leggett lived in Westchester until 1836,
when he removed to New York City. He
married (first) in 1781, Mary, born in
1762, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca
Haight, of Flushing, Long Island. He
married (second) in 1808, Mary Under-
bill, who died in 1849. Mr. Leggett died
in New York, October 10, 1843.
(V) William Haight, son of Thomas
(2) and Mary (Haight) Leggett. was
born April 15, 1789, and was a merchant
in New York City, a man of wealth for his
day and generation. His home was at
Rosebank, West Farms. He married, in
1814, at the Brick Presbyterian Church,
New York City, Margaret Wright, and
his death occurred December 22, 1863.
(VI) Catherine Maria, daughter of
William Haight and Margaret (Wright)
Leggett, became the wife of William M.
Allen (see Allen line).
WILCOX, Robert Mead,
Financier.
As vice-president and cashier of the
Greenwich National Bank, no other in-
troduction is necessary, nor would be.
269
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
even were Mr. Wilcox's official position
a less conspicuous one, as in any case
his standing as a citizen would render him
a "man of mark" in the community.
(I) Josiah Wilcox, grandfather of Rob-
ert Mead Wilcox, was a native of Crom-
well, Connecticut, and removed to Riv-
ersville, in the town of Greenwich, where
he established himself as a manufacturer
of carriages, hardware and tinsmith's
tools, thus proving himself abundantly
possessed of the initiative which he inher-
ited, no doubt, from his New England
ancestors.
(II) Willis H. Wilcox, son of Josiah
Wilcox, was born June 15, 1841, in Riv-
ersville, Greenwich, Connecticut. He was
educated in the Berlin, (Connecticut)
Academy. After working for a time in a
store in Berlin, he returned home where
he was employed by his father. At the
outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in
Company I, loth Regiment, Connecticut
Volunteer Infantry, and was three years
with the army, receiving a wound while
in the service. After the war he was asso-
ciated in business with his father until the
death of Mr. Wilcox, Sr., when Willis H.
and his brother George succeeded to the
ownership of the concern. Prior to the
father's death the business was conducted
under the firm name of J. Wilcox & Sons,
the style being subsequently changed to
J. Wilcox's Sons. Upon the death of
George Wilcox, Willis H. Wilcox con-
tinued the business for a short time. Mr.
Wilcox was a director in the Greenwich
National Bank, and president of the
Greenwich Savings Bank. He was an
adherent of the Republican party, and
though never a politician was active as a
young man in public affairs, occupying a
seat in the Legislature for two terms, his
reelection proving how ably and satisfac-
torily he defended and advanced the
rights of his constituents. ILe was a
member of Lombard Post, No. 24, Grand
Army of the Republic. Mr. Wilcox mar-
ried Susan C. Mead, daughter of Edward
and Susan (Merritt) Mead, and they be-
came the parents of one son: Robert
Mead, mentioned below. The death of
Mr. Wilcox occurred September 13, 1916.
He was a useful and public-spirited citi-
zen, domestic in his tastes and admirable
in all the relations of life.
(Ill) Robert Mead Wilcox, only child
of Willis H. and Susan C. (Mead) Wil-
cox, was born October 9, 1873, in Rivers-
ville, Connecticut. He received his edu-
cation in the public schools of his native
town and at the Greenwich Academy.
He then entered the service of the Fourth
National Bank, of New York City, be-
ginning as a messenger, but not remain-
ing long in that humble position, as those
who knew him were sure he would not.
He was then seventeen years old, and as
time went on he advanced steadily step
by step, serving practically in every de-
partment of the bank until August 3,
1907, when he associated himself with the
Greenwich National Bank in the capacity
of assistant cashier. The following year
he became cashier, and in January, 1917,
was made vice-president of the institu-
tion, an office which he still retains in
conjunction with his former position of
cashier. At the time of his election as
vice-president he became a member of the
board of directors. In the political life of
his community, Mr. Wilcox has never
taken an active part, but has always man-
ifested a helpful interest in whatever he
deemed calculated to advance the gen-
eral welfare. He belongs to Lombard
Camp, Sons of Veterans, and affiliates
with the Benevolent and Protective Or-
der of Elks. He is a member of the
Second Congregational Church, in which
he holds the office of treasurer.
Mr. Wilcox married, November 20,
270
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
1901, Tillie A. Mead, daughter of the late
Alexander Mead, whose biography fol-
lows this.
The career of Robert Mead Wilcox has
been that of an honorable financier and an
upright citizen. Surely such a record as
this is independent of comment.
MEAD, Alexander,
Leader in Florionltnre.
No resident of Greenwich needs to be
told that this was for many years the
name of one of her most successful busi-
ness men and respected citizens. Mr.
Mead was a representative of an ancient
and honorable family which traces its
descent from John Mead, one of two
brothers who came from England about
1642. The escutcheon of the family is
as follows :
Arms — Sable, a chevron between three pelicans
or, vulned gules.
Alexander Mead was born May 27,
1835, in Greenwich, Connecticut. He was
educated in public schools and at the
Greenwich Academy. All his life he lived
on the farm on which he had been reared
and which he inherited from his father.
He early showed a strong interest in the
cultivation of flowers, and established in
a small way a florist's business, having
one greenhouse. From its inception the
venture was successful and the business
steadily increased. As time went on Mr.
Mead became one of the leading florists
of the State, and for many years carried
on a wholesale as well as a retail busi-
ness. The growth of Greenwich, in more
recent years, developed a demand which
consumed his entire stock of plants and
flowers. About ten years before his death
he retired, bequeathing to his son a flour-
ishing business, with fifteen greenhouses,
one hundred by twenty-three feet in di-
mensions.
Mr. Mead married Matilda Grigg,
daughter of John Grigg, of Greenwich,
and they became the parents of a son
and a daughter: Henry Sanford, who has
succeeded his father in the business ; and
Tillie A., who became the wife of Robert
Mead Wilcox (see Wilcox III).
The death of Mr. Mead occurred Octo-
ber 12, 1918. Thrifty, industrious and
fair-minded in all his dealings, he was
devoted to his family and to the many and
exacting responsibilities of his calling.
He has left a record worthy of the stock
from which he sprang, and one in which
his descendants may well take a worthy
and justifiable pride.
BOGARDUS, Frank W.,
Iiumber Dealer, Man of Fnblic Spirit.
From the earliest records of the immi-
grant settlers who came to this country,
leaving behind them all the traditions in
which they had been nurtured, the aim
and ambition of our forefathers has been
to establish in the New World a complete
nation in which each citizen should be a
king in his own right. This propaganda
of individual supremacy in private affairs
has in turn become our tradition, and has
made us what we are, a nation of men.
The development of the typically Amer-
ican city of Stamford, Connecticut, has
been along these lines, and she stands
today among the most progressive com-
munities of the State and Nation. This
result, so far as Stamford is concerned,
has been brought about from year to year,
period to period, down to the present, by
the diverse yet united efforts of its many
sterling citizens. Among these is to be
counted Frank W. Bogardus, who for a
number of years has been prominently
identified with the life of the city. Mr.
Bogardus is a member of a family of
Dutch origin, which came to America
271
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
early in the history of the Colony of New
Amsterdam, the name being one of the
most prominent in the affairs of the
youthful settlement.
The surname Bogardus is derived from
the Dutch "boomgard," an orchard, sig-
nifying one who possessed an orchard of
particular account or who kept an
orchard.
(I) The family of Bogardus was
founded in the New World by Everardus
Bogardus, universally known as Dominie
Bogardus, a native of Holland, who sailed
from that country on the Dutch frigate
"Zoutberg" in the year 1633, in company
with the newly appointed governor,
major-general, director-general, provost
marshal, and Burgomaster Wouter Van
Twiller, for what was known as Fort Am-
sterdam, founded thirteen years before.
For many years it was thought that he
was the first minister in the Colony until
the discovery of Michaelius's letter in
1858, when it was found that the dominie
was preceded by the author of that docu-
ment. His first church, on the present
north side of Pearl street, between
Whitehall and Broad, was not at all to
his liking. He persuaded Governor Van
Twiller to have a new church built within
the walls of the fort. Later he obtained
a parsonage, on the front door of which
he placed a brass knocker he had brought
from Holland. It has been said that "the
outside of his house was the delight of the
passer-by, while inside he dispensed a
cordial hospitality." In 1633 he became
the proprietor of a tobacco plantation on
Manhattan Island. About a year after
the arrival of Van Twiller and Bogardus
a bitter dissension arose between them.
In the early days of the settlement, when
there were few educated men there, it was
one of the "unwritten laws" that the cler-
gyman should join with the council in
conference. The leaders in the church
were in accord with the dominie in this
matter, but Van Twiller, who was of a
disputatious mind, sought to curtail the
privilege. Dominie Bogardus, seeing that
unprofitable strife would surely develop,
in 1647 sought and received permission to
visit his native land. He sailed in the
brig "Princess," which went down with
eighty other passengers.
He married, as is found in an old vol-
ume dated 1638, the widow, Anneke Web-
ber Jansen, or Anneke Jans, as she was
familiarly known. She was the daughter
of Tryntje Jans, or Tryn Jonas, a pro-
fessional midwife in the employ of the
West India Company, for their Colony
of New Amsterdam. The trained nurse
of that day was an important factor in
the community. Her work corresponded
to that of the trained nurse of the present
day, only it must be remembered that the
general level of education and intelligence
was not nearly so high as it is now. Even
in that early day the widwife had to be
examined by a board of physicians before
she could receive a license. Her pay was
small and her labors arduous. She mar-
ried Roeloflf Jansen Van Masterlandt.
With his wife and child he came in 1630
as farmer to the Patroon Kilaen Van
Rensselaer at a salary equivalent to sev-
enty-two dollars a year. Five or six years
later he was settled among the dignitaries
of the colony, having received from Gov-
ernor Van Twiller a patent for sixty-two
acres of land. It is this farm about which
there has been an historic controversy.
The farm "extended from a line a little
south of the present Warren street, north-
westerly about a mile and a half, to what
is now Christopher street, forming an
irregular triangle having its base on the
river, running, however, on Broadway
only from Warren to Duane street."
After the death of her second husband,
Anneke Jans Bogardus had the grant
272
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
confirmed to herself. Her heirs, upon the
subsequent capture of the province by the
British, had the grant confirmed to them-
selves by the first British Governor, Hon.
Richard Nicholes, and sold it in 1671 to
Governor Lovelace. One of the heirs
failed to sign the conveyance, and this
fact caused the controversy, his descend-
ants claiming an interest in the property,
which finally passed into the possession
of Trinity Church.
(II) Cornelis Bogardus, son of Ever-
ardus and Anneke (Jans) Bogardus, was
born September 9, 1640. As a young man
he moved to Albany, New York, and re-
mained in that city until his death in 1666.
His "boedel," a personal estate, amounted
to 2,015 guilders, a large sum for the
times. He married Helena Teller, daugh-
ter of William Teller, of Albany. Their
descendants were those who first laid
claim to the Trinity Church property.
(III) Cornelis (2) Bogardus, son of
Cornelis (i) and Helena (Teller) Bogar-
dus, was born in Beverwyck or Fort Or-
ange (Albany), New York, October 13,
1665. Following his mother's second
marriage to Jans Hendrickse Van Ball,
Cornelis (2) Bogardus went to live with
his uncles, Pieter and Jonas Bogardus,
children of Dominie Everardus and An-
neke (Jans) Bogardus. When, several
years later, Pieter Bogardus moved to
Kingston, New York, Cornelis (2) Bo-
gardus accompanied him, and there mar-
ried Rachel De Witt in 1691. She was a
daughter of Tjerck Classen, son of
Nicholas and Taatje De Witt, whose
home in the Netherlands was in Groot-
holdt, district of Zunderland, in the south-
ern part of East Friesland. Tjerck
Classen De Witt came to America some
time prior to the year 1656, and is the
ancestor of the De Witt family in the
United States. De Witt is one of the
few Dutch-American names illustrious in
the Fatherland. Grand Pensioner Jo-
hannes De Witt administered the govern-
ment of Holland from 1652 to 1672. He
and his brother, Cornelis De Witt, also
prominent in civil and military life in the
Netherlands, were killed by a mob at The
Hague, following years of faithful service
to their country. Tjerck Classen De Witt
was their kinsman, and a descendant of
his, Maria De Witt, married Captain
Tames Clinton, who afterwards became a
general in the American Revolution, and
their son, De Witt Clinton, was one of
the most prominent, energetic and be-
loved governors of New York State.
Cornelis (2) Bogardus was the owner
of a vessel which he employed in the car-
rying trade along the Hudson river from
New York to Albany, and possibly to
more distant points along the coast. In
1700 he returned to Albany, his birth-
place, remaining there for a few years.
He was made a "freeman" of that city,
and became prominent in its affairs.
Later on he accompanied Captain Nicho-
las Evertsen on a raid in the Colonial
service against a band of French priva-
teers off the coast. This occurred in 1704.
He died in the spring of 1718, in King-
ston, New York. Cornelis (2) and
Rachel (De Witt) Bogardus were the
parents of eight children.
(IV) Cornelis (3) Bogardus, son of
Cornelis (2) and Rachel (De Witt) Bo-
gardus, was born in Kingston, New York,
January 8, 1699, died February 12, 1758.
He married Catharine Tudor (in Dutch,
Toeter), daughter of Captain John Tu-
dor. Shortly after his marriage he moved
down the Hudson and settled in Fishkill,
Dutchess county, New York, on land sit-
uated in the "Rombout Precinct," or
Patent, the vast estate of 85,000 acres
belonging to his aunt, "'Madame Brett"
(Catherine Rombout). He had received
an unusually fine education for those
I
273
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
times, which permitted him to assume a
position of prominence in the growing
colony on the east shore of the Hudson,
and also enabled him to be of great serv-
ice to Madame Brett, who had become a
widow and possessed of a family depend-
ent upon her guidance. It is likely that
Madame Brett may have urged him to
settle in Fishkill, realizing that he was a
man who would be influential in wisely
conducting her large afifairs in the Pre-
cinct, and upon whom she could safely
depend. The records testify that he was
a surveyor in Fishkill, and it is known
that he became a man of property, build-
ing a house in the town, where his de-
scendants have continued to possess the
land. Cornelis (3) and Catharine (Tu-
dor) Bogardus were the parents of twelve
children.
(V) Matthew Bogardus, son of Cor-
nelis (3) and Catharine (Tudor) Bogar-
dus, was baptized September 10, 1740.
He married Abigail Ferguson, and among
their children was Abraham, of whom
further.
(VI) Abraham Bogardus, son of Mat-
thew and Abigail (Ferguson) Bogardus,
was born January 28, 1771. He married,
and one of his sons was Samuel, of whom
further.
(VII) Samuel Bogardus, son of Abra-
ham Bogardus, was born January 16,
1806, and made his home at what is now
the town of Beacon, New York. He was
a man of unusual ability and prospered
greatly in his afifairs, holding nearly all
of the offices in the gift of the township.
He engaged in business as a contractor
and builder on a very large scale for the
time, and in due course became a large
and wealthy land owner. Nearly the
whole of Spy Hill, famous in Revolution-
ary annals, was at one time in his posses-
sion. He was also one of the founders of
the Reformed Dutch church at Fishkill-
on-the-Hudson, built the old church edi-
fice, and held a life pew there. Among
the various ofifices that he filled was that
of deputy sheriiT, and it was to him, dur-
ing his long term of office, that the duty of
protecting the New York Central rail-
road at the time of the draft riots in the
Civil War fell. Among his children was
John S., of whom further.
(VIII) John S. Bogardus, son of Sam-
uel Bogardus, was born December 27,
1828, and died June 14, 1903. His child-
hood was passed at Fishkill-on-the-Hud-
son, New York, and it was in the schools
of the neighborhood that his education
was obtained. Upon completing his stud-
ies he was taken by his father into the
latter's establishment and there learned
the building and contracting business.
After serving for a time in various minor
capacities, he was appointed superinten-
dent and general manager, and for a num-
ber of years was in active charge of the
large building operations carried on by
the concern. He later repaired to New
York City to take up the study of archi-
tecture, and in course of time became a
member of the American Institute of
Architects. He then established himself
in the city of Newburgh, New York, and
there for a number of years practiced his
profession and won a wide reputation.
From Newburgh he returned to New
York City and built up an extensive prac-
tice in that place and Yonkers, from
which place he went to Stamford, Con-
necticut, in the year 1881. From that
time until his death, Mr. Bogardus con-
tinued his practice of architecture in this
city, adding greatly to his reputation, and
many of the finest buildings of Stamford
were erected from his designs, namely,
a number of schools, and many of the
handsomest residences here and in the
outlying districts, as well as several im-
portant business blocks.
274
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
John S. Bogardus married Kate Schutt,
of Fishkill-on-the-Hudson, by whom he
had a number of children. Three of these
grew to maturity, as follows : Frank Wal-
cott, of whom further; J. Howard, a
sketch of whom follows ; Clarence Elmer,
a sketch of whom follows.
(IX) Frank Walcott Bogardus, son of
John S. and Kate (Schutt) Bogardus,
was born September 23, 1867, in Mattea-
wan, Dutchess county, New York. He
inherited the great practical ability of his
father, and has gained a position of promi-
nence in the business world of Stamford,
Connecticut, to which place he removed
with his parents at the age of fourteen.
He began his education in the public
schools of his native town, but when
twelve years of age went to Yonkers and
there attended the high school, graduat-
ing in 1881. He felt a strong attraction
to a business career as a youth, and suc-
ceeded in persuading his parents to allow
him to forego the higher education they
had proposed for him. When his parents
came to Stamford he eagerly commenced
his business life by securing a position in
the employ of St. John, Hoyt & Company,
a well known firm of lumber dealers. His
employers, recognizing the earnestness of
the young man, his intelligence and indus-
try, soon advanced him to the position of
bookkeeper, and somewhat later he be-
came cashier. Mr. Bogardus remained
with the firm for fifteen years and there,
by constant attention to the details of
the enterprise, thoroughly learned gen-
eral business methods and developed
remarkable executive powers. Of good
habits and unquenchable ambition for the
future, Mr. Bogardus denied himself
many of the luxuries and frivolities which
make up so large a part of the life of most
young men, and by dint of devoted and
indefatigable industry gained a point
where he could reach out and perma-
nently better himself. In the year 1888
the interests of Mr. St. John in the busi-
ness were purchased by Charles H. Get-
man, a prominent figure in the lumber
trade in the region of Oswego, New York,
from which city he came, at which time
the name of the firm was changed to
Hoyt, Getman & Judd, the death of Mr.
Hoyt removing the last of the original
members. The name of the firm was
changed to Getman & Judd. Mr. Bogar-
dus continued in the employ of the con-
cern until April, 1897, when he purchased
an interest in the business and became a
junior partner, the firm name being
changed to Getman, Judd & Company,
and on September 15, 1900, the business
was incorporated under the name of The
Getman & Judd Company, of which com-
pany he was elected secretary and treas-
urer, holding those offices at the present
time. From that time to the present he has
taken an ever-increasing share in the man-
agement of the enterprise, and has been
for a number of years a significant factor
in the business life of the community. In
addition to his business activities, Mr.
Bogardus is prominent in club and social
circles of Stamford ; is a member of the
Board of Governors ; was at one time
president of the Suburban Club, and is a
member of the Stamford Yacht Club of
the city. He is also a director of the
First-Stamford National Bank, the Morris
Plan Bank, the King School, Inc., and of
the St. John Wood Working Company.
In religious belief he and his family are
Episcopalians and attend St. Andrew's
Church of that denomination in Stamford.
He has taken an active part in the affairs
of the parish and holds the office of ves-
tryman.
Frank W. Bogardus married, January
5, 1893, Eloise A. WaterDury, a daughter
of Samuel C. Waterbury, and a descend-
ant of one of the founders of the city.
275
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
They are the parents of two sons : Frank
Walcott, Jr., born September i, 1904, and
John Cornelius, born July 28, 1908.
Mr. Bogardus is one of those genial,
whole-souled men for whom everyone in-
stinctively feels the warmest friendship,
a friendship that is confirmed and made
permanent by the sterling qualities of
loyalty and sincerity which he consis-
tently displays. He is a man of public
spirit, and is always to be found in the
forefront of all movements for public im-
provement which make for the true prog-
ress and betterment of the community.
He has served the city as a member of
the Board of Appropriation and Appor-
tionment, in which capacity his knowl-
edge of practical affairs has been of the
greatest service. On September 15, 1900,
the Connecticut Lumber Dealers' Asso-
ciation was incorporated, of which organ-
ization he was at one time president.
BOGARDUS, J. Howard,
Financier, Pnblic-Spirited Citixen.
J. Howard Bogardus, banker, was born
in Fishkill-on-the-Hudson, April 8, 1874,
son of John S. and Kate (Schutt) Bogar-
dus (q. v.). The genealogy of the Bo-
gardus family appears in the preceding
sketch.
The early education of J. Howard Bo-
gardus was obtained under his mother's
tuition, and after attending the Stamford
High School he completed a course in
Merrill's Business College. His active
business life began as a clerk in the Stam-
ford Savings Bank. Ambitious to suc-
ceed, and conscientious in the perform-
ance of his duty, he made the most
of every opportunity to broaden and
strengthen his knowledge of banking, not
only by close attention to the transactions
that came daily within his vision, but by
much reading and study. When the posi-
tion of secretary and treasurer of the bank
became vacant, Mr. Bogardus was found
well equipped to meet the responsibilities
of the position, to which he was elected in
July, 191 1, and which he has ever since
filled. He is a member of the board of
directors of the bank, a member of the
Savings Bank Association of Connecticut,
and his ambitions are so well esteemed by
his business associates that for several
years he has served as a member of the
association's executive committee, and for
one year as its chairman. Mr. Bogardus
is a member of the Henry J. Evans Pro-
tective Committee of the Chicago & East-
ern Illinois Railroad.
Mr. Bogardus is a member of the Sub-
urban Club, and was for years a member
of the Young Men's Christian Associa-
tion, of Stamford. For some years in its
earl}^ days he was a member of the Stam-
ford Yacht Club and one of its nominat-
ing committee. In more recent years he
has found his greatest pleasure and relax-
ation within the family circle. It is sel-
dom that bankers take an active part in
politics, and Mr. Bogardus is not an ex-
ception to this rule, although he neglects
no opportunity to fulfill every repsonsi-
bility that devolves upon the patriotic and
public-spirited citizen. During the World
War he served as a member of the Lib-
erty Loan Committee on every "drive" in
Stamford. He was treasurer for two
years of the Stamford Children's Home,
and during that time was a member of its
board of trustees. Mr. Bogardus is a mem-
ber of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, of
which he has been a vestryman for many
years, was treasurer of the church, and at
the present time treasurer of the Sunday
school. Mrs. Bogardus is a member of
St. John's Episcopal Church.
Mr. Bogardus married, February 15,
1908, Kate Noble, daughter of James and
276
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Anna Elizabeth (Daniel) Noble. They
are the parents of one child, Catherine,
born December 14, 191 1.
(The Noble Line).
The Noble family of which Mrs. Bo-
gardus is a member is the largest of the
name in the United States, and it was
founded by Thomas Noble, who was born
about 1632, probably in England, and died
in Westfield, Massachusetts, January 20,
1704. His exact origin and early history
are involved in obscurity, but he was in
America, without doubt, in 1653. He was
admitted an inhabitant of Boston, Janu-
ary 5, 1653 (Drake's "History of Boston,"
P^ge 331), and in the same year moved to
Springfield, Massachusetts. In 1664, in
connection with several of his townsmen,
he was granted liberty to erect a saw mill
on the west side of the Connecticut. He
was constable of Westfield in 1674, and
county surveyor in 1696. The needs of a
large family and financial difficulties trou-
bled him in his earlier years, but in later
life he became prosperous and a well re-
garded member of the community. He
married, November i, 1660, Hannah War-
riner, born in Springfield, Massachusetts,
August 17, 1643, only daughter of Wil-
liam and Joanna (Scant) Warriner. Their
children were : John, Hannah, Thomas,
Matthew, of whom further ; Mark. Eliza-
beth, Luke, James, Mary, Rebecca.
(II) Matthew Noble, son of Thomas
and Hannah (Warriner) Noble, was born
about 1668, and died about 1744. He put
himself under the watch of Westfield
Church, August 19, 1694, and with his
wife joined same, November 3, 1728,
after their removal to Sheffield. He died
intestate. He married, December 10,
1690, Hannah Dewey, born February 21,
1672, daughter of Thomas and Constant
(Hawes) Dewey. Children: Joseph, of
whom further; Hezekiah, Matthew, Solo-
mon, Elisha, Obadiah, Hannah, Hester,
Rhoda and Rhoda (2).
(HI) Joseph Noble, son of Matthew
and Hannah (Dewey) Noble, was born
in Westfield, Massachusetts, October 8,
1691, and died in Great Barrington, Mas-
sachusetts, February 12, 1758. He moved
to that part of Sheffield that is now Great
Barrington as early as 1727, and was
one of the building committee appointed
March 8, 1742, in charge of the construc-
tion of the first meeting house in Great
Barrington. He joined the Great Bar-
rington Congregational Church, March 3,
1745. He died intestate, and administra-
tion on his estate was granted to his eld-
est son, Joseph, the widow declining the
trust, March 24, 1758. Joseph Noble mar-
ried Abigail Dewey, born November 17,
1694. Children: Joseph (2), of whom
further ; Eli, Preserved, Mary, Margaret,
Abigail, and Lydia.
(IV) Joseph (2) Noble, son of Joseph
(i) and Abigail (Dewey) Noble, was
born in Westfield, Massachusetts, Sep-
tember 22, 1718, and died in Sheffield,
Massachusetts, March 10, 1771. He re-
sided in Sheffield, and died at the home of
his son Roger. The monument erected
over his remains in the Noble family
graveyard in Sheffield bears this inscrip-
tion: "In memory of the body of Mr.
Joseph Noble who died March the 10,
1771, in the 53d year of his age." He
married Thankful Dodd, and their chil-
dren were : Rhoda, James, Roger, of
whom further ; Cornelius, Submit, Si-
lence, Ann, Stephen, and Cornelius (2),
(V) Roger Noble, son of Joseph (2)
and Thankful (Dodd) Noble, was born in
Sheffield, Massachusetts, April 2, 1742,
and died in Pownal, Vermont, September
15, 1810. During one of the French and
Indian wars, his father having been
drafted to march from Sheffield to the
277
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Canadian line, Roger volunteered to go in
his place. The march was attended by
great suffering on the part of the troops,
and Roger Noble was accustomed to
mend the shoes of the soldiers, many of
whom walked with bare feet exposed to
the frozen ground. Given leave from this
expedition to visit friends, he started for
home in the company of six white men
and two friendly Indians. Early in the
journey the Indians stole all of the pro-
visions and fled, and Roger Noble and his
associates endured great hardship before
they reached a habitation. In the Revolu-
tion he was in the battle of Bunker Hill,
and afterwards used to say that as he
heard the bullets whistling over his head
he felt some fear, which soon vanished.
He served during most of the war, and
was known as a man of courage. He
marched in Lieutenant J. Hickock's com-
pany and Colonel John Ashley's regiment
to Kingsbury, and was out twenty-two
days. His trade was that of shoemaker,
but he left that calling for mercantile
dealings, in which he engaged first in
Sheffield, Massachusetts, and afterwards
in Hudson, New York. He also owned
at Great Barrington a store in partnership
with Captain Bacon. This was supposed
to have been burned by Shay's men, and
Rose and Ely, just before their execution,
confessed that they had plundered and
burned it. Roger Noble moved, about
1791, to Hudson, New York, and thence,
1794, to Pownal, Vermont. He married,
about 1772, Olive Hunt, born June 4,
1753, daughter of Daniel Hunt; she died
September 9, 1815. Children: Ormon,
James, Olive, Erastus, of whom further;
Esther, William, Cynthia, Cynthia (2),
Julia, Robert, Polly, and Betsey.
(VI) Erastus Noble, son of Roger and
Olive (Hunt) Noble, was born in Shef-
field, Massachusetts, October 6, 1778, and
died in Williamstown, Massachusetts,
August 6, 1823. He was a blacksmith by
trade, and resided in Pownal, Vermont,
until about 1807, when he moved to Wil-
liamstown, Massachusetts. He married
Ruth Kinney, born in Williamstown, July
14, 1782, daughter of Jethro Kinney. She
died in Williamstown, September 11,
1870. Children : James, Sarah K., Charles
W., Robert, of whom further; Adaline,
Harriet, Marietta, Ruth Ann, Elizabeth
Jane.
(VII) Robert Noble, son of Erastus
and Ruth (Kinney) Noble, was born in
Pownal, Vermont, January 28, 1806. He
was a blacksmith of Williamstown, Mas-
sachusetts. He married, July 28. 1836,
Elizabeth Brownell Chamberlain, bom
in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Janu-
ary 28, 1816, daughter of Emery and
Mary (Brownell) Chamberlain. Children:
Charles S., Robert R., James, of whom
further; Mary Ellsworth, and Sarah
Gray.
(VIII) James Noble, son of Robert
and Elizabeth B. (Chamberlain) Noble,
was born December 8, 1842. He enlisted,
in June, 1864, in the Twenty-third New
York Independent Battery, afterwards
transferred to the Eighth New York
Heavy Artillery, and was present at the
taking of Richmond. He married, Octo-
ber 30, 1873, Anna Elizabeth Daniel, born
in New York, March 4, 1850, daughter of
James and Kate (Drumgold) Daniel.
Their daughter Kate became the wife of
J. Howard Bogardus.
BOGARDUS, Clarence Elmer,
Business Man.
Clarence E. Borgardus was born in
Fishkill-on-the-Hudson, New York, De-
cember 27, 1875, son of John S. and Kate
(Schutt) Bogardus (q. v.). He was a
2-78
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
boy of six years of age when his parents
moved to Stamford, Connecticut, and
there he was reared, obtaining his educa-
tion in the grammar and high schools,
and completed a course in Merrill's Busi-
ness College. His business experience
began in a local bank, and after a short
period in this employ he became asso-
ciated with the Getman & Judd Company,
this relation continuing to the present
time. For a number of years Mr. Bogar-
dus has been in charge of the accounting
department of this firm, and fills an im-
portant, responsible place in their per-
sonnel and business. He is a member of
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, where he
was for several years a choir boy. He is
a man of domestic tastes, entirely ab-
sorbed in his home and his business, and
bears his full share of civic responsibility,
his influence and support extended to
every movement of progress and improve-
ment in his community.
Mr. Bogardus married, June 6, 1908,
Ada Irene Scofield, daughter of Samuel
Ferris and Frances Elizabeth (Hoyt)
Scofield (q. v.). Mrs. Bogardus is a com-
municant of the Congregational church.
HARSTROM, Carl Axel,
Head of Important School.
On the shores of Long Island Sound, in
the city of Norwalk, Connecticut, yet
with country surroundings, is situated the
Harstrom School. There, in addition to
the general curriculum of preparatory
schools, the youth is taught the lesson
and importance of life. Dr. Carl A. Har-
strom, the founder and principal of this
school, is not satisfied to merely increase
the young man's store of information, but
also seeks to develop his character. He
teaches the gospel of action, the signifi-
cance of existence, and aids those in his
charge to appreciate the duty and glory
of doing their part to help and benefit the
generation in which they live.
Dr. Harstrom was born December 20,
1863, in Westeras, Sweden, son of Carl
Gustaf and Emelia (Fosberg) Harstrom,
and grandson of Eric Emanuel Harstrom.
The latter was superintendent of a steel
mill, and lived to an advanced age in
Gefle, Sweden.
Carl Gustaf Harstrom, father of Dr.
Harstrom, was born in Gefle, Sweden,
and died February 13, 1905. He received
the equivalent of our high school educa-
tion, and learned the trade of watch-
maker. In 1874 he came to America and
located in Brooklyn, New York, and
thence removed to Peekskill. He was a
skilled inventor and patented many in-
ventions, among other things a watch
case spring and a drilling machine, and
altogether had something like fifteen or
twenty patents. In 1890 he established
himself in business and had a manufac-
tory in Peekskill, where he remained dur-
ing his lifetime. All of his patents were
taken out in America. Fraternally, Mr.
Harstrom was a member of Dunderberg
Lodge, Ancient Order of United Work-
men, and was master of this lodge. He
married Emelia Fosberg, born in Wes-
teras, the daughter of a sea captain who
was lost at sea, and Dr. Harstrom was
their only child. After coming to Amer-
ica the family were members of the Epis-
copal church.
Dr. Harstrom attended the public
schools of Sweden until he was about ten
years of age, and in this country attended
the Peekskill Military Academy and Ho-
bart College. He was graduated from the
latter institution in 1886 with the degree
of B. A., and in 1889 received his M. A.
degree from this same college. In 1899
Dr. Harstrom received the degree of
279
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Ph. D. from Yale University for post- politics he is a Republican, and has sev-
graduate work in Latin and Greek. The
same year the Harstrom School was
established in Norwalk ; prior to this time
Dr. Harstrom had conducted a private
day school in Norwalk.
The Harstrom School offers an excep-
tional opportunity to those whose college
preparations have been delayed, and
nearly a thousand boys have received
their training here. These boys are from
many of the leading families throughout
the country. Competent and experienced
men compose the faculty, men who are
specialists in their departments, and it is
a noteworthy fact that four of the six
instructors have been associated with the
school for seventeen or more years. Ex-
perience has shown the faculty of Dr.
Harstrom's school that Arithmetic and
English are the two studies which require
special attention and emphasis is laid on
these two courses of study. There are
two prizes offered annually, one for
scholarship and the other for general ex-
cellence, the former being awarded to the
boy having the highest scholarship stand-
ing, and the latter to the boy who has
made the best general impression as a
boy of sterling worth.
The school has received many tributes,
but one which conveys the real senti-
ment of the school was from one of the
prominent patrons, as follows :
You got my boy into Yale without a condition,
but the best thing you taught him was self-
reliance, and we shall never cease to be grateful.
The present school averages about
thirty pupils, and special attention is
given to individual instruction.
It would seem that the management of
the details connected with his school
would leave Dr. Harstrom no leisure for
outside interests, yet he is one of the most
public-spirited citizens of his city. In
eral times been honored with public office.
Under the old city charter he served as a
member of the Board of Estimate. In
1915, Dr. Harstrom was elected mayor of
Norwalk and served two years. During
his term of office he reconstructed the fi-
nancial system, putting it on such a basis
that every citizen could know where the
taxpayers' money went to. Many miles
of hard pavement were laid during Dr.
Harstrom's term of office. Credit is also
due to him for the introduction of voting
machines in Norwalk. During the World
War he was chairman of the local draft
board. He is a corporator of the Norwalk
Savings Bank and of the Fairfield County
Savings Bank.
Fraternally, Dr. Harstrom is a member
of many organizations : St. John's Lodge,
No. 6, Free and Accepted Masons, of
which he is senior warden ; Phi Beta
Kappa; and Theta Delta Chi. For five
consecutive years Dr. Harstrom was pres-
ident of the Grand Lodge of T. D. C, two
years longer than any other man ever
held the office. His clubs are the Nor-
walk Club ; Norwalk Country Club ;
Craftsmen's Club ; and Yale Club of New
York. Dr. Harstrom and his family are
members of Grace Episcopal Church, of
which he is senior warden. He has been
a delegate to many conventions, and ac-
tive in church work ; he is a member of
the American Philological Association.
There is perhaps no other man in Nor-
walk who has been in such demand for
public and after dinner speaking as Dr.
Harstrom. With an easy flow of beauti-
ful English, interspersed with shafts of
wit, sharp but never poisonous. Dr. Har-
strom is apropos always, a genial, whole-
souled man-loving personality.
Dr. Harstrom married Lee Selden Part-
ridge, daughter of Samuel Selden and
Frances Augusta (Bellamy) Partridge.
280
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Dr. and Mrs. Harstrom are the parents
of two children: i. Frances, who was
educated in Europe. 2. Carl Eric, who
graduated from Yale in 1915 with the de-
gree of Bachelor of Arts; he is now
engaged in the advertising business in
New York City, and resides in Norwalk;
he married Emily Ives, of Danbury, Con-
necticut.
(The Partridge Line).
Samuel Selden Partridge, father of Lee
Selden (Partridge) Harstrom, was bom
at Brockport, New York, January 9, 1839,
and died at Phelps, New York, December
22, 1913. He was a graduate of the Col-
lege of the City of New York, in the class
of 1857, taking up the study of law. He
engaged in the practice of his profession
with his great-uncle. Judge Samuel Lee
Selden, in Rochester, New York, and
later was in Phelps, New York. In poli-
tics he was a Republican, and was several
times honored with public office. Mr.
Partridge was a soldier in the Civil War,
taking part in many battles, among them
that of Bull Run. He held the rank of
brevet major, and was a member of the
Thirteenth New York State Volunteers.
During one of the engagements Mr. Part-
ridge was wounded in the leg, which
caused him to drag one foot for many
years ; he was also confined in Libby
Prison for some time. A Freemason, Mr.
Partridge was master of his lodge ; he
was also an Odd Fellow, and commander
of the local Grand Army of the Republic
Post at Phelps.
Samuel S. Partridge was married, Oc-
tober 19, 1864, at Rochester, New York,
to Frances Augusta Bellamy, born at
Rochester, April 27, 1847, died at Phelps,
March 19, 1914, daughter of Thomas and
Maria Mahala (Bayley) Bellamy. Their
daughter, Lee Selden Partridge, born
February 15, 1870, married Dr. Har-
strom, as above noted.
Thomas Murdoch Partridge, father of
Samuel S. Partridge, was born at Nor-
wich, Vermont, May 25, 181 1, and died in
New York City, May 2, 1880. He mar-
ried Elizabeth Selden Jack, born on the
Island of St. Thomas, in 1814, and died
January 9, 1839, in Brockport, New York ;
she was a daughter of Morison and Ro-
zana (Selden) Jack, the former of Bal-
merino, Fifeshire, Scotland, and the lat-
ter of Lyme, Connecticut.
Elisha Partridge, father of Thomas
Murdoch Partridge, was born August 2,
1778, and died March 2, 1845, i" Norwich,
Vermont. He was a son of Elisha and
Margaret (Murdoch) Partridge, who were
married November 14, 1765. He died
April I, 1823, and his wife March 15, 1815.
Through the collateral lines the ancestry
of Mrs. Lee Selden (Partridge) Har-
strom traces to several of the early immi-
grants in New England, among them be-
ing Richard Ely and Thomas Selden.
HARRIS, Channing Page,
Enterprising Citizen.
The Harrises are among New Eng-
land's most distinguished families and
have furnished many excellent citizens to
Connecticut. It is rather difficult to
trace this family to a common ancestor,
as many distinct emigrations of persons
bearing the name took place at a very
early period in the history of New Eng-
land. Channing Page Harris, a leading
banker of Westport, Connecticut, is a
worthy scion of this family ; he was born
at Westport, November 25, 1873, son of
Charles and Chloe Esther (Goodsell)
Harris. His great-grandparents were
Stephen and Charity Harris, and they
were the parents of Sylvester Harris, who
married Mary Ann Johnson.
281
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Charles Harris, son of Sylvester and
Mary Ann (Johnson) Harris, was born in
Southbury, Connecticut, November 23,
1849. He grew to manhood in East Vil-
lage, Monroe, and went to school there.
He also attended Hinman's private
school. His first employment was in the
yarn mill at Newtown, and later he
clerked in various retail stores until he
came to Westport, when he was about
twenty years of age. There he entered
the employ of D. A. Salmon & Company,
dry-goods merchants. Soon after the
Civil War he went into business for him-
self in partnership with Dwight Fenton,
under the firm name of Fenton & Harris.
This arrangement lasted for about two
years, until the stringent times of 1873
forced them to discontinue business.
From that time until his appointment as
postmaster of Westport, in 1900, Mr.
Harris traveled on the road as a sales-
man. He held the office of postmaster
for sixteen years, resigning to go into
the retail shoe business. He started the
Westport Shoe Shop, and still retains a
financial interest in the business.
Mr. Harris is a Republican, and one of
the most public-spirited citizens of West-
port. He is a member of Temple Lodge,
Free and Accepted Masons, of which he
is past master, and a member of Aspetuck
Lodge, Knights of Pythias.
Mr. Harris married. May 6, 1871, Chloe
Esther Goodsell, daughter of John and
Betsey Ann (Taylor) Goodsell, born
March 11, 1846. John Goodsell was the
sixth John Goodsell in direct descent. He
was a son of John and Rachel (Meeker)
Goodsell, and a grandson of John Good-
sell, who was killed by the Hessians at
the burning of Fairfield, July 8, 1779. He
married, January 28, 1834, Betsey Ann
Taylor, daughter of Alfred and Chloe
(Gregory) Taylor, born December 9,
1812. Captain Alfred Taylor was born
November 24, 1791, son of Jonathan, Jr.,
and Nancy (Taylor) Taylor. He was se-
lectman in Westport in 1839 and 1849,
and first voted for James Monroe, in 1816,
and last for Grover Cleveland. His name
appears among the incorporators of West-
port, and he received his title of captain
from commanding a company of State
Militia for three years. For fifty-five
years he served as vestryman at Christ
Church. He married, April 23, 1812,
Chloe Gregory, bom February 3, 1796,
daughter of Moses and Polly (Fillow)
Gregory. Moses Gregory was born Feb-
ruary 22, 1771, and died May 5, 1881, son
of Stephen and Molly (Benedict) Greg-
ory. About 1795 he married Polly Fil-
low, born February 14, 1779, died June
14, 1859.
Charles Harris and his wife, Chloe Es-
ther Goodsell, were members of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Har-
ris was a trustee for many years. Their
only child was Channing Page Harris,
of further mention.
Channing Page Harris was educated
in the Westport public schools, and was
one of the pupils of the first class gradu-
ated from the Staples High School. Then
he took a course in Martin's Business
College at Bridgeport, and was in the
office of the Bryant Electric Company for
almost seven years. He then became
identified with the banking firm of Marsh,
Merwin & Lemmon of Bridgeport, where
he spent about the same number of years.
In May, 1904, he entered the employ of
the First National Bank of Westport.
His years of experience were of untold
value to him in this work, and in due
course of time he was promoted to the
office of cashier. In 1913, when the bank
was reorganized as the Westport Bank
and Trust Company, Mr. Harris became
secretary and treasurer, and also a di-
rector of the new corporation. Other
282
-i^i^CjeyOU^vV <kj.(^^o^M-o\xi/
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
business interests include a directorship
with the Colyars Shoe Stores, Inc., and a
similar office with the Toquet Carburetor
Company. He also is a trustee of the
Staples High School. In politics, Mr.
Harris is a Republican, and takes an ac-
tive interest in all public matters. He
has been a member of the Board of Fi-
nance since the latter was organized
about four years ago.
Mr. Harris married Esther Alsop,
daughter of Samuel Alsop, Jr., a resident
of near Philadelphia. His father, Samuel
Alsop, Sr., had a boarding school where
the Hotel Glenwood now stands at the
Delaware Water Gap. Mr. and Mrs.
Harris are the parents of three children :
Rachel Griscom, Esther Kite, and Mar-
garet Alsop. The family are members
of the Society of Friends in New York
City.
RADFORD, Stephen Lockwood,
Jndge of Probate.
To introduce Judge Radford to his fel-
low-citizens of Greenwich, or to the mem-
bers of the Fairfield county bar and
bench, would be an act of presumption
on the part of the biographer. Having
loyally made his native city the scene
of his professional career, Judge Radford
has identified himself quietly but influ-
entially with the chief interests of his
community.
The name of Radford seems to be of
ancient English origin, being found as
the designation of various villages and
hamlets in the counties of Nottingham,
Oxford and Warwick.
(I) Stephen L. , Radford, grandfather
/)i Stephen Lockwood Radford, was de-
scended from John Radford, of Portland,
Maine, the family having been long rep-
resented in the "beautiful town that is
seated by the sea." Stephen L. Radford
was a sea captain, and in common with
so many of his calling found an ocean
grave. Captain Radford married Har-
riet Lockwood, a member of an old Eng-
lish family, represented in this volume.
The following children were born to Cap-
tain and Mrs. Radford : Mary, Frances,
Clarissa, and Stephen L., of whom fur-
ther.
(II) Stephen L. (2) Radford, son of
Stephen L. (i) and Harriet (Lockwood)
Radford, was born November 17, 1828, in
Greenwich, Connecticut. He was reared
on a farm to which his parents moved
when he was but five years old, and to
the close of his life he remained upon the
homestead. His education was received
in local public schools. Mr. Radford
married Julia S. Ritch, daughter of Ralph
and Clemence (Mead) Ritch, and grand-
daughter of James Ritch and Matthew
Mead. Matthew Mead was a son of Cap-
tain Matthew Mead, a Revolutionary
officer, and a great-grandson of John
Mead, who came from England in 1642.
The Pitches and Meads were both old
families of Greenwich. Mr. and Mrs.
Radford were the parents of four chil-
dren, two of whom reached maturity:
Jesse F., now deceased ; and Stephen
Lockwood, of whom further. Mr. Rad-
ford was a member of Christ Episcopal
Church of Greenwich, while Mrs. Rad-
ford was a member of the Second Con-
gregational Church of that place ; the
former held the office of vestryman and
took an active part in church work. It
is worthy of note that both Mr. and Mrs.
Radford were the children of seafaring
men, Ralph Ritch, who was a native of
Greenwich, having "followed the water"
nearly all his life.
(III) Stephen Lockwood Radford, son
of Stephen L. (2) and Julia S. (Ritch)
Radford, was born May 16, 1877, in
Greenwich, Connecticut. He received
283
p:ncyclopedia of biograph'^-
his early education in public schools of
his native town, passing thence to the
Greenwich Academy. He was entered as
a law student in the office of the late
Michael Kenealy, of Stamford, and at-
tended lectures at the Law School of the
University of New York. In 1899 he was
admitted to the bar. After practising for
nearly a year in the office of Mr. Kenealy,
Mr. Radford (as he then was) opened an
office of his own in Greenwich. The most
conclusive evidence of his success in
achieving a deservedly high reputation
both for legal learning and skill in the
application of its principles is furnished
by the fact that on January i, 191 5, he
was elected judge of probate. His record
as a member of the judiciary has more
than justified the choice of those whose
votes placed him upon the bench. Po-
litically Judge Radford is a Republican,
and for eight years filled the office of
clerk of the Court of the Borough of
Greenwich, serving for three years as
assistant town clerk, and member of the
Republican town committee. He affili-
ates with Acacia Lodge, No. 85, Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons, of Green-
wich ; Rittenhouse Chapter, Royal Arch
Masons, of Stamford ; and the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, of Green-
wich. He and his wife are members of
the Congregational church.
Judge Radford married, June 11, 1892,
Bessie H. Russell, daughter of Charles
E. and Lillian (Green) Russell, of Green-
wich, and they are the parents of one son :
Jesse Russell, born October 24, 1903. The
Russells are an old English family, trac-
ing descent from Hugh de Rosel, who
came over with William the Conqueror
and was rewarded with possessions in
Dorsetshire. The escutcheon of the Rus-
sells is as follows :
Arms — Argent, a lion rampant gules, on a chief
sable three escallops of the first.
Crest — A demi-lion rampant gules.
The Green familiy is of Anglo-Saxon
origin, the name being derived from the
word "grene," a common prefix to local
surnames.
Judge Radford is now in the prime of
life and his record, both at the bar and on
the bench, indicates that, rich as the past
has been in results, the future in all prob-
ability holds for him greater honors and
more signal achievements.
CRANE, Albert,
Iia-nryer, Philanthropist.
There is no department of activity in
human life more worthy of record than
that which aids and assists those worthy
objects which tend to upbuild and develop
mankind. The life of the late Albert
Crane, A. B., LL. B., of Stamford, Con-
necticut, was marked by many splendid
qualities, but above all by his great gen-
erosity and broad charity. Many public
institutions and individuals have been the
recipients of his generosity. Each has
been enabled through this good man's
deeds to broaden the extent of its help-
fulness. The Stamford Hospital, the
Stamford Children's Home, the Stamford
Day Nursery, and the free library at
Quincy, Massachusetts, are a few of the
institutions which will long revere the
memory of Albert Crane.
The use of signs to designate the oc-
cupation or trade was of ancient origin.
Even today we often see a boot hanging
in front of a shoemaker's store. Inns es-
pecially made use of different species of
birds, fowls, and animals, on their signs,
thus giving the hostelry a name. After
the general adoption of surnames, many
of these were retained as a patronymic,
one of these being Crane, taken from the
sign-name of the bird. The first mention
of it is found in 1272, when it was writ-
ten de Crance.
(I) Henry Crane, the ancestor of the
284
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
family herein recorded, was born about
1621 in England, and died March 21, 1709.
He was among the early Dorchester set-
tlers, where he bought a farm of one
hundred and twenty acres, and a house,
September i, 1654. He served as select-
man of the town of Milton, 1679-80-81 ;
was one of the first trustees. Henry
Crane became a large landowner and was
a man of considerable education. He
married (first) Tabitha Kinsley, daugh-
ter of Elder Stephen Kinsley, who died
in 1681.
(II) Ebenezer Crane, son of Henry and
Tabitha (Kinsley) Crane, was born in
England, August 6, 1665. He enlisted in
the company which went with Sir Wil-
liam Phipps' expedition to Quebec, in
August, 1690, under command of Colonel
John Withington. He was one of the
twenty-nine men to return out of seventy-
five sent. He married, November 13,
1689, Mary Tolman, born November 26,
1671, daughter of Thomas, Jr., and Eliza-
beth (Johnson) Tolman, granddaughter
of Thomas Tolman, Sr., who came from
England in 1635, a first settler of Dor-
chester.
(III) Thomas Crane, tenth child of
Ebenezer and Mary (Tolman) Crane, was
born May 12, 1710, in Braintree ; married,
January 13, 1732, Deborah Owen, daugh-
ter of Nathaniel and Deborah (Parmen-
ter) Owen. They were admitted to the
Braintree church in 1732.
(IV) Joseph Crane, son of Thomas and
Deborah (Owen) Crane, was born Sep-
tember II, 1737, and died in 1810. He
was a cordwainer by trade, and lived at
Braintree. He served in the Revolution-
ary War, in Captain Silas Weld's com-
pany. Colonel William Heath's regiment.
He married, December 20, 1757, Mary
Savil, daughter of Benjamin and Mary
(Blanchard) Savil, born November 24,
1739, died August i, 1809.
(Vl Thomas (2) Crane, sixth son of Jo-
seph and Mary (Savil) Crane, was born in
May, 1770, in Braintree, and died Sep-
tember 25, 1818. He removed to George's
Island, Boston harbor, where he lived
until 1810. In the latter year he pur-
chased a house on Quincy Point, near
his boyhood home, and where there is a
stream which is still known as Crane's
Brook. He was a successful and well-
to-do man. He married, November 6,
1796, Sarah Baxter, daughter of Daniel
and Prudence (Spear) Baxter, born in
1771, at Braintree, died August 19, 1824.
(VI) Thomas (3) Crane, son of Thomas
(2) and Sarah (Baxter) Crane, was bom
on George's Island, October 18, 1803,
and died in New York City, April i,
1875. He grew to manhood in the clear,
invigorating air of his native home. He
was only fifteen years of age when his
father died, and he early went to work.
Desiring to be occupied out-of-doors, he
learned the trade of stonecutter, and in
1829 removed to New York City. There,
in association with others, he purchased
a stone yard. Mr. Crane furnished the
granite for the New York Customs
House ; St. John's freight depot ; and the
Forty-second street district reservoir.
He was a member of the Universalist
church, and when he was a young man in
Quincy, was accustomed to walk nine
miles to and from church. He was an in-
timate friend of Horace Greeley, and was
one of the founders of Tufts College at
Medford, Massachusetts, of which he was
a trustee. After his death his widow and
sons presented "The Crane Memorial
Hall," one of Richardson's fine designs,
to the town of Quincy, beloved by Mr.
Crane for his childhood associations there.
Mr. Crane married (second) in Boston,
November 23, 1836, Clarissa Lawrence
Starkey, born in Troy, New Hampshire,
March 3, 1813, a descendant of John
28=
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Starkey, who was early in Boston. They
were the parents of four sons.
(VII) Albert Crane, third son of
Thomas (3) and Clarissa L. (Starkey)
Crane, was born December 30, 1842, in
New York City, and died at his beautiful
home in Stamford, Connecticut, Septem-
ber 21, 1918.
The early education of Mr. Crane was
obtained in the schools of his native city
and he prepared for entrance to Tufts
College, Medford, from which he was
graduated in the class of 1863. Mr.
Crane had previously decided to take up
the profession of law for his career and
with that aim in view entered Columbia
Law School, graduating three years later,
and was admitted to practice at the New
York bar the same year, 1866. The love
of fine arts and literature was inborn in
Mr. Crane, and in a few years the sordid-
ness of the city conceived in him a desire
to live in the atmosphere of country life.
Accordingly, he gave up his practice and
retired to the peacefulness of his country
home, "Rock Acre." He was fortunately
blessed in that he was able to gratify his
tastes and desires. He had traveled ex-
tensively, and at least two score times
Mr. Crane had voyaged across the At-
lantic ; his journeyings were over the en-
tire European continent, as well as into
other countries. Mr. Crane seemed to
have an especial fondness for England, as
one writer has said, "an ancestral inheri-
tance perhaps." He spent one entire
season in London, maintaining a home
there, and was presented at Court. While
there he also became a member of the
Thatched House Club, on St. James
street. Many of his English and Amer-
ican friends were entertained at his Eng-
lish home.
Mr. Crane's love of music was equally
as great as his love of travel and the arts.
He was a life member of the New York
Oratorio Society, and was a director of
the New York Symphony Society.
Among his warm, personal friends in the
world of music was Theodore Thomas.
In 1876, when the first performance of
Wagner's music-drama, "The Niebelun-
genlied," took place at Bayreuth, Mr.
Crane made a special trip there, and also,
in 1882, was at the first hearing of "Par-
sifal."
Many institutions were recipients of
Mr. Crane's benefactions. The Crane
Theological School of Tufts College was
endowed by him with a gift of one hun-
dred thousand dollars. This was to com-
memorate his father's adherence to the
Universalist faith. The Stamford Hospi-
tal stands on a site which was purchased
by a fund donated by Mr. Crane.
By virtue of his descent from Major
Simon Willard, of Concord, Massachu-
setts, and John Starkey, of Boston, Mr.
Crane was a life member of the Society
of Colonial Wars. As a great-grandson
of Sergeant Joseph Crane, he was a mem-
ber of the Sons of the American Revolu-
tion ; was a member of the New York
Historic Genealogical Society ; the Stam-
ford Historical Society ; Stamford Hospi-
tal Corporation ; New York Historical
Society; the Blue Anchor Society; Amer-
ican Geographical Society ; and the Union
Club of New York. For seven years,
from 1863 to 1870, Mr. Crane was a mem-
ber of the New York National Guard.
On January 24, 1884, Mr. Crane married
(first) Ellen Mansfield Davies, daughter
of Colonel J. Mansfield and Martha M.
(Brooks) Davies, of Fishkill-on-the-Hud-
son, and she died January 5, 1893. He
married (second) February 10, 1902,
Fanny Starkey, daughter of George Ly-
man and Elizabeth Neal (Ames) Starkey,
of Boston. George Lyman Starkey was
a descendant of John Starkey, the immi-
grant. He married, July 9, 1843, Eliza-
286
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
beth Neal Ames, who was born August
3, 1815, in South Tamworth, New Hamp-
shire, and died in Boston, Massachusetts,
September 4, 1891, a daughter of John
and Sarah (Glidden) Ames. The former
was a native of Dublin, New Hampshire,
and the latter of Parsonfield, Maine. Mrs.
Fanny (Starkey) Crane, their daughter,
survives her husband, and now resides at
the Crane home, "Rock Acre," in Stam-
ford. She is a member of Mt. Vernon
Church, Boston, Massachusetts, and is
one of the executors of Mr. Crane's will.
POST, Robert Woodbridge,
Head of Great Paper Business.
The manufacturing world has claimed
many men of broad business calibre and
efficiency. One who has achieved well
deserved success in this line is Robert
Woodbridge Post, paper manufacturer of
Westport, Connecticut. Mr. Post is a
true son of Connecticut, and his family
has been prominent in that State for many
generations.
(I) The immigrant ancestor, Stephen
Post, was a first settler of the beautiful
Capital city. He was born in Chelmsford,
England, and crossed the Atlantic in 1663,
accompanied by his wife and four chil-
dren, in the ship "Griffin," landing in
Boston, Massachusetts. Stephen Post
became associated with a band of Puri-
tans and settled with them in Hartford,
Connecticut, as above stated, under the
Rev. Thomas Hooker. His name appears
on the Founder's Monument in the burial
ground of Hooker's church. Soon after
coming to Hartford, Mr. Post removed to
Saybrook, and settled in a section called
Oyster River, some two miles from the
fort where he died, August 16, 1659. His
wife, Eleanor, survived him more than
eleven years, and died November 13,
1670.
(II) Abraham Post, son of Stephen and
Eleanor Post, was born in Hartford, Con-
necticut, 1640-41. He was made a free-
man, May II, 1665. He died in Saybrook,
about 1713-15- He was appointed to the
office of ensign of the Saybrook Train
Band, in 1667, and appointed lieutenant
in 1680. Lieutenant Post married, in
1663, Mary Chulker, and she died March
21, 1683.
(III) Gurdon Post, son of Abraham
and Mary (Chulker) Post, was born May
29, 1676. He married and had a son,
Jedediah, of whom further.
(IV) Jedediah Post, son of Gurdon
Post, lived all his life in Hebron, Connec-
ticut. He married and had a son, David,
of whom further.
(V) David Post, son of Jedediah Post,
was born in Hebron, Connecticut, Novem-
ber 25, 1752, and died October 5, 1840. He
removed to Gilead ; he was a farmer and
shipped beef and pork South. On May
20, 1784, he married Martha Warner,
daughter of Dr. A. I. Warner, of Bolton,
Connecticut, and she died August 14,
1846.
(VI) Elijah Post, son of David and
Martha (Warner) Post, was born July
31, 1792, and died April 20, 1869, in Gil-
ead, Connecticut. The whole of what is
now Gilead street was once owned by
the Post family. Elijah Post married
Anna Bissell, born April 30. 1795, in He-
bron, Connecticut.
(VII) Bissell Elijah Post, son of Elijah
and Anna (Bissell) Post, was born No-
vember 13, 1817, and died in Andover,
about 1909. He grew to manhood in
Gilead, and learned the tanner's trade,
which he followed many years. About
1855 he removed to Andover and bought
a farm and mill there. In this mill he
did sawing and wood-turning; he sawed
oak timber, which was used largely by
the New Bedford whalers. Until the late
287
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
seventies he continued in this business
and by that time the timber in his im-
mediate section had been nearly all logged
off. After this time Mr. Post gave his
entire attention to the cultivation of his
farm. He was an active and interested
citizen in his community, and in politics
was a War Democrat. Several times Mr.
Post was honored with public office; he
served as selectman and also was repre-
sentative to the Legislature in 1876. Mr.
Post married, April 28, 1841, Eliza Kel-
logg, born December i, 1819, daughter of
Elisha and Emily (Stratton) Kellogg (see
Kellogg V). Mr. and Mrs. Post were the
parents of six children : i. Thaddeus
Welles, served in the Civil War, and was
eleven months in Andersonville Prison ;
he was exchanged and wrote home from
Annapolis, dying the same day. 2. John
Henry, enlisted at the age of fourteen in
the Civil War, and served throughout the
war. 3. Edward K., resides in Andover,
Connecticut. 4. George D., now living in
New Haven, Connecticut (1921). 5.
Robert Woodbridge, of whom further.
6. Anna E., married James H. Marsh, of
Andover ; she was a school teacher there
for fifty years.
(VIII) Robert Woodbridge Post, son
of Bissell Elijah and Eliza (Kellogg)
Post, was born in Andover, November 19,
1861. He was educated in the public
schools there and the high school in Wil-
limantic. Subsequently he served with
Case Brothers, of Manchester, paper man-
ufacturers, an eight-year apprenticeship,
and thoroughly learned the business.
During the latter years he was superinten-
dent of several of their mills. Mr. Post
resigned from their employ to go with the
Brookside Paper Company, of Manches-
ter, of which he became a stockholder. In
1890 he was one of the four incorporators
of his present business, the Westport
Paper Company, of which he is now
president and treasurer. They built a
mill which was burned August 11, 1900,
and immediately another mill was erected.
The business of manufacturing binder's
board and other specialties has grown
rapidly, and the plant from a small be-
ginning has grown until today it repre- i
sents eight acres of ground on which are I
located a large brick and cement factory,
housing the general office and pulp ma-
chinery rooms and the manufacturing de-
partment. They have a dock with 600
feet of water front. When the new build-
ing was erected it was equipped with the
most up-to-date and modern machinery,
and it is one of the largest factories of
its kind in the country. One of their big
specialties has been gun wads and heavy
box board. The products are largely used
in Connecticut, and goes to large manu-
facturing consumers.
Mr. Post is well known among the man-
ufacturers of Connecticut; he makes his
home in Westport and takes much inter-
est in local affairs. For the past ten years
he has been a director of the Wethers-
field State's Prison. A few years ago Mr.
Post built a beautiful residence on the
Post Road, on an eminence fifty feet
above the road, which makes it a promi
nent landmark, the site commanding a
fine view of Long Island Sound. The
architecture is of the school of the Span-
ish renaissance. The walls are of solid
concrete, while the roof is of red Spanish
tile. Fraternally Mr. Post is a member
of Temple Lodge, Ancient Free and Ac-
cepted Masons, of Westport ; Washington
Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Nor-
walk ; Clinton Commandery, Knights
Templar; Lafayette Consistory; and
Pyramid Temple, Mystic Shrine, of
Bridgeport.
Mr. Post married, August 20, 1884,
Lisetta Hale, daughter of Dwight Hale,
of Manchester. They attend the Congre-
28S
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
gational church, of Westport, and aid in
its good works.
(The Kellogg Line).
(I) Samuel Kellogg, the ancestor of
the Kellogg family, was born in Braintrec,
England, after 1630. The first record
found of him in New England is that of
his marriage, November 24, 1664, to Mrs.
Sarah (Day) Gunn, daughter of Robert
and Editha (Stebbins) Day.
(II) Samuel (2) Kellogg, son of Sam-
uel (i) and Sarah (Day-Gunn) Kellogg,
was born April 11, 1669, in Hadley, Mas-
sachusetts, and died August 24, 1708, in
Colchester, Connecticut. He married
Hannah Dickinson, born January 18, 1666,
daughter of Nathaniel Dickinson, of Had-
ley. Samuel Kellogg was taken prisoner
by the Indians in Hadley when a lad of
eight years and was taken by them to
Canada, later being found and taken home
by his relatives. In 1701 he removed to
Colchester, Connecticut.
(III) Deacon Joseph Kellogg, son of
Samuel (2) and Hannah (Dickinson) Kel-
logg, was born June 18, 1696, in Hatfield,
and died about 1765 in Hebron, Connec-
ticut. He went to Colchester with his
father's family, and on February 28, 1722,
sold his rights in the homestead to his
brother for a few pounds and removed to
Hebron. He lived in that part now called
Marlboro until his death. He was a dea-
con in the church for many years. He
married, October 23, 1717, Abigail Miller,
of Colchester.
(IV) Samuel (3) Kellogg, son of Dea-
con Joseph and Abigail (Miller) Kellogg,
was born in Hebron, Connecticut, about
1740, and died about 1780. He married.
May 31,1759, Hannah Strong, daughter
of Ezro and Abigail Strong, of Colches-
ter.
(V) Elisha Kellogg, son of Samuel (3)
and Hannah (Strong) Kellogg, was born
November 9, 1763, and died April 16,
Conn— 8— 19 2i
1846. He married, February 7, 1781, Em-
ily Stratton, born April 24, 1761, died
April 17, 1854, daughter of William and
Ruth (Goodrich) Stratton, of Chatham.
They lived on a farm near South Glaston-
bury, Connecticut.
(VI) Eliza Kellogg, daughter of Elisha
and Emily (Stratton) Kellogg, became
the wife of Bissell Elijah Post (see
Post VII).
SKENE, Rev. John Dolby,
Clergyman.
The church as a field of labor oflfers
opportunities for the gratifying of intel-
lectual honors and the most sincere spirit-
ual activities, but among the men who
truly adorn the cloth, an occasional cler-
gyman stands out eminent among his
fellow laborers for the deep strength and
dynamic force of a well-rounded, highly
developed character. In the veins of the
Rev. John Dolby Skene, of Stamford,
Connecticut, flows the blood of Scotch
ancestors who for centuries followed their
King or their leader to the death, if need
be, and even turned from the men for
whom they would have given their lives
to follow an ideal. When such spirit and
devotion, together with brilliant mental-
ity and broad culture, are consecrated to
the Church of Christ, the meaning and
dignity of the Christian religion is made
clear and significant to the world.
The surname of Skene, according to
one authority, is derived from Loch
Skene, being a combination of the Gaelic,
sgcan, meaning cleanliness, brightness,
and the old Norse, skina, to shine. Be-
cause of the clear, shimmering surface of
its waters this beautiful Loch was named
Skene, which name was adopted by the
first family which bore ii because of their
residence in its vicinity. Another his-
torian says : "In Aberdeenshire the an-
cient family of Skene always held the
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
rank of free barons and took their name
from the Castle of Skene, in the Earldom
of Mar, which was in their possession
from the thirteenth century until 1827,
when by the death of the last Skene of
that ilk the estates passed to his nephew,
the Earl of Fife." Tradition asserts that
the Skenes descended from the Robert-
sons, of Struan, and that the first of them
was so called from having killed an enor-
mous wolf that endangered the life of
Malcolm III. in the royal forest of
Stocket with his skene (or dagger) only.
Hence the family and clan arms are :
Arms — Gules, three sgians, or daggers, pale-
wise, in fess, argent, hilted and pommelled, or, on
the points of which as many wolves' heads of the
third.
Crest — A dexter arm from the shoulder, issuing
out of a cloud, and holding forth a triumphal
crown or garland of leaves proper.
Supporters — On the dexter a Highlander in his
proper garb, holding in his right hand a sgian, and
on the sinister a Highlander in a more simple
habit, his target on the left arm, and his dorlach,
by his side, all proper.
Motto — Virtutis regia merces.
The history of the ancient Scottish
family of Skene is most interesting. In
the "View of the 'Diocese of Aberdeen,'
it is stated that there had then been twen-
ty-eight Lairds of Skene in direct suc-
cession." The name appears in court
records in 1488 and 1494. In the thir-
teenth century, John de Skene joined the
following of Donald Bain, the Usurper,
but later proved his loyalty to King Alex-
ander when he was restored to royal
favor. John de Skene, his great-grandson,
during the reign of Alexander III., was
chosen one of the arbiters between Bruce
and Beloil, both contestants for the crown.
A grandson, Robert de Skene, was a close
friend of Bruce, fought at Bannockburn,
and was given a charter by his leader in
1318. Later on in history we find Alex-
ander Skene, fighting for King James
during the celebrated battles of Flodden ;
still later James Skene, his direct descend-
ant, leading the charges at the battle of
Pinkie, where he fell in 1757. Under the
Duke of Marlborough, Major George
Skene distinguished himself in the wars
of Queen Anne, and in 1720 purchased the
estate in Forfarshire. Two other mem-
bers of this family were soldiers and died
in battle, one in Spain, and one in the
battle of Preston, in 1745.
This warlike history by no means
stamps the family as a war-making race.
The times were troublous and they found
their duty leading them forth to battle,
and the world well knows that a Scot
will do his duty without counting the
cost. When conditions became more set-
tled and there was opportunity for more
peaceful pursuits, the family which had
given such magnificent warriors to the
service of their leaders also gave to the
world brilliant lights in the various pro-
fessions. A branch of the old family of
Skene designated as of Curriehill, in the
Parish of Colinton, were said by the "Old
Statistical account" to be in some way
connected with the royal family. John
Skene, of Curriehill, came prominently
forward as an advocate in the reign of
James VI. In 1575, with Sir James Bal-
four, John Skene was appointed by Re-
gent Morton a committee to study and
make a comprehensive digest of the laws
of Scotland. It was a Skene who did the
actual work of the commission, and he
was publicly commended for the thor-
oughness and excellence of his work and
also pensioned. In 1588 he accompanied
Sir James Melville of Malhill, on a mis-
sion to the Court of Denmark to conclude
a marriage with the Princess Anne. In
1594 he was appointed lord clerk regis-
ter. Three years before that he was one
of the eight lords commissioners ap-
pointed to look after the King's Ex-
290
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
chequer, "properties and casualties." He
is reputed to have been a very scholarly
man. According to a short biography by
Sir James Melville, he was able to make
addresses in Latin. John Skene is best
known for his compilation of the old laws
and constitutions of Scotland, printed in
Edinburgh in 1609, and covering the
period from Malcolm II. to King James
I. The title of the work is "Regiam Ma-
jestatem."
In 1590 Gilbert Skene was a professor
of medicine in King's College, Aberdeen,
and was later physician to the King,
which honored position he resigned in
1594. He was afterwards knighted. James
Skene was a long and faithful friend of
Sir Walter Scott, co-worker and co-part-
ner with him, and responsible for many
of the most interesting scenes in the
works of Scott. Andrew Skene succeeded
Lord Cockburn as solicitor-general of
Scotland. Alex Skene, of that ilk, appears
in 1633 in the "Book of the Annualren-
taris" for Aberdeenshire together with
Alex Skene, of Drumbreck, Gilbert Skene,
of Dyce, and James Skene, of Ramoir.
William Skene, in the early part of the
nineteenth century, resided in Aberdeen,
Scotland, and enjoyed with the sincere
satisfaction of a man of peace the less
turbulent times. With his wife, Eliza-
beth, he was highly respected and much
beloved in the community.
John Skene was born in the old home
in Scotland, and made a lifelong study of
horticulture. He became an authority on
the subject and was consulted by owners
of large estates regarding the laying out
of their gardens and the propagation and
culture of fine and curious plant life. He
married Anna Dolby, of Lincolnshire,
England, and their children were: Wil-
liam, a clergyman of the Episcopal
church, who died in 1871 ; Mary, wife of
George W. Wilbur, president of the Wil-
bur Shirt and Collar Company of Troy,
New York ; George, a minister of the
Methodist Episcopal church ; Anna, who
died in Troy, in 1883; John Dolby, of
further mention ; Charles, an inventor and
expert mechanic, long manager of an iron
foundry in Chicago.
Rev. John Dolby Skene was born Oc-
tober 16, 1849, in Lincolnshire, England.
His parents came to this country when he
was a small child and he received his
education here, beginning in the public
schools of Troy, New York. His prepara-
tion for college was made under private
tutors, and his theological studies were
directed by Rev. Dr. J. I. Tucker, then
rector of the Church of Holy Cross, Troy,
and Rev. Dr. Nichols, of St. Mark's
Church, Hoosic Falls, New York. His
whole course of preparation was marked
by brilliant scholarship and the most de-
vout sense of religious responsibility.
Mr. Skene was ordained deacon in St.
Mark's Church in Hoosic Falls, at the
Feast of the Epiphany in 1877, and on
St. Peter's day, 1878, was advanced to the
priesthood. He acted as assistant to Dr.
Nichols until May, 1881, and was then
sent to Gouverneur, New York, by the
Bishop of Albany. He had charge of that
parish for a year and a half. The Bishop
then sent him to Ilion, New York where
he remained three years, going on at the
end of that period to Asbury Park, New
Jersey, where he remained until 1889.
Next he went to St. Paul's Church,
Brooklyn, New York, and this pastorate
he held until December i, 1894. He then
went to Danbury, Connecticut, where he
remained until 1902. From 1903 to 1904,
Rev. Mr. Skene was without a parish,
and spent the year in California. In May,
1904, he was transferred to St. Andrew's
Church, Stamford, Connecticut. During
his pastorate there the parish has grown
to such an extent that it has been neces-
2gi
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
sary to engage a priest to assist Mr. Skene
in the manifold duties that devolve upon
a rector.
Mr. Skene has never narrovi^ed the
scope of his work to the strictly religious
duties of his office. He believes that it
is the duty of every man of wholesome
ideas and upright convictions to enter
into the public life of the community and
spend his strength and wield his influ-
ence toward upbuilding of civic righteous-
ness. While never a partisan, he has for
the greater part of his long career sup-
ported the Republican party.
His life has been far too crowded with
labor for the moral and spiritual welfare
of his parish to admit of his taking such
recreation as is afforded by the purely
social organization which would find him
so congenial a member, but he has always
held membership in the Masonic frater-
nity. He is a member of the lodge at
Gouverneur, New York, Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons ; also the chapter, Royal
Arch Masons, there.
In 1879 Rev. Mr. Skene married, in
Hoosic Falls, New York, Ellen A. Cal-
houn, daughter of John C. and Harriet
(Breeze) Calhoun, Mrs. Calhoun being a
member of an old Holland family which
has been established in Bennington, Ver-
mont, for many generations. Rev. and
Mrs. Skene are the parents of three chil-
dren: I. John Calhoun, who resides in
Banning, California, and is engaged in
the automobile business ; he married
, and they have two children. 2.
George Matthew, born September 21,
1886, in Vineland, New Jersey; graduated
from Norwalk High School, 1904, at-
tended Hopkins Grammar School and
University of Michigan ; in 1908 he grad-
uated from Yale University Law School,
and was admitted to the bar the same
year ; he married Dorothy Wilson, daugh-
ter of John T. Wilson, of Mount Vernon,
New York, and they have one daughter,
Dorothy. 3. Malcolm Stanley, born
March 25, 1890, in Brooklyn, New York;
he is a graduate of the Norwalk High
School, the Hopkins Grammar School and
of the Sheffield Scientific School ; on De-
cember 20, 191 1, he was commissioned
second lieutenant, Coast Artillery Corps,
United States army, and has done serv-
ice in various parts of the United States
and Washington ; he spent three and a
half years in Panama; in the summer of
1918 he was with the American Expedi-
tionary Forces in France, and was com-
missioned captain in 1917 and major in
1918.
LEE, Mortimer Montgomery,
Ex-Mayor, Former I<egislator.
When the titles we have just written
are appended to the name of a citizen, a
formal introduction by the biographer is
more than superfluous. It is certainly so
in the case of Mr. Lee, whose record of
long and distinguished service has given
him a State-wide reputation. Over and
above his political eminence the name of
Mr. Lee is notable as that of a member
of the firm of Haughton & Lee, well
known importers of New York City. Mr.
Lee has been for many years a resident
of South Norwalk, Connecticut, the city
which has been the scene of his political
career.
The name of Lee is spelled also Lea,
Leigh, and in various other ways, and
signifies a dweller at a meadow or pas-
ture. It is likewise an old word for a
shelter or a sheltered place. The Lee
family is one of the most ancient in Eng-
lish history. Its early seat appears to
have been in Cheshire, but branches are
found in a number of other counties.
Members of the family emigrated, at
early periods in Colonial history, to Mas-
292
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
sachusetts, Connecticut, Virginia and
New York.
John Lee, founder of the Massachusetts
branch of the family, was born about 1600,
in England, and appears to have been the
son of a Londoner, probably a merchant.
Records show that in 1634 John Lee was
living in Agawam (Ipswich), Massachu-
setts. He was a farmer and a soldier,
perhaps with some military rank, as the
inventory of his estate includes a buff
coat, fire-arms, such as pistols and hol-
sters, a musket and a sword and belt.
That he was not illiterate is shown by the
fact that his "bookes" were of sufficient
importance to be named and valued in the
inventory, and that he was a man of
means is evident from the same inventory
of his estate amounting to £928 I2s. 2d.,
a handsome sum for the times. The seal
he used on his will bore the device of a
bird (not a martlet) somewhat similar to
the one used on the will of Thomas Leigh,
of Ipswich, 1661, and similar to that used
by his son, John Lee, with the omission,
on the son's seal, of the motto, "Sola."
(I) Daniel Lee, Jr.. probably a descend-
ant of John Lee, the immigrant, and great-
grandfather of Mortimer Montgomery
Lee, enlisted in the Revolutionary army
from the neighborhood of Worcester,
Massachusetts. He afterward lived for
many years as a farmer in Oneonta, New
York, and for a time served as tax col-
lector for the town.
(II) Barnes Lee, son of Daniel Lee,
Jr., was born in Milford, New York, where
he engaged in mercantile business. He
married Azubah Sargent. Mr. Lee was
a handsome man, and of such great
strength that he never found his equal in
a wrestling match, being able to throw
any man in the vicinity. His mental abil-
ities were not inferior to his physical
prowess. His death took place in Mil-
ford.
(HI) Alonzo Lee, son of Barnes and
Azubah (Sargent) Lee, was born in Mil-
ford, New York, which was the original
part of Oneonta. He was educated in the
district school, and even as a boy helped
to take care of his widowed mother and
three sisters. While still a young man
he removed to Farmington, Pennsylvania,
where he conducted a store and also dealt
in wool. He married Almira A. Wright,
born in Greene county. New York, daugh-
ter of Ashel Wright, of Farmington,
Pennsylvania, and their children were:
Minnie, married Daniel Lee ; Mortimer
Montgomery, mentioned below ; and
Charles H., of Detroit. Minnie Lee, after
her marriage, lived in Knoxville, Penn-
sylvania, and both she and her husband
are now deceased. For some years before
his death, Alonzo Lee, the father of the
family, lived in Elmira, New York. His
wife was a member of the Christian
church.
(IV) Mortimer Montgomery Lee, son
of Alonzo and Almira A. (Wright) Lee,
was born May 28, 1846, in Farmington,
Pennsylvania, where he attended school
for a time, afterward passing successively
to Troopsburg Academy and Union Acad-
emy, Knoxville, Pennsylvania. He was
then for some years associated with his
father in the latter's business in Farming-
ton and also in Elmira. In 1880 Mr. Lee
went to New York City, where he formed
a partnership with William Atwood
Haughton under the firm name of Haugh-
ton & Lee. He has since engaged very
successfully in the business of importing
and handling fine lace and silk goods at
wholesale, keeping many salesmen on the
road and covering every State in the
Union.
Since becoming a resident of South
Norwalk, Mr. Lee has identified himself
actively with the leading interests of his
home community. He is vice-president
293
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of the People's Trust Company, of South
Norwalk, and affiliated with Old Well
Lodge, No. io8, Ancient Free and Ac-
cepted Masons, of the same place. While
a resident of Elmira he took the Royal
Arch and Commandery degrees in that
city.
Always a staunch Republican, Mr. Lee
has for many years played a prominent
part in the political life of South Nor-
walk. In 1892-93-94, he was mayor of the
city, retaining the office until 1895, and in
1901-02 was again summoned by his fel-
low-citizens to serve them in the highest
municipal position of trust and responsi-
bility. During both his administrations
he introduced several innovations which
were accepted by the city not merely as
changes, but as real and valuable im-
provements and have been retained ever
since. They included a book of police
rules which all officers are required to
carry in their pockets, and he also intro-
duced the taxing of property at its full
value. This met with much opposition,
but his wisdom has since been shown in
the result. His action was afterward fol-
lowed in other cities all over the State of
Connecticut. In 1905 Mr. Lee repre-
sented his fellow-citizens in the Legisla-
ture, serving on various important
committees and accomplishing results of
practical use and genuine value to his
community and his constituents.
Mr. Lee married, June 24, 1885, Julia
Clarissa Adams (see Adams IX) and they
are the parents of two sons and a daugh-
ter: Guy E., of Norwalk; Marion Mont-
gomery, wife of Le Roy Montgomery, of
South Norwalk, a biography of whom
appears elsewhere in this work; and Rob-
ert M., of South Norwalk.
Truly, a well-rounded career has been
that of Mortimer Montgomery Lee. As
business man, political leader, mayor and
legislator, he has done work that will
endure and has writ his name large in
the history of Connecticut.
(The Adams Line).
The home of the Adams family, three
centuries ago, was Devonshire, England,
but it is thought that they went thither
from Wales, and that the patronymic,
which signifies "Adam's son," was orig-
inally Ap Adam.
(I) Henry Adams, called Henry Ad-
ams of Braintree, came in 1632 or 1633
from Devonshire, England, to Boston,
Massachusetts. He was granted land in
Mount WoUaston, an area which now in-
cludes Braintree, Quincy and Randolph,
his own land being the present site of
Braintree.
(II) Lieutenant Thomas Adams, son of
Henry Adams, was born in 1612, in Eng-
land, and was a young man when he came
with his father to Massachusetts. He re-
moved from Braintree to Concord, where
he was active in military affairs and held
civil offices. He married Mary Black-
more. His death occurred in 1688, in
Chelmsford, Massachusetts.
(HI) Jonathan Adams, son of Lieuten-
ant Thomas and Mary (Blackmore) Ad-
ams, was born in 1646, in Concord, and
became a farmer in or near Littleton,
Massachusetts. He married, in 1681,
Leah Gould (Goole?). He died in 1712,
in Chelmsford, Massachusetts.
(IV) David Adams, son of Jonathan
and Leah (Gould) Adams, was born in
1699, in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. He
married, in 1723, in Canterbury, Connecti-
cut, Dorcas Paine. David Adams died in
Canterbury, in 1759.
(V) Levi Adams, son of David and
Dorcas (Paine) Adams, was born in 1728,
in Canterbury, Connecticut. He followed
the trade of a carpenter. He served, with
three of his sons, in the Revolutionary
army, afterward removing to Vermont,
and thence to Hartwick, Otsego county,
294
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
New York. He married, in 1751, Mar-
garet Perkins. The death of Levi Adams
occurred in Hartwick, in 1816.
(VI) Sergeant Levi (2) Adams, son of
Levi (i) and Margaret (Perkins) Adams,
was born in 1754, in Oswego, Oswego
county. New York, and was a carpenter
by trade. He removed to Otsego county.
New York, and Chautauqua county. New
York. As a young man he served in the
Revolutionary army with his father and
two brothers. He married, in 1772, in
Canterbury, Hannah Pettingall. Ser-
geant Adams was enrolled as a pensioner
in May, 1833, and died in December of
the same year.
(VII) Oren Adams, son of Sergeant
Levi (2) and Hannah (Pettingall) Ad-
ams, was born in 1785, in Pawlet, Ver-
mont. Like his father and grandfather,
he followed the carpenter's trade, remov-
ing to Milford, New York. He married
(first) Fanny Lee, and (second) Mrs.
Susan Cunningham.
(VIII) Oren Lee' Adams, son of Oren
and Fanny (Lee) Adams, was born in
1819, in Milford, New York, and settled
in Redding, Connecticut, where he en-
gaged in business as a hatter, afterward
removing to South Norwalk. He mar-
ried, in 1844, Clarissa Smith, of Wilton,
Connecticut. Oren Lee Adams died in
South Norwalk, in 1894.
(IX) Julia Clarissa Adams, daughter of
Oren Lee and Clarissa (Smith) Adams,
was born January 31, 1856, in Redding,
Connecticut. On June 24, 1885, she be-
came the wife of Mortimer Montgomery
Lee (see Lee IV).
CHAPMAN, Edwin N.,
Physician, Hospital Official.
The surname of Chapman, which sig-
nifies merchant, occurs among the earliest
of surnames, and the family in many of its
branches was somewhat distinguished at
an early period. There were several fam-
ilies of Chapmans among the early New
England immigrants, many of whom
achieved distinction in their locality. The
patriotism of the family is shown in the
fact that twenty-seven are found on the
Connecticut Roll of Honor, who had
served in the War of the Revolution.
(I) The ancestor of the family herein
under consideration was Robert Chap-
man, who is believed to have been bom
in 1616. He came from Hull, England,
to Boston, Massachusetts, in August,
1635, and the following November was in
Saybrook, Connecticut. He married Ann
Blith or Bliss, April 29, 1642, and she died
November 20, 1685. Robert Chapman
died October 13, 1687.
(II) Deacon Nathaniel Chapman, son
of Robert and Ann (Blith or Bliss) Chap-
man, was born February 16, 1653. He
was deacon of the Saybrook church for
many years. He served as representative
to the General Court for twenty-four ses-
sions, and was a large landholder, owning
fifteen hundred acres in Hebron. Deacon
Chapman married (first) June 29, 1681,
Mary Collins, of Guilford, Connecticut.
(III) Rev. Daniel Chapman, son of
Deacon Nathaniel and Mary (Col-
lins Chapman, was born March 14,
1689, and died at Greens Farms, Con-
necticut, November 23, 1741. He was
graduated from Yale College in 1706,
being the first of the name to re-
ceive a liberal education in America. He
then studied theology and was ordained ;
shortly after this time he was installed as
pastor of the Congregational church and
society of Greens Farms. He married
Grissel Dennie, of Fairfield, Cgnnecticut,
and she died January 10, 1754, at the age
of fifty-seven years.
(IV) Captain Phineas Chapman, son of
Rev. Daniel Chapman and his wife, Gris-
295
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
sel (Dennie) Chapman, was born in 1716,
and died November 20, 1782, in Greens
Farms, Connecticut. He was a captain
in the Revolutionary War, and was taken
prisoner in his own house while loading
up his possessions to flee with his family.
The hardships while he was imprisoned
impaired his health and he never fully re-
covered. He married, September 22,
1742, Sarah Ketchum, and she died No-
vember 21, 181 1, at the age of eighty-eight
years.
(V) Joshua Chapman, son of Captain
Phineas and Sarah (Ketchum) Chapman,
was born March 4, 1765, and died Feb-
ruary 25, 1831. He was a farmer and
lived in Redding, Connecticut. He mar-
ried, in 1788, Lucy Adams.
(VI) Colonel Phineas (2) Chapman,
son of Joshua and Lucy (Adams) Chap-
man, was born May 10, 1790. He was a
man of considerable means ; was a pro-
gressive farmer, and a leading citizen. He
married, January 23, 1817, Betsy Abbott.
(VII) Dr. Edwin Nesbit Chapman, son
of Colonel Phineas (2) and Betsy (Ab-
bott) Chapman, was born February 26,
1819. He was graduated from Yale Col-
lege in the class of 1842 with the degree
of B. A. He then entered Jefferson Medi-
cal College and received his M. D. degree
there, March 20, 1845. During his life-
time he practiced in Brooklyn, New York,
and was a member of the faculty of the
Long Island College Hospital, where he
was Professor of Gynaecology. Dr. Chap-
man married, in Brooklyn, November 16,
1865, Maria Barton Davol, born in War-
ren, Rhode Island, April 7, 1842, died in
Rogers Rock, New York, July 20, 1908,
daughter of John and Laura (Barton)
Davol. Dr. Chapman and his wife were
the parents of four children: i. Edwin
Nesbit, of further mention. 2. John D.,
a sketch of whom follows. 3. Harold W.
4. Marvin Abbott. Dr. Chapman died in
Brooklyn, March 2, 1888.
(The Davol Une).
John Davol, father of Mrs. Chapman,
was born in Warren, Rhode Island, April
8, 181 1, and died in Brooklyn, New York,
June 28, 1878. He married, in Warren,
August 31, 1834, Laura Barton, born there
May 22, 1812, died in Brooklyn, June 3,
1884.
Deacon Stephen Davol, father of John
Davol, was born in Freetown, Massachu-
setts, January 29, 1782, and died in War-
ren, Rhode Island, October 16, 1848. He
married, in Warren, October 20, 1803,
Mary Bowen, born in Warren, April 3,
1784, died there July 3, 1823.
Pardon Davol, father of Deacon Ste-
phen Davol, was born in Dartmouth,
Massachusetts, March 16, 1743, and died
in Freetown, Massachusetts, November
22, 1808. He married, April 12, 1768,
Priscilla Read, born in Freetown, Novem-
ber 21, 1746, died in Freetown, January
13, 1830.
William Davol, grandfather of Pardon
Davol, married. May 30, 1708, Sarah Sis-
son, and he died in Dartmouth in 1772.
Through the Sisson family, "Mayflower"
descent is traced.
CHAPMAN, Edwin Nesbit,
Broker, Pnblic OfB.ciaI.
Edwin Nesbit (2) Chapman, son of Dr.
Edwin Nesbit (i) and Maria Barton
(Davol) Chapman (q. v.), was born April
19, 1872, in Brooklyn, New York. He
prepared for college at Hill School, Potts-
town, Pennsylvania, and was graduated
from Williams College, B. A., in 1894.
He was a member of the Delta Kappa
Epsilon fraternity and Phi Beta Kappa.
His first experience in business was with
the Butler Hard Rubber Company, and
he remained with them for several years
in the capacity of assistant to the secre-
tary and treasurer of the company. Sub-
sequently, after some minor ventures, Mr.
296
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Chapman became associated with Patter-
son, Teele & Dennis as a certified public
accountant, and later was with Haskins
& Sells, of New York City, in a similar
capacity. Later he left the accounting
profession to become auditor of the West-
cott Express Company. After the West-
cott Express Company was absorbed by
the American Express Company, he re-
signed his position to become auditor for
the David Williams Company, publishers
of "Iron Age." In 1906 he resigned to
become a partner in the firm of Chisholm
& Pouch, brokers. The following year
Mr. Pouch withdrew to start his own firm,
and at that time the firm name was
changed to Chisholm & Chapman, which
has been its style since that time. The
firm are members of the New York Stock
Exchange.
Mr. Chapman is very active in several
other directions as well ; he makes his
home in Greenwich, Connecticut, and
takes an active interest in the public mat-
ters of that town, being a member of its
Board of Estimate and Taxation. He is
a member of the directorate of the Put-
nam Trust Company ; also a director of
the Continental Bank of New York City ;
a director and treasurer of the Exchange
Court Corporation ; and a trustee and
treasurer of the D. K. E. Society of Wil-
liams College. His clubs include in New
York City, the University, Racquet and
Tennis, Society of Mayflower Descend-
ants, Down Town Association, Williams,
D. K. E., Society of Colonial Wars, Sons
of the Revolution, and the Long Island
Historical Society; and in Greenwich the
Greenwich Country Club, Field Club, and
Indian Harbor Yacht Club.
Mr. Chapman married, in Brooklyn,
May 25, 1897, Charlotte Frost Knowlton,
daughter of Daniel W. Knowlton. She
was born in West Upton, Massachusetts,
July II, 1874, and died in Greenwich,
Connecticut, November 28, 1916, leaving
the following children : i. Edwin Nesbit,
Jr., born November 24, 1901. 2. Daniel
Knowlton, born July 31, 1904. 3. Nancy
Davol, born August 18, 1912.
CHAPMAN, John Davol,
Banker, Served in Spanish-American War.
John Davol Chapman, son of Dr. Ed-
win Nesbit (i) and Maria Barton (Davol)
Chapman (q. v.), was born in Brooklyn,
New York, March 6, 1874. He attended
private schools, the Hill School, Potts-
town, Pennsylvania, and the Brown &
Nichols School, Cambridge, Massachu-
setts. In 1892 he entered Williams Col-
lege, and while there became a member
of the D. K. E. fraternity. He left col-
lege in 1895 to enter business, embarking
in various enterprises until 1901, in which
year he became a member of the Con-
solidated Stock Exchange of New York
City, and four years later purchased a
seat on the New York Stock Exchange.
Mr. Chapman always acted independently
in his stock transactions, and has been
very successful as a banker and business
man. When the firm of which his brother
was a partner was organized in 1907, Mr.
chapman became a special partner. In
1914 he retired from active business to
the beautiful residence which he had built
in 1909 in Greenwich, Connecticut, where
he has since resided. His home is on
Round Island.
Mr. Chapman was one of the organizers
and is now vice-president of the Putnam
Trust Company, of Greenwich. The first
business relations the residents of the
town had with the outside world no doubt
were consummated over the land now
the property of Mr. Chapman. That land
was the point from which the inhabitants
shipped their produce, largely potatoes,
to New York City. Before the famous
297
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Boss Tweed became a resident of Green-
wich, some of his lieutenants camped over
night on the land on which Mr. Chap-
man's house now stands. They made
such glowing reports of the attractiveness
of the spot that Boss Tweed spent his
next summer on Round Island which
marked the beginning of his residence in
Greenwich.
Mr. Chapman was a member of Troop
A, United States Volunteers, in the Span-
ish-American War, and served in Porto
Rico. During the World War he was
manager of the Bureau of Passports, De-
partment of Personnel of the American
Red Cross of New York City. He is a
member of the following New York
clubs : The Stock Exchange Luncheon
Club, the Williams Club of New York
City, the D. K. E. Club of New York,
and the Society of Mayflower Descend-
ants. His clubs in Greenwich are : The
Indian Harbor Yacht Club, the Field Club,
the Greenwich Country Club, the Wood-
way Country Club, and the Blind Brook
Club. Mr. Chapman's principal recrea-
tion is golf.
Mr. Chapman married, in 1906, Mary
Adelaide Foltz, daughter of William
Stewart and May (Scofield) Foltz. John
Scofield, father of May (Scofield') Foltz,
came from England to America in 1849,
attracted by the discovery of gold in Cal-
ifornia, and later became a clergyman of
the Methodist Episcopal church in Cali-
fornia. He was a presiding elder in later
years, and resided in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are the parents of
two sons : John Stewart, born October 19,
1907; and Richard Davol, born March 23,
1911.
CARMICHAEL, George Edgar,
Educator.
The subject of this sketch is a native
of New England, and a graduate of a
New England college. For twenty-five
years he has been a worker in the field of
education. Brunswick School, in Green-
wich, established by him in 1902, ranks
high among the nation's good schools.
As founder of the school and headmaster
from its beginning, Mr. Carmichael has
been its guiding spirit through the two
decades of its existence.
As a citizen of Greenwich our subject
has had an interested part in civic affairs.
He was a member of the first town school
committee of Greenwich, and in this ca-
pacity served the public school system of
the town for two years. For five years
he was secretary and for two years presi-
dent of the Boys' Club of Greenwich. At
the present time he is a member of the
executive committee of the Boys' Club, a
director of the Greenwich Young Men's
Christian Association, president of the
Greenwich Library, and president of the
Greenwich Rotary Club.
Mr. Carmichael, in the line of his family
name, is a descendant of a Scottish fam-
ily of Highland origin, though for some
generations resident near Edinboro. His
ancestry includes also English, French
and Dutch strains. His paternal great-
grandfather, Frank Carmichael, came
from Scotland in the latter part of the
eighteenth century and settled in Nova
Scotia. Among Frank's six sons was
Thompson Carmichael, born in Pictou,
Nova Scotia, in 1802. Thompson Car-
michael, after being educated in Halifax,
went to St. Margaret's Bay to engage in
business. Finding a business life not to
his taste, he took up the profession of
teaching, and continued in it to the end
of his life. When he first went to St.
Margaret's Bay, he met and married Bar-
bara Hubley, daughter of a Dutchman
who had settled there about the time of
the American Revolution. He became the
father of a large family of sons and
298
EN'CYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
daughters. The six sons who lived
formed a unique group. Together they
were able to design, build, rig and sail a
ship of any ordinary size.
The draftsman and carpenter of this
unusual combination was James Thomp-
son Carmichael, father of the subject of
this sketch. He was born in Halifax,
Nova Scotia, April 3, 1832, the fourth
child of his parents. On December 25,
1861, he married Susan Roberts, of Parrs-
boro. Nova Scotia, the second child of
Thomas and Elizabeth Emma (Beck)
Roberts. In 1873 James T. Carmichael
removed with his family to Medway,
Massachusetts, where he worked as car-
penter and builder. In 1876 he contracted
pneumonia and was left an invalid until
his death, October 18, 1881. His widow
and six children survived him.
The sixth child of James T. and Susan
(Roberts) Carmichael was George Edgar
Carmichael. He was born in Medway,
Massachusetts, August 22, 1875. In 1892
he was graduated from Medway High
School. A year later, he entered Bowdoin
College, whence he was graduated A. B.,
in 1897. After graduation Mr. Carmichael
taught for two years in the Hamilton
School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ; a
year in the Choate School, Wallingford,
Connecticut, and two years in the Green-
wich Academy, Greenwich, Connecticut.
In 1902, at the advice and request of
friends who had boys to be educated, he
started Brunswick School. From the be-
ginning the school has grown and pros-
pered, and for twenty years Mr. Car-
michael has found it a satisfying field for
labor.
In college Mr. Carmichael joined the
Kappa Sigma fraternity, and at gradua-
tion was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He
is a member of the Schoolmasters' Asso-
ciation of New York (vice-president,
1920), and of the Headmasters' Associa-
tion. In 1910 he compiled and edited
"The Songs of Kappa Sigma."
December 25, 1912, Mr. Carmichael
married Helen Gertrude Fox, only child
of Everett Fremont and Carrie Belle
(Ricker) Fox, of Milton Mills, New
Hampshire. They have one child, Mar-
garet, born February 25, 1914. Mrs. Car-
michael is a descendant of many genera-
tions of New England pioneer stock. She
is a graduate of Nute High School, Mil-
ton, New Hampshire, and of Wellesley
College.
COE, Walter Ellsworth,
Lawyer, Aided In World 'War.
Few of the Colonial families can be
traced in England to such an ancient date
as the Coe family. It appears about 1300
with the spelling le Koo, which later be-
came le Coo, and before 1400 A. D. is
found Coo. The form of Coe does not
appear until about 1575. The English
ancestor, John Coo, was born in the reign
of King Edward III., and died about 1415.
He was a prominent man in his day, and
was the father of John (2) Coo, born
about 1375, and died about 1425. The
latter married Eleanor, and their son,
John (3) Coo, was born about 1400, and
died after 1448. His son, Thomas Coe,
was born about 1430, and died about 1507.
His son, John Coe, was born about 1460,
and his will was proved in 1520. He was'
of Gestingthorpe, and married Joane,
daughter of Thomas Golding. Their son,
John Coe, married Margaret, and was the
father of John Coe, born in 1623, died in
1558. He lived in Maplestead and Wis-
ton, and married Dorothy. They were
the parents of Henry Coe, born about
1565 died in 1631. He lived in Thorpe-
Morieux, and married Mary. They were
the parents of three sons, of whom Robert
Coe, the eldest, was the ancestor of the
family ,'n America.
2Q9
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(I) Robert Coe was born at Thorpe-
Morieux, Suffolk county, and baptized
there, October 26, 1596, as recorded in
the parish register. In 1625 he was living
in Boxford, Suffolk county, and on April
30, 1634, he sailed for New England on
the ship "Francis," accompanied by his
wife and children. He arrived at Boston
during the following summer and went
first to Watertown, Massachusetts. He
was admitted a freeman in the Massa-
chusetts Bay Colony, September 3, 1634.
In June, 1635, Robert Coe was among
those who settled Wethersfield, Connecti-
cut, and in 1641, he was among the first
settlers of Stamford, Connecticut, where
he was granted fourteen acres of land.
Robert Coe held many important offices,
and was frequently called upon to repre-
sent his fellow-citizens at the General
Court. He was evidently of a progressive
nature, as he was ever foremost in making
new settlements. In 1644 he was one of
the number who founded Hempstead,
Long Island ; in 1656, was a founder of the
town of Jamaica, Long Island ; and in
1664, settled Middleburg, now Hastings,
Long Island. He died about 1689. Rob-
ert Coe married (first) in England, about
1623, Mary, and she died October 27, 1628.
(II) Robert (2) Coe, son of Robert (i)
and Mary Coe, was born in 1626, and
baptized on September 19th of the same
year. He was a boy of seven years when
brought by his parents to New England.
He removed with them to Wethersfield
and Stamford, and there remained until
his marriage, when he became a resident
of Stratford, Connecticut. About 1650 he
married Hannah Mitchell, baptized in
Halifax, Yorkshire, England, June 26,
1631, daughter of Matthew and Susan
(Butterfield) Mitchell, who died in New
Haven, April 2, 1702. Robert (2) Coe
did not have a very long life, but it was
a useful one; he died in Stratford, in the
fall of 1659.
(III) Captain John Coe, son of Robert
(2) and Hannah (Mitchell) Coe, was born
May 10, 1658, and died April 19, 1741. He
was a farmer, land speculator, merchant,
miller and innkeeper. He lived in New
Haven, and in spite of his many duties he
often held public office. In 1709 he re-
ceived his commission of captain, having
long been active in military matters, and
served in the French and Indian War.
Captain Coe married, December 20, 1682,
Mary Hawley, born in Stratford, July 16,
1663, died there, September 9, 1731,
daughter of Lieutenant Joseph and Cath-
erine (Birdsey) Hawley.
(IV) Captain Joseph Coe, son of Cap-
tain John and Mary (Hawley) Coe, was
born February 2, 1686-87, in Stratford,
and died July 15, 1754, in Durham, Con-
necticut. He was a pioneer settler of
Durham, and cultivated a large farm. In
1728 he was representative, and married,
at Durham, November 21, 1708, Abigail
Robinson, born in Guilford, Connecticut,
April 3, 1690, died in Durham, July 6,
1775, daughter of David and Abigail
(Kirby) Robinson.
(V) Captain David Coe, son of Cap-
tain Joseph and Abigail (Robinson) Coe,
was born February 18, 1717, in Durham,
and died January 14, 1807. About 1740
he settled in that part of Middletown
which is now Middlefield, where he be-
came a successful farmer. He was an in-
fluential man, and prominent in public
affairs. He was commissioned captain in
May, 1764, of the i6th company, 6th
regiment, Connecticut Militia. Captain
Coe married, in 1740, Hannah Camp, born
November 15, 1720, died October 16,
1808, daughter of Nathan and Rhoda
(Parsons) Camp.
(VI) Seth Coe, son of Captain David
and Hannah (Camp) Coe, was born Feb-
ruary 20, 1756, at Middlefield, and died
there, September 26, 1829. He was a
farmer, and married, June 12, 1776, Mary
300
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Miller, daughter of Deacon Ichabod and
Elizabeth (Cornwell) Miller, and she died
January i, 1832.
(VII) Elias C. Coe, son of Seth and
Mary (Miller) Coe, was born August 25,
1787, in Middlefield, and died there, May
4, 1878. He was a farmer, and married,
April II, 1811, Hannah Tryon.
(VIII) Ebenezer Jackson Coe, son of
Elias C. and Hannah (Tryon) Coe, was
born May 3, 1817. He settled at Stony
Creek, Branford, where he was for many
years the proprietor of the "Three Elms"
House, a summer hotel, and there he died.
May II, 1889. Mr. Coe married, April 3,
1839, Phebe Birdsey, daughter of John
Birdsey.
(IX) John Walter Birdsey Coe, son
of Ebenezer J. and Phebe (Birdsey) Coe,
was born November 8, 1841. He was for
many years one of the leading citizens of
Meriden, Connecticut, and was head of
the Merwin Provision Company of that
city. Mr. Coe served as trustee of the
State School for Boys, and was a bank
director and vestryman of the church.
He married, December 4, 1865, Sarah A.
Williams, a native of Wallingford, daugh-
ter of Elijah Williams. They were the
parents of the following children: i.
Walter Ellsworth, of further mention. 2.
John Williams, deceased, formerly a phy-
sician of New York City. 3. Mabel Es-
telle, wife of Howard Hammitt, residing
in Plainfield, New Jersey. 4. Ada Louise,
born May 2, 1879, wife of Charles F.
Rockwell, of Meriden.
(X) Walter Ellsworth Coe, son of John
W. B. and Sarah A. (Williams) Coe, was
born August 18, 1870, at Meriden, and
was educated in the Meriden schools. He
was graduated from Sheffield Scientific
School in the class of 1892, with the de-
gree of Ph. B., and from Yale Law School
in 1902, with the degree of LL. B. The
same year Mr. Coe was admitted to the
New York bar, also the Connecticut bar.
Mr. Coe has always practiced in New
York City, and is a member of the law
firms of McLaughlin, Russell, Coe &
Sprague, and Sharretts, Coe & Hillis. He
specializes in United Customs practice.
Since 1906 he has served as commis-
sioner for Connecticut on Uniform State
Laws, and from 1902 to 1904 was a mem-
ber of the staff of Governor George P.
McLean, with the rank of colonel. Dur-
ing the World War Mr. Coe was assistant
in charge of retail prices and distribution
in the Food Administration in Washing-
ton. His hobby is farming, and for about
fifteen years he has owned a truck farm
of about twenty-two acres, employing
from eight to ten men to assist in the care
of same.
Mr. Coe married, October 3, 1904, Car-
lotta Toothe, born June 22, 1874, in East
Orange, New Jersey, daughter of William
and Emma (Schlager) Toothe, of Mad-
ison, New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Coe are
members of St. John's Episcopal Church
of Stamford, and aid in the support of its
good works.
DASKAM, Walter Duryee,
Banker, Man of Affairs.
In Stamford the name of Daskam
means more than merely a name. Not
only the family but the city look back-
ward with pride to the early records in
which this name became distinguished.
The origin of the name is Scotch and lit-
erally means lowland valley.
(I) The first of the family in this coun-
try was John Daskam, who came from
near Aberdeen, Scotland, about 1750, and
settled in Connecticut. He owned quite
a library for that time ; it was composed
mostly of books on Scottish history. The
children of John Daskam were : John,
301
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
William, of whom further; James, and
Susan.
(II) Captain William Daskam, the son
of John Daskam, was but seventeen years
of age when he enlisted in the Revolu-
tionary War. His slogan was : "I will
give Johnny Bull a pull." His service
was under General Lafayette, and in the
War of 1812 he answered his country's
call and commanded a company, later
receiving a pension in return for his
services. He married Huldah James, un-
doubtedly a daughter of Benjamin and
Sarah (Whitney) James.
(III) Benjamin James Daskam, son of
Captain William Daskam and his wife,
Huldah (James) Daskam, was born Jan-
uary 20, 1809, in what is now Darien,
Connecticut, and died September 3, 1885.
He learned the trade of carpenter, but its
appeal was not strong enough to interest
him and he went to New York, where he
entered mercantile pursuits. In 1836 Mr.
Daskam established himself in business
in Stamford, Connecticut, his store being
located on Main street, east of the Quin-
tard block. He filled many public offices ;
was representative to the Legislature and
discharged his official duties in a manner
entirely satisfactory to his constituents.
Mr. Daskam was a very ardent Abolu-
tionist. He also served as justice of the
peace. He married Mary Ingraham.
(IV) Theodore J. Daskam, son of Ben-
jamin J. and Mary (Ingraham) Daskam,
was bom March 3, 1833, in Stamford,
Connecticut, and died there February 15,
1883. In his youth he assisted his father
in business, and in time was placed in
charge of the business. From his first
association with men and affairs he was
interested in public life. The problems
of city and State government were of
keenest interest to him, and it soon be-
came apparent in political circles that
here was a young man whom they needed.
He was at once a young man of practical
ideas and incorruptible ideals ; and he had
both the personal force to win his way
through and the personal magnetism to
carry others along with him. From the
first he was affiliated with the Republican
party. One of the first appointments
made by President Lincoln was that of
Theodore J. Daskam as postmaster of
Stamford, April 14, 1861. His first office
in the gift of the local party was that of
first assistant engineer of the borough
Volunteer Fire Department, being elected
May 7, 1859. The following year he was
elected chief of the Fire Department,
which office he held continuously until
1874. Mr. Daskam was unable to go to
the Civil War, owing to a physical dis-
ability, and he could hardly resign him-
self to staying at home. Meanwhile he
was reappointed postmaster by each suc-
ceeding president down to the time of
President Arthur, holding this office until
the day of his death. There have been
only three postmasters whose terms of
service have exceeded that of Mr. Daskam.
He was also for many years United States
deputy collector and was assistant as-
sessor of internal revenue, holding three
Federal offices at the same time. His
official record is of the highest, an honor
to his constituency as well as to his own
name.
In 1864 Mr. Daskam embarked in the
insurance business, meeting with marked
success. He was a corporator of the Gulf
Stream Fire Engine Company, No. 2, of
Stamford, and was foreman of the com-
pany for years. Mr. Daskam's health
became permanently broken while yet in
the height of his career. Notwithstanding
this handicap, he continued his interest
in public affairs and relinquished his ac-
tivities only after such a conspicuous
struggle with the encroaching disease as
made his memory an inspiration to those
302
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
who followed him. Mr. Daskam was a
member of Union Lodge, No. 5, Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons ; of Rippo-
wam Lodge, No. 24, Independent Order
of Odd Fellows.
Mr. Daskam married, December 6,
1864, Sarah Remer Stanley, daughter of
Edward T. and Sarah (Remer) Stanley,
of New Haven, Connecticut, old residents
of that city.
The tribute paid to Mr. Daskam's mem-
ory on the event of his death, February
15, 1883, by the "Stamford Advocate"
should stand in more enduring form.
The news of Theodore J. Daskam's death will
fall upon the ears of the great majority of Stam-
ford people with common sorrow. Especially
will it awake the readiest sympathy and touch the
tenderest memories of those whose acquaintance
with the man is largest, and who knew him best,
of those who shared the struggles of his active
young manhood, before disease and physical suf-
fering had forced him to become a sort of recluse,
but little known to the later accessions of Stam-
ford citizenship. These last may inquire the
secret of Theodore J. Daskam's unbounded popu-
larity, but his host of old friends need not be told
why they loved him. He had in a remarkable de-
gree the power of winning friendships, and not
by any means through an effusive disposition to
placate those who chose to assume an unfriendly
attitude either in the field of politics or business.
But his friends, those who possessed his confi-
dence, ever found him a man to tie up to. His
word was as good as his bond. What he said
he would do, he would do. For over twenty years
he was the most active organizer and manager
of political campaigns on the Republican side.
In politics, he was a fighter, and went in to win,
and generally did win. To say that a man could
occupy a position like that without making some
enemies would be to state something incredible.
Yet all through his career he numbered many of
the warmest personal friends among the staunch-
est of his political opponents, and to-day as his
fellow-citizens contemplate the lifeless form once
so full of manhood's proudest energies, every
feeling of party strife, every recollection of party
enmity, will fade into thin air, and not the party
chief but the genial, whole-souled kindly friend
and fellow-citizen will be longest and best re-
membered.
In 1919 the Park Board of Stamford
gave the name of Daskam to the park on
Glenbrook avenue, in honor of this family
which from the time it first became con-
nected with the town to the present day
has been notable for its public spirit and
patriotism.
(V) Walter Duryee Daskam, son of
Theodore J. and Sarah Remer (Stanley)
Daskam, was born September 18, 1865.
He was educated in the King School of
Stamford, of which he is at the present
time president. On May 16, 1882, he en-
tered the Stamford National Bank as mes-
senger. His dependability, accuracy, and
unremitting attention to his duties won
for him promotion to the position of tel-
ler, which he held for some years. Dur-
ing this time he lost no opportunity to
make himself acquainted with the theory
and practice of banking. At that time there
was no trust company in Stamford, and
recognizing the need for such an institu-
tion, Mr. Daskam organized The Stam-
ford Trust Company, of which he became
treasurer. The growth and financial
strength of the company as indicated by
its present capital and surplus of $450,000,
with total resources of $5,094,965. The
safe deposit vaults are of the most modern
construction. Mr. Daskam was elected
vice-president of the company in 1918. He
is also a director and secretary of the
Stamford Water Company ; a director and
treasurer of the Stamford Gas and Elec-
tric Company ; vice-president and director
of the St. John Woodworking Company ;
treasurer and director of the Stamford
Hospital ; trustee of the Stamford Chil-
dren's Home. Mr. Daskam succeeded
Edward W. Kneen, of Shelton, as treas-
urer of Fairfield county.
In politics, Mr. Daskam is a Republican
and served as town treasurer from 1894 to
1903 ; was chairman of the Republican
Town Committee from 1903 to 1906, and
303
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
is now a member of the City Board of
Finance. Fraternally, he is a member of
Union Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons; Puritan Lodge, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. In December,
1884, he enlisted in Company C, 4th Con-
necticut Infantry, and was discharged
January, 1890, as sergeant. In March,
1917, he enlisted in the Connecticut State
Guard and holds the rank of captain. Mr.
Daskam was in charge of the last four
Liberty Loan drives and was untiring
in his efforts to make them successful;
he was also treasurer of the first drive
of the Red Cross. His clubs are the Sub-
urban and the Stamford Yacht. Mr. Das-
kam was one of the four founders of the
former club and its first president.
Mr. Daskam married Harriet Tilley,
daughter of George H. and Harriet T.
(Brown) Tilley, of Darien, Connecticut,
and they are the parents of a daughter,
Elizabeth Stanley Daskam. Mr. Daskam
and his family are members of St. An-
drew's Episcopal Church, of which he is
a vestryman.
The greatest benefaction which a man
can bestow upon the city of his residence
is himself. He may devote the wealth
of his mental endowment to the service
of his fellowman ; he may spread broad-
cast the material good he has won from
life ; but the greatest gift within his power
is human sympathy, the spirit which is
attuned to the loyal friendship of the peo-
ple and responds in kind. Of these gifts,
ability, means, time and labor unstinted,
Walter Duryee Daskam gives right roy-
ally. He is a man among men, the
warmth of his genial personality winning
the loyalty and esteem of every one of
his associates and acquaintances.
COWLES, Russel Abemethy,
Man of Great Enterprise.
From a twenty-two years' association
with the Ansonia Brass and Copper Com-
pany, subsequently the American Brass
Company, a concern with which two gen-
erations of his line before him had been
identified, Mr. Cowles entered fields of
endeavor intimately connected with the
community life and prosperity of Green-
wich, his home. A number of enterprises
fostered by him and operated under his
direction have filled needs long felt in his
town, projects that lacked the influence
of a man of vision and courage, undertak-
ings fraught with commercial danger to
the man of little faith and ordinary enter-
prise. Mr. Cowles has earned, with a
position of business prominence, the last-
ing regard and gratitude of his townsmen,
whom he has served largely and well.
Russel Abernethy Cowles is a son of
Albert Abernethy and Frances (Bailey)
Cowles, and grandson of George Preston
Cowles, member of a family dating to
early Colonial days in New England.
George Preston Cowles was a native of
Connecticut, and spent the greater part
of his life in Ansonia, Connecticut, where
he was successively, secretary, treasurer,
vice-president, and manager of the An-
sonia Brass and Copper Company. His
death occurred in October, 1887. He
married Charlotte Leaming, daughter of
General Russell C. and Orrell (Smith)
Abernethy, of Torrington, Connecticut.
Alfred Abernethy Cowles, father of
Russel Abernethy Cowles, was born at
Torrington (then Wolcottville), Connec-
ticut, September 28, 1845. He attended
the public schools of Ansonia, subse-
quently becoming a student in Chase's
Military Academy, at Middletown, Con-
necticut, and completing his studies at
the Sorbonne, in Paris, France, and Col-
lege de France. For two years he was
employed in the Ansonia National Bank,
and after traveling abroad for a time he
entered the counting room of the Ansonia
Brass and Copper Company. In 1870 he
was placed in charge of the New York
304
Al<.udyJ'^^nSl/^^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
offices of the company, and soon there-
after became an official, proceeding
through the posts of treasurer and vice-
president to the presidency of the corpor-
ation, which he held from 1901 until his
death. He was a man of wide business
capabilities, a leader in several lines of
industry ; he was president of the Ansonia
Clock Company, which he organized in
1879 ; president of the Coronet Phosphate
Company, which he organized in 1908;
president of the Terra Ceia Estates, Inc. ;
vice-president of the American Brass
Company ; and president of the Birming-
ham Water Company. In advisory ca-
pacity he was associated with a number
of other corporations in widely separated
fields. Mr. Cowles was a member of the
Union League, Larchmont Yacht, Green-
wich Country, and Railroad clubs. His
residence was at "The Apthorp," New
York City, and he maintained his summer
home at Belle Haven. Mr. Cowles bore
an honorable reputation through a long
and active business career, and in the
course of his industrial and commercial
capacity bound to him a large number of
his associates with the ties of firm friend-
ship.
Mr. Cowles married, in 1871, Frances
Bailey, daughter of Edward Bailey, of
Devonshire, England, and Fanny (Ken-
yon) Bailey, of Syracuse, New York.
They were the parents of: Russel Aber-
nethy, of whom further; and Frederick
Houghton, who married Maud Sherman.
Russel Abernethy Cowles was born in
Syracuse, New York, October 10, 1873.
He attended private school in New York
City, Stevens Preparatory .School, and
Stevens Institute of Technology at Ho-
boken. At the age of nineteen he became
associated with his father in the Ansonia
Brass and Copper Company, and re-
mained in that service for twenty-two
years, until September i, 1915. In 1900
the American Brass Company succeeded
the Ansonia Brass and Copper Company,
and at the time of his resignation Mr.
Cowles was a vice-president of the Amer-
ican Brass Company. He then became
vice-president of the BuflFalo Copper and
Brass Rolling Mills, and organized the
Metals Trading Corporation, of which he
is president at this time (1920). Among
the more important of Mr. Cowles' busi-
ness interests are the presidency of the
Ansonia Clock Company, the vice-presi-
dency of the Coronet Phosphate Com-
pany, and the presidency of the New
England Motor Sales Company of Green-
wich. This last is one of several enter-
prises Mr. Cowles has founded in
Greenwich, which have become institu-
tions known far beyond the limits of the
town. The New England Motor Sales
Company operates a thoroughly modern
garage on the Boston Post Road, the
main artery of traffic between New York
and Boston, and a machine shop that is
probably the finest in the district. The
company has the agency for the Buick,
Franklin, and Owen Magnetic automo-
biles, and the White automobile truck.
This business, first planned on a scale
that to the average mind seemed to spell
failure, has developed steadily from the
time of its establishment, and residents
and tourists have found there the auto-
mobile service and satisfaction that every
motorist craves.
In 1917 Mr. Cowles gave to Greenwich
another institution of which the town
had long been in need — The Pickwick Inn
- — recognized as one of the best inns in
the New York suburbs. Philip Gibbs,
the noted English war correspondent, was
so impressed by its attractive furnish-
ings and beautiful atmosphere, as well as
the superior quality of the food served,
that he devoted several pages in an issue
of "Harper's Magazine" to a description
of the inn, couched in the most compli-
mentary terms. Within a few months
305
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
after its opening an addition was found
necessary, and since then the inn has been
enlarged several times to accommodate
the increased numbers of enthusiastic
patrons.
In 1919 Mr. Cowles organized The
Pickwick Arms, Inc., purchased the
Lenox House property at the corner of
the Boston Post Road and Greenwich
avenue, and constructed The Pickwick
Arms, a million dollar hotel, which has
given to Greenwich one of the finest
hotels in the State. The building, mod-
eled after the old English inns, is of
fireproof construction, equipped with
every convenience and comfort. Mr.
Cowles has also entered the business of
candy manufacturing and, securing the
services of an experienced Parisian candy-
maker, placed upon the market "Pickwick
Chocolates," which have come into exten-
sive demand in New York and suburbs.
It has been the good fortune of Mr.
Cowles to have his earnest eflorts for his
town's betterment appreciated and sup-
ported in unusual degree. He has been
able to lend practical aid to many friends
and acquaintances, and in direct personal
manner has been instrumental in the pro-
motion of the success and welfare of no
small number of those with whom he
comes into contact. He is a member of
the Union League, the Down Town Club,
the India House, the Greenwich Country
Club, the Indian Harbor Yacht Club, and
the Blind Brook Club.
Mr. Cowles married Louise Marcia
Pfarrius, daughter of Ernst and Emma
(Tannatt) Pfarrius, and they are the
parents of Ernest Francis, and Francis
Russel.
McHARG, Henry King,
Man of Affairs.
Mr. McHarg's long record as a suc-
cessful man of affairs renders the inscrip-
tion of his name at the head of this article
an amply sufficient introduction not only
to his fellow-citizens of Stamford, but
also to the general public. Mr. McHarg
is now president of the Detroit & Mack-
inac Railroad Company, and director of
the Manhattan Bank of New York City.
The name of the family of which Mr.
McHarg is a representative is Graham,
McHarg being its backward spelling with
changing of "a" to "c." Tradition says that
one of the family fled from Scotland,
probably to Ireland, and that when he re-
turned to his native land, in order to
escape persecution, he changed the pa-
tronymic to its present form. The earliest
ancestor on record was William de Gra-
ham, who settled in Scotland not long
after the beginning of the twelfth cen-
tury. The name is a local one, its
Scottish form being Graeme, but its ter-
mination proves it beyond doubt to have
been originally English.
(I) John McHarg was bom in 1733,
in Wigtownshire, Scotland, and in 1774
emigrated to the American colonies, set-
tling in Galway, Saratoga county. New
York. He was one of the twelve heads
of families who founded that settlement.
The year after his arrival witnessed the
outbreak of the Revolutionary War, and
he gave proof of loyalty to his adopted
country by serving as a soldier in Colonel
John Beekman's regiment, being also a
member of Jacob Schermerhorn's class.
After the war he conducted a retail dry
goods store in Albany, New York. Mr.
McHarg married, in Scotland, Griselda
Kelly, who was born in 1748, in the town
of Ayr, and their children were : Mar-
garet, Anne, Alexander, William, men-
tioned below ; a daughter, name unknown ;
Jane, or Janet ; Mary, died in infancy ;
Mary (2), and Sarah. All these, with the
exception of the two eldest, were born
after their parents came to America. John
306
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
McHarg died in Albany, December 23,
1803, and his widow passed away in that
city, September 20, 1843, ^t the venerable
age of ninety-five.
(II) William McHarg, son of John and
Griselda (Kelly) McHarg, was born in
March, 1778, in Galway, Saratoga county,
New York, and succeeded his father in
the latter's business in Albany. That was
years before the building of the Erie
canal, and people came in sleighs to pur-
chase goods which they exchanged for
such commodities as the Indians could
furnish. After the building of the canal
it was used by Mr. McHarg as a means
of transportation for his merchandise.
When the Hudson River railroad was
built he foresaw, with the acuteness of
the true business man, that the majority
of those who had heretofore supplied their
wants in Albany would not hesitate to
proceed directly to New York. Mr. Mc-
Harg married, April 16, 1810, Sophia
King, whose ancestral record is appended
to this biography, and they became the
parents of the following children : Sophia
Anne, John, mentioned below ; Margaret,
William Neill, Rufus King, and Charles
King. The death of William McHarg
occurred January 27, 1865, in Albion, Or-
leans county. New York.
(III) John McHarg, son of William
and Sophia (King) McHarg, was born
June 3, 1813, and as a young man was
advised by his father to open a store in
New York City, which, even then, had
been for some years recognized as one
of the future world centers of trade. Mr.
McHarg followed the advice, with re-
sults which fully justified it, but in the
panic of 1857 his establishment proved
to be one of those which failed to weather
that fearful storm. His Southern trade
had been particularly large. Mr. Mc-
Harg married, March 6, 1838, in Hamil-
ton, Massachusetts. Martha W. Patch,
daughter of Tracey Patch, a sea captain
of Cape Cod. Mr. McHarg enlisted in
the Civil War with the rank of captain,
and served as aide-de-camp on the staflf
of General Martindale. The following chil-
dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. McHarg:
I. Sophia King, born March 4, 1840, in Al-
bany ; married, December 23, 1863, Gen-
eral Horace Porter, of Harrisburg, Penn-
sylvania, United States army, who died
May 29, 1921 ; Mrs. Porter died April 6,
1903, in Paris, France. 2. John William,
born April 3, 1843 ! married, November 6,
1873, Harriet Schuyler Delavan, of Al-
bany, who died July 4, 1906, leaving no
children. 3. Theodore, born February 19,
1845, died in New York City, November
26, 1867. 4. Henry King, mentioned be-
low. Mr. McHarg died January 4, 1884,
in New York, and his widow passed away
September 8, 1885.
(IV) Henry King McHarg, son of
John and Martha W. (Patch) McHarg,
was born February 6, 1851, and received
his education in Dr. Reed's Walnut Hill
boarding school, at Geneva, New York.
On completing his course of study he
went to New York City and entered the
ofifice of the late Le Grande Lockwood.
That was in 1866, and he remained with
Mr. Lockwood until 1869, when failure
caused the dissolution of the business.
Mr. McHarg then became assistant cor-
responding clerk in the Third National
Bank, but at the expiration of a year
failing health obliged him to withdraw for
a time from the activities of business.
The day following his twenty-first birth-
day he became a member of the New York
Stock Exchange and is now one of the
oldest on its roll. Until about nine years
ago he was actively engaged in the bond
business.
The railroad interests of Mr. McHarg
have for a long period been numerous and
important. When the Texas Central
307
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Railroad Company was overtaken by dis-
aster he purchased the road, reorganized
and rebuilt it, and for about twenty years
served as its president. Later he bought
the old Marietta & Northern Georgia
railroad, which he reorganized and de-
veloped as the Atlanta, Knoxville &
Northern. For seven or eight years he
was connected with the road, developing
it into a fine piece of property. He was
one of the original men interested in de-
veloping the West Shore railroad, and
later was president of the Virginia &
Southwestern Railroad Company. In
1903 he bought the control of the Detroit
& Mackinac railroad, and has ever since
been president of the company.
The above record makes it clear that
Mr. McHarg's railroad work has invari-
ably been constructive. While the ele-
ment of speculation which is never wholly
absent from any business undertaking
had its part in his ventures, more espe-
cially as they were all the rehabilitation
of unsuccessful enterprises, he has con-
tributed substantially to the advancement
of the railroad interests of the last third
of a century, having imparted to every-
thing he undertook some portion of his
vitalizing energy.
The business career of Mr. McHarg
began in 1873, when he went into the
bond and investment business in part-
nership with William Adams, under the
firm name of Adams & McHarg. At the
end of twelve years the connection was
severed and Mr. McHarg continued the
business alone. For some years he was
a director of the New York, New Haven
& Hartford Railroad Company, and since
1883 he has held a directorship in the
Manhattan National Bank, in which for
over twenty years he held the ofifice of
vice-president. His clubs are the Union
and Down Town, of New York City.
Yachting was always his favorite recrea-
tion, and for a number of years he owned
a very pretty schooner. He attends and
supports St. John's Protestant Episcopal
Church of Stamford.
Mr. McHarg married, July 21, 1875,
Frederica Bremer Britton, and they have
been the parents of the following chil-
dren: I. Edith May, born May 4, 1876;
did not live. 2. John, born December 22,
1877 ; did not live. 3. Madeline B., born
November 26, 1878; died December 10,
1881. 4. Henry King, Jr., born October
30, 1883 ; married Jane, daughter of
Thomas J. Craven, of Salem, New Jersey,
and has three children; Jane Craven,
Henry King (3), and Esther Belle. 5.
Marion Adelaide, born January 28, 1886;
married (first) George Venable, and has
one daughter, Frederica; married (sec-
ond) Ernest Roentgen, nephew of the
discoverer of the X-ray; they have one
daughter.
For thirty years Mr. McHarg has been
a resident of Stamford, and during that
time he has been a leader in everything
that has been done for the welfare of the
town. The time will come when the ex-
tent of his benefactions will be known,
but Mr. McHarg has shown an inflexible
determination that in his benevolences
his left hand should not know what his
right hand doeth. All that may be said
now is that the Stamford Hospital, the
Young Men's Christian Association, the
Ferguson Library, the Associated Chari-
ties, and the Presbyterian and St. John's
Episcopal churches are indebted beyond
anyone's surmise to his generosity and
public spirit.
(The King Line).
Joshua King was born November 24,
1758, at Braintree (now Quincy), Massa-
chusetts. His father was one of three
brothers who came from England. When
the American army surrounded Boston,
308
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Joshua, then a lad of sixteen, left home,
at his own independent option, to join it.
By reason of his youth and his capacity
he was appointed fiifer, but in due time
he was admitted to the ranks for more
direct soldierly service, being placed in
the cavalry, and gradually promoted. He
became Lieutenant King, and had the
special distinction of acting as escort to
the unfortunate Andre, from his capture
to his execution. General King, as he was
popularly called, married, April i8, 1784,
Anne Ingersoll (see Ingersoll line), and
their children were : Catherine, Fanny,
Sophia, mentioned below; John Francis,
Rufus Howard, Anne Maria, Charles,
Joshua Ingersoll, Mary Anne, and Grace
Ingersoll. General King died August 13,
1839, his wife having passed away De-
cember 30, 1838.
Sophia King, daughter of Joshua and
Anne (Ingersoll) King, was born March
II, 1790, and became the wife of Wil-
liam McHarg, as stated above. Mrs. Mc-
Harg died March 24, 1838.
(The Ingersoll Line).
(I) John Ingersoll, of Hartford, mar-
ried, about 1667, Mary Hunt, daughter of
and Mary (Webster) Hunt, and
granddaughter of John Webster, one of the
first settlers of Hartford, Connecticut, and
fifth governor of that Commonwealth.
John Webster, who was a native of War-
wickshire, England, and a lineal ancestor
of the eminent lexicographer, Noah Web-
ster, died April 5, 1661. About 1665 John
Ingersoll removed to Northampton, Mas-
sachusetts.
(II) Jonathan Ingersoll, son of John
and Mary (Hunt) Ingersoll, was born
May 10, 1681, in Westfield, Massachu-
setts, and during the greater part of his
life lived in Milford, where he died, No-
vember 28, 1760, his wife, Sarah, having
passed away February 14, 1748.
(III) Jonathan (2) Ingersoll, son of
Jonathan (i) and Sarah Ingersoll, was
born in 1713, at Milford (or Stratford),
and 1736 graduated from Yale College.
On November 8, 1738, he was installed as
pastor of the Congregational church of
Ridgefield, and served it for the remainder
of his life, a period of nearly forty years.
In 1759, during the French War, he served
as chaplain of a Connecticut regiment.
Mr. Ingersoll married, November 10, 1740,
Dorcas Moss (see Moss line), and his
death occurred October 2, 1778. His
widow passed away September 29, 181 1.
(IV) Anne Ingersoll, daughter of Jon-
athan (2) and Dorcas (Moss) Ingersoll,
was born April 5, 1765, and became the
wife of Joshua King (see King line).
(The Moss Line).
(I) John Moss was born in England, in
1619, and in 1639 settled in New Haven,
Connecticut, removing, in 1670, to Wal-
lingford. His death occurred in 1708.
(II) Joseph Moss, son of John Moss,
was born in 1651, in New Haven, where
he passed his entire life, holding various
offices in that city. He married, April 11,
1667, Mary .
(III) Joseph (2) Moss, son of Joseph
(i) and Mary Moss, was born April 7,
1679, ^n<i received from Yale College the
honorary degree of Master of Arts with
the first class which graduated from that
institution, which was in 1702. After
teaching a classical school at Derby, he
became pastor of the Congregational
church in that town, and served it for
twenty years. He died January 23, 1732.
Mr. Moss was the author of several books,
and no clergyman of his time enjoyed a
higher reputation.
(IV) Dorcas Moss, daughter of Joseph
(2) Moss, was born in 1726, in Derby, and
became the wife of the Rev. Jonathan In-
gersoll (see Ingersoll line).
309
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
BENNETT, Edwin B.,
Mannfactarer, Fnblic-Spirited Citixen.
The name we have just written is
familiar as that of president of the Ben-
nett Wire Company, not only to Mr. Ben-
nett's fellow-citizens of Norwalk, but also
to the manufacturing world of the United
States and Canada. As a citizen who ever
studies the best interests of his commun-
ity, Mr. Bennett is numbered among the
most highly respected residents of Nor-
walk.
The name of Bennett is of Latin origin,
signifying blessed, and is derived from
the personal name Benedict. In the
reigns of Edwards Second and Third, of
England, it is found under the forms of
Fitz-Benedict, Benediscite, Bendiste, Ben-
edick and Bennett. It is also said to mean
a place overgrown with bennet or bent
grass, and hence, a dweller at such a
place.
(I) James Bennett, founder of the Fair-
field and Compo branch of the family,
was born in England, in 1616. He emi-
grated to the Massachusetts Colony, set-
tled in Concord, and in 1637 was made a
freeman. In 1639 he married Hannah
Wheeler, daughter of Lieutenant Thomas
Wheeler, of Concord, and in 1644, in com-
pany with his father-in-law and many
other residents of that place, he removed
to the Connecticut Colony. This migra-
tion was called the Concord Exodus. The
settlers found homes in what is now Fair-
field, and James Bennett, with nine
others, founded what is now the city of
Bridgeport, but which then received the
name of Stratfield. He became a man of
prominence in the colony, and for many
years was deputy to the Colonial Assem-
bly. He was lieutenant of the Train
Band, and one of the founders of what
later became the First Congregational
Church of Bridgeport. He was buried in
the old Stratfield burying-ground.
(II) Thomas Bennett, son of James
and Hannah (Wheeler) Bennett, was
born in 1642, and lived with his father
until 1664, when he was made a freeman.
He purchased land in Sasco (Southport),
and in 1668 married Elizabeth Thompson,
daughter of John Thompson, of Strat-
field. Later he bought the rights of
Emma, widow of the Rev. John Jones, in
her husband's parsonage, which faced the
common, southeast of the town hall, Fair-
field. In his latter years he removed to
Compo, where he died in 1704.
(III) Thomas (2) Bennett, son of
Thomas (i) and Elizabeth (Thompson)
Bennett, married Sarah Hubbell.
(IV) Thomas (3) Bennett, son of
Thomas (2) and Sarah (Hubbell) Ben-
nett, was born in 1694. He married (first)
Mary Rowland, and (second) Mercy
Schofield.
(V) Nathan Bennett, son of Thomas
(3) and Mary (Rowland) Bennett, was
born March 4, 1725, in Compo, now West-
port, and married Hannah Sturges,
daughter of John Sturges, of Fairfield.
Nathan Bennett died October 5, 1792.
(VI) Elias Bennett, son of Nathan and
Hannah (Sturges) Bennett, was born
May 10, 1752, in Compo, and in 1773 was
made a freeman. During the War of the
Revolution he served first as a member of
the Coast Guard, and participated in the
battle of Ridgefield in which General
Wooster was killed. Later he was a mu-
sician in Captain Lemuel Clift's company,
1st Regiment, Connecticut Line, and in
1840 was a war pensioner. He married
(first) Anna Grossman, born November
25, 1756, daughter of John and Annie
(Allen) Grossman, and (second) Eliza-
beth Squires. About the time of his first
marriage he removed to Weston, where
he died in 1842, and was buried in the
Kettle Creek burying-ground.
310
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(VII) Elias (2) Bennett, son of Elias
(i) and Anna (Grossman) Bennett, was
born December 25, 1778, in Westport, and
early in life began the manufacture of
flour sieves, making his netting from
horsehair, and these he peddled about
the country himself. For a long period
he was engaged in teaching, having
charge of one district school for twelve
years. In politics he was an old-time
Whig. While engaged in teaching his
health failed and he became a post rider
on the road from Bridgeport to Weston,
Redding and Georgetown. By many he
was called "Post Bennett." He and his
family were members of the Methodist
Episcopal church. He married, about
1804, in Redding or Weston, Mary Perry,
some account of whose family is appended
to this biography. Mrs. Bennett died in
1853. She and her husband were the par-
ents of the following children : Sturges,
mentioned below ; Mary, born in 1807,
died in 1822; Aaron, born in 1810, died in
1890; Burr, born in 1813, died in 1887;
William, born in 1818, died in 1899; and
Samuel, born in 1822, died in 1889. Elias
(2) Bennett died April 10, 1863, in
Georgetown, Connecticut. It is evident
that he was a man of fine mental endow-
ments, for although he received only a
common school education at a time when
common schools were not what they are
now, he was a remarkably successful
teacher. He and his wife are buried in
the Umpawaug Cemetery, in Redding.
The death of Mr. Bennett occurred at
the home of his son, Sturges, the eldest of
the family, and in some respects its most
noteworthy member.
(VIII) Sturges Bennett, son of Elias
(2) and Mary (Perry) Bennett, was born
in 1805, and it is not improbable that as
a youth he sometimes assisted his father,
"Post Bennett," in distributing through
various towns the Bridgeport "Standard"
31
and "Farmer," and the Norwalk "Ga-
zette."
Events proved, however, that he was
destined for a wider field of action than
any in which his ancestors had moved.
In 1830 he married (first) Charlotte Gil-
bert, daughter of Benjamin Gilbert, hav-
ing been admitted in 1828 to partnership
in Mr. Gilbert's business. This event it
was which broadened his sphere and
marked the beginning, from a temporal
point of view, of the great success of his
entire life.
After the death of Mr. Bennett's first
wife, who was the mother of all his
children, he married (second) Betsey A.
Burchard. On May 30, 1880, Mr. Ben-
nett passed away, having completed
fifty-two years in the service of the enter-
prise in the upbuilding of which he had
been so largely instrumental.
(IX) Eli G. Bennett, son of Sturges
and Charlotte (Gilbert) Bennett, was born
February 2, 1831, in Georgetown, and
there grew to manhood. In 1855 he grad-
uated from Amherst College, afterward
associating himself with his father's busi-
ness in the capacity of bookkeeper.
After the Civil War, Mr. Bennett sev-
ered his connection with the firm of Gil-
bert, Bennett & Company, establishing
himself independently as a general mer-
chant in Georgetown. About 1880 he
disposed of the business and removed to
Brooklyn, New York, in order to assume
the position of bookkeeper in the New
York ofiice of the Gilbert & Bennett Man-
ufacturing Company.
In politics, Mr. Bennett was a Repub-
lican, but never in the least a politician,
the only ofifice which he ever held being
that of justice of the peace. He and his
family were members of the Congrega-
tional church, in which for some years he
served as deacon.
Mr. Bennett married Mary Esther
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Birchard, daughter of Edwin Birchard, of
Cannon Station, in the town of Wilton,
and their children were : Eli Sturges, of
Brooklyn, New York; Mary Esther, also
of that city ; Jennie, wife of I. D. Hurlbutt,
of Brooklyn ; Edwin B., mentioned be-
low; and Charles, of Brooklyn. About
twenty years before his death, which oc-
curred July ID, 1920, Mr. Bennett retired
from active business. He was a man of
more than ordinary executive talent, and
was highly esteemed as a useful and
public-spirited citizen.
(X) Edwin B. Bennett, son of Eli G.
and Mary Esther (Birchard) Bennett,
was born April 23, 1869, in Georgetown,
Connecticut, and received his education in
the public schools of his native place.
After completing his course of study
Mr. Bennett, true to the traditions of his
family, entered the service of the Gilbert
& Bennett Manufacturing Company, re-
ceiving his initiation in the business in
which his father and grandfather had ren-
dered such notable assistance. It soon
became evident that he had inherited a
full measure of their ability and also of
their energy and aggressiveness, and dur-
ing the twenty-two years of his connec-
tion with the firm he did much for the
strengthening and expansion of the busi-
ness, serving for the greater part of the
time as salesman.
A spirit of enterprise, however, has al-
ways been one of Mr. Bennett's dominant
characteristics, and in 1907 he established
his present business. From a small be-
ginning the concern has grown to note-
worthy proportions, and is now numbered
among Norwalk's most substantial indus-
tries. The product is wire cloth, sold
directly to stores and manufacturers of
wire cloth goods, and finds a market in
every part of the United States and also
in Canada, having a growing export trade.
In 1912 the business was incorporated as
the Bennett Wire Company, with Mr.
Bennett as president, an office which he
has since continuously retained.
While predominantly a business man,
Mr. Bennett never forgets that he is a
citizen, and any cause or movement hav-
ing for its object the improvement of
community conditions invariably enlists
the support of his influence and means.
He and his family are members of Grace
Dutch Reformed Church of Brooklyn,
New York.
Mr. Bennett married Isabelle W. Gib-
son, daughter of James D. Gibson, a na-
tive of Edinburgh, Scotland, who emi-
grated to the United States. Since the
age of nine years Mr. Gibson has been a
resident of New York. Mr. and Mrs.
Bennett are the parents of one child:
Birchard Gibson, born January 17, 1902.
Edwin B. Bennett is the son and grand-
son of men who gave the best years of
their lives to the upbuilding of a great in-
dustry, and he himself, as a representa-
tive of the third generation, has ably and
worthily carried on the work. As head
of a large and constantly growing enter-
prise, in the same line of endeavor, he has
added to the long-established prestige of
the family name.
(The Gilbert Line).
The name Gilbert, which has been as-
sociated for more than a century with a
manufacturing enterprise of National rep-
utation, is of French origin, and is a
personal name which was largely intro-
duced into England at the time of the
Norman Conquest in the form of Gisle-
bertus. The meaning is pledge, or host-
age-bright. Not only is it a very common
surname, but it is the source from which
are derived Gibb, Gibbs, Gybbes, Gibbard,
Gibbings, Gibbonson, Gibson, Gill, Gilks,
Gilpin and many others.
Benjamin Gilbert, founder of the busi-
i
312
i
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ness which to this day bears his name,
was born in 1788, in Connecticut, and fol-
lowed the shoemaker's trade in the town
of Weston, in that State. This was after
the War of 1812. He also was master
of the trades of tanning and currying, but
in none of the three branches of industry
in which he was proficient was he to find
the key to his future prosperity. Those
were the days when families made their
own meal, sifting it from the bran through
sieves made of horsehair. Benjamin
Gilbert was a man alert to opportunity,
and his far-seeing mind quickly discerned
the latent possibilities of the manufacture
of these articles. Abandoning his shoe-
maker's last, he embarked in the manu-
facture of horsehair sieves. His place of
business was the basement of his house,
and his entire factory force consisted of his
wife and daughters, who wove the hair
while he shaved wooden hoops to form
the rims of his sieves. The year of the
humble beginning of this great business
was 1818.
The horsehair sieve market not prov-
ing as large as he had anticipated, Mr.
Gilbert increased his business by adding
the manufacture of curled hair, used for
cushions, mattresses and furniture. He
moved from Weston to Georgetown, Con-
necticut, fifty miles from New York City,
where the business continues to this day.
In 1826 he installed and put into opera-
tion the first machinery ever used in pick-
ing hair, and about the same time he
leased a small part of an old sawmill,
thus obtaining a separate factory at last.
It was at this early period of the progress
which subsequently increased so amaz-
ingly that Sturges Bennett was admitted
to partnership, the style of the firm be-
coming Gilbert & Bennett. In 1832 Wil-
liam J. Gilbert, a son of the founder, was
also admitted, the firm name being
changed to Gilbert, Bennett & Company.
In 1834 fine wire was substituted for
horsehair in the manufacture of their
product, and the old Red Mill was pur-
chased. Thenceforth the history of the
enterprise is that of a rapid and continu-
ous march of progress.
Edwin Gilbert, son of Benjamin Gil-
bert, became a member of the firm in 1844,
and with his brother, William J., and
E. O. Hurlbutt, comprised the selling
force. Even under the difficult selling
conditions of those days, the sale of their
goods spread as far as the Western Re-
serve of Ohio, but very few, indeed, fore-
saw the time when the New York, New
Haven & Hartford Railroad Company
would run their rails alongside factories
of the Gilbert, Bennett & Company and
on them take out shipments for all parts
of the United States. In 1852 a store was
opened in New York City, and in 1885
the firm was established in Chicago. Ben-
jamin Gilbert, the founder, conducted the
business to the last day of his life, pass-
ing away in 1847. On May 30, 1874, the
company was incorporated under the
name of The Gilbert & Bennett Manu-
facturing Company, with Sturges Bennett
as president. In the simple statement of
this fact may be read the whole narrative
of the important part Mr. Bennett had
played in the progress of the business
almost from the first day of his connection
with it. His cool, calm judgment, his
unceasing vigilance, and his indefatigable
industry, had been of inestimable value
during the struggling years of the enter-
prise, and continued to be so when he
became its leader. In 1876 he resigned
the presidency, but remained to the close
of his life a director of the company.
(The Perry Line).
This ancient name signifies dweller by
a pear tree, and is also said to be derived
from the personal name Pierre, and thence
to mean a stony place.
313
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(I) Richard Perry, founder of the fam- lish army, being at one time captain of a
ily in America, came from England, in
1637, and settled in New Haven. In 1649
he received a grant of land in Fairfield
county, where many of his descendants
have remained. He was a member of the
legal profession, and is mentioned in rec-
ords of New Haven as "Secretarie of the
Court of New Haven."
(II) Thaddeus Perry, a descendant of
Richard Perry, was born in Fairfield, and
all his life followed the calling of a
weaver. He is said to have woven the
first piece of cotton cloth made in Con-
necticut. He married Grace Buckley,
daughter of Nathan Buckley.
(III) Mary Perry, daughter of Thad-
deus and Grace (Buckley) Perry, became
the wife of Elias (2) Bennett, as stated
above. (See Bennett VII).
MILLER, David H.,
Bnsiness Man, Public Official, Soldier.
President and treasurer of the Gilbert
& Bennett Manufacturing Company, and
representative of his home town. Red-
ding, in the General Assembly. In these
two spheres of action Mr. Miller achieved
merited distinction, and to them he added
a record of honorable military ser\'ice
during the Civil War. Despite the fact
that some years have elapsed since his
decease, his memory is still vividly fresh
in the minds of his fellow-citizens of
Fairfield county and the State of Con-
necticut.
The name of Miller is a very old one of
English origin, its meaning, corn-grinder,
indicating its derivation from mill and
placing it among the very numerous pat-
ronymics whose origins are traced to va-
rious occupations and callings.
John H. Miller, father of David H.
Miller, was born in London, England,
and was always connected with the Eng-
company stationed in the West Indies.
He married Sarah Nevill, daughter of
Nathaniel and Sarah (Pulbrook) Nevill,
and they were the parents of two sons :
John H. ; and David H., mentioned below.
John H. Miller, Jr., was born in Lon-
don, and early in life came to the United
States, where he engaged in the manu-
facture of showcases in New York City.
Later he was among those who went
to California in quest of gold, and was
a delegate from that State to the na-
tional convention at which John C. Fre-
mont was nominated for the presidency.
Mr. Miller spoke many languages, and at
one time was editor of one of the Sacra-
mento papers. He visited various coun-
tries and died in Buenos Ayres, South
America.
David H. Miller, son of John H. and
Sarah (Nevill) Miller, was born August
12, 1831, in London, England, where he
attended private schools until his twelfth
year. His father died while he was still
a child, and on leaving school he found
employment in his stepfather's office. By
attending night school he learned bank-
ing, and at the age of fourteen years
came to the United States with D. M.
Peyser, becoming cashier in Peyser's
store, and afterward engaging in the man-
ufacture of showcases. In 1851 Mr. Mil-
ler returned to England and was em-
ployed by his stepfather in the curled hair
business. In 1852 he came once more to
the United States and established in New
Ybrk City a factory for carrying on the
business. In 1853 he entered the service
of the Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing
Company in the capacity of bookkeeper,
and in the course of time transferred his
New York business to Georgetown, Con-
necticut, which thenceforth became his
home.
314
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Before many years had elapsed Mr.
Miller's business career which had opened
so auspiciously suffered an interruption.
In 1861 the Civil War broke out and he
was among those of the Gilbert & Ben-
nett men who answered the call to the
colors. Prior to this he had belonged to
the Eighth Regiment, New York Wash-
ington Grays. In the Union army he
served over a year, winning honors, and
the rank of major in the Twenty-third
Connecticut Volunteer Infantry.
On returning to his place in the Gil-
bert & Bennett force, Mr. Miller resumed
that course of steady advancement which
was destined to lead to the highest office
in the gift of the company. From book-
keeper he was advanced to a director-
ship, being then made secretary and later
vice-president. In 1906 he succeeded to
the presidency, an office which he re-
tained to the close of his life.
In politics Mr. Miller was a staunch
Republican, helping to organize, during
the Fremont campaign, the first Repub-
lican club of Georgetown. He was a staff
officer of the Putnam Phalanx of Hart-
ford, which was organized in 1858. For
many years he was active in the political
life of his community, holding the offices
of justice of the peace and notary public,
and serving as secretary and treasurer of
his school district. He was vice-presi-
dent of the Fairfield County National
Bank. In 1881 Mr. Miller was elected to
represent Fairfield county in the General
Assembly, and served one term with
credit to himself and satisfaction to his
constituents. His scrupulous fidelity to
every duty and his unceasing vigilance in
protecting and maintaining the rights of
his fellow-citizens entitled him to the re-
spect and gratitude of those whom he
represented. As a veteran of the Civil
War, Mr. Miller held membership in
James E. Moore Post, No. 18, Grand
Army of the Republic, of Danbury, and
he also belonged to the Army and Navy
Club. He affiliated with Ark Lodge, No.
39, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons,
in which for many years he served as
secretary. He also affiliated with Cru-
sader Commandery, Knights Templar ;
and Pyramid Temple, Mystic Shrine, of
Bridgeport. He was a member of the
Protestant Episcopal church.
Mr. Miller married Catherine Welling,
who was born in 1833, •" Dublin, Ireland,
and their children were: i. Samuel J.,
a sketch of whom follows. 2. Mary C,
married Joseph A. Gray, a prominent law-
yer of Norwalk, and has eight children. 3.
David Henry, a vice-president of the Gil-
bert & Bennett Manufacturing Company.
(See sketch on following pages.) 4.
Catherine W. 5. Louis P., a biography
of whom follows. 6. Charles J., first vice-
president of the company ; entered the
offices of the concern in 1882 and now has
direct charge of the Wireton Mills, the
Chicago office and the Kansas City
branch — thirty-eight years with the com-
pany. 7. Julius W., machinery manufac-
turer in South Norwalk. 8. Sarah F.,
graduate of South Norwalk High School
(valedictorian of her class), also of the
State Normal School. 9. Bessie E., grad-
uate of South Norwalk High School (val-
edictorian of her class) and the State
Normal School.
On April 5, 1915, David H. Miller died
"full of years and of honors." His ca-
reer was varied and eventful, the career
of a man able, energetic, abounding in in-
itiative, and not without a dash of the
spirit of adventure which animated his
brilliant but somewhat erratic brother.
Both as soldier and citizen, David H.
Miller was true to high ideals, and the
record of his sixty-two years with the
Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing Com-
pany is from first to last a story of honor.
315
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
MILLER, Samuel J.,
Manufacturer.
When a man's name is familiar not
only to his home community, but also to
numbers of his fellow-citizens in different
parts of the United States, he stands in
no need of an introduction from his bi-
ographer. This is true of Mr. Miller as
the present president of the Gilbert &
Bennett Manufacturing Company, and
among his friends and neighbors of
Georgetown he holds the place of a highly
esteemed citizen.
Samuel J. Miller was born November
i8, 1856, a son of David H. and Cather-
ine (Welling) Miller (q. v.). He re-
ceived a common school education, and
in 1869 entered the servJce of the firm of
Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing Com-
pany in the capacity of office boy. Be-
ginning at the bottom of the ladder, Mr.
Miller learned the wire business, as the
saying is, "from the ground up." Surely
and steadily he advanced, filling succes-
sively the offices of assistant superintend-
ent, director, general superintendent, sec-
retary, vice-president and general man-
ager. In 1915 he succeeded his father in
the presidency of the company, retaining
the position of general manager. The
subsequent history of the organization
has proved that, with the executive abil-
ities of which he has so long shown him-
self possessed, he combines unusual tal-
ents for leadership. He is a director of
the Fairfield County National Bank, of
Norwalk.
Mr. Miller married, January 15, 1879,
Esther A. Cannon, daughter of Charles
Cannon, of Cannondale, in the town of
Wilton, and they are the parents of two
children : Mary Catherine, born August
15, 1880, wife of Louis R. Ambler, of
Cannondale ; and D. Henry, whose biog-
raphy follows in the work. Mr. and Mrs.
Miller are members of the Protestant
Episcopal church, of Wilton.
The almost lifelong connection of Sam-
uel J. Miller with the Gilbert & Bennett
Manufacturing Company, a period of
fifty-one years, furnishes strong evidence
of the value of concentration of energy
and persistent, high-minded adherence to
one line of endeavor. Moreover, he has
always been public-spirited, as he showed
by serving five years as regimental clerk
to the Connecticut National Guard. He
is an all-round man.
MILLER, David Henry,
Manufacturer.
More than a third of Mr. Miller's life
has been spent in the service of the Gil-
bert & Bennett Manufacturing Company,
of which he is now sales manager and
third vice-president. During all this time
he has been active as a citizen, taking a
leading part in all that concerned the wel-
fare of Georgetown and its vicinity.
David Henry Miller was born March
10, 1861, a son of the late David H. and
Catherine (Welling) Miller (q. v.). Da-
vid Henry Miller was educated in public
schools, and then, moved no doubt by the
adventurous spirit of his race, sought the
freer life of the Western country, so-
journing in Kansas, Oklahoma and Ari-
zona, spending six years on cattle ranches,
and during a portion of that time being
engaged in the cattle business for him-
self. In 1882 Mr. Miller turned his face
homeward and became a resident of
South Norwalk, Connecticut, where he
has since lived. For many years he was
engaged in the oyster business. .A^bout
1897 Mr. M'ller became identified will;
ihe Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing'
Company, becoming a member of the sell-
ing force, and later holding a special
commission in the sales department. He
16
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
also became a member of the board of
directors. He has now for some years
filled his present dual office of manager
of the sales department and third vice-
president. He is a director of the South
Norwalk Trust Company.
The responsibilities of Mr. Miller as
a business man are not allowed to inter-
fere with his activities as a citizen. He
belongs to the Old Well Hook and Lad-
der Fire Company, and during the recent
World War served as a member of the
executive committee in the Liberty Loan
and Red Cross drives in South Norwalk,
also acting as chairman of the Red Cross
chapter in that city, and a member of the
fuel committee, Norwalk, Connecticut.
He is president of the Norwalk Country
Club, and vice-president of the South
Norwalk Club. He and his wife are mem-
bers of the Congregational church, of
South Norwalk.
Mr. Miller married, January 15, 1896,
Josephine L. Getler, whose family was
originally of Yonkers, New York. Mr.
and Mrs. Miller are the parents of two
daughters : Pauline L., born July 16,
1897, now the wife of John H. Mullekin ;
and Josephine G. Mrs. Miller takes an
active part in church work.
The early portion of Mr. Miller's ca-
reer was spent in stock-raising in the Far
West, and he has now for many years
been numbered among the successful bus-
iness men of his native State.
MILLER, Louis P.,
Mannfactnrer.
Superintendent of the plant of the Gil-
bert & Bennett Manufacturing Company,
and during the long space of forty-one
years identified with that nationally
know corporation. This, in brief, is the
story of Mr. Miller's business career and
is known to many, while his record as a
good and useful citizen is equally famil-
iar to his friends and neighbors of
Georgetown.
Louis P. Miller was born April 10, 1865,
in Georgetown, Connecticut, and is a son
of the late David H. and Catherine
(Welling) Miller. His education was re-
ceived in the village school, and in 1879
he entered the service of the Gilbert &
Bennett Manufacturing Company. From
the outset he gave evidence of being en-
dowed with a full measure of the busi-
ness ability characteristic of his family,
and by his own eflforts worked his way
up, steadily advancing from one position
of responsibility to another until reach-
ing his present office of superintendent,
which he has now held for a number of
years. In Masonic and fraternal circles
Mr. Miller is well known and influential.
He affiliates with Ark Lodge, No. 39,
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of
Georgetown ; Crusader Commandery, No.
10, Knights Templar; Pyramid Temple,
Mystic Shrine, of Bridgeport ; the Lafay-
ette Consistory of Bridgeport, thirty-
second degree Mason ; and Pilgrim Lodge,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of
Ridgefield.
Mr. Miller married Carrie Kennel,
daughter of Jacob Kennel, of New York
City.
For more than four decades Louis P.
Miller has given the best that was in him
to the promotion of the interests of the
Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing Com-
pany, and by his able, energetic and un-
wearied eflforts he has been largely and
potentially instrumental in its develop-
ment and upbuilding.
MILLER, D. Henry,
Manufacturer,
Among the most aggressive of George-
town's business men of the younger gen-
317
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
eration is the citizen whose name stands
at the head of this article. Mr. Miller is
known in business circles as the assist-
ant superintendent and secretary of the
Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing Com-
pany, and is active in the club life and
fraternal affairs of his community.
D. Henry Miller was born April 5, 1884,
in Georgetown, a son of Samuel J. and
Esther A. (Cannon) Miller (q. v.). His
early education was received in local pub-
lic schools, and he was prepared for col-
lege in King's School, Stamford, and in
1904 graduated from the Sheffield Scien-
tific School with the degree of Bachelor
of Philosophy. His specialty was elec-
trical engineering. After graduating, Mr.
Miller began his business life by asso-
ciating himself with the Gilbert & Ben-
nett Manufacturing Company, of which
his grandfather was then vice-president
and treasurer, and with which his father
had long been officially connected. It
soon appeared that he had inherited no
small measure of their ability, and he is
now assistant superintendent and secre-
tary of the company.
The fraternal affiliations of Mr. Miller
include membership in Ark Lodge, No.
39, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ;
Butler Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ;
Clinton Commandery, Knights Templar,
of Norwalk ; and Pyramid Temple, Mys-
tic shrine, of Bridgeport, also the Sigma
Psi fraternity of the Sheffield Scientific
School. His clubs are the Yale, of New
York, the Norwalk, South Norwalk, and
the Westport Country. He and his wife
are members of St. Matthew's Protestant
Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Miller
served for about ten years as treasurer
and in which he is now junior warden.
Mr. Miller married, September 23, 191 1,
Mary Frances Raymond, whose ancestral
record is appended to this biography, and
they are the parents of four children :
Samuel J. (2), born November 5, 1913;
Esther Denman, born August 26, 1915;
Mary Louise, born June 23, 1917; and
Raymond Cannon, born October 23, 1919.
For many years the Gilbert & Bennett
Manufacturing Company has been repre-
sented by members of the Miller family,
and D. Henry Miller, as a representative
of the third generation, worthily holds his
place in the line.
(The Raymond Line).
The name of Raymond is an ancient
one of French origin, and is derived from
the Christian name Raimundus, signify-
ing light of the world. A branch of the
family was transplanted to England at or
soon after the Norman Conquest.
(I) Richard Raymond, one of the
founders of the race in America, was a
mariner, and in 1634 was made a free-
man of Salem, Massachusetts. The town
granted him land in 1636, and in 1662 he
removed to Norwalk, Connecticut, where
he purchased a house and land. He was
at one time engaged in the coastwise
trade with the Dutch and English on Man-
hattan Island. In 1664 he went to Say-
brook, Connecticut. Prior to 1636 he and
his wife Judith were members of the First
Church in Salem. Richard Raymond
died in Saybrook in 1692, aged about
ninety years.
(II) John Raymond, son of Richard
and Judith Raymond, was of Norwalk,
Connecticut. His taxable property was
valued at two hundred pounds. He mar-
ried, in 1664, Mary Betts, daughter of
Thomas Betts, of Norwalk.
(III) Samuel Raymond, son of John
and Mary (Betts) Raymond, was of Nor-
walk, Connecticut. He married, in 1696,
Judith Palmer, daughter of Ephriam Pal-
mer, of Greenwich, Connecticut.
(IV) Samuel (2) Raymond, son of
Samuel (i) and Judith (Palmer) Ray-
!i8
QrUjt:yyt^<^ 7^a^v-€a/v^*/
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
mond, was born May 7, 1697. He mar-
ried (first) about 1719, Elizabeth Hoyt,
daughter of Thomas Hoyt, of Norwalk,
Connecticut. He married (second) Mary
Kitto, an Englishwoman.
(V) Sands Raymond, son of Samuel
(2) and Elizabeth (Hoyt) Raymond, was
born about 1730. He removed from Nor-
walk to Salem, Westchester county, New
York, where in 1775 he was second lieu-
tenant of militia. During the Revolu-
tionary War he was twice taken prisoner.
The Christian name of his wife was
Sarah. The will of Sands Raymond is
dated 1791.
(VI) Asa Raymond, son of Sands and
Sarah Raymond, was born February 20,
1770. He was of Lewisboro, New York.
He married Sally Northrup.
(VII) Amos N. Raymond, son of Asa
and Sally (Northrup) Raymond, was
born May 31, 1801, in Salem, New York,
and was of Lewisboro, in the same State.
He married, in 1826, Lucy Ann Abbott.
Amos N. Raymond died March 2, i860.
(VIII) Charles Asa Raymond, son of
Amos N. and Lucy Ann (Abbott) Ray-
mond, was born September 29, 1841. He
is a farmer and provision dealer, of Lew-
isboro. He married, in 1880, Nancy Den-
man, and their children were: Inda
Louise, born April 15, 1881 ; Mary Fran-
ces, mentioned below ; Charles Denman,
born January 19, 1885 ; Lucile, born April
18, 1891.
(IX) Mary Frances Raymond, daugh-
ter of Charles Asa and Nancy (Denman)
Raymond, was born September 17, 1883.
She became the wife of D. Henry Mil-
ler, as stated above.
McFARLAND, David W.,
Alienist, Head of Great Sanitarinm.
Hall-Brooke, as the Sanitarium of Dr.
McFarland is known, is ideally situated
on an elevation commanding a view of
the Sound and surrounding country.
There, under the careful ministrations of
Dr. McFarland and his assistants, shat-
tered health is regained and hope is born
anew. Dr. McFarland has devoted many
years to the study and care of the afflicted.
His experience has been a wide one, and
combined with his ability he has inher-
ited many of the fine characteristics of
his Scotch ancestors. Dr. McFarland
was born in Portland, Connecticut, the
son of David and Katherine (Abercrom-
bie, McFarland.
David McFarland, his father, was born
in Sterhng, Scotland, where several gen-
erations of the family has lived. He was
a stone-cutter, and soon after his mar-
riage settled in Portland, Connecticut,
where he followed his trade. A Repub-
lican in politics, Mr. McFarland took
more than a passive interest in public mat-
ters, but was too domestic in his tastes to
seek public office. He married Kather-
ine Abercrombie, a native of Sterling, and
they were the parents of four children:
Margaret, resides in Portland, Connecti-
cut; Mary, wife of Samuel Richardson,
now lives in Canton, Ohio ; Jeanette, wife
of Henry Fowler, of Summit, New Jer-
sey ; David W., of further mention.
Dr. David W. McFarland attended the
public schools in Portland, and soon after
went West and learned telegraphy. This
occupation he followed only a short time,
as soon, returning to the East, he entered
the University of Vermont Medical
School. He remained there a year, and
then went to the University of New York.
After two years study he was graduated
in 1885 with the degree of M. D. The
ensuing year Dr. McFarland spent in
the New York City Lunatic Asylum as a
member of the staff, resigning to become
associated with the New Jersey State
319
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Asylum. For the succeeding seven years
he was engaged in private practice in
Waterbury, Connecticut, leaving there in
1897 to form a partnership with Dr. Frank
Haslehurst Barnes, with whom he con-
ducted a sanitarium in Stamford, Con-
necticut, for a year. This partnership
was then dissolved, and Dr. McFarland
opened his present Sanitarium which ac-
commodates one hundred patients. He
has a farm also and all the vegetables
consumed are raised on this farm. A force
of thirty people is required.
Dr. McFarland is a member of the
Norwalk Medical Association, the Fair-
field County Medical Society, the Con-
necticut Society, and the American Med-
ical Association. He is also a member
of the Society of Medical Jurisprudence,
and for some years he has been doing
work as an alienist; he is a member of
the Connecticut Society of Alienists and
served as president of this organization
for three years. His fraternal connec-
tions are: Member of Temple Lodge,
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ; No-
sohogan Lodge, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows ; Comstock Lodge, Knights
of Pythias; Westport Club; the National
Democratic Club of New York City, a so-
cial organization. Dr. McFarland is a Re-
publican, and although his time is valu-
able he is very willing to aid in whatever
way possible any movement for the gen-
eral welfare.
Dr. McFarland married Marie Berg, a
native of Hadersleben, Denmark, and they
are the parents of a daughter, Ruth, who
is the wife of George W. Dilworth, con-
nected with the Sanitarium.
MONTGOMERY, Le Roy,
Financier, Manufacturer.
As secretary and treasurer of the Peo-
ple's Trust Company, Mr. Montgomery
requires no introduction to his neighbors
of South Norwalk, or his fellow-citizens
of Fairfield county. He is known not
only as an experienced financier, but also
as a man who takes a quietly public-spir-
ited interest in the affairs of his commu-
nity.
The name Montgomery signifies "Hill
of Gomerico," and the family is an ex-
tremely ancient one. Roger de Mont-
gomerie (de Monte Gomerico), so called
on account of his Norman estate, was a
native of Neustria, and was seated there
before the coming of Rollo in 912.
William Montgomery came to East Jer-
sey in 1702, thus founding the American
portion of the family, branches of which
are scattered through Pennsylvania, Vir-
ginia and Kentucky. The race is numer-
ous in Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
James W. Montgomery, grandfather of
Le Roy Montgomery, was born in Port-
land, Maine, and at an early age began to
follow the sea. He became a sea captain
while still a young man, owning the bark
"Statira," and making deep-sea as well as
coast-wise voyages. In the gold rush of
'49 he went to California. He had broth-
ers, Rev. George W., John A., and Tho-
mas J., a general in the Mexican War,
who married a Virginian. Captain James
W. Montgomery married Deborah Ann
Hicks, of Long Island, the seat of a nu-
merous branch of this old English fam-
ily, which may also be found well repre-
sented in New England. Captain Mont-
gomery never returned from California,
his death occurring in the town of Mur-
phy, Calaveras county, in 1859.
William E. Montgomery, son of James
W. and Deborah Ann (Hicks) Montgom-
ery, was born in New York City and edu-
cated in local public schools. From the
time he was eighteen he made Norwalk
his home, where, at an early age, he en-
gaged in the retail coal business on his
own account, his place of business being
320
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
in South Norwalk. After a few years he
abandoned the coal business in order to
become teller in the Norwalk Savings So-
ciety, a position which he had held over
forty years. Though never a politician,
he served as a member of the Board of
Burgesses, and filled the office of treas-
urer of the old city of Norwalk. At the
beginning of the Civil War he enlisted,
August 30, 1862, at the age of twenty, as
a sergeant in Company L, Eleventh New
York Cavalry, known as the famous
"Scott's 900;" he served the entire four
years, being wounded and captured at
Doyal's Plantation, August 5, 1864.
Mr. Montgomery affiliated with St.
John's Lodge, No. 6, Free and Accepted
Masons. He married Maria A. Brady,
daughter of Thomas A. Brady, of Nor-
walk, and their children were : William
L., of Seattle; George B., of Norwalk;
Charles E., of Norwalk ; Emily Louise,
who married Waldo A. Raymond, of
Newark, New Jersey; Le Roy, of whom
further ; and Howard A. The family
were members of Grace Protestant Epis-
copal Church, of Norwalk, in which Mr.
Montgomery, whose death occurred July
28, 191 1, served as vestryman.
The "History of Harlem" states that
Jean Le Roy owned in Harlem the tract
of land that was purchased by William
Brady. The name of the family was
originally used as Brody, later changed
to Brady, and the great-great-grandfather
(Christian name unknown) of our sub-
ject, was a Revolutionary ancestor of this
line, and had his estate in Harlem con-
fiscated by the Crown. His son, James
Brady, was an architect of New York
City, and married Grace Jennings. Tho-
mas Brady, grandfather of our subject,
also married a Jennings.
Le Roy Montgomery, son of William
E. and Maria A. (Brady) Montgomery,
was born February 16, 1881, in Norwalk,
Conn— 8— 21 ^2
and received his education in the public
schools of his native city. In 1899 he be-
came a messenger in the old Central Na-
tional Bank, but did not long serve in
that humble capacity, his ability attract-
ing notice and causing him to be pro-
moted rapidly. During the three years
that he remained in the bank he held, for
the greater part of the time, the position
of bookkeeper. When he left it was to
become a teller in the Fairfield County
Savings Bank. This position he retained
until 1914, when the People's Trust Com-
pany of South Norwalk was organized,
and he became its secretary and treasurer.
This dual position he retained until Au-
gust, 1920, and by his manner of dis-
charging its duties, as well as by his wise
counsel and broad outlook upon aiifairs,
did much toward establishing it upon a
firm and permanent basis. He is a cor-
porator of the Fairfield County Savings
Bank, and is the secretary of the Bridge
Commission of the town of Norwalk.
In August, 1920, Mr. Montgomery be-
came a partner with Isaac Church in the
manufacture of expansion bolts and hard-
ware specialties. In January, 1921, he
purchased Mr. Church's interest, and has
since conducted the business as sole
owner. This business was founded in
Toledo, Ohio, by Isaac Church, in 1879,
and in 1907 was moved to Norwalk. The
expansion bolts are amply protected by
patents and have long been a standard
product.
Mr. Montgomery married, June 28,
191 1, Marion Montgomery Lee, daughter
of Mortimer Montgomery and Julia C.
(Adams) Lee, of Norwalk. A biography
of Mr. Lee appears elsewhere in this
work. Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery are the
parents of one child : Mortimer Lee, born
May 27, 1917. They are members of
Grace Episcopal Church.
From his early youth Mr. Montgom-
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ery has been closely identified with Nor-
walk interests, finding full scope for his
energy and talents, first in the field of
finance, and then in industry. His career
is a notable example of the beneficial re-
sults of concentration of efifort, supported
by far-sighted judgment.
(The Jennings Line).
(I) This line of Jennings was founded
by Joshua Jennings, who was born in
England, in 1620, and died in 1675, in
Fairfield, Connecticut. He married, in
1647, Mary Williams. Among their chil-
dren was Isaac, of whom further.
(II) Isaac Jennings, son of Joshua and
Mary (Williams) Jennings, was born in
1673, and died in 1746. He married a
daughter of Joseph Beers, of Fairfield,
Connecticut, and among their children
was Isaac (2), of whom further.
(III) Isaac (2) Jennings, son of Isaac
(i) Jennings, was baptized in 1702, and
died March 6, 1760. The Christian name
of his wife was Phebe. Among their chil-
dren was Jacob, of whom further.
(IV) Jacob Jennings, son of Isaac (2)
and Phebe Jennings, was baptized De-
cember 9, 1739. He married and had a
daughter Grace, who married James
Brady; and a son, Isaac.
OSBORN, Gregory T.,
Member of Old Family.
The Osborn family is a very old one
and dates back to the first part of the
seventeenth century. The coat-of-arms
of this family, granted February 11, 1662,
is as follows:
Arms — Argent, a bend, between two lions ram-
pant.
Crest — A lion's head erased, argent, ducally
crowned, or.
Motto — Quantum in rebus inane. (How much
frivolity in human affairs).
(I) The ancestor of the family in
America was Captain Richard Osborn.
He was born in 1612 in London, and died
in 1686 in Westchester, New Ybrk. Cap-
tain Osborn was in America as early as
.1634; he sailed in the ship "Hopewell"
with Captain Thomas Wood. Before
1640, Captain Osborn went to New Ha-
ven, Connecticut, and in 1653 was living
in Fairfield. He served in the Pequot
War, and received a grant of eighty acres
of land. In 1666 he had an interest in
lands in Newton, Long Island, later re-
moving to Westchester, New York.
(II) Captain John Osborn, son of Cap-
tain Richard Osborn, was born undoubt-
edly in New Haven, Connecticut, be-
tween 1640 and 1650. He was deputy to
the General Court, and a very useful cit-
izen. He married, before 1673, Sarah
Bennett, daughter of James Bennett.
(III) Sergeant D&vid Osborn, son of
Captain John and Sarah (Bennett) Os-
born, was a member of Dr. Thomas Pell's
company in the settlement of Eastchester,
New York, in 1666. He married, in 1679,
Abigail Pinckney, daughter of Philip
Pinckney, of Eastchester.
(IV) William Osborn, son of Sergeant
David and Abigail (Pinckney) Osborn,
married Elizabeth Tumey, and they were
the parents of Isaac, of whom further.
(V) Isaac Osborn, son of William and
Elizabeth (Turney) Osborn, was born
September 6, 1740, died in 1816. He
married, September 22, 1763, Martha
Higgins, born October 10, 1745. died
March 17, 1789.
(VI) Turney Osborn, son of Isaac and
Martha (Higgins) Osborn, was born
May 19, 1782, and died September 12,
1855. He was a farmer on the old home-
stead in Georgetown, Connecticut, origi-
nally a part of the town of Fairfield, but
now included in the town of Weston, Con-
322
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
necticut. This is the farm which was
deeded to the immigrant, Captain Richard
Osborn, for his services in the Pequot
War. Turney Osborn married, January
9, 1812, Sarah, born August 28, 1783, died
June 16, 1859, a descendant of Stephen
Pierson.
(VII) Gregory Thomas Osborn, son
of Turney and Sarah Osborn, was born
February 14, 1820, in Georgetown, Con-
necticut, and was educated in the district
schools. In early life he was a farmer
and later engaged in business as a cattle
dealer. He went West and to Canada,
buying cattle and then driving them to
the home market. It is said he bought
the first western steers ever brought to
this part of Connecticut. At first a Whig,
Mr. Osborn later joined the ranks of the
Republican party, and was one of the
original John C. Fremont men in this sec-
tion. When Horace Greeley was de-
feated, Mr. Osborn became a Cleveland
Democrat. Mr. Osborn was elected to
the Legislature for a term and served in
the first session held in the new Capitol.
He also served as selectman ; was a mem-
ber of the Train Band, and an orderly
sergeant. His sword is now in the pos-
session of his son. Mr. Osborn married
Mary Elizabeth Piatt, daughter of David
Piatt, a descendant of Richard Piatt.
They were the parents of William Edgar
Osborn, of extended mention below.
Richard Piatt and his wife Mary landed
in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1638.
Their son, John Piatt, moved to Milford,
Connecticut, where he married Hannah
Clark, daughter of "Farmer" George
Clark, of that town. On June 6, 1660, he
came to Norwalk and built his home on
the old Fairfield path. He was one of
the most noted men in Norwalk history,
and was appointed in October, 1665, as
commissioner to view grounds with refer-
ence to new plantations, and was one of
the party who laid out Danbury, Con-
necticut. His son, John (2) Piatt, was
born in 1664, and married, in May, 1695,
Sarah Wood, daughter of Ephraim Wood.
Their son, John (3) Piatt, married Sarah
Hickox, and they were the parents of
Samuel Piatt, who married, March 2,
1757, Ann Raymond, daughter of Jabez
Raymond. Justus Piatt, their son, was
born September 10, 1768, and died March
17, 1849; hemarried (first) Hannah Smith,
born March 18, 1773, died January 15,
1830. They were the parents of David
Piatt, born May 24, 1797; he married,
October 7, 1822, Mary Hanford, daughter
of Isaac and Albacinda (Chapman) Han-
ford. She died February 5, 1892. David
Piatt was engaged in the edge-tool busi-
ness on the Newton turnpike in the town
of Weston, Connecticut, and lived the lat-
ter part of his life across the river in the
town of Wilton. He was one of the char-
ter members of Temple Lodge, Free and
Accepted Masons, of Westport. He died
April 30, 1871, and his daughter, Mary
Elizabeth, became the wife of Gregory
Thomas Osborn, as above noted.
OSBORN, William Edgar,
Business Man, Public Official.
Very often we find the representative of
one of the early Colonial families taking
an active part in the administration of
public affairs, and it seems particularly
fitting that this should be so. A worthy
scion of the Osborn family, and treasurer
of the town of Westport, Connecticut,
William Edgar Osborn holds a respected
place among his fellow-citizens. He is
a son of Gregory T. and Mary E. (Piatt)
Osborn (q. v.), and was born in George-
town, Connecticut, where he received his
education.
For a time after completing his school-
ing, he worked on the farm with his father
323
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
and then went into the grocery business
in Georgetown for two years. After dis-
posing of this, he came to Westport, in
1890, and bought the grocery business of
Bradley & Wheeler. This engaged his
attention until 1917, in which year he
disposed of it and retired from mercan-
tile business.
For sixteen years, he has been a direc-
tor of the Westport Bank and Trust Com-
pany, and for a similar length of time has
served Westport as town treasurer. He is
a Republican in politics, and has served
as a delegate to many conventions. Sev-
eral times he has been the candidate of
both parties for town treasurer, and a
number of times has been the only one
on the Republican ticket. An upright citi-
zen, public-spirited, he ranks among the
leading men of Westport.
Mr. Osborn married Ida Frances Jel-
liff, daughter of James F. Jellifif, of
Georgetown, and their only child, William
Francis Osborn, receives extended men-
tion below.
OSBORN, William Francis,
Hannfactnrer.
It is always profitable to study the rec-
ords of such men as William Francis Os-
born, representative as he is of one who
has raised himself by means of his own
efforts. Beginning as an assistant to
his father in the work about his store,
he persevered and applied himself dili-
gently to each task as it came to hand
until he now occupies a position as a
man-of-affairs and an upright citizen in
his community.
Mr. Osborn was born in Georgetown,
Connecticut, the only child of William E.
and Ida F. (Jelliff) Osborn (q. v.). He
was educated in the grammar schools and
in the Staples High School, and then be-
came associated with his father in the
grocery business. He later became iden-
tified with the firm of Osborn, Kimber &
Kemper, leather manufacturers of West-
port, Connecticut. This firm is one of the
oldest manufacturers of leather in the
United States, the firm being founded by
Daniel Kemper in the early part of the
nineteenth century. They make a spe-
cialty of fine Morocco leather and their
product is marketed all over the country.
Mr. Osborn was admitted to partnership
in the firm.
For a term he served as town auditor,
and has in many other ways shown him-
self to be a public-spirited citizen and a
worthy scion of the family he represents.
He is a member of the Westport Club and
served as its treasurer.
Mr. Osborn married Carrie Louise
Kemper, daughter of C. H. Kemper, a
sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this
work. Mr. Osborn and his wife attend
the Congregational church of Westport,
as do their paternal families.
BRATHWAITE. Dr. Frederick G.,
Surgeon, Participant in World War.
The origin of the name Brathwaite is
particularly interesting. It is common
knowledge that previous to the thirteenth
century there were no surnames. It was
the custom to designate a person by ref-
erence to his occupation, his place of
abode, or some personal mannerism or
characteristic. Brathwaite is of the sec-
ond class. Literally, it means broad-
clearing, and was first assumed by one
who lived near such an open space. The
spelling is found Braith and Braithe, also
Brath, being old English for broad, as
waite is for clearing.
A distinguished scion of this family is
Dr. Frederick G. Brathwaite, son of the
Rev. F. Windsor and Mary Elizabeth
(Woolsey) Brathwaite. The Rev. F.
324
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Windsor Brathwaite was born in Barba-
does, and was educated in the West In-
dies. As a young man, he came to
Connecticut and attended the Berkley
Divinity School, where he was ordained
to the ministry. Subsequently he was
assigned to St. Andrew's Episcopal
Church, of Stamford, being the first rec-
tor of the church, and he continued his
labors there throughout his lifetime. Dur-
ing his rectorship the present church and
rectory were erected and they are among
the most beautiful edifices in the State.
Rev. Mr. Brathwaite represented a type
of churchmanship which is peculiar to
Connecticut ; he was a very high church-
man and exalted the authority and
jurisdiction of his church. To all his
ecclesiastical dignities and ceremonies he
attached great importance, and was be-
loved by his congregation. A great stu-
dent of literature and the arts, Rev.
Brathwaite collected a very fine library.
Rev. Mr. Brathwaite married, in 1865,
Mary Elizabeth Woolsey, daughter of
Commodore Melancthon Lloyd Woolsey.
The latter was born June 5, 1780, and died
in Utica, New York, May 19, 1838. At
the age of twenty years he entered the
United States navy and fought under
Commodore Decatur in the Tripolitan
War. In the War of 1812 he was an ac-
tive officer under command of Commo-
dore Chauncey. Commodore Woolsey
was in command in Oswego when the
British were repulsed there. Subse-
quently he was transferred to the ocean
service and was successively in command
of the West Indies Station, Pensacola,
Florida, and the Brazilian Squadron.
Commodore Woolsey was a descendant of
Rev. Benjamin Woolsey, born November
19, 1687, in Jamaica, Long Island. Com-
modore Woolsey married, November 3,
1817, Susan C. Treadwell, born December
8, 1796, died March 13, 1863, daughter of
James Treadwell, of New York. Their
daughter, Mary Elizabeth, born April 16,
1831, married, in 1865, Rev. F. Windsor
Brathwaite, as above mentioned.
Frederick G. Brathwaite, son of Rev. F.
Windsor and Mary Elizabeth (Woolsey)
Brathwaite, was born March 9, 1868, in
Stamford, Connecticut. He was educated
in St. Paul's School, Concord, New
Hampshire, and in 1890 was graduated
from the College of Physicians and Sur-
geons, of New York. Thence Dr. Brath-
waite went into the United States navy as
assistant surgeon. He remained there
for nine years, and then became medical
officer for the New York Life Insurance
Company. Subsequently he was ap-
pointed general manager in the depart-
ment of Australia with headquarters in
Sidney, New South Wales. Later, Dr.
Brathwaite became assistant medical di-
rector for Europe, with headquarters in
Paris. His next ofifice was as medical
director for Europe for the Equitable
Life Assurance Society, with headquar-
ters in Paris.
Dr. Brathwaite was occupied with these
duties at the time of the World War, and
was then transferred to the United States
as associate medical director for this
country. When the United States entered
the conflict. Dr. Brathwaite gave valuable
service as an ambulance surgeon in the
American Hospital in Paris and served
in that capacity during the first battle of
the Marne. Thence Dr. Brathwaite was
sent to Russia, where he spent the winter
of 1914-15, and in the spring of the latter
year returned to France. He was all over
Germany and was arrested at Sasnitz.
Since the close of the war. Dr. Brathwaite
has been located in New York City, as
associate medical director of the Equita-
ble Life Assurance Sociecy. He has made
some remarkable and unique as well as
valuable studies along the line of selec-
325
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
tion in life insurance by means of the
system of "numerical notation."
Dr. Brathwaite married Marguerite
Force, daughter of Silas Force, of New
York City. They are the parents of a
son, Melancthon Woolsey, born in 1898.
He is now a member of the class of 1922
in the United States Naval Academy, his
early education having been obtained in
France. The family attend St. Andrew's
Episcopal Church, of Stamford.
SALMON, Frederick Morehouse,
Jndge of Probate.
The introductory phrases ordinarily
used in a work of this character in pre-
senting to the public an eminent and
honored name would be wholly super-
fluous if used in connection with the one
inscribed at the head of this article. As
a member of the judiciary of Fairfield
county, Judge Salmon requires no intro-
duction, and as ex-State Senator he is
equally independent of any form of pre-
sentation. He is simply and most
respectfully announced to his friends and
neighbors of Westport and to his fellow-
citizens of Fairfield county and the State
of Connecticut.
The manor of Salmans, in Caterham,
Surrey, England, is known to have be-
longed, in the reign of Edward the Third,
to Roger Saleman. The name, in this
orthography, is common in the Hundred
Rolls.
Three families of the name of Salmon
came in 1640 to the American colonies,
one settling in Massachusetts, another in
New Jersey, and the third in Southold,
Long Island. The race appears to have
been originally Scottish, but during the
Highland wars some of its members mi-
grated to Southwold, England, and from
the name of that place it seems not im-
probable that the designation of Southold,
Long Island, may have been derived.
(I) Daniel C. Salmon, grandfather of
Frederick Morehouse Salmon, was born
in the town of Trumbull, Fairfield county,
Connecticut, educated in the district
school, and followed the carpenter's trade
in conjunction with the business of under-
taking. He married Mary Catherine
Bradley, some account of whose family
is appended to this biography, and they
became the parents of two sons : Morris,
and David A., mentioned below. Daniel
C. Salmon, who was a very successful
man and a good citizen, died October 14,
1851.
(II) David A. Salmon, son of Daniel
C. and Mary Catherine (Bradley) Salmon,
was born September 26, 1836, in Weston,
Connecticut, and attended the local public
schools. As a boy he was employed in the
dry goods store of Sullivan Moulton, in
Westport, and later, in partnership with
his father-in-law, he purchased the busi-
ness and carried it on under the name of
D. A. Salmon & Company. While never
an office seeker, he took an active interest
in public affairs and for many years
served as chairman of the Republican
town committee. He married Frances
Augusta Morehouse, born September 3,
1839, daughter of Frederick Morehouse,
of Westport. The English origin of the
family is indicated by the patronymic
which is the designation of several places
in England. Thomas Morehouse, the first
American ancestor of record, was in
Wethersfield in 1640, and was among the
first to receive a grant of seven acres in
Stamford. Of the six children born to
Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Salmon, the following
reached maturity: Catherine, died unmar-
ried ; Anna Frances, married William L.
Taylor, and is now deceased ; Frederick
Morehouse, mentioned below ; Edith, be-
came the wife of Austin Wakeman ; and
David A., of Washington, District of
Columbia. Mr. and Mrs. Salmon were
members of the Methodist Episcopal
326
Cy%t^^i^t^c^ ^ . /^ <^a/?^^^i^t^^-L^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
church, in which Mr. Salmon at different ment of the important duties devolving
times held most of the offices. For
twenty-five years he was superintendent
of the Sunday school, and for a long
period served as chairman of the board
of trustees. Mr. Salmon died March ii,
1894, but the name of D. A. Salmon &
Company stood over the door of his store
until August 18, 1918, when his son,
Frederick Morehouse Salmon, sold the
business. To the close of his life David
A. Salmon was the active head of the
firm. Mrs. Salmon passed away Febru-
ary II, 1913.
(Ill) Frederick Morehouse Salmon,
son of David A. and Frances Augusta
(Morehouse) Salmon, was born February
27, 1870, in Westport, Connecticut. He
received his preliminary education in
public schools of his native town, after-
ward attending Packard's Business Col-
lege, New York City. His business life
began as the associate of his father whom
he succeeded as owner of the concern. In
early manhood Mr. Salmon began to take
an active interest in the political life of
his community, allying himself with the
Republican party. His aptitude for public
affairs met with speedy recognition and
he was made chairman of the Republican
town committee, an office which he has
retained to the present time, a period of
twenty-seven years. He served as county
treasurer for six years. For twenty-two
years he has been a member of the Con-
necticut State Prison Commission, and
for ten years served as its secretary. In
1915 and 1917 he represented his party in
the Twenty-fifth Senatorial District in the
Senate at Hartford, serving as chairman
of the roads, bridges and rivers commit-
tee, and in 1916, during this period, the
concrete bridge was erected over the Sau-
gatuck river at Westport. During his
second term he served as a member of the
appropriations committee. His fulfill-
upon him as a representative of his fel-
low-citizens elicited the vigorous support
and hearty approval of his constituents.
He was alternate delegate to the Chicago
Convention that nominated Warren G.
Harding for President of the United
States. In October, 1919, Mr. Salmon
was elected judge of probate, and on April
II, 1920, was inducted into office, suc-
ceeding Judge D. B. Bradley, who was
retired by the statute limiting the age
beyond which a judge may not continue
in office. Judge Salmon was reelected
November 2, 1920.
In everything pertaining to the welfare
and prosperity of his home community
Judge Salmon has ever manifested the
most helpful interest, and every move-
ment which in his judgment is calculated
to further the attainment of those ends
receives the aid of his influence and
means. He is vice-president of the West-
port Bank and Trust Company, and a
trustee of the Staples High School. To
him was entrusted the organization of the
Young Men's Christian Association to
which E. T. Bedford, of Greens Farms,
intends to give $200,000 for the building,
$50,000 for furnishing, and $200,000 for
an endowment.
During the late World War, Judge Sal-
mon was a leader in various patriotic
activities, serving as chairman of the last
three Liberty Loan campaigns in West-
port, and acting in the same capacity in
behalf of the great drives conducted for
the assistance of different charities.
Judge Salmon married, October 12,
1892, Martha Grace King, daughter of
Theodore E. and Abigail W. (Carpenter)
King, of Westport, Connecticut. Judge
and Mrs. Salmon are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church, in which for
twenty-five years Judge Salmon has held
the office of treasurer, also serving as
327
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
chairman of the committee appointed to
supervise the building of the present edi-
fice.
Judge Salmon's career which, in trend
and purpose, has been steadily upward,
has not yet reached its zenith. He is in
the prime of life, and his record of public
service justifies the belief that his fellow-
citizens will again and perhaps yet again
summon him to fill higher places and to
work in more extended fields.
(The Bradley Line).
Bradley is one of the oldest English
surnames. It is pure Anglo-Saxon, being
a compound of brad, broad, wide, and ley,
field or pasture. It is used to designate
many parishes in various counties of
England.
Francis Bradley is thought to have
come from England in 1637 with Gover-
nor Theophilus Eaton. He could then
have been only a lad, and there is reason
to believe that he was a son of Francis
Bradley, Jr., of Coventry, who was born
in 1595, and was son and heir to Francis
Bradley, Sr. Theophilus Eaton was born in
Coventry, as was the Rev. John Daven-
port, co-leader with Eaton of the New
Haven colony. It is thought that Eaton
and Francis Bradley, Jr., were school-
mates, and it was therefore natural that
Bradley should confide his son to Eaton's
care. In 1657 Francis Bradley resided in
Branford, Connecticut, and in 1660 he
went to Fairfield. He married Ruth Bar-
low, daughter of John Barlow, and his
descendants are numerous in many of the
Northern States. The first three or four
generations remained in Fairfield and its
vicinit}', particularly in and about Green-
field Hill.
Wakeman Bradley, father of Mrs. Mary
Catherine (Bradley) Salmon, was born in
Fairfield, educated in the common
schools, and learned the manufacture of
axes and edge-tools. In 1812 he settled
in Weston, where he built an edge-tool
factory which he operated during the re-
mainder of his life. He married Cather-
ine Andrews, of Weston, and they became
the parents of a numerous family.
Mary Catherine Bradley, daughter of
Wakeman and Catherine (Andrews)
Bradley, became the wife of Daniel C.
Salmon, as stated above.
MALKIN, Albert Richard,
Bnilding Contractor.
The energy, promptness and good
judgment which Albert R. Malkin, lead-
ing contractor of Norwalk, Connecticut,
has manifested in his business career, has
gained for him an excellent reputation as
a contractor and builder. The surname of
Malkin is derived from Mathilde, meaning
"might in war." Mr. Malkin's grandfa-
ther was Richard Malkin, a native of Mac-
clesfield, England. The latter came to
America, bringing with him his son,
Samuel Malkin, who was born in Mac-
clesfield, in 1834. He learned the trade of
baker, and after locating in this countrj'-
became a shoemaker, which vocation he
followed in New Canaan the greater part
of his life. Mr. Malkin was a member of
the Masonic and Independent Order of
Odd Fellow lodges in New Canaan. He
married Julia Raymond, born May 10,
1839, daughter of Russell G. Raymond,
and of their children five grew to matur-
ity. They were : Albert Richard, of fur-
ther mention ; Eliza Jane, wife of Albert
Betts, of Norwalk; Nellie N. (deceased),
wife of Irving C. Bynington, of Norwalk;
Mary L., wife of E. H. Morehouse; Har-
riet, wife of L. O. Fauntleroy, of Hart-
ford. The family were members of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
The Raymond family, from which Mrs.
Malkin is descended, has long been set-
tled in Fairfield county. Richard Ray-
mond, the ancestor, was among the earli-
328
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
est settlers in Norwalk and a leading
citizen of his day. By occupation he was
a mariner and was engaged in a coast-
wise trade with the Dutch and English
settlers. His wife's Christian name was
Judith, and they were the ancestors of
a long line of distinguished and useful
citizens. Of these Russell G. Raymond,
a lifelong resident of Norwalk, holds a
prominent place. He was the father of
Julia Raymond, who became the wife of
Samuel Malkin, as above stated.
Albert Richard Malkin, son of Samuel
and Julia (Raymond) Malkin, was born
April i6, i860, in New Canaan, Connec-
ticut. He was educated there in the pub-
lic schools and in the schools of Norwalk.
In 1880 he entered the drug store of E. P.
Weed to learn the profession of phar-
macist and was duly licensed. For about
ten years Mr. Malkin remained in the
drug business, and during the greater
part of that time conducted his own store
in partnership with Dr. J. P. Gregory. In
1885, Mr. Malkin sold his interests and
served his apprenticeship at the carpen-
ter's trade with a view to going into busi-
ness on his own account as a builder.
This he did upon completing his appren-
ticeship and formed a partnership with
Hart Denton, under the firm name of
A. R. Malkin & Company. They began
building operations at once, first in a
small way, and the business has now de-
veloped to such proportions that between
seventy-five and one hundred men are
employed. Their operations are in West-
ern Connecticut and Eastern New York.
Mr. Denton was succeeded by R. S. Van
Buren as a partner, and about twenty-
five years ago the company opened a mill
and now get out all their own dressed
lumber and interior finish. They do a
general building contracting business and
have erected many stations and other
buildings for the New York, New Haven
& Hartford Railroad Company. Many
schools all over the State have been built
by this company. A large part of their
work is the erection of fine residences,
out of an immense number, space permits
mention of only a few : A large summer
home for the New York Society for Ethi-
cal Culture in Mountainville, near New-
burgh, New York; the P. W. Brooks
residence, the Porter Emerson Brown
residence, the Herman Aaron residence
and the residence of Judge E. M. Lock-
wood, all in Norwalk. In New Canaan,
the residence of Dr. P. H. Williams, of
Mrs. Bradley, of Payson Merrill, Thomas
Hall and of Dr. Bishop.
Mr. Malkin is a Republican in politics,
and actively interested in all public mat-
ters but does not seek public office. He
is a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 6,
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ;
Washington Chapter, Royal Arch Ma-
sons ; Clinton Commandery, Knights
Templar; Pyramid Temple, Mystic
Shrine ; the Norwalk Club ; the Norwalk
Country Club ; the Knob Outing Club,
and the Westport Country Club. He is a
director of the Norwalk Library, Nor-
walk Club Company, National Bank of
Norwalk, and was vice-president, but is
now (1921) president of the Norwalk
Savings Society.
Mr. Malkin married Catherine Au-
gusta Denton, daughter of Hart Den-
ton, of Norwalk, and they are the par-
ents of four children: i. Albert Den-
ton, married Ida M. Steele, and has
one son, Edward Steele, and one daugh-
ter, Marjorie ; they reside in Norwalk. 2.
Kathryn Hoyt, married Gibson Smith, a
sketch of whom follows. 3. Allen Ray-
mond. 4. Ward Gregory. The family
attend and aid in the support of Grace
Episcopal Church, of Norwalk, and Mr.
Malkin also serves as vestryman of this
church.
329
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
SMITH, Gibson,
Building Contractor.
One of the leading business men of
South Norwalk, and a foremost citizen of
that place, Gibson Smith was born there
February lo, 1894, son of William and
Jennie (Gibson) Smith, and grandson of
Samuel and Anna (Gibbooney) Smith.
Samuel Smith, grandfather of Gibson
Smith, was born in Smithtown, Long
Island, March 12, 1812, and died in 1892.
He became an apprentice at the mason's
trade in New York City and worked on
Trinity Church. Early in his life he en-
tered the contracting business and was in
business for himself for about twenty-five
years. From New York City he went to
Northport, Long Island, and built a hos-
pital at St. Johnland, and remained for
four years, removing thence to Norwalk,
Connecticut. Samuel Smith married Anna
Gibbooney.
William Smith, father of Gibson Smith,
was born in New York City in June,
1854, and died July 5, 1915. When he
was a boy his parents removed to Smith-
town, Long Island, and for a time they
lived also at Northport. William Smith
learned the trade of mason with his father
and worked with him for several years.
When he was about twenty-four years of
age he started in business on his own ac-
count as a contractor and builder and so
continued as long as he lived. He was
brought up in South Norwalk, Connec-
ticut, where his parents removed from
Long Island. He was the most important
mason builder in the Norwalks and
among those buildings constructed by
him were the Clififord Hotel, the R. & G.
Corset factory, Swartz & Corbett build-
ing, the Masonic building in Norwalk,
the buildings of the Norwalk and South
Norwalk clubs, the Franklin school in
South Norwalk, the Ashe factory, Martin
& Bates building, Hanford building, and
the South Norwalk Public Library. The
latter was the last important building
erected by Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith was not
a politician, but was actively interested in
all public matters. He served as street
commissioner of South Norwalk. So-
cially he was a member of the South Nor-
walk Club. He married Jennie, daughter
of James Gibson, also a mason builder of
Danbury, Connecticut James Gibson
was born in America of Scotch parents,
and he was in charge of the construction
work on the Danbury Division of the
New York, New Haven & Hartford Rail-
road. The children of William and Jen-
nie (Gibson) Smith were: i. Jane, mar-
ried Jarvis Williams, Jr., general man-
ager of the Union Metallic Cartridge
Company of Bridgeport, and the mother
of a son, Jarvis, 3d. 2. Gibson, of whom
further. The Smith family attended the
Congregational church, and Mr. Smith
took an active interest in church work.
Gibson Smith was educated in the
South Norwalk grammar and high
schools and the Packard Commercial Col-
lege of New York City. During the in-
tervals between school seasons he learned
the trade of mason, a calling of his family
for three generations. His formal educa-
tion was completed with a course in ar-
chitectural construction at Pratt Insti-
tute, Brooklyn, and as soon as he com-
pleted his apprenticeship, he started in
business for himself, being one of the
youngest mason contractors in the State.
Among his work may be mentioned the
masonry on La Dentelle Lace Mill in
East Norwalk, the additions to the May-
hofife plant in Norwalk, and his latest
work is the completion of a new unit of
the South Norwalk Electric Works. Mr.
Smith has about thirty-five men employed
on an average, and makes a specialty of
33"
c3i:
j^jLcc^ <^@l
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
heavy masonry work. He is a member
of the South Norwalk Club.
Mr. Smith married Kathryn Hoyt Mal-
kin, daughter of Albert R. Malkin, of
Norwalk, a sketch of whom precedes this
in the work. They are the parents of a
daughter, Jane Smith, born April i, 1918.
Mr. and ]\Irs. Smith attend the Congre-
gational church of Norwalk.
QUINTARD, Frederick Homer,
Mannfactnrer.
Through every branch of an extensive
and honorable family tree, Frederick H.
Quintard, a leading manufacturer of the
city of Norwalk, is a descendant from a
long line of men prominent in the settle-
ment, government and military history of
Fairfield county. The Quintard family
are of French Huguenot extraction, and
the first ancestor on the paternal side was
Isaac Quintard, of whom further.
(I) Isaac Quintard was born in Lusig-
nan, France. The revocation of the Edict
of Nantes forced him to leave his native
land where he had been engaged in
woolen manufacture. In New York City
he became a merchant and owned vessels
that plied at least in coastwise trade. He
was a man of exceptional business acu-
men in his day; was thrifty and indus-
trious ; and at his death left an estate
which inventoried about five thousand
pounds, a large fortune in those days. He
married, in the Chapel of the Gaunt in
Bristol, England, November 26, 1693,
Jeanne Fume, also of a French family.
Their children were : Marie, born in Bris-
tol, in 1695; Isaac, born there, 1696; Abra-
ham, born in New York City, 1698;
Pierre (or Peter), of whom further. The
births of the children show that the father
must have crossed the ocean after the
birth of Isaac in England in 1696.
(II) Peter or Pierre Quintard, young-
est child of Isaac and Jeanne (Fume)
Quintard, was born January 14, 1700, in
New York City, was baptized there at
the French Church, and was admitted a
freeman. He was a goldsmith by occupa-
tion. About 1738 he removed to Nor-
walk, Connecticut, where he made sev-
eral purchases of lands and established
his residence in the meadows north of
what is now Marshall street, Norwalk.
Peter Quintard married Jeanne Baller-
eau, born July 3, 1708, in New York City,
daughter of Jacques and Jeanne (O'Dart)
Ballereau, and she died September 2,
1757-
(III) Peter Quintard, second son of
Peter or Pierre and Jeanne (Ballereau)
Quintard, was born in New Ybrk City,
July 22, 1732, and lived in Norwalk, Con-
necticut. He was a soldier in the Rev-
olutionary War, and served as a sergeant
in Captain Seth Seymour's company. Col-
onel John Mead's regiment, of Connecti-
cut Militia, enlisting December 24, 1776,
and served two months. In 1781 he was
a member of a Matross Company in Nor-
walk. The name of his first wife through
whom this line descends has not yet been
found. He married for his second wife,
May 23, 1774, Ruth Stevens.
(IV) Isaac (2) Quintard, son of Peter
Quintard, was born in 1767, and died
February 5, 1856, in Norwalk, Connecti-
cut. He was engaged in the manufacture
of pottery, and also ran a market sloop to
New York. On November 13, 1793, he
married Elizabeth Pickett, born January
14, 1769, daughter of Ezra and Elizabeth
(Benedict) Pickett, of Norwalk. Ezra
Pickett was born July 12, 1740, and mar-
ried, March 30, 1761, Elizabeth Benedict.
He was a son of James Pickett, 2d, and
his wife, Deborah (Stuart) Pickett, and
grandson of James Pickett, ist, who set-
tled in Norwalk, and married Rebecca
Keeler. The last named James Pickett
331
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
was a son of John Pickett, the immigrant,
of Salem, Massachusetts, who removed
in 1660 to Stratford, Connecticut, and was
a member of the General Assembly there
in 1673.
(V) Evert Quintard, son of Isaac (2)
and Elizabeth (Pickett) Quintard, was
born in Norwalk, Connecticut, January 24,
1798, and died May 2, 1891. He was a
furniture manufacturer and dealer in Nor-
walk for sixty years. He married, No-
vember 29, 1819, Elizabeth Whitney,
daughter of Timothy and Abigail (Smith-
Wood) Whitney, of Norwalk (see Whit-
ney VI).
(VI) Francis Edmond Quintard, son
of Evert and Elizabeth (Whitney) Quin-
tard, was born March 29, 1823, and died
October 25, 1907. He was educated in
the public schools of Norwalk. He
learned the trade of cabinet making with
his father and was associated with him
in business, finally succeeding to the own-
ership. Mr. Quintard continued to con-
duct the business until about 1884, when
he sold his interests and retired from ac-
tive duties. In his younger days Mr.
Quintard was active in military duties,
and a sword carried by him is now in
possession of his son. Mr. Quintard mar-
ried (first) January i, 1846, Harriet M.
Allen, daughter of Increase and Sally
(Patchen) Allen, and she died February
25. 1853. He married (second) Novem-
ber 24, 1853, Matilda Lounsbury, a sister
of the governors of Connecticut, Hon.
George E. and Hon. Phineas C. Louns-
bury. sketches of whom appear elsewhere
in this work and the Lounsbury geneal-
ogy therewith. Mr. Quintard married
(third) May 5, 1869, Cornelia C. Clark.
(VII) Frederick H Quintard. son of
Francis Edmond and Matilda (Louns-
bury) Quintard, was born January 24,
1857, in Norwalk, Connecticut. He was
educated in the public schools of that
town. Subsequently he was associated in
business with his father for about a year,
and for the following eight or nine years
was connected with his uncles, the Hon.
Phineas C. and George E. Lounsbury in
Norwalk. Ill health compelled the sever-
ing of this connection and Mr. Quintard
spent a year in the West. Upon his re-
turn East, he went to Bridgeport, Con-
necticut, where he was associated with
his uncle, the Hon. George E. Lounsbury,
and where he remained for the following
ten years. For the ensuing five years
Mr. Quintard did not take any active in-
terest in business matters ; as a matter
of fact it was not until 1893, at which
time the late C. S. Trowbridge prevailed
upon him to enter business in partnership
with him, that Mr. Quintard did so. In
January, 1907, this business was incor-
porated as The C. S. Trowbridge Com-
pany, with Mr. Trowbridge as president
and Mr. Quintard as secretary and treas-
urer. They continued successfully for
many years, and upon the death of Mr.
Trowbridge, Mr. Quintard succeeded him
in the office of president, which office he
still holds, as well as retaining the treas-
urership. The produce of the business
is paper and wooden boxes, and in the
manufacture of these employment is given
to from seventy-five to one hundred per-
sons.
In addition to the many business in-
terests which Mr. Quintard has had to
occupy his time, he has also taken an ac-
tive interest in public matters. He is a
Republican in politics, and in 1907-08 was
in the Legislature, serving a second term
in 1909-10. He served on the committees
of cities and boroughs and federal rela-
tions. In 1910 he was chairman of the
latter committee. He is a member of the
board of directors of the Norwalk Hos-
pital. Before Norwalk and South Nor-
walk were united under one city govern-
33^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ment, Mr. Quintard served as a member
of the Common Council in South Nor-
walk, and also at different times served
as assessor and tax collector.
Fraternally, Mr. Quintard is a member
of St. John's Lodge, No. 6, Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons ; Washington
Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; Clinton
Commandery, Knights Templar ; Pyra-
mid Temple, Mystic Shrine, the latter of
Bridgeport. He is also a member of the
Norwalk Club, which he served for two
years as president ; of the Norwalk Coun-
try Club, which he also served as presi-
dent ; of the South Norwalk Club ; and
the Roxbury Club. Mr. Quintard has
been president of the latter club for eight-
een years. His chief recreations are
hunting and fishing. Mr. Quintard's ances-
try in several lines entitles him to mem-
bership in the Sons of the American Rev-
olution, which he holds.
Mr. Quintard married Mary E. Bene-
dict, daughter of Goold Benedict, of Nor-
walk, and they are members of the Con-
gregational church.
(The Whitney Line).
(I) Henry Whitney, the immigrant an-
cestor, was born in England about 1620.
No record has been found of his arrival
in this country, but the Southold, Long
Island, records show that on October 8,
1649, he with others purchased land. He
was an inhabitant of the town of Hun-
tington, Long Island, August 17, 1658.
He built a grist mill there for Rev. Wil-
liam Leverich. Henry Whitney removed
to Jamaica, Long Island, where he bought
land of Richard Harker. He served on
many important committees there. In
July, 1665, he was granted land by the
town of Norwalk, Connecticut, for build-
ing a corn mill. His will is dated June 5,
1672, and he probably died in Norwalk in
1673, having been admitted a freeman
there four years previously.
(II) John Whitney, son of Henry
Whitney, was born previous to the time
his father went to Southold, Long Island,
and died in 1720. He received a grant of
land in Norwalk in 1665 and settled there,
succeeding his father in the ownership of
the mill and homestead. He built a full-
ing mill later, which was willed to Joseph
Whitney, his second son. John Whitney
married, March 17, 1674, Elizabeth Smith,
daughter of Richard Smith.
(III) Joseph Whitney, son of John
and Elizabeth (Smith) Whitney, was
born March i, 1678-79, and died in 1720.
He was a millwright. He married, in
Norwalk, July 6, 1704, Hannah Hoyt,
daughter of Zerubbabel Hoyt.
(IV) David Whitney, son of Joseph
and Hannah (Hoyt) Whitney, was born
in Norwalk, Connecticut, June 24, 1721.
He was a master mariner and miller. It
is said that when Norwalk was burned in
1779, he ran out into the harbor with his
sloop loaded with the families and goods
of his neighbors and escaped from the
British. David Whitney married. May
II, 1741, in Norwalk, Elizabeth Hyatt,
daughter of Ebenezer and Elizabeth
Hyatt, born June 6, 1718.
(V) Timothy Whitney, son of David
and Elizabeth (Hyatt) Whitney, was
born July 13-24, 1744, and died June 15,
1825. He was a cooper by occupation.
He took part in the Revolutionary War.
He married (first) February 25, 1770,
Anna Wood, born November 3, 1742,
daughter of Alexis Wood ; he married
(second) April 23, 1786, Abigail (Smith)
Wood, widow of a Mr. Wood, born July
25, 1749, daughter of Eliakim Smith, and
she died November 2, 1863.
(VI) Elizabeth Whitney, daughter of
Timothy and Abigail (Smith-Wood)
Whitney, was bom January 4, 1796, in
Norwalk, Connecticut, where she died
November 26, 185 1. She was married
there, November 29, 1819, to Evert Quin-
tard (see Quintard V).
333
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
KIRK, Theodore Howard,
Retired Business Man.
After long activity in the business
arena, Mr. Kirk is enjoying life as a pri-
vate citizen of Stamford, Connecticut, and
yet, not altogether as a private citizen, for
his public-spirited zeal, combined vi^ith
the urgency of his friends and neighbors,
has drawn him into the sphere of poHtics,
and he is now serving as one of the as-
sessors of his home city.
The name of Kirk was derived from
the word "kirke," meaning church. Fam-
ilies living near the church assumed this
word as a surname and it was known at
a very early period, Joan-atte Kirk being
recorded in 1217.
Members of the Kirk family were early
settled in New York State. In the north-
ern part of that State a pond one mile
long and one half mile wide, and noted for
its excellent fishing, was called Kirk's
pond in honor of a family long resident
in the neighborhood.
John Kirk, from Derby, England, was
one of those who, in 1687, settled in
Darby, Pennsylvania. He married, in
1688, Joan, daughter of Peter EUet, and
they were the parents of eleven children.
One of these, William Kirk, was living
in 1705. There seems to be no doubt
that from this family of Kirks, the Kirks
of Stamford were descended.
(I) William Kirk, grandfather of The-
odore Howard Kirk, was born in Putnam
county. New York, where he owned a
small farm, spending, however, a large
portion of his time in following the trade
of a carpenter and builder. He was an
excellent workman and, as this was be-
fore the day when the architect gave ex-
pert attention to other than pretentious
structures, William Kirk's taste and in-
genuity in contriving convenient and
economical plans made him popular as a
designer and builder of homes. Mr. Kirk
married Mary, daughter of Abijah Hinck-
ley, of Dutchess county. New York, and
their children were : James ; Julia ; War-
ren, mentioned below ; Demond ; Horace ;
and Laura. The youngest son, Horace,
did gallant service for his country in the
Civil War, eventually giving his life for
the cause of freedom.
(II) Warren Kirk, son of William and
Mary (Hinckley) Kirk, was born Septem-
ber 17, 1829, in the town of Kent, Putnam
county. New York, and received his edu-
cation in the public schools of his native
town, afterward learning the carpenter's
trade under the instruction of his father,
with whom he was associated both in
business and in agricultural interests.
About 1851 he removed to Danbury, Con-
necticut, where he engaged in farming,
and in 1861 he became a resident of Stam-
ford, establishing a fish and vegetable
market. Very soon, however, business all
over the country felt the disrupting influ-
ence of the Civil War, and many loyal cit-
izens, forsaking the warehouse, the office
and the shop, rallied to the defense of the
Federal government. Among these was
Warren Kirk, who in the spring of 1862
enlisted in Fairfield, Connecticut, in Com-
pany K, Seventeenth Regiment, Connec-
ticut Volunteer Infantry. He passed
through some of the bloodiest battles of
the war and after the battle of Gaines-
ville was invalided to a camp at Rock
Creek, just outside Washington, District
of Columbia, where the National Sol-
diers' Home is now situated. During Mr.
Kirk's stay there he formed a warm
friendship with Dr. Bliss who was then
in charge of the camp, and who, long
after, became famous as the physician of
President Garfield. Dr. Bliss suggested
that Mr. Kirk erect the first hospital
building on the camp grounds, and with
his assistance and that of President Lin-
334
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
coin, Mr. Kirk laid out the first hospital,
a wooden structure of three stories. Pres-
ident Lincoln was greatly interested in
the work, going every day to watch its
progress. Mr. Kirk was mustered out in
1865, at Indianapolis, Indiana.
After his return to Stamford, Mr. Kirk
formed a partnership with Edwin N. Sco-
field, of that city, under the firm name of
Kirk & Scofield. They built many im-
portant residences in Stamford and its
vicinity, becoming one of the leading
building firms in that part of Connecticut.
After a time the partnership was dis-
solved and Mr. Kirk continued the busi-
ness alone until his retirement. He as-
sisted in organizing Miner Post, Grand
Army of the Republic. While never seek-
ing political office he fulfilled, in the most
satisfactory manner, the public duties
which were required of him.
Mr. Kirk married, July 4, 1848, Mary
Lake, born December 3, 1827, in Kent,
Putnam county, New York, and they be-
came the parents of the following chil-
dren: I. Theodore Howard, mentioned
below. 2. Andrew J., born February 10,
185 1 ; now a resident of Ridgewood, New
Jersey ; married Bella Unkles, and has
one son, John. 3. William Warren, born
March 6, 1852, in Patterson, New York;
was for years editor and owner of the
"New Canaan Messenger," and is now
deceased ; married Mary Adelaide Noyes
April 8, 1874, and their only son, William
E. J. Kirk, is a physician. 4. Laura E.,
born March 14, 1853; married Julius A.
Smith, and they have three children :
Caroline A., Jennie Irene, and Marion
Julia. 5. Phoebe J., born September 23,
1856, and is now deceased. 6. Charles A.,
born June 9, 1858; now a resident of
Stamford ; married Mary Lunney and
they had two children, Howard and
Harry. 7. Walter, born October 31, i860.
8. Byron, born April 29, 1862. 9. Frank,
born August 3, 1865. 10. George C, born
August 25, 1867, at Stamford; married
Julia M. Scofield and had two children,
Marjorie and Clinton. The three sons of
Mr. and Mrs. Kirk, Walter, Byron, and
Frank, are deceased. Mrs. Kirk passed
away May 20, 1897.
Cheered by the company of his chil-
dren and grandchildren, who were, none
of them, far distant, Mr. Kirk spent his
declining years in the serene conscious-
ness of a useful life, and the comforting
thought that the world was better for his
having lived in it. On March 12, 1906,
he "ceased from earth." The city of
Stamford is proud of her institutions, her
architectural beauty and her honorable
history, but above all, she is proud of her
men, the citizens who have made her
what she is and have caused her name to
be honored among the cities of the com-
monwealth. On the roll containing the
names of these men, that of Warren Kirk
stands very high, and as the years go on
the results which he accomplished and
the influence which he diflfused will be
more and more highly appreciated.
(Ill) Theodore Howard Kirk, son of
Warren and Mary (Lake) Kirk, was born
October 17, 1849, in Patterson, New York,
where he received his education in the pub-
lic schools. His working days began when
his father enlisted in the Union army and
left for the seat of war. Theodore H., then
a boy in his thirteenth year, obtained a
position in a grocery store and it soon
became evident that he had in him the
makings of a successful business man.
On March 12, 1884, his employer, C. W.
Dearborn, having failed, Mr. Kirk pur-
chased the business, forming a partner-
ship with A. C. Dixon under the firm
name of Kirk & Dixon. At the end of
twenty-two years the connection was dis-
solved, Mr. Kirk purchasing his partner's
interest and for seven years conducting
335
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
the business alone, but under the old
name. He then sold out to the Acker,
Merrall & Condit Company, of New York,
remaining with them as manager for
thirteen years. In August, 1915, he re-
signed, at the same time retiring from
business.
Always an adherent of the Republican
party, Mr. Kirk, since his release from
the cares of business, has taken an active
part in local politics, and m 1918 was
elected one of the assessors for a term of
six years. He affiliates with Union
Lodge, No. 5, Free and Accepted Ma-
sons, and Puritan Lodge, No. 43, Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows ; also a
member of Stamford Chamber of Com-
merce since its organization.
Mr. Kirk married, June 22, 1887, C.
Frances Bassett, whose ancestral record
is appended to this biography, and they
are the parents of two sons: i. Bennett
Bassett, born July 31, 1889; volunteered
in the United States Army Ambulance
Corps, Section 563, and served eighteen
months, eleven months of that time being
spent in action in the Asiago sector on
the Italian front ; member Union Lodge,
No. 5, Ancient Free and Accepted Ma-
sons, and Bloomsburg Consistory, Penn-
sylvania. 2. Frank Howard, born De-
cember 21, 1891 ; volunteered and served
in Battery D, Fifty-sixth Regiment, Coast
Artillery Corps, eighteen months, nine
months on French front ; member of
Union Lodge, No. 5, Free and Accepted
Masons ; and Consistory of Connecticut ;
married, June 4, 1919, Edna E., daughter
of John Higgins, of Stamford. Both
sons are members of the Sons of the
American Revolution through a collateral
claim derived from Jacob Smith. Mrs.
Theodore Howard Kirk is a member of
the Congregational- church, Mr. Kirk be-
longing to the First Baptist.
(The Bassett Line).
(I) Joseph Bassett, grandfather of Mrs.
Theodore Howard Kirk, was born Janu-
ary 26, 1760, and died October 23, 1838.
He married Mary , born October 4,
1758, died October 10, 1837. Among their
children was Bennett, mentioned below.
(II) Bennett Bassett, son of Joseph and
Mary Bassett, was born August 17, 1799,
in Washington, Connecticut, and became
a resident of Amenia, New York. He
married Mary Smith, of Northfield, Con-
necticut, whose ancestral record is ap-
pended to this biography.
(III) C. Frances Bassett, daughter of
Bennett and Mary (Smith) Bassett, be-
came the wife of Theodore Howard Kirk,
as stated above.
(The Smith Line).
(I) James Smith, born in England, was
a proprietor of Weymouth, Massachu-
setts, in 1639. He married Joanna .
(II) Nathaniel Smith, son of James
and Joanna Smith, was born June 8, 1639,
in Weymouth, and married Experience
(III) Nathaniel (2) Smith, son of Na-
thaniel (i) and Experience Smith, mar-
ried, July 3, 1677, Anna Hoskins, and
moved to Wethersfield, Connecticut. He
was one of the original proprietors of
Litchfield, Connecticut, where he died in
1725-
(IV) Jacob Smith, son of Nathaniel
(2) and Anna (Hoskins) Smith, lived at
Litchfield, Connecticut, and married Eliz-
abeth .
(V) Jacob (2) Smith, son of Jacob (i)
and Elizabeth Smith, was born in 1738,
at Northfield, Connecticut, and served
with the rank of lieutenant in the patriot
army of the Revolution. He married,
January 13, 1763, Mary Lewis, daughter
of Gershom and Mary (Maltby) Lewis,
of Cape Cod.
2>Z(>
ijM- Ml^cJ-ry^rr^.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(VI) David Smith, son of Jacob (2)
and Mary (Lewis) Smith, was born in
1777, and married Amna Bartholomew.
Their daughter Mary married Bennett
Bassett (q. v.).
WELLSTOOD, Robert,
Business Man, Public Official.
The Wellstood family is of that grand
contribution of intelligent men which
Scotland has made at various times to our
citizenship. The earliest known member
of the family was John Wellstood, who
was born at Stroudwater, Gloucestershire,
England. The surname of his wife was
Clarke, and they were the parents of Ste-
phen, of whom further.
(II) Stephen Wellstood was born at
Stroudwater, England, in 1710, and died
in 1800. He married Ann Davidson, who
was born in the parish of Kirk Michael
Strathdown, Banfif, Scotland, died in
1793. Their son was Stephen (2), of
whom further.
(III) Stephen (2) Wellstood was born
at Leith, Scotland, and died in 1792. He
married Christie Forbes, who died in
181 1. They were the parents of James,
of whom further.
(IV) James Wellstood was born in
the parish of Inveran, County of Banfif
Braes, Glenlivet, June 4, 1766, and died at
Elizabethtown, New Jersey, August 19,
1825. He married, in 1786, Euphemia
Yorston, who was born at Salton, and
died in Newark, New Jersey, November
25, 1838. They were the parents of James
(2), of whom further.
(V) James (2) Wellstood was born in
Fishurow, Scotland, October 28, 1791, and
died at New Haven, Connecticut, January
9, 1838. He married Ann Geikie, born in
Dalkeith, Scotland, May 14, 1788, died
in New Albany, New York, November 10,
1831, and her remains were removed to
New Haven, Connecticut. She was a
daughter of John Geikie, granddaughter
of Murdock Geikie, and great-grand-
daughter of John Geikie.
(VI) John Geikie Wellstood, son of
James (2) and Ann (Geikie) Wellstood,
was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Janu-
ary 18, 1813, and died January 21, 1893.
He came to America with his parents in
1829, and learned engraving in New York
City. This occupation he followed for a
few years, then became one of the in-
corporators of the American Bank Note
Company. He continued actively at his
profession until his death. In 1872 he
withdrew from that company and organ-
ized the Columbia Bank Note Company,
of Washington, D. C. That year he de-
signed and engraved the backs of the
United States banknotes, all the denomi-
nations from one to five hundred dollar
notes. The back of the one dollar notes
now in use was designed by him. Mr.
Wellstood was president of the company,
and retired a few years before his death.
As a special favor, he engraved the wed-
ding invitations for General U. S. Grant's
daughter, Nellie, who became Mrs. Sar-
toris.
In i860 Mr. Wellstood built his home
in Greenwich, Connecticut, being among
the first New Yorkers to recognize the
desirability of that town as a place of resi-
dence. He was a Democrat, and was the
representative of the town in the Con-
necticut Legislature ; the principal inter-
est of Mr. Wellstood was in his business,
and he was an artist as well as an ex-
ceptionally skilled artisan.
Mr. Wellstood married, July 20, 1835,
Mary McQueen, daughter of William and
Hester (Porter) McQueen. She was born
March 13, 1819, in New York City, and
died April 16, 1897, in Greenwich. Her
father was born in New York City, Sep-
tember 13, 1799, and died May 16, 1830;
2i7
1
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
her mother, Hester (Porter) McQueen,
was born at Ferrisburg, Vermont, April
lo, 1800. Robert McQueen, father of
William McQueen, was born in Scotland,
and married Mary Muir, born April 16,
1779. After coming to America he had a
foundry in Duane street, New York. Mr.
and Mrs. Wellstood were the parents of
the following children : William M. ;
John G., Jr.; Robert, of whom further;
Annie, died young; Mary M., married
Russell Hunt, of Ridgefield ; James ; and
Stephen.
(VII) Robert Wellstood, third child of
John G. and Mary (McQueen) Well-
stood, was born in New York City, Au-
gust 16, 1842, and was educated in the
old Greenwich avenue school of New
York City. As a child he was not robust,
and when he was about twelve years old
the doctor ordered that he must be put
into some active employment. There-
fore, he found employment in Batten's
Hosiery Store, where he remained for a
year or two. After leaving there he went
into the insurance business, where he re-
mained until becoming associated with
his father in the bank note business,
where he was employed as a bookkeeper
for some years.
In politics, Mr. Wellstood is a Demo-
crat, and the town is overwhelmingly
Republican, yet since 1903 Mr. Wellstood
has been elected to the office of town
clerk of Greenwich, which is ample proof
of the high esteem in which he is held,
as both parties have aided in his election.
He has served as a delegate to many party
conventions.
Fraternally, Mr. Wellstood is a mem-
ber of Acacia Lodge, Free and Accepted
Masons, of Greenwich, of which he was
secretary for many years. He is its old-
est member and was "raised" in the same
lodge in 1865, and when he had been
fifty-two years a Mason, he was presented
by the lodge with a fine solid gold watch.
He is also the oldest member of Ritten-
house Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of
Stamford, and is a charter member of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
in Greenwich. Mr. Wellstood has also
been secretary of this lodge for a number
of years.
Mr. Wellstood married Catherine
Brush, daughter of Joseph Brush, of
Greenwich, and they were the parents
of three children: i. Robert M., bom
July 16, 1869; in 1890 he became as-
sociated with his father in the real
estate and insurance business under the
name of Robert Wellstood & Son,
the son having the active management
of the business. 2. Ella B., deceased.
3. Frank Geikie, born July 13, 1874, mar-
ried Cora Sutherland. He is the New
York Telephone Company's agent for
Greenwich and Port Chester. Mr. Wells-
stood is senior warden of Christ Episcopal
Church, of Greenwich ; he was clerk of
the church for twenty-three years and
has been active in church work as a dele-
gate to many conventions. In his younger
days he was active in the Sunday school,
serving some time as superintendent.
Mrs. Catherine (Brush) Wellstood died
July 15, 1919, having been married for
fifty-four years.
Mr. Wellstood's friends are innumer-
able, and every new person who comes
under his influence is strongly attracted,
and a larger acquaintance brings out the
knowledge that he is honest, sincere, and
of sterling character.
REED, Herbert Calhoun,
Mannf actnring Chemist, Public Official.
The founder of this line of the family
of Reed in America was John Reed, born
in Cornwall, England, in 1633, who came
to America in 1660, settling first in Prov-
338
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
idence, Rhode Island. He had been an
officer in the Cromwellian army, and with
the collapse of the commonwealth had left
England. In 1684 he made his home in
Norwalk, Connecticut, and became a man
of means and great influence in spiritual
and temporal affairs. His death occurred
at the age of ninety-seven years. He mar-
ried (first) Mrs. Ann Derby, of Provi-
dence, Rhode Island, and (second) Mrs.
Scofield, of Stamford, Connecticut, his
six children all of his first marriage.
(II) The line to Herbert C. Reed, of
the present generation of the family, con-
tinues through Thomas Reed, born in
1672, died October 9, 1757. He married
Mary Olmsted, daughter of Lieutenant
John and Mary (Benedict) Olmsted, of
Norwalk, Connecticut. Among the nine
children of Thomas and Mary (Olmsted)
Reed was Thomas (2) Reed, of whom
further.
(III) Thomas (2) Reed was born May
7, 1699, died September 4, 1776. He mar-
ried, October 2, 1729, Sarah Benham, and
they were the parents of six children.
(IV) Jesse Reed, son of Thomas (2)
and Sarah (Benham) Reed, was born July
29, 1734, and died March 31, 1822. He
enlisted in Captain Bell's company, 9th
Regiment of militia, commanded by Lieu-
tenant-Colonel John Mead, under General
Wooster, 1776 and 1777. After the battle
of White Plains, October 26, 1776, the
9th Regiment was ordered to march to
the Westchester border and place them-
selves under General Wooster's com-
mand. Jesse Reed was on the payroll
discharged December 25, 1776. He mar-
ried (first) Hannah Selleck ; (second)
Mercy Weed. There was one child of his
first marriage, eight of his second.
(V) Ebenezer Reed, son of Jesse and
Mercy (Weed) Reed, was born in 1776,
and died May 7, 1842. He and his wife,
Elizabeth (Seely) Reed, were the parents
of seven children.
(VI) John Bowden Reed, son of Ebe-
nezer and Elizabeth (Seely) Reed, was
born November 6, 1818, died June i, 1890.
He married Almira A. Many, and among
their six children was Stephen Ebenezer.
(VII) Stephen Ebenezer Reed, son of
John B. and Almira A. (Many) Reed, was
born in Stamford, Connecticut, Decem-
ber 12, 1845, and died January 9, 1915.
He attended the public schools of Stam-
ford, entering the employ of the Stamford
Manufacturing Company as a young man,
and remaining in this connection for
forty-five years. His first duties were
those of clerk, and he subsequently be-
came secretary of the company, an office
he held for a period of about twenty-five
years, his service terminating with his
death. Mr. Reed was also a director of
the Stamford National Bank, and was a
prominent and faithful member and war-
den of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.
He married Jennie C. Calhoun, born in
New Haven, July 24, 1848, daughter of
Frederick J. and Mary A. (Marsh) Cal-
houn (see Calhoun line). They were the
parents of: Frank C, born July 27, 1872,
died August 12th of the same year; Her-
bert C, of whom further ; and Clarence
M., born May 30, 1876, died May 24, 1902.
(VIII) Herbert Calhoun Reed, son of
Stephen E. and Jennie C. (Calhoun)
Reed, was born in Stamford, Connecticut,
October 16, 1873. He prepared for col-
lege at King's School in Stamford, and in
1895 was graduated Ph. B. from Sheffield
Scientific School of Yale University.
Subsequently he took a short course in
the Philadelphia Art and Textile School
in textile dyeing, and on January i, 1896,
began a fifteen years' connection with the
Stamford Manufacturing Company as a
chemist. At the end of this time Mr.
Reed established his own laboratory in
New York City, at No. 227 Fulton street,
and there general analytical chemistry has
since claimed his time and attention.
339
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Mr. Reed has been an officer of the
American Leather Chemists' Association
since 1903, serving as secretary during
all of that period with the exception of
one year in the presidency. He is one
of the founders of this association, and
has been importantly instrumental in de-
veloping its field of usefulness. Prior to
the World War he was president of the
American section of the International
Association of Leather Chemists, and
during the war he was consulting chemist
for the British War Mission. Mr. Reed
is a member of the American Chemical
Society, and the Society of Chemical In-
dustry, and has written extensively on
technical topics. Among the more im-
portant of his papers that are in publica-
tion and recorded as authority on the sub-
jects with which they treat are the
following: Relative Value of Hide and
Powder Filter Method and the Shake or
Chromed Hide Power Method of Tanning
Analysis ; Pentoses in Tanning Materials ;
Extraction of Tanning Materials ; Method
for the Total Acidity of Tan Liquors, and
many other valuable contributions to the
art of tanning.
Mr. Reed is a director of the Citizens'
Saving Bank of Stamford, and he and his
family are members of St. Andrew's
Episcopal Church, of which he is a ves-
tryman, succeeding his father in official
connection with this congregation. He
has long been intimately concerned with
public affairs in Stamford, and in political
preference is a Republican. For many
years he was a member of the Republican
Town Committee of Stamford, and was
elected by his townsmen to a number of
public positions. He was a member of
the Common Council in 1902, serving on
the Police Committee, and subsequently
was defeated for the office of mayor by
Homer S. Cummings. He was then
elected State Senator from his district,
sitting in the session of 1909, and held
position on the Military Committee, Fish
and Game Commitee, and the Shell Fish-
eries Committee. His public service has
been marked by thoroughness and faith-
fulness, and he has constantly held the
regard and respect of his fellow-citizens.
His professional standing is of the high-
est, and in a field in which America has
more than ever come into its own he is
known as a learned and efficient represen-
tative.
Mr. Reed married, October 6, 1897,
Edith E. Crane, daughter of James M.
Crane, of Newburgh, New York. Mr.
and Mrs. Reed are the parents of: Janet
Calhoun, born September 14, 1898; Eliz-
abeth Crane, born January 9, 1903 ; and
Esther, born November 14, 1908.
(The Calhoun Line).
The Calhouns of Scotland are the de-
scendants of the ancient family of the
Conquhouns and Lairds of Luss. The
original name, Colquhoun, is still retained
by some in Scotland, England, and Ire-
land, but it is pronounced "Colhoun."
The ancestor of the surname of Conqu-
houn was Humphrey Kilpatrick, in whose
favor the Earl of Lenox granted a char-
ter of the lands of Colquhoun in the
reign of Alexander II., about the year
1200. The meaning of the term Colqu-
houn is "a seacoasting common or point"
with which the former situation of these
lands will agree. Humphrey K. Calhoun
married the daughter of Godfrey, Laird
of Luss, in the year 1392. The Colqu-
houns and Lairds of Luss were the most
wealthy and illustrious clans of Scotland.
The home of the clan was about the
southern shore of Loch Lomond and all
of this neighborhood is full of memories
and traditions that preserve the family
name.
Among the neighbors of the Calhouns
were the wild McGregors of Loch Ka-
340
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
trine. These two clans had frequent con-
flicts, and in 1602 about two hundred of
the Colquhouns were slain by the Mc-
Gregors, with many acts of savage cru-
elty. Sixty of the wives of the slain
Colquhouns took each the gory shirt of
her husband on a pike and rode to King
James at Stirling, demanding vengeance.
This was the original flaunting of the
"bloody shirt," and secured the outlawry
of the McGregors, as told by Scott in a
note of his "Lady of the Lake." Many of
the Colquhouns fled to Ireland in the
seventeenth century to avoid religious
persecution, among them the father of the
immigrant to America in 1714.
(I) David Calhoun, immigrant ances-
tor, was born in Scotland about 1690, and
emigrated with his father's family, who
were non-conformists, to the North of
Ireland, on account of persecution. Here
they settled near Londonderry, but the
persecution having followed them, David,
with two brothers, James and John, emi-
grated to America in 1714; they landed in
New York, where they separated. James
subsequently became mayor of the city
of Baltimore, and John was elected to the
National Congress. David Calhoun set-
tled in Stratford, Connecticut, and later,
in 1732, moved to Washington, Connecti-
cut, where he lived until his death, in
1769. He married, in Stratford, Mrs.
Catherine (Coe) Fairchild. They had six
sons and two daughters.
(II) John Calhoun, son of David and
Catherine (Coe-Fairchild) Calhoun, was
born in 1738, and died in 1788. He was a
resident of Washington, a well known and
able physician, and a participant in all
of the patriotic activity of the Revolu-
tionary period. He married Tabitha
Clark, December 28, 1768, and they were
the parents of : John, Jr. ; David ; Calvin ;
Joseph C. ; PenIo ; Sarah A., who married
William Lewis; and Jedediah, of whom
further.
(III) Jedediah Calhoun, son of Dr. John
and Tabitha (Clark) Calhoun, was born
April 27, 1783, and died January 5, 1862.
The "Historical Records of the Town of
Cornwall, Litchfield County, Connecticut,"
collected and established by Theodore S.
Gold, speak of "Jedidiah Calhoun," who
was chosen deacon of the First Congrega-
tional Church in December, 1819, as "al-
ways prompt and liberal" in his support
of the church, and as one who "kept
'loose ends' well tied up." Jedediah Cal-
houn was a farmer throughout his active
years. He married Jane Patterson, and
they were the parents of : Abby J. ; John
C, who married Sarah Warner ; Frederick
J., of whom further; Mary L., who mar-
ried Charles Ford ; and David P., who
married Fannie Sanford.
(IV) Frederick J. Calhoun, son of
Jedediah and Jane (Patterson) Calhoun,
was born in Cornwall, Connecticut, June
22, 1820, and died July 21, 1887. He grew
to young manhood on the home farm, as
a young man taught school, and after his
marriage located in Stamford, where he
was employed by the Stamford Manufac-
turing Company. For a number of years
he remained with this concern, and then
became employed by the New York, New
Haven & Hartford railroad, serving in
different capacities, and for a time filling
the ofiice of superintendent of the New
London branch of this road. In 1850 he
moved from Stamford to New Haven, and
subsequently followed railroading in vari-
ous parts of the country. He was a man
of quick wit and ready humor, and was
endowed with a charming personality.
He was a member of the Masonic order,
holding the Knight Templar degrees.
Frederick J. Calhoun married, September
II, 1844, Mary Ann Marsh, born March
7, 1818, died April 30, 1872, daughter of
Daniel and Asenath (Woodruff) Marsh.
Daniel Marsh, born May 5, 1774, died
May 19, 1856, was a descendant in the
341
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
sixth generation of John Marsh (see
Marsh line).
Children of Frederick J. and Mary A.
(Marsh) Calhoun: James M., born 1846,
died 1847; Jennie C, born July 24, 1848,
married Stephen E. Reed (see Reed line) ;
John S., born 1851, died 1853; Frederick
J., born 1855, died same year; Frederick
S., born 1858, died same year.
(The Marsh Line).
(I) John Marsh was born in County
Essex, England, in 1618, and died in 1688.
He came to America in 1635, settling first
in Cambridge, Massachusetts, but later
moved to Hadley. Before 1642 he was
at Hartford, Connecticut. He married
(first) in Hartford, about 1642, Anne
Webster, daughter of Governor John
Webster. She died June 9, 1662. He
married (second) October 7, 1664, Hep-
zibah (Ford) Lyman, a widow, daughter
of Thomas Ford, of Hartford. She died
April II, 1683. Among the children of
John and Anne (Webster) Marsh was
John (2).
(II) John (2) Marsh, son of John (i)
and Anne (Webster) Marsh, was born in
Hartford about 1643, died in 1727. He
married (first) November 28, 1666, Sarah
Lyman, of Northampton, daughter of
Richard and Hepzibah (Ford) Lyman,
the latter the second wife of his father.
He married (second) January i, 1707-8,
Susannah Butler, who died December 24,
1714. Among the children by his first
wife was John (3).
(III) Captain John (3) Marsh, son of
John (2) and Sarah (Lyman) Marsh, was
born in Hadley, or Northampton, Massa-
chusetts, in 1668, died October i, 1774.
All of his children settled in Litchfield,
Connecticut. He married (first) in 1695,
Mabel Pratt; (second) in 1698, Elizabeth
Pitkin. Among his children by his sec-
ond wife was John (4).
(IV) Captain John (4) Marsh, son of
Captain John (3) and Elizabeth (Pitkin)
Marsh, was born October 20, 1712. He
went to Litchfield with his father in 1721,
where he lived the most of his life. He
was selectman ten years, 1755-65, and a
captain in the Revolution. He married,
about 1732-33, Sarah Webster, and among
their children was John (5).
(V) John (5) Marsh, son of Captain
John (4) and Sarah (Webster) Marsh, was
born in Litchfield, Connecticut, October
17, 1733-34, and died at Morris, Connecti-
cut, December 3, 1806. He married his
cousin, Anna Marsh, daughter of Colonel
Ebenezer and Deborah (Buell) Marsh,
and among their children was Daniel
Marsh, father of Mary Ann Marsh, the
latter the wife of Frederick J. Calhoun.
(See Calhoun line).
GRAVES, William Wamer,
Mercbant.
The family of Graves is one of the
most ancient in England. It went in with
the Norman army, and is mentioned in
the Domesday Book. The name has been
spelled De Grevis, De Greves, Greve,
Grave, Greaves, and Graves. There have
been many men of honor and distinction
represented by the family. The knowl-
edge of a noble ancestry awakens a feel-
ing of emulation in us, and especially in
the New England States is the truth of
this statement found. Among the lead-
ing business men of a community are
often found direct descendants of the
early Colonial families. These men are
worthy and desirable citizens, maintain-
ing a high standard in their public and
private life, winning the commendation
of their fellow-citizens. In short, they
uphold the characteristics of their fore-
fathers. William Warner Graves, a scion
of one of the oldest families, president of
342
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Graves & Strang, Inc., of Stamford, was
born October 26, 1868, in Springfield, New
Jersey, son of Henry Martin and Julia M.
(Higgins) Graves.
(I) Thomas Graves, his paternal an-
cestor, was born in England before 1585,
and came to New England with his wife,
Sarah, and five children, all of mature
age. They settled in Hartford, Connecti-
cut, where he was a property holder in
1645. He was exempted from training
in the militia on account of his age. In
September, 1661, he removed to Hatfield,
Massachusetts, and died in November,
1662.
(II) Isaac Graves, son of Thomas and
Sarah Graves, was born probably as early
as 1620, in England, and came with his
father to New England. He was made a
freeman in Boston, Massachusetts, May
16, 1659, and was sergeant of the militia.
He served as clerk of the writs for Hat-
field, Massachusetts, whence he had re-
moved in 1661. He was killed in an In-
dian attack, September 19, 1677. He
married Mary Church, daughter of Rich-
ard and Anna Church, who came in 1637
to New England, and she died June 9,
1695.
(III) John Graves, son of Isaac and
Mary (Church) Graves, was bom in 1664,
and died in 1746. He lived in Hatfield,
Massachusetts. He married Sarah Banks,
daughter of John Banks, of Chelmsford,
Massachusetts.
(IV) Isaac (2) Graves, son of John and
Sarah (Banks) Graves, was born July 10,
1688, and died May 30, 1781, in Sunder-
land, Massachusetts, whence he had re-
moved about 1714. He married, in 1713,
Mary Parsons, daughter of Jonathan Par-
sons, of Northampton, Massachusetts,
born July 8, 1688, died March 9, 1769.
(V) Phineas Graves, son of Isaac (2)
and Mary (Parsons) Graves, was born
April 30, 1726, in Sunderland, Massachu-
setts, and died April 20, 1806. He mar-
ried, November i, 1753, Rhoda Smith,
born February 25, 1732, died March 24,
1819.
(VI) Levi Graves, son of Phineas and
Rhoda (Smith) Graves, was born August
14, 1766, in Sunderland, Massachusetts,
and died January 16, 1830. He married,
January 20, 1791, Pamelia Arms, daugh-
ter of David and Sarah (Rodman) Arms,
born February 28, 1766, died in June, 1854.
Levi Graves removed to Canaan, Colum-
bia county, New York.
(VII) Rhodolphua Graves, son of Levi
and Pamelia (Arms) Graves, was born
October 18, 1796, in Conway, Massachu-
setts, and died November 24, 1866, in
Brooklyn, New York. He married, Feb-
ruary 17, 1825, Catharine N. Warner,
daughter of Lupton Warner, of Canaan,
New York, born April 5, 1801. They re-
moved to Kinderhook, New York.
(VIII) Henry Martin Graves, son of
Rhodolphua and Catharine N. (Warner)
Graves, was born November 30, 1829, in
Kinderhook, New York, and died in De-
cember, 1896. As a lad he learned the
trade of hatter with his father. After the
death of his father he went into business
in New York City, and from there re-
moved to Springfield, New Jersey. He
established a hat factory in the adjoining
town of Milburn, and continued active
in that business until shortly before his
death. He manufactured a general line
of felt hats. Mr. Graves was a Repub-
lican and active in local affairs. He served
for many years as a member of the Town
Committee and the School Board, respec-
tively. He was a firm believer in the
principle that each able-bodied citizen
should perform his just share of public
service. Mr. Graves married, November
7, i860, Julia M. Higgins, daughter of
Samuel Higgins, of Spencertown, New
York. They were the parents of five
343
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
children : Altana, born April lo, 1863, is
the wife of Alexander Malhaffey; Wil-
ilam Warner, of further mention ; Cath-
arine Warner, born June 17, 1870; Samuel
Higgins, born September 6, 1874, resides
in Stamford ; Julia Louise, born October
10, 1879, is the wife of Roy A. Oles, of
Spencertown, New York. The members
of the family were attendants of the
Dutch Reformed church.
(IX) William Warner Graves, eldest
son of Henry Martin and Julia M. (Hig-
gins) Graves, received his education in
the schools of Springfield, and was early
employed in his father's hat factory. In
1889 he entered the employ of Leonard
Richards, manufacturer of artificial leath-
ers and lacquers. Mr. Graves remained
associated with Mr. Richards for a quarter
of a century, and during five years of this
period represented him in Chicago. In
1904 the manufacturing plant was re-
moved to Stamford, Connecticut, and Mr.
Graves came with it. He continued in
association with its interests until 1914,
at which time he held the position of cost
accountant. In August, 1914, Graves &
Strang, Inc., was incorporated with Mr.
Graves as president. A general business
dealing in ice, coal and wood is carried
on. The business purchased by the com-
pany had been established for fifteen
years. In 1919 Mr. Graves and Mr.
Strang organized the Springdale Ice and
Coal Company with Mr. Graves as presi-
dent and Mr. Strang as treasurer. This
new corporation took over the Springdale
Ice Company and the coal and wood
branch of the Graves & Strang Company
in Springdale, combining the two under
one new head. Mr. Graves is treasurer
of the Kiwanis Club of Stamford, an or-
ganization composed of business men.
Mr. Graves married Bertha Ferrin,
daughter of Dr. Chester M. Ferrin, of
Essex Junction, Vermont, and they were
the parents of two children: i. Carlisle
Ferrin, born December 19, 1897; he is a
member of the class of 1920 of Massachu-
setts Agricultural College, and at the
outbreak of the World War left his
studies to train in the R. O. T. C. at Camp
Lee, receiving the commission of second
lieutenant; he is now resuming his stud-
ies. 2. Chester Warner, born November
15, 1902. The family are members of the
Presbyterian church, and Mr. Graves is
especially active in all of its works. He
shares the belief that the church is the
great agency for promoting righteousness
in community and national as well as in-
dividual activities. Mrs. Graves died
February 13, 1918, and previous to her
death had been active in many church
organizations, being a member also of the
Woman's Club of Stamford.
CANDEE, Nehemiah,
Iiaivyer, Ziegislator.
One of the oldest families in Connecti-
cut is the Candee family. Representatives
of this family are to be found in the busi-
ness and professional world, and they are
among the best citizens. Matters of State
and town hold interest for them, and they
are willing at all times to give of their
time and finances to furthering the gen-
eral welfare. Among the members of the
Fairfield County Bar Association is a
scion of the Candee family, Nehemiah
Candee. He is a direct descendant of
Zaccheus Candee, of whom further.
(I) Zaccheus Candee was early settled
in New Haven, Connecticut, and died in
1720, at the age of eighty years. He mar-
ried Rebecca, a daughter of Henry Bris-
tow, or Bristol, of New Haven, and she
died in September, 1739.
(II) Samuel Candee, son of Zaccheus
and Rebecca Candee, was born in West
Haven, July 24, 1678, and died February
344
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
28, 1748-49. In October, 1731, he was
lieutenant of the company in West Haven,
and later became captain. He married,
April 28, 1703, Abigail Pineon, of New
Haven, daughter of Thomas Pineon, of
New Haven, and she died January 9, 1743.
(III) Caleb Candee, son of Samuel and
Abigail (Pineon) Candee, was born about
1722, in West Haven; he settled in Ox-
ford, about 1730, and died in 1764. He
married Lois Mallory, and they were the
parents of Samuel (2) Candee, of whom
further.
(IV) Samuel (2) Candee, son of Caleb
and Lois (Mallory) Candee, was baptized
March 17, 1754, and died about 1840, aged
eighty-seven. He married, March 20,
1777, Mabel Bradley, of Derby, Connec-
ticut, and they joined the church in Ox-
ford, April 5, 1778. He was a lieutenant
in 1786, and captain in 1789. in the Revo-
lutionary War, and was a pensioner. He
also took part in the battle of Bunker
Hill. In private life he was a farmer, and
also made scythes.
(V) Amos Candee, son of Samuel (2)
and Mabel (Bradley) Candee, was bap-
tized April 5, 1778; he died in 1855. He
removed to Easton, Connecticut, in 1836,
and was a farmer. He served as select-
man of the town of Easton for several
years. He married (first) Lydia Taylor
Dike, and (second) July 26, 1828, Lydia
Piatt, daughter of Amos Piatt, who was
a school teacher before her marriage. She
was the mother of two children.
(VI) Jason Candee, son of Amos and
Lydia (Piatt) Candee, was born June 13,
1829, in Southbury, Connecticut, and died
in May, 1915. He was but a small lad
when his parents removed to Easton, and
there he went to school. After completing
his schooling he took up farming, which he
followed for the rest of his life. He mar-
ried, February 24, 1850, Caroline Amelia
Canfield, daughter of David Canfield.
The latter was of that part of Redding
bordering on the Ridgefield line; he left
there and enlisted in the Seminole War,
and was killed by the Indians, one of his
fellow-soldiers reporting his death to the
family. Of the children of Jason and
Caroline A. (Canfield) Candee the fol-
lowing grew to maturity: William J.,
deceased ; Lafayette, deceased ; Nehemiah,
of further mention ; and Anna A., wife of
P. G. McCullom, of Richmond, Virginia.
The family were members of the Baptist
church at Easton.
(VII) Nehemiah Candee, son of Jason
and Caroline A. (Canfield) Candee, was
born in Easton, Connecticut, August 9,
1870. He was educated in the public
schools there and at Staples Academy. He
graduated from Yale College in 1893 with
the degree of B. A., and from Yale Law
School, four years later, with the degree
of LL. B. He went to Chicago, where he
was admitted to the bar of Illinois, and
engaged in practice there for a year. In
the winter of 1907 he returned to Norwalk
and formed a partnership with John
Keogh, on January' ist, following, under
the firm name of Keogh & Candee, which
has continued to the present time. Mr.
Keogh has recently been appointed ref-
eree in bankruptcy.
In June, 1917, Mr. Candee was made
judge of the City Court of Norwalk, and
is now serving his second term. He is a
Republican, and served in the Legislature
in 1917 and 1919. During his first term
he served on the Committee on Forfeited
Rights, and the Committee on Banks and
Federal Relations. In his last term he
served as a member of the Judiciary Com-
mittee. In the fall of 1920 Judge Candee
was a candidate for Senator from the
Twenty-sixth Senatorial District.
Mr. Candee is a member of several fra-
ternities, and is otherwise active in the
social life of Norwalk. He is a member
345
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of Old Well Lx)dge, No. io8, Free and
Accepted Masons ; Butler Chapter, No.
38, Royal Arch Masons ; Clinton Com-
mandery, No. 3, Knights Templar ; Mon-
ker Grotto ; Improved Order of Red Men ;
Loyal Order of Moose ; Olive Branch
Lodge, Knights of Pythias, is past grand
chancellor of the Grand Lodge of Con-
necticut ; and is a member of D. O. K. K.
of New Britain. Mr. Candee is a director
of the People's Trust Company of South
Norwalk.
Mr. Candee married, June 29, 1901,
Annie M. Chunn, daughter of Mark B.
Chunn, of St. Mary's county, Maryland.
Their children : Mark Chunn and Marjorie
Dent, twins, born October 22, 1903, in
New Haven ; Randolph Frederick, born
June 29, 1905, died July 10, 1909; and
Dorothy Caroline, born April 19, 191 1.
GILLESPIE, "WUliam Wright,
Pnblisher, Merchant.
To be richly endowed with many and
varied talents, to be blessed with abound-
ing vitality making possible their devel-
opment, to be born of cultivated parents
who know how to nurture the human
soul, and to possess a personality of such
rare charm as to make one universally
beloved, falls to the lot of few men. It
was the heritage of the late William
Wright Gillespie. From the time he be-
came a resident of Stamford, Connecticut,
until his death, nearly half a century later,
there was scarcely a phase of the com-
munity's life in which he was not active
and always constructively. His graceful,
yet forceful, pen, his masterly oratory,
and his sound business judgment were
ever ready to forward the best interests
of Town, State and Nation. Uncompro-
mising in his intellectual integrity, he
was fearless in denouncing wrong and
bold in upholding the right, according to
his light. And he was a man of unusually
keen perception. His daily life was an
exemplification of the fundamentals of
Christianity — he showed his faith by his
works ; and it is fair to say that in his
day and generation no citizen of Stamford
wielded a more potent influence for good.
The name Gillespie is derived from the
Gaelic compound word, Gille-espuaig, and
signifies "the servant of the Bishop."
William Wright Gillespie was born in
Knockdrin, County Westmeath, Ireland,
October 16, 1839, and died in Stamford,
Connecticut, December 30, 1907. His
ancestors were of that sturdy Scotch stock
who suffered so much for their faith, and
who have contributed so many substantial
citizens to America.
(I) John Gillespie, grandfather of Wil-
liam W. Gillespie, was born in County
Tyrone, Ireland. He was a linen weaver
and farmer. He married Helen Scott,
who lived to the great age of one hundred
and four years.
(II) John (2) Gillespie, son of John
(i) and Helen (Scott) Gillespie, was born
in Dunmackmay, County Tyrone, Ireland,
May 5, 1805. He was educated in Trin-
ity College, Dublin, and after his gradu-
ation tutored in some of the leading fam-
ilies of the county. Later he became a
teacher in the national schools, although,
as circumstances permitted, he also con-
tinued his work as a tutor. He wooed and
won Mary J. Cunningham, who was also
a teacher in the national schools. Hus-
band and wife, after their marriage, con-
tinued in their vocation of teaching. They
were the parents of thirteen children, of
whom the following grew to maturity :
Anna E., now deceased, married James
Cunningham ; George, now deceased, be-
came a prominent business man and alder-
man of Toronto, Canada ; Rev. John, now
deceased, was for many years rector of the
Church of the Messiah in Toronto; Wil-
346
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
liam Wright, of whom further ; Edward
Thomas Wright, a sketch of whom fol-
lows; Frederick R., now deceased, who
became a large importer in New York
City, and a prominent manufacturer of
Stamford ; Richard H., now deceased, who
was prominently identified with the
Stamford "Advocate" for many years, and
whose biography follows.
The father of these children died in
1854, at the age of forty-nine years.
Reared as he had been in the stern old
school of religious precept and practice,
he brought up his children strictly, but
with such loving kindness that they were
attracted to the same ideals of godliness
and right living as he had espoused. His
widow continued in her vocation of
school-teacher in the old country until
1857, when, with her young sons, Fred-
erick R., Richard H., and Anthony, she
crossed the ocean to Canada, where her
elder children were already residing. She
died in Brooklyn, New York, in 1879,
aged sixty-eight years. Like her hus-
band, she was an earnest and devoted
Christian, ready to make any sacrifice for
her children. She was beloved by all
who knew her.
(Ill) William Wright Gillespie, son of
John (2) and Mary J. (Cunningham) Gil-
lespie, was under the careful and thor-
ough tuition of his parents until he was
fourteen years old. Then, in a competi-
tive examination, he won a scholarship in
the Dundalk Institution, an endowed
schood of academic grade. In December,
1856, he and his brother, Edward T. W.
Gillespie, accompanied their father's
brother to Guelph, Canada, and thus ended
their formal instruction. But William
W. had acquired a thirst for knowledge,
and he remained a diligent student to the
end of his days. His intellectual interests
covered a wide range, including the nat-
ural sciences, history and literature. The
following quotation from one who knew
him intimately will convey some idea of
the extraordinary quality and compre-
hensive scope of Mr. Gillespie's mental
endowment, his all-round capabilities and
untiring industry. Had he devoted him-
self to the accumulation of wealth, no
doubt he would have become one of the
rich men of his time, but he realized as
few do the truth so tersely expressed by
Abraham Lincoln : "There is something
more important than making a living —
making a life."
From early boyhood he had shown extraordi-
nary capacity for doing things, especially in the
lines of mechanical constriictiveness and inventive
resourcefulness. There was no machine so com-
plicated or so novel that he could not almost at a
glance understand the principles of its operation
and the philosophy of its purpose. Every great
invention that appeared in his time, he understood
fundamentally, while most people regarded it with
incredulity, or even ridicule. The first crude
phonograph had scarcely appeared, when he
grasped the full meaning of the new discovery of
until then hidden facts in the realm of nature
which it represented, and he made it the founda-
tion and illustration of a series of lectures on the
"science of sound," which were heard with rapt
attention by many public audiences in this coun-
try and in Canada. At the first hint of the power
and light to be derived from electricity, he gave
public lectures upon this topic, in which he ap-
peared to have the whole meaning and philosophy
of it at his fingers' ends, so to speak, and in which
he confidently prophesied developments, then
unknown and unheard of, but which have since
been realized in practical, everyday working.
Such were the capabilities of a mind, in these di-
rections, which, if it had had the advantages of
early technical training, such as is now available
to thousands of the youth of this country, could
scarcely have failed to become, not only merely
an eager and intelligent follower of these inven-
tions, but in all probability a leader and creator in
the same field.
His accomplishments as a writer, whether of
newspaper reports, comments, etc., or, more espe-
cially, the large and respectable body of original
literary material he produced in the form of
essays, lectures and addresses for public delivery
on special occasions, are marked first of all by
347
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
his manifest mastery of the subjects he chose for
exposition. . . . Yet it may be remarked as
another tribute to the rare versatility of his men-
tal endowments, that his writing ability was less
the possession of the distinctive literary tempera-
ment, inherited or acquired, than it was a demon-
stration of that extraordinary all-round capability
which could, so to speak, do anything that he at-
tempted, and do it well, whether the work was in
the domain of mechanical or of literary crafts-
manship. But he possessed the poetic and imagi-
native faculties in a marked measure. Without
these, indeed, he could scarcely have used verse
so frequently, and certainly not with such im-
pressive effect, in so many of his speeches and
addresses.
Mr. Gillespie was much sought after
as a speaker for all manner of public oc-
casions such as Memorial Day, Christmas,
etc. He often delivered formal addresses
on anniversary and other important oc-
casions before the fraternal bodies with
which he was affiliated, and his lectures
on scientific and literary topics and travel
were largely attended and highly appre-
ciated for their educational and inspira-
tional value. He was a ready and witty
speaker, whose happy manner of phrasing
sentiments, and whose keen and hearty
sympathies, won his audiences. He made
the first speech delivered in the old Stam-
ford town hall when he introduced the
famous John B. Gough, and he made the
last public address in the building at a
meeting of the Board of Trade, a few days
before the hall was destroyed by fire.
After his arrival in Guelph, Canada,
young Gillespie worked for about two
years in the store of his elder brother.
But he was ambitious to become identi-
fied with the printing and publishing
business, and when the opportunity of-
fered he became an apprentice in the
office of a small weekly paper published
in Fergus, Ontario, Canada. In less than
a year he had learned all that was possi-
ble there, and accordingly he sought
larger opportunities in New York City.
That was in 1859. Though he had served
but a year at the printer's trade, he went
to work as a journeyman for Baker &
Godwin, and by dint of his native inge-
nuity and adaptability he overcame the
handicaps of his inexperience and met all
the demands made upon him. After a
short period in another print-shop, he re-
moved, in i860, to Stamford, Connecticut,
and entered the employ of William S.
Campbell, proprietor of the "Weekly Ad-
vocate," as foreman. It has been said of
him in this connection :
There was no detail which his ready adaptabil-
ity, his alert, inventive mind, and his tireless
industry did not touch with an efficient and help-
ful hand. He made up to a large extent for the
scant mechanical resources of the place by his
extraordinary capacity for getting results out of
the most unpromising material. He found valu-
able use for things that had been lying for years
among discarded odds and ends, and the little
establishment began to attract new attention for
the brightness and taste of the work it turned
out, and for the new and original ideas which
began to broaden and lighten up the narrow,
stale, conventional and stereotyped aspects of the
country printing office.
And he soon added to his duties the
work of a reporter and editor. It would
seem that these arduous activities would
consume the energy of the man, but such
was not the case, and as illustrative of the
versatility of his talents it is noted that
in his evenings he busied himself in con-
structing things for his new home, for he
had been married soon after his removal
to Stamford. The most notable product
of his mechanical skill at this period was
a pipe organ, which he designed and con-
structed without the aid of anyone else,
and which he was able to play to the
delight of his friends, if not entirely to his
own satisfaction. While his native mod-
esty made any pretense to musicianship
impossible, he possessed no mean talent.
When the Civil War overwhelmed the
348
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
country, Mr. Gillespie supported the
Union cause with ardour, and but for a
slight physical injury received in boy-
hood he would have gone to the front as
a member of a Connecticut regiment.
During these years, and owing quite
largely to his ability and efforts, the
business with which he was identified
grew apace, and in 1866 recognition of
his worth came in the form of an interest
in the business, the firm name of Camp-
bell & Gillespie being adopted. Mr.
Campbell died the following year, and
after a short time the Rev. J. J. Woolsey
became a partner, the firm name being
changed to Gillespie & Woolsey. The
new partner remained in the firm but a
short time, and the firm name was again
changed, this time to W. W. Gillespie &
Company. The next change was made in
1883, when Mr. Gillespie withdrew from
the company, and the business was taken
over by his younger brothers, E. T. W.
and R. H. Gillespie. In June, 1906, the
business was incorporated under the
name of Gillespie Brothers, under which
it is still conducted.
When William W. Gillespie withdrew
from the publishing business, he became
a member of the firm of White, Gillespie
& Thayer, formed at that time, and which
for some years conducted a large lumber
business. In 1889 Messrs. White and
Thayer retired from the business and a
corporation was organized under the
name of The Gillespie Lumber Company.
This continued until 1897, when the
stockholders (who were the Gillespie
brothers) closed up the business. From
that time until his death, William Wright
Gillespie was associated with his broth-
er who owned and operated the Water-
side Mills.
Mr. Gillespie was always a student of
affairs, and from the days of Abraham
Lincoln a staunch supporter of the Re-
publican party. With voice and pen he
labored zealously for the good of the com-
munity. The only elective office he ever
held was that of representative in the
General Assembly of 1882. At that ses-
sion there was much talk of lobbying and
bribery. He used to say that no one ever
approached him with a proposition of that
sort, but perhaps he did not guess the
reason. His refusal to serve a second
term was readily accepted by the man-
aging politicians of the time. He was not
the sort of man they preferred. About a
year before his death he was appointed as
collector of the port of Stamford.
Mr. Gillespie was a man of deeply re-
ligious and broadly fraternal instincts.
He loved his fellowman without distinc-
tion of race or creed. It was therefore
natural that he should be attracted to
those orders whose fundamental teach-
ings are based on the truth expressed in
a favorite phrase of his, "the brotherhood
of man." He was an active member of
Union Lodge, No. 5, Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons, of Rippowam Lodge,
No. 24, Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, and the Royal Arcanum. He was
elected to honorary membership by Minor
Post. Grand Army of the Republic, upon
whose records an eloquent tribute was
placed upon his decease. Early in boy-
hood he became identified with the church
and Sunday school. In 1888, owing to
certain action in connection with the
business policy of the Stamford Baptist
Church, with which he had been identified
since he came to Stamford, and of whose
Sunday school he had for years been su-
perintendent, and which change in busi-
ness policy he did not approve, Mr.
Gillespie transferred his membership to
the Presbyterian church.
On March 3, 1861, Mr. Gillespie was
married, in New York City, to Elizabeth
J. Reilly, of New York. This union was
349
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
blessed with two sons : Edward F. W. and
George R., and two daughters : Mary L.
and Lillian M.
Mr. Gillespie's creed — and his practice
was in accord with it — the message which
he sought always and everywhere to pro-
claim, and which is universal in its ap-
plication, is summed up in the following
brief quotation from his lecture on Ire-
land:
The promulgation of the gospel of peace and
good will, of kindly spirit, and the brotherhood of
mankind, is to be the gospel of salvation for Ire-
land. If men only understood the true relation-
ship there exists between them as children of a
Universal Father, and practised the Golden Rule
of life as taught by Him "who spake as never
man spake," if they only brought to bear on the
settlement of all disagreements the all-conquering
power of fraternal love, how quickly would the
still open wounds of centuries be healed, the
transmitted sores and heartburnings of genera-
tions, long sleeping in their native clay, be dried
up and assuaged by the soothing potency of the
truth — practiced and believed — that God is our
Father, and all we are brethren.
GILLESPIE, Edward T. W.,
Jonrnalist.
As editor of the "Stamford Advocate,"
Mr. Gillespie has for more than half a
century wielded an influence which has
rendered him one of the political and in-
tellectual forces of his community and
his State. As president of the widely
known firm of Gillespie Brothers, Inc.,
he is numbered among the leading busi-
ness men of the city of Stamford, Con-
necticut.
Edward T. W. Gillespie, son of John
(2) and Mary J. (Cunningham) Gillespie
(q. v.), was born August 27, 1841. He
received his preliminary education under
the tuition of his parents. In 1856 he and
his brother, William W. Gillespie, ac-
companied an uncle to Canada, settling
in Guelph, Ontario, where their brother
John was already established in business
as a merchant. By this elder brother Mr.
Gillespie was employed as a clerk until
1859, when he removed to New York City,
at which port he had landed upon arriving
in the New World. For a time he was
employed as a clerk in mercantile estab-
lishments, but it was not long before he
found an opening into that sphere of
action for which Nature had especially
designed him. This opening was a hum-
ble position in the pressroom of an old
paper called "Vanity Fair," but his stay
there was of short duration. Early in
i860 his brother, William W. Gillespie,
came to Stamford, Connecticut, and en-
tered the office of the "Weekly Advocate"
as foreman. His fitness for the work
quickly became apparent, and in the au-
tumn of the same year he induced his
mother and his brother Edward T. W. to
make Stamford their home.
This removal might be called the turn-
ing point in Mr. Gillespie's life. The lit-
tle village weekly, which had been
established in 1829, was known as the
"Stamford Advocate," and was one of the
oldest newspapers in the State. In Oc-
tober, 1862, Mr. Gillespie wrote his first
article for the paper. It was entitled "A
Visit to the Seat of War," and from that
time forth he assumed the editorial man-
agement. During the many years which
have since elapsed he has devoted the
best that was in him to furthering what
appeared to him to be the highest inter-
ests of the city. Possessed of natural
literary talent and having a strong liking
for the work, he cultivated his gift by
years of assiduous, practical endeavor in
the development of his newspaper. Al-
ways a fluent and forceful writer, his
evident sincerity of purpose has given
weight to his editorials, carrying convic-
tion to his readers. With his powers as
a reasoner he combines the poetic gift.
.■^50
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
and when he gives ear to its promptings
the product of his pen is graceful and in-
spiring. Nor is Mr. Gillespie lacking in
a sense of humor. His ready wit and his
inexhaustible fund of anecdote contribute
greatly to the entertainment and happi-
ness of every gathering at which he is
present, and his keen sympathies make
him a friend well worth having in time of
need.
With advancing years Mr. Gillespie has
gradually permitted the burden of his
strenuous duties to fall upon younger
shoulders, but with interest unabated and
mind as keen and alert as ever he con-
tinues to write, as the spirit moves him,
virile editorials on topics of current inter-
est that attract wide attention. For a
number of years Mr. Gillespie has been
president of Gillespie Brothers, Inc., who
in addition to publishing the "Stamford
Advocate" operate one of the best
equipped printing plants in Connecticut
and carry on a large retail stationery
business. His brother, William W. Gil-
lespie, was connected with the firm for
nearly twenty years, and when he with-
drew, in 1883, the business was taken over
by Edward T. W. and Richard H. Gilles-
pie. In June, 1906, it was incorporated
under its present title.
During the half century and more of
his residence in Stamford, Mr. Gillespie
has witnessed the marvellous growth of
every department of the city's life. One
instance in his own career forcibly illus-
trates this. From 1865 to 1867 he served
as Postmaster Daskam's assistant, and by
these two all the work of the office was
accomplished. There are today seventy-
eight men on the payroll of the Stamford
Post Office. The only fraternal affilia-
tion of Mr. Gillespie is with Rippowam
Lodge, No. 24, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and his only club is the Stamford
Yacht. He is vice-president of the Stam-
ford Historical Society, and he attends
and contributes to the support of the
Presbyterian church.
Mr. Gillespie married, September 12,
1872, Emma Meudell, daughter of Wil-
liam F. and Margaret (Mitchell) Meudell.
Mr. Meudell was for many years collector
of the port of Toronto. Mr. and Mrs.
Gillespie are the parents of the following
children: i. Edward Lathrop, graduated
from Yale University in the class of 1903,
and is also a graduate of the Law School
of the New York University ; now a resi-
dent of San Francisco, California. 2.
Gardner Wynne. 3. May L. 4. Evelyn
C. 5. Dorothy R., graduated at the Nor-
mal School, New Britain, and is now a
teacher in the Stamford public schools.
The memories of Mr. Gillespie, enriched
by the experiences of long and wide ac-
quaintance with men and affairs, embrace
a period of more than three score years,
one of the momentous eras in our national
history, and throughout this long ex-
tended time his attitude toward the great
problems presented for solution to three
successive generations has been that of
a man whose fidelity to high ideals has
inspired his pen and determined every
action of his daily life.
GILLESPIE, Richard H.,
Printer, Publisher.
The debt which America owes to its
citizens of Scotch-Irish ancestry is widely
recognized and is past computation.
Characterized by deep piety, thrift, ambi-
tion and industry, immigrants of this
sturdy race, cherishing the same ideals
of freedom, religious and personal, as
brought the Pilgrims and Puritans to our
shores, have never needed to be assimi-
lated ; they are naturally one with us. Of
such stock came the late Richard H. Gil-
lespie. He was born in Collon, County
351
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Louth, Ireland, August 13, 1848, son of
John (2) and Mar}' J. (Cunningham) Gil-
lespie (q. v.).
Richard H. Gillespie went to Brooklyn
with his mother, and was employed in
various lines of business for some years.
He then returned to Canada and with his
brothers established a hay pressing busi-
ness in Hespeler. Some years later he
removed to Stamford, Connecticut, where
members of the family were already resi-
dent, and became a clerk in the grocery
store of A. G. Weed & Company. Later
he became a member of the firm of Gil-
lespie Brothers. When the business was
incorporated in 1906, he became vice-
president, treasurer and general manager.
At the time he became a member of the
firm, the "Stamford Advocate" was a
weekly newspaper, and the job printing
business, while satisfactory in volume for
those days, would now seem to be a small
business. From that time on the enter-
prise had a healthy, steady growth until
it reached a high position among the lead-
ing printing establishments in that part
of the State. In 1892 the paper became
a daily, and in 1895 the company erected
its present commodious three-story build-
ing on Atlantic street. Those who are in
a position to know credit the develop-
ment of the business largely to his energy,
enterprise, industry and business sagacity.
Among the master printers of Connec-
ticut he was recognized as a leader in the
industry. His thoughtful solicitude for
all in his employ, the kindness and gen-
erosity that were part of his nature, his
true friendship and his loyalty to all that
was right and noble, and above all his
cheerfulness and industry, will ever be
remembered by those who were associ-
ated with him.
Notwithstanding the exacting demands
upon his time and attention made by his
newspaper and printing business, Mr. Gil-
lespie found time to interest himself in
public afifairs. He was an active and use-
ful leader in numerous movements for the
general benefit of the community. His
sound business judgment and diplomacy,
coupled with unswerving loyalty to what
he considered to be the right, made his
counsel sought by important business in-
terests. He was an active member of the
organization of master printers known as
The Typothetae, and his death occurred
on September 7, 191 1, while he was at-
tending as a delegate the convention of
that organization held in Denver. He
was vice-president of the Fidelity Title
and Trust Company of Stamford ; presi-
dent of the Shippan Point Improvement
Association from the date of its organiza-
tion, and was identified with numerous
other business and social organizations.
His favorite recreation was found upon
Long Island Sound, on the shores of
which he had made his summer home for
many years. He served for three years
as commodore of the Stamford Yacht
Club, and during his term of office did
much to advance the interests of that or-
ganization. He was a member of Rip-
powan Lodge, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows ; and for some years was a direc-
tor of the Young Men's Christian Associ-
ation. Mr. Gillespie was a natural leader
and possessed the force of character nec-
essary to accomplish his purposes.
On October 4, 1870, Mr. Gillespie mar-
ried Sarah E. Scofield, daughter of
Charles W. Scofield, of Stamford, Con-
necticut, and this union was blessed by
the following children: Edna, Elsie, Va-
lina, Richard H., Jr., a sketch of whom
follows ; William F., a sketch of whom
follows : Schuyler W., a sketch of whom
follows ; Kingsley A., a sketch of whom
follows.
In his public as well as in his private
life, the late Richard H. Gillespie was
352
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
above reproach. He won his place as
leader through his own ability, industry
and integrity. He was an active member
of the Prebyterian church, and sought in
his daily intercourse to exemplify the
ideals of Christianity.
GILLESPIE, Richard H., Jr.,
Printer, Publisher.
No resident of Stamford is more fully
identified with the business interests of
that city than is the representative of
those interests whose name heads this
article. Not only is Mr. Gillespie treas-
urer and general manager of the long
established firm of Gillespie Brothers,
Inc., but he is also officially connected
with the Fidelity Title and Trust Com-
pany and the Stamford Rubber Supply
Company, holding the presidency of the
latter organization. He is, moreover,
active in church work, and well known in
club and social circles.
Richard H. Gillespie, Jr., was born Au-
gust 13, 1877, in Stamford, Connecticut,
son of Richard H., Sr., and Sarah E. (Sco-
field) Gillespie (q. v.). The education of
Richard H. Gillespie, Jr., was received
in the Stamford High School, from which
he graduated in 1895. He then entered
the service of the firm of Gillespie Broth-
ers, of which his father was a member.
Later Mr. Gillespie, Sr., became vice-pres-
ident and general manager, also holding
the office of treasurer. Upon his death he
was succeeded in all these positions by
Richard H. Gillespie, Jr., who had long
before that time abundantly proved that
he possessed the ability which would en-
able him to fill them most efficiently.
Marty years before, the "Stamford Advo-
cate," published by the firm, had been
a weekly newspaper, and the job printing
business, judged according to the then
standards, was not inconsiderable. The
impetus imparted to it by Mr. Gillespie,
Sr., caused it to increase rapidly, and the
establishment took its place among the
foremost printing houses in that part of
Connecticut. In 1892 the "Advocate"
became a daily paper, and since 1895 the
company has occupied its present spa-
cious quarters on Atlantic street. Today
the printing business of Gillespie Broth-
ers, Inc., is the largest between New
Haven and New York City. This simple
statement furnishes the most convincing
evidence of the executive and adminis-
trative ability of both father and son.
As president of the Stamford Rubber
Supply Company, Mr. Gillespie is
increasing the strength and promoting
the prestige of an enterprise which
was organized by his father and brother,
William F. Gillespie, whose biogra-
phy follows. Richard H. Gillespie also
holds a directorship in the Fidelity
Title and Trust Company. Though tak-
ing no active part in public affairs,
Mr. Gillespie is keenly interested in all
that pertains to the prosperity and
welfare of his home city and can always
be relied upon to do all in his power for
their advancement. He is a director of
the Young Men's Christian Association,
and belongs to The Typothetae. His clubs
are the Suburban and the Kiwanis. He
and his wife are members of the Presby-
terian church, in which he holds the office
of elder.
Mr. Gillespie married, October 12, 1909,
Sarah Barret Pounds, of Paterson, New
Jersey, and they are the parents of two
children: Richard H. (3), born January
23, 1912, and Elizabeth Barret, born
March 11, 1920.
In succeeding to the offices held by his
father Mr. Gillespie has brought to them
full and complete ability to accomplish
the work which they involve, and by his
manner of fulfilling their important trusts
353
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
and responsibilities has added to the al-
ready high reputation of a name long
honored in the business world.
GILLESPIE, WiUiam Frederick,
Mannfactnrer.
William Frederick Gillespie was born
November lo, 1878, in Stamford, Connec-
ticut, son of the late Richard H., Sr. and
Sarah E. (Scofield) Gillespie (q. v.). In
1896 he graduated from the Stamford
High School, and in 1900 received from
Yale University the degree of Bachelor of
Arts. The same year Mr. Gillespie in-
corporated the Stamford Rubber Supply
Company and began the manufacture of
chemicals for manufacturers of rubber
goods. He enlisted in Company F, 4th
Military District State Guard, serving
with the rank of second lieutenant. He
belongs to the Yale Club of New York
and the Stamford Yacht Club.
Mr. Gillespie married, November 24,
1908, Mabel Miner, daughter of John D.
and Jane (Bennet) Miner, of New York
City, and of the children born to them
the following are now living: William
Frederick, Jr., born October 16, 1909;
Bindley McMillin, born November 26,
191 1 ; Robert Miner, born October 8,
1913; Jane Elizabeth, born June 21, 1920.
Mr. and Mrs. Gillespie are members of
the Presbyterian church.
GILLESPIE, Schuyler W.,
Printer, Publisher.
As secretary of the widely known firm
of Gillespie Brothers, Inc., Mr. Gillespie
has for a number of years held an assured
position in the business circles of his na-
tive city of Stamford. He is actively con-
nected with her fraternal organizations,
and takes an earnest interest in all that
makes for her truest welfare.
Schuyler W. Gillespie was born Sep-
tember 26, 1884, in Stamford, Connecticut,
son of Richard H., Sr. and Sarah E. (Sco-
field) Gillespie (q. v.). In 1903 Schuyler
W. Gillespie graduated from the Stam-
ford High School, and immediately there-
after entered the service of the firm of
Gillespie Brothers. He acquired a thor-
ough knowledge of the art of printing,
and also developed a full measure of the
business ability characteristic of his fam-
ily. Soon after his father's death he as-
sumed charge of the mechanical end of
the business, including the printing of
the paper as well as the job printing
plant. To these responsibilities he gives
the fullest and most vigilant attention as
well as to the duties of his secretarial
office. He affiliates with Union Lodge,
No. 5, Ancient Free and Accepted Ma-
sons, and with Puritan Lodge, Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows.
Since identifying himself with the firm
so largely developed by the efforts and
energy of his father, Mr. Gillespie has
proved to the business world that the sec-
ond generation is abundantly able to carry
on and extend the work of its predecessor.
GILLESPIE, Kingsley A.,
Mannfactnrer.
After serving his country, Mr. Gilles-
pie has taken his place as superintendent
of the Stamford Rubber Supply Company,
among the younger business men of
Stamford.
Kingsley A. Gillespie was born August
15, 189s, in Stamford, Connecticut, son
pi the late Richard H., Sr. and Sarah E.
(Scofield) Gillespie (q. v.). His prepara-
tory education was received in the Stam-
ford High School, and in 1917 he gfradu-
ated from the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology with the degree of Bachelor
of Science, in Chemical Engineering. Im-
354
6c- CJoA^c.^^'/V.'^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
mediately thereafter Mr. Gillespie became
associated with the E. I. Dupont De
Nemours & Company in the development
of military explosives, going from their
laboratories to the Chemical War Service.
He was stationed for a few months in the
Edgewood Arsenal with the rank of sec-
ond lieutenant. The professional organ-
izations in which Mr. Gillespie is enrolled
include the American Chemical Society
and the Stamford Chemical Society. He
belongs to the Phi Sigma Kappa frater-
nity, and is a member of the Presbyterian
church.
CLARKE, J. A., M. D.,
Surgeon, Hospital OfiBciaL
The greatest gift that a man can bestow
upon his fellowmen is the gift of himself.
Whether in the daily offering of little
services or in the ultimate sacrifice, the
world is better for every life that is spent
in unselfish devotion to duty. There is
no line of human endeavor which involves
more closely the wellbeing of the entire
community than that of the physician.
And there is no work that demands more
of entire self-forgetfulness. That Dr.
J. A. Clarke fills well the important place
which he holds in the town of Greenwich
is evinced by the fact that he is one of
the busiest of men.
Dr. Clarke is a descendant of a fine old
Irish family. His father was born in
Newtownards, near Belfast, Ireland, in
1843, and died in New York City, June 7,
1905. He received an excellent education
in the old country, and then learned the
business of linen draper. He was ambi-
tious, and possessed of more than usual
business talent, so desiring to place him-
self in more advantageous surroundings
he came to America at the age of twenty-
one years. In New York City he found
ample scope for the development of his
taste and business ability in the great dry
goods establishments. He first entered
the employ of James McCutcheon, and re-
mained for some little time. But he found
the appeal of the new country was not
confined to one locality, and his thoughts
turned to the great West. After a time
he went to Lemars, Iowa, and started in
business for himself in the same line. He
remained there for some years, meeting
with the varying success which conditions
at the time made inevitable. He then re-
turned East, and worked for some years
for Altman, in his great New York house ;
then later, again, for McCutcheon. He
was a valued and trusted member of the
McCutchon force when his health gave
way, and lingering only a short time, he
died. He married Cassandra Lee, daugh-
ter of Rev. William Lee, a devoted Bap-
tist missionary engaged in home mission
work. The children of this union were :
J. A., of whom further; Mary Elizabeth,
widow of James Davidson Clarke, of
Mount Vernon, New York ; and James
Matthew, deceased.
J. A. Clarke, M. D., was born in New
York City, June 13, 1871, and is the elder
son and oldest child of Alexander and
Cassandra (Lee) Clarke. He received
his early education in the public schools
of Mount Vernon, New York, where his
parents resided for many years. He made
his start in life in the business world
somewhat along the lines which his fa-
ther had followed. He first entered the
employ of J. B. Locke & Potts, large
wholesale linen merchants of New York
City. In this connection he remained for
three years, then became associated with
C. E. Rycroft, in the same line of busi-
ness, with whom he remained for a year
and a half. At this time his father was
managing the business of Wellington &
Company, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
and the young man was persuaded to be-
353
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
come a part of that well organized estab-
lishment. But he remained there only a
year and a half. He felt that he could not
command the keen interest in business
that is so vital an element of success. His
tastes led in other directions, and much
of his leisure time was devoted to study
along his chosen line — medicine. In 1893
he entered Bellevue Hospital Medical
College, from which he was graduated in
1897. He spent about six months in Har-
lem Hospital, gaining the invaluable
experience which covers so broad a scope
in a large city hospital; in the fall of 1897
he went to South Manchester, Connecti-
cut, and began the practice of medicine.
He soon built up a gratifying practice
there, but a flattering opportunity was
offered him in Greenwich, and he removed
there on June i, 1900. He quickly won
the confidence of the people of this vicin-
ity, and has built up a very large practice
as physician and surgeon. His high
standing in the medical fraternity is gen-
erally acknowledged, and his advice is
much sought in consultation.
Dr. Clarke is a member of the Surgical
Division of Greenwich Hospital ; a mem-
ber of City, County and State Medical
societies, and the American Medical As-
sociation. Socially he is a member of
Acacia Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons ; of Pine Lodge, No. 68, Knights
of Pythias ; and of the Improved Order of
Red Men. He is also a member of the
Amogerome Fire Company. Much of Dr.
Clarke's time has been impressed into the
public service, where his broad outlook
on life and his sound common sense make
him indeed an invaluable acquisition. He
has long served as coroner's physician ; is
a member of the Republican Town Com-
mittee, and served on the High School
Committee when the new high school
building was completed. During the re-
cent World War he was chief examiner
of the Exemption Board of the Draft for
this district. He is a member of the
Young Men's Christian Association, and
an enthusiastic worker for the good of
that organization.
Dr. Clarke married Lily Glover, daugh-
ter of Charles S. Glover, of Mt. Vernon,
New York, and they are the parents of
two children : Alexandra, and James
Sherwood, who died October 9, 1919, at
the age of fourteen years. Dr. and Mrs.
Clarke are members of the Congrega-
tional church.
PECK, Wilbur Marvin,
Head of Electrical Business.
The well established reputation of
Greenwich business men for the qualities
which make for success in commerce and
manufacturing was never more ably sus-
tained than it is now by the president and
treasurer of the Greenwich Electrical
Company, Wilbur Marvin Peck, who is
also the president of the Stamford Elec-
trical Contractor, Inc. Prominently as
Mr. Peck stands before his community in
these responsible positions, he is also well
known and influential in the fraternal
and club circles of both the cities in which
he is engaged in business.
The name Peck is probably derived
from an ancient personal name, Pack, or
Peck, and is said by some to be taken
from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning "a
deceiver," and by others to signify "a
peak." As the Latinization, De Peccato,
is applied both to Peche and Peck the
names may be identical.
(I) William Peck, founder of the
Greenwich branch of the family, was born
in 1601, in London, England, or the vi-
cinity, and in 1638 helped found the
New Haven Colony, becoming one of its
influential citizens.
(II) Jeremiah Peck, son of W^illiam
^S6
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Peck, was born in 1623, in or near Lon-
don, and before leaving England with his
father received an excellent education.
He took charge of the Collegiate Gram-
mar School in New Haven, and subse-
quently preached at Saybrook and various
other places, finally at Waterbury, Con-
necticut, where he passed the remainder
of his life. He married Johannah
Kitchell, daughter of Robert Kitchell, in
1656. His death occurred in Waterbury
in 1699.
(III) Samuel Peck, son of Jeremiah
and Johannah (Kitchell) Peck, was born
in 1659, in Guilford, Connecticut. He was
a man of large wealth and influence, hold-
ing the office of justice of the peace and
other important positions. He married,
in 1686, Ruth Ferris, said to have been a
daughter of Peter Ferris, and a grand-
daughter of Jeffrey Ferris, of Stamford.
Samuel Peck died in 1746.
(IV) Theophilus Peck, son of Samuel
and Ruth (Ferris) Peck, was born in
1702. He was the owner of an extensive
tract of land in the town of Greenwich,
where he spent his entire life. He mar-
ried, in 1728, Elizabeth Mead, daughter
of Benjamin Mead, of Greenwich. His
death occurred in 1783, his wife surviving
him but ten days.
(V) Benjamin Peck, son of Theophilus
and Elizabeth (Mead) Peck, was born
October 10, 1740, and lived and died in
Greenwich, Connecticut. He married
(first) in 1766, Deborah Sackett, who died
in 1769. He married (second) in 1772,
Hannah Reed, who died November 11,
1783. Benjamin Peck died March 12,
1806.
(VI) Elias Peck, son of Benjamin and
Hannah (Reed) Peck, was born May 9,
1779, in Clapboard Ridge, Connecticut.
He married (first) in 1804, Deborah
Hobby, who was born September 4, 1784,
and died May 24, 1818. He married (sec-
ond) Mary Haight. Elias Peck was a
farmer. His death occurred May 14,
1846.
(VII) William (2) Peck, son of Elias
and Deborah (Hobby) Peck, was born
November 6, 1809, in Clapboard Ridge,
town of Greenwich, Connecticut, and was
a farmer and shoe manufacturer, employ-
ing eight or ten men. He was captain of
the militia, and a member of the Con-
gregational church. Mr. Peck married, in
1838, Caroline Sherwood, born November
28, 1816, daughter of Benjamin and Annie
(Anderson) Sherwood, the former a
farmer of Riversville, town of Greenwich,
Connecticut. Benjamin Sherwood was
born May 9, 1773, and died in 1862. His
wife was born June 20, 1775, and died
in 1848. The death of William (2) Peck
occurred March 3, 1885, and his widow
passed away, November 28, 1896, the day
on which she completed her eightieth
year.
(VIII) Elias Sherwood Peck, son of
William (2) and Caroline (Sherwood)
Peck, was born February 6, 1842, in
Greenwich, Connecticut. He received his
education in public schools, Button's
Academy, and also attended the academy
presided over by the Rev. William Peck,
of North Greenwich. He afterward
learned the tinner's trade. During his
apprenticeship the Civil War began and
he enlisted in Company I, loth Regiment,
Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, serving
within a few weeks of three years. After
the war he became for a year the assistant
of his father in the management of the
farm, and then spent three years as a
journeyman in New York City, afterward
living for a year in Port Chester. In 1870
he went into business in partnership with
George La Forge under the firm name of
La Forge & Peck. They established the
first hardware store in Greenwich, Con-
necticut, but at the end of a year the part-
357
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
nership was dissolved and Mr. Peck asso-
ciated himself with his cousin, Addison
Peck, under the firm name of E. S. & A.
Peck. This connection was maintained
for a number of years, the firm engaging
in roofing and tinning. Eventually Mr.
Peck purchased his partner's interest and
continued the business alone, continuing
until January, 1919, when it was taken
over by his son. Elias Sherwood Peck
was at that time the oldest man in Green-
wich actively engaged in business. He
took a prominent part in town afifairs,
serving at one time as a member of the
Board of Burgesses. He affiliates with
Acacia Lodge, No. 85, Free and Accepted
Masons, for two years holding the rank
of master. For two or three years he was
commander of Lombard Post, Grand
Army of the Republic, and he now fills the
position of adjutant. He and his family
are members of the Second Congrega-
tional Church.
Mr. Peck married (first) Emma R.
Ritch, daughter of Justus and
(Rodman) Ritch, who died May 20, 1883,
leaving two children: Elizabeth, who died
in childhood ; and Gordon, of New York
City. Mr. Peck married (second) Sarah
Amelia Marvin, born March 15, 1859,
daughter of George Marvin, of Staten
Island, and a cousin of his first wife. The
children of this marriage were : Wilbur
Marvin, of whom further; Walter Sher-
wood, a sketch of whom follows ; Martha
Elizabeth ; and Frank R., of Greenwich.
Mrs. Peck died March 10, 1908, and Mr.
Peck died September 3, 1920.
(IX) Wilbur Marvin Peck, son of Elias
Sherwood and Sarah Amelia (Marvin)
Peck, was born December 22, 1887, in
Greenwich. He was educated in the
schools of his native city, graduating from
the Greenwich High School in 1907. For
two years thereafter Mr. Peck was in the
service of the Greenwich Electric Light
Company, being employed in their testing
and inspecting department. He then
spent a year with Walter Sheldon, an
electrical contractor, at the end of that
time becoming assistant to the manager
of the New England Engineering Com-
pany. A year later he was made manager
of the concern, his promotion being a
notable recognition of the business ability
of a man as young as he then was. This
position was retained by Mr. Peck until
October i, 191 7, when he resigned in
order to accept the presidency and treas-
urership of the Greenwich Electrical
Company, then newly organized. The
concern took over the Greenwich end of
the business, which had previously in-
cluded both Stamford and Greenwich, and
under Mr. Peck's efficient leadership has
steadily strengthened and prospered. The
company employs about twenty-two men,
maintaining a store in which a general
line of electrical merchandise is handled
and also carrying on an electrical con-
tracting business.
On March i, 1919, Mr. Peck became
president of the Stamford Electrical Con-
tractor, Inc., a Stamford concern which
carries on a business in that city similar
to that of the Greenwich company, of
which Mr. Peck is also president. They
give employment to thirty-five men, and
Mr. Peck, as head of this organization,
has accomplished by his energy, aggres-
siveness and skillful management results
fully equal to those which he has achieved
as president of the Greenwich company.
It may well be supposed that business
positions as onerous as those held by Mr.
Peck leave their incumbent little time for
aught else. Never does he fail, however,
in any of the duties of good citizenship,
or abate a jot of his habitually keen inter-
est in every plan having for its object any
phase of municipal reform. He affiliates
with Acacia Lodge, No. 85, Free and Ac-
358
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
cepted Masons, and the Knights of Pyth-
ias, in Greenwich. Of the latter he is past
chancellor-commander. He is also past
commander of the local camp of the Sons
of Veterans. His clubs are the Suburban
and Kiwanis clubs of Stamford.
Mr. Peck married, June 30, 1920, Ber-
nice E. Rockwell, daughter of Frank S.
and Elizabeth Rockwell, of Olean, New
York. Mrs. Peck was a teacher in the
Port Chester schools before her marriage.
The record of Wilbur Marvin Peck,
considered as that of a man who has not
yet completed his thirty-fourth year, is
a notable one and seems to open the way
to a future full of promise.
PECK, Walter Sherwood,
Plumber, Heating Engineer.
Few names are more familiar to the
people of Greenwich than the one in-
scribed at the head of this article. As a
descendant of ancestors who became two
centuries ago residents of the town, and
as the head of a flourishing business, Mr.
Peck stands in no need of an introduction
to his fellow-citizens.
Walter Sherwood Peck, son of Elias
Sherwood and Sarah A. (Marvin) Peck
(q. v.), was born June 15, 1889, '" Green-
wich, and educated in the public schools
of his native town. He learned the
plumber's and tinsmith's trades under the
instruction of his father, becoming pro-
ficient in both. On February i, 1919, he
succeeded his father as head of the busi-
ness which Mr. Peck, Sr., had many years
before helped to found and which he had
ever since been continuously engaged in
building up into a large and flourishing
concern. Under the leadership of his
son it has steadily increased in strength
and in the scope of its transactions.
To his present responsible position Mr.
Peck brought the equipment of five years
of valuable experience acquired while
serving as manager for his father. The
business is conducted chiefly on a basis
of local contracts, giving employment on
an average to about thirteen men. The
establishment, situated on Greenwich
avenue, is thoroughly modern in all its ap-
pointments.
While never neglecting the duties of a
good citizen, Mr. Peck's time is so fully
occupied as to render it impossible for
him to take an active part in community
affairs. He is ever ready to give all the
attention possible to any project for ad-
vancing the town's best interests.
Mr. Peck married, in April, 1912, Eliza-
beth I. Thompson, born in County Long-
ford, Ireland, daughter of James Thomp-
son, and they are the parents of one child :
Hazel K.. born March 11, 1915.
Mr. Peck, in succeeding to the headship
of an old established and flourishing busi-
ness, has proved himself to be the right
man in the right place, and there is every
prospect that under his wise guidance
and skillful management the house has
entered upon a future which will in all
respects be worthy of its past.
DAYTON, Henry,
Man of Great TTaefnIness.
The Dayton family is an old one in the
annals of Greenwich, Connecticut. For
many generations there have been mem-
bers of this family prominent in the busi-
ness and public life of the town and
vicinity. Especially is this true in public
matters, and it seems fitting that the de-
scendants of the early settlers should be
found at the helm of the town's affairs.
Henry Dayton, a worthy scion of the
family, has brought honor to his name
through his work with the schools, which
has extended over a period of three dec-
ades. There is perhaps no other man of
359
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
his town who has done more for the youth
of the day in an educational way, which,
after all, is the foundation of their life's
career. Mr. Dayton is held in the highest
respect and esteem ; he is among Green-
wich's ablest citizens.
The origin of the name of Dayton is
from Dal-ton, previously Dale-ton, mean-
ing a farm in the dale, which places it
among the names derived from location.
The ancestor of the family was Ralph
Dayton, of whom further.
(I) Ralph Dayton, who was probably
born in County York, England, about
1588, and was one of those who formed
the company of Governor Theophilus
Eaton and Rev. John Davenport, settled
in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1638.
Later, Ralph Dayton sold out and re-
moved to Easthampton, Long Island,
where he died in 1657.
(II) Robert Dayton, son of Ralph Day-
ton, was born in 1628, in England, and
came to New Haven with his father, re-
moving with him to Long Island, and
there he died, April 16, 1712. He mar-
ried Elizabeth Woodruff, a daughter of
John Woodruff.
(III) Beriah Dayton, son of Robert
and Elizabeth (Woodruff) Dayton, was
born in 1668, and died April 30, 1746. The
Christian name of his wife was Jane.
(IV) Beriah Dayton, Jr., son of Beriah
and Jane Dayton, was born in 1708. Lit-
tle is known of this generation except that
he had a son.
(V) Jesse Dayton, son of Beriah Day-
ton, Jr., was born in 1733, and he mar-
ried Hannah — - — -. They were the
parents of David Dayton, of whom fur-
ther.
(VI) David Dayton, son of Jesse and
Hannah Dayton, was born in Easthamp-
ton, Long Island, December 21, 1761, and
died in Greenwich, Connecticut, January
23, 1838. He married, January 21, 1789,
Elizabeth Osborne, who was born in
Easthampton, November 2, 1766, and died
April 10, 1837, in Greenwich.
(VII) David (2) Dayton, son of David
(i) and Elizabeth (Osborne) Dayton, was
born March 2, 1798, and died January 26,
1872. He married, March 6, 1827, Eliza-
beth Brush, daughter of Edward Brush,
and member of a family long resident in
Greenwich. Elizabeth (Brush) Dayton
was born in 1797, and died September 20,
1863. David (2) Dayton learned the
trade of weaver, which he followed for
many years. He was also an extensive
farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Dayton were the
parents of seven children, two daughters
and five sons, one of them Henry Day-
ton, of whom further.
(VIII) Henry Dayton, son of David
(2) and Elizabeth (Brush) Dayton, was
born in Greenwich, Connecticut, Septem-
ber 10, 1834. He was educated in the
district schools of his native town, and
early in February, 1849, he went to the
metropolis to engage in business. His
first employment was with a cousin, who
was in the grain business in "The Old
Greenwich Village," New York City, and
after a few years Mr. Dayton drifted into
mercantile fields, as a salesman on the
road. Over a half century ago, Mr. Day-
ton became identified with the insurance
business and this has been the occupation
which he has since followed, maintaining
offices in New York City.
Mr. Dayton has spent his life among
children, having been interested and ac-
tive in Sunday school work from early
boyhood, and also has served for thirty-
eight years on different school boards.
For ten years he was a trustee of the old
public schools of "Greenwich Village,"
New York City, and when he returned to
his native town as a resident in the mid-
dle of April, 1885, he was put on the
school board there. Mr. Dayton was an
360
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
active man on the board. He had an im-
portant part in the work prior to the
building of the school presented to Green-
wich by Mr. and Mrs. Henry O. Have-
meyer, and which bears their name. Mr.
Dayton also took an active part in con-
nection with the high school. It is un-
doubtedly true that Mr. Dayton put a
greater impress upon the work of the
school board than any other man of his
day. He encountered much opposition
to many of his ideas, particularly in
bringing in many teachers from other
towns. In this he was greatly opposed,
as there were many who believed that this
patronage should be distributed among
the daughters of the town, but Mr. Day-
ton maintained that teachers from other
fields- would bring in many new ideas
that would strengthen and broaden the
work of the schools. Mr. Dayton was
chairman of the School Committee that
built the high school building. He is a
trustee of the Havemeyer fund left for
the upkeep of the school.
Mr. Dayton has ever been in great de-
mand as a public speaker. He is a gifted
speaker, with a fine command of English
and a sense of humor which gives great
delight to his audiences. He is familiar
with the best of literature and possesses
a sound judgment. During the recent
World War he gave freely of his services
in many instances. His oratory helped
the sales of the Liberty Bonds, and his
public spirit was an example to his fel-
low-citizens.
Mr. Dayton married Elizabeth Davies,
daughter of John L. Davies. Mrs. Dayton
was born in New York City, her father a
native of Wales, her mother, Annie Ro-
gan, a native of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs.
Dayton were the parents of two children :
I. Charles H., born August 6, 1881 ; mar-
ried, June 10, 1915, Alice Francis Smythe,
and they are the parents of a son, John ;
they reside in Riverside, Connecticut. 2.
Edith Elizabeth, born January 6, 1883;
married Godfrey V. D. Titsworth, of Mil-
waukee, and they have four sons : Godfrey
V. D., Jr. ; Henry Dayton ; John Ran-
dolph ; and Eugene Whittemore ; and one
daughter, Ann Titsworth. The family at-
tend the Congregational church, and Mr.
Dayton has held many of the offices of
this church.
The following is a contribution from
Rev. Oliver Huckel, D. D., Mr. Dayton's
pastor, on the occasion of Mr. Dayton's
eighty-sixth birthday :
Has he drunk from some old fountain
Such as Ponce de Leon knew?
Or, mayhap, is the old birth-record
In the Bible, not quite true?
Here he is, as hale and hearty
As a youth of gay eighteen,
Straight and slender as a poplar —
Have you e'er his equal seen?
Brain as crisp and keen as ever,
Memory a treasure store;
Tongue still eloquent and golden.
Wit as sparkling as of yore.
Hair and beard a little snov^y,
But his eye as bright and gay.
Hand and heart as warm as ever —
"Hot for business" every day.
What's the secret of this wonder —
This perpetual youth fulness?
I have questioned 'til I learned it,
Tho' perhaps you'd never guess.
First, he always loved the children —
That's the big part of the truth—
And he keeps young as he loves them
And absorbs their glow of youth.
Second, he always lived religion.
That's his second source of wealth —
Loves his church and loves God's precepts,
Says a true life makes for health.
Third, he always loved old Greenwich —
That's the third and crowning word,
All his life he's lived in Greenwich —
Even in New York, I've heard.
361
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
So he claims a youth, perpetual,
Greenwich special "Grand Old Man,"
May he live to be a hundred !
He will do it, if he can.
TODD, Arthur Stanley,
Enterprising Citizen.
Among the hardy pioneers of the early
settlements, the members of the Todd
family held a prominent place. They con-
tributed much to the growth and pros-
perity of the colonies. They were honest
citizens, industrious toilers, and when
necessity demanded, hard fighters. Of
such worthy ancestors is Arthur Stanley
Todd, one of the leading merchants of
the town of Greenwich, Connecticut, a
descendant.
Arthur S. Todd was born in Ridgefield,
Connecticut, July 15, 1881, the son of Wil-
liam Sheridan Todd, M. D., and his wife,
Mary (Conklin) Todd. He is a grandson
of David Todd, who married Clarissa
Bradford, a direct descendant of Governor
William Bradford, who was one of the
most important figures in the early his-
tory of New England.
William Sheridan Todd, M. D., father
of Arthur S. Todd, was born in Colerain,
Massachusetts, January i, 1840, and died
February 19, 1893. His father, David
Todd, was a Methodist clergyman, and
his son, William S., was brought up in
various towns, as Rev. David Todd was
assigned to various pastorates. William
S. Todd was graduated from Deerfield
Academy, and from Wesleyan University,
in 1864. From Middletown he went to
Ridgefield as an instructor in the clas-
sics in the famous Peter Parley School.
Subsequently, Mr. Todd became principal
of Hill's Academy, in Essex, Connecti-
cut. The medical profession had early
appealed to him, and the opportunity pre-
sented itself in Essex to take up this
study under the able preceptorship of the
leading physician of that town. Mr. Todd
availed himself of this chance, and pre-
pared himself for entrance to the College
of Physicians and Surgeons, of New York
City, and was graduated from this insti-
tution in due course of time. He took up
the practice of his profession in Ridge-
field, continuing until his death. By his
uprightness and high ideals he won many
friends ; he was the true physician, and
brought solace to the mind as well as to
the body.
Dr. Todd was interested in many activi-
ties outside of his profession, particularly
those which had to do with the welfare
of the community. He served in the Leg-
islature, and was on the Committee on
Prisons. A great deal of his time was de-
voted to educational matters, and he also
served on the State Charities Commission.
He was a member of the staff of the
Bridgeport Hospital, and was frequently
called in important consultations. Dr.
Todd was a member of the Fairfield Coun-
ty and Connecticut Medical societies, and
the American Medical Association. It was
through the eiTorts of Dr. Todd that the
public library in Ridgefield was founded,
and he was also one of the founders of
the Ridgefield Press. Fraternally, he was
affiliated with the Masonic order of Ridge-
field, and was a member of the Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows.
Dr. Todd married Mary Conklin, daugh-
ter of Gamaliel Conklin, and they were
the parents of two children : Walter Brad-
ford, and Arthur Stanley Todd, of further
mention.
Arthur Stanley Todd received his ele-
mentary education in the public schools of
Ridgefield and Norwalk, and under the
able teachings of his father. On complet-
ing his studies he went to New Haven
and there entered the employ of the New
362
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad
Company ; in 1902 he located in Green-
wich, where for a time he worked at the
building trade. In 1908 he became iden-
tified with his present business as an em-
ployee, and sufficient warrant of his abil-
ity is shown by the fact that four years
later he became a member of the firm.
The business is conducted under the name
of the Mead Stationery Company. They
have a very fine store, up-to-date in all its
appointments. A fine general line of sta-
tionery is carried in addition to gift ar-
ticles. Besides these lines a very large
job printing business and finishing for
amateur photographers forms an import-
ant part of the work.
Like his father, Mr. Todd is interested
in many outside matters. In 1904 he be-
came a member of the National Guard
of Connecticut, and the same year was
made a corporal ; in 1905, lieutenant ; first
lieutenant in 1906. Mr. Todd continued
in the Connecticut Guard until 1910. Later
he went in again and was commissioned
second lieutenant of the Connecticut State
Guard, in which he continued two years
as a member of Company A, Fifth Sepa-
rate Battalion.
Mr. Todd was the first president of the
Greenwich Chamber of Commerce and
held this ofiice for two years. During
the World War he was treasurer of the
local Liberty Loan Committee, and was
a member and treasurer of the Young
Men's Christian Association drive, and
the United War Work drive ; he was one
of the executive committee and treasurer
of the Greenwich War Bureau. The Red
Cross also came in for a share of his ac-
tivities, he serving as a member of its
executive committee ; he also was secre-
tary of the Greenwich Fuel Commission.
Mr. Todd was a representative of the
United States Army Intelligence Service,
and served on the Citizens' Committee
and the executive committee.
Mr. Todd married Nellie Louise Hop-
kins, daughter of James Allison and Maria
Hopkins, of Oxford, New York. Their
children who grew to maturity were:
Arthur, born June 21, 1911; James Hop-
kins, born May 24, 1916. The family at-
tend Christ Episcopal Church.
ST. JOHN, Darius Ayres,
Farmer, Public Official.
The ancestry of the St. John family is
an old and honored one. The records of
this family are found very early in the
annals of Connecticut and particularly in
Fairfield county.
(I) The immigrant ancestor of the fam-
ily was Matthias St. John or Sension, as
the name was originally spelled. He was
among the earliest settlers in Dorchester,
Massachusetts, in 1631-32, and was free-
man of the town, September 3, 1634. In
1640 he took up his abode in Windsor,
Connecticut, and there he was among the
earliest planters and acquired land by pur-
chase and by grant. Between 1636 and
1655 he was in Wethersfield. In 1654 he
removed with his family to Norwalk,
Connecticut, where he was prominent in
the affairs of the town government. His
will was dated October 19, 1669, and he
died in Norwalk, in the latter part of Oc-
tober or the first part of November, 1669.
(II) Matthias (2) St. John, son of the
immigrant, Matthias (i) St. John or Sen-
sion, was born in England in 1631-32. He
died in Norwalk, Connecticut, December,
1728-29. He was a freeman of Norwalk,
and served as selectman and fence viewer
in 1659. The Christian name of his wife
was Elizabeth.
(III) Ebenezer St. John, son of Mat-
thias (2) and Elizabeth St. John, was
363
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
born about 1660, and died in 1723-24. He
was a cooper by occupation. He married
Elizabeth Comstock, born October 7,
1674, daughter of Christopher and Han-
nah (Piatt) Comstock, and granddaughter
of the immigrant, William Comstock.
They were members of the Norwalk
church in 1725.
(IV) Daniel St. John, son of Ebenezer
and Elizabeth (Comstock) St. John, was
born in 1693, and died December or Jan-
uary 28, 1757. He followed his father's
occupation of cooper. He was twice mar-
ried ; his first wife was Grace Sherman
and his second, Hannah Seymour, daugh-
ter of Captain Matthew Seymour.
(V) Daniel (2) St. John, son of Dan
iel (i) St. John, was born in 1716, and
died November 10, 1802. He was a shoe-
maker, and lived in New Canaan. Dan-
iel (2) St. John married Mary Mills, and
she died February 3, 1806.
(VI) Benoni St. John, son of Daniel
(2) and Mary (Mills) St. John, was born
December 5, 1763, and according to the
family Bible, December 11, 1762. He died
in Binghamton, New York, October 5,
1814. He married, November 8, 1781,
Elizabeth Burcharcf, born June 13, 1764,
died December 9, 1836, daughter of James
Burchard. Benoni St. John served as col-
lector in 1785 in Wilton, and as surveyor
in Norwalk in 1791, 1793, and from 1797
to 1799.
(VII) Darius St. John, son of Benoni
and Elizabeth (Burchard) St. John, was
born March 20, 1799, and died August 25,
1880. He was a farmer and dealt exten-
sively in timber. For some years he
served as tax collector. He was one of
the organizers of St. John's Lodge, No. 6,
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of
Norwalk, and was demitted to the lodge
in New Canaan when that was estab-
lished. He married, October 16, 1829,
Elizabeth Ann Crofoot, born June 12,
1798, died January 24, 1877, daughter of
Ebenezer and Sarah W. (Gregory) Cro-
foot.
(VIII) Lewis Vincent St. John, son of
Darius and Elizabeth Ann (Crofoot) St.
John, was born March 12, 1832, and died
September 11, 1902. He learned the tan-
ner's trade, which he followed until the
death of an elder brother. The latter had
been in charge of the home farm, and
after his death, Lewis V. St. John as-
sumed the responsibility. He specialized
in dairying and sold the milk wholesale.
He married, September 4, 1858, Hannah
Kellogg Comstock, born February 17,
1835, daughter of George Edwin and Mary
(Dibble) Comstock, and a descendant of
William Comstock, the immigrant. Thus
in two diflferent lines the ancestry is
traced to the Comstock immigrant, both
being through the line of Christopher
Comstock, of the second generation. Mr.
and Mrs. St. John were the parents of the
following children : Lewis W. ; Darius A.,
of further mention ; Edson Kellogg, of
East Norwalk ; Anna Comstock. Mrs. St.
John survives her husband, and with her
family attends the Congregational church.
(IX) Darius Ayres St. John, son of
Lewis Vincent and Hannah Kellogg
(Comstock) St. John, was born in New
Canaan, Connecticut, November 30, 1862.
He was educated in the public schools.
He followed in the footsteps of his fa-
ther, making a specialty of milk produc-
tion, and has been on the home farm all
his life. On an average he keeps about
twenty head of cattle and wholesales
most of the milk. Aside from his farm
duties, Mr. St. John has often found time
to be of public service and has held the
office of justice of the peace for several
years, and has also been on the board of
assessors for some time. He is a mem-
ber of the Congregational Church of New
Canaan and has served on the board of
364
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
trustees and served as deacon for many
years. He is a charter member of New
Canaan Grange, No. 38, of which he is
past master, and is a charter member and
past master of Pomona Grange, of Fair-
field county, being a member of the sev-
enth degree.
Mr. St. John married, November 3,
1886, Sarah Estella Selleck, born October
31, 1866, daughter of John Edwin and
Mary E. (Crawford) Selleck, of New Can-
aan. They are the parents of the follow-
ing children: i. Vincent Selleck, born
June 17, 1892; during the World War he
served in the artillery in France, acting as
driver for a colonel ; he married Mildred
Heath and they are the parents of three
children : Ruth, Edwin Heath, and Rich-
ard Vincent. 2. Lawrence Darius, born
August 21, 1896; he was a graduate of
the Massachusetts Institute of Technol-
ogy; when this country entered the World
War, he was a student in college and at
once enlisted in a college corp, but re-
mained in college until after his gradua-
tion ; he was then stationed in the Officers'
Training Camp in Virginia, in the vicin-
ity of the city of Washington, and there
remained until the armistice was signed,
when they were disbanded, and he re-
turned to his home in New Canaan, Con-
necticut ; he is now engaged in the experi-
mental rooms of the Norwalk Tire and
Rubber Company.
McCREADY, Robert Halsey, D. D. S.,
Served in World ^Var.
Dr. McCready's active professional ca-
reer began in the military ser\'ice, and
then, after reciving his degree in dentistry
in June, 1920, he succeeded Dr. Cunning-
ham in practice in New Canaan, Connec-
ticut, his present home. Dr. McCready is
a grandson of James McCready, who
spent his entire life in his Ireland home,
Belfast, and a son of Robert Workman
McCready.
Robert Workman McCready was born
in Belfast, Ireland, in i860, and was there
educated. As a youth of twelve years he
began to make his own way in the world
and when nineteen years of age came to
the United States. After a short period
spent in New York City he located at
Little Falls, New York, and there fol-
lowed the carpenter's trade, which he had
learned in the shipyards of Harlem &
Wolfe, at Belfast. He remained in Little
Falls for a few years, then made his home
in Sloatsburg, New York, where he has
since resided. His business activities fol-
lowed the line of contracting, and for
thirty years he has conducted independent
operations, principally residential work,
being widely known in the district as a
contractor and builder. Mr. McCready
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, as is his wife, and he has been a
zealous worker in the denomination, hav-
ing served as president of the official
board. He holds the thirty-second de-
gree in the Masonic order, and is a mem-
ber of Newburgh Lodge, Free and Ac-
cepted Masons ; Hudson River Command-
ery, Knights Templar, of Newburgh, New
York ; and Mecca Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of
New York City. He is also a member of
the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks. Mr. McCready served as president
of the school board for two years, and is
president of the Builders' Union at the
present time (1921').
Robert Workman McCready married
Mary Finch, daughter of John H. and
Catherine (Bowen) Finch, her father a
veteran of the Civil War, having served
in Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-
Fourth Regiment, New York Volunteer
36s
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Infantry. John H. Finch was a son of
Thomas and Abigail Finch, his father a
soldier of the War of 1812, and a grand-
son of Solomon Finch, who enlisted in the
Revolutionary War, but who was dis-
charged to return to his occupation of
iron worker on the ground that such serv-
ice was more essential to the Colonial
cause than his work as a soldier.
Robert Halsey McCready, son of Rob-
ert Workman and Mary (Finch) Mc-
Cready, was born in Sloatsburg, New
York, May 10, 1895. After attending the
public schools of Sloatsburg, he was a
student in preparatory schools in Hack-
ettstown and Pennington, New Jersey.
After completing his freshman year in the
dental school of the University of Penn-
sylvania he transferred to the dental de-
partment of the University of Louisville.
He left college April 6, 1918, and enlisted
during the World War in Dental Com-
pany No. I, being assigned to duty
at Camp Greenleaf, Chickamauga Park,
Georgia, where his maternal grandfather,
John H. Finch, had fought during the
Civil War. Receiving an honorable dis-
charge from the United States army, De-
cember 20, 1919, he returned to college,
was awarded the degree of Doctor of
Dental Surgery in June, 1920, and estab-
lished in practice in New Canaan, pur-
chasing Dr. Cunningham's practice. Dr.
McCready entered professional work with
a thorough and comprehensive training,
and his early work has gained him stand-
ing and reputation in the community. He
is a member of the Supreme Chapter of
Delta Sigma Delta fraternity, Philoma-
thean fraternity at Pennington, and Alpha
Phi fraternity at Hackettstown.
Dr. McCready married Myrtle B. De-
laney, of Frankfort, Kentucky, Decem-
ber 22, 1917, at Louisville, Kentucky.
DURYEA, George W.,
Merchant, Pnbllc Official.
One of the representative citizens of
New Canaan, Connecticut, is George W.
Duryea, whose achievements have been
accomplished through his own unaided
efforts. He was born in New York City,
September 16, 1866, son of Stephen Cor-
nell and Mary Ann (Evanshearer) Dur-
yea.
Stephen Cornell Duryea, father of
George W. Duryea, also was born in New
York City, September 5, 1814. He at-
tended the public schools, and for many
years of his life was engaged in the jew-
elry business. Later he received an ap-
pointment in the searcher's office of the
county clerk, where he remained until
1879. In the latter year Mr. Duryea re-
moved to Poundridge, New York, and
there his death occurred. May 24, 1887.
Mr. Duryea married, February 2, 1859,
in New York City, Mary Ann Evanshear-
er, born in that city, June i, 1842, died in
Jersey City, New Jersey, March 26, 1916.
George W. Duryea attended the schools
of New York City, and after his father's
removal to Poundridge, helped in the
cultivation of the farm until he was
twenty-one years old. At that time Mr.
Duryea learned the trade of carpenter,
which he followed, and subsequently
formed a partnership with Samuel Brown,
under the firm name of Brown & Duryea,
to engage in contracting. Their business
was largely in the adjoining town of New
Canaan, Connecticut, and for twenty years
the firm prospered. Mr. Duryea then en-
tered the employ of Weed & Turner, then
owners of the business of which he is
now one of the proprietors, and in 1913,
Mr. Duryea succeeded Mr. Turner as a
member of the firm.
Mr. Duryea is a Republican in politics.
366
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
and has been chairman of the Republican
Town Committee for a number of years ;
for eight or ten years he was a member
of the Board of Relief, and has been a
delegate to county and State conven-
tions.
Fraternally he is a member of Wooster
Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, of which he is past grand, and has
also served as district deputy of the Grand
Lodge. Mr. Duryea is past chief patri-
arch of Wahackma Encampment, and is
a member of the Rebekas ; he is also a
member of Harmony Lodge, Free and Ac-
cepted Masons.
Mr. Duryea married Alice E. Bulkley,
daughter of Augustus and Emily (Wil-
liams) Bulkley. They were the parents
of three children : i. Elsie, married Walter
Johnson, and died at the age of twenty-
one years. 2. Blanche, wife of Dr. E. G.
Cunningham, of New Canaan, Connecti-
cut, and the mother of a daughter, Blanche
Weed. 3. G. Stanley, a student in the
University of Louisville, class of 1924, in
dentistry.
SELLECK, John Henry,
Agriculturist, Pablic 0£BciaI.
A prosperous farmer, who is at the
same time a justice of the peace is always
a figure of prominence in his community,
and all his friends and neighbors of Dar-
ien can testify that this is emphatically
the case with Mr. Selleck. In township
affairs Mr. Selleck has always been active,
having in former years filled other local
offices of trust and responsibility.
The race of the Sellecks is a very an-
cient one, as appears from records of 1086,
in which it is mentioned. The name is
Cornish-British, which is a dialect of the
Celtic, Belgic, or Cambrian, formerly
spoken throughout Cornwall. It means
"an open view," conspicuous. Family
records show that about the seventeenth
century John Selyocke "declined knight-
hood," and in the deed of Galdon Manor
Robert Selleck is spoken of as "a trustie
and well beloved friend." John Selioke,
father and son, were mayors of St. Albans
in 1684-1700. At that time "Selleck-on-
the-Wye" is mentioned as a beautiful vil-
lage.
Branches of the family of Selleck are
found in different portions of the United
States. David Selleck was one of the
early settlers of Massachusetts, and it ap-
pears from old records that Jonathan and
John Sellicke were residents in the seven-
teenth and eighteenth centuries of Rye,
Westchester county. New York.
Benjamin Selleck, father of John Henry
Selleck, was born in Poundridge, New
York, and was a son of Major (not a mil-
itary title) and Nancy (Jump) Selleck.
Major Selleck was a native of Pound-
ridge, which is situated in Westchester
county, and was by trade a basket-maker.
Basket-making was in fact one of the
principal industries of the community, and
it was this trade which Benjamin Selleck
learned and which he followed all his
life. About 1854 he removed to Darien,
Connecticut, and engaged in the manu-
facture of baskets on his own account.
During the Civil War Mr. Selleck served
in the Union army as a member of Com-
pany H, Seventeenth Regiment, Connec-
ticut Volunteer Infantry, being out three
years and all that time remaining with
his regiment. Mr. Selleck married Amel-
ia Curtis, and their children were: Betsey
J., married Holly H. Draper, of Darien ;
Lois, became the wife of George Bates,
of Darien ; Kate, married Louis St.
George ; Ida, mrried Benjamin F. Offen,
of New Canaan ; and John Henry, men-
tioned below. Mr. Selleck died in 1905.
367
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
He was a member of the Methodist Epis- CURTIS, Louis Julius,
copal church. All his daughters, with
the exception of the youngest, are now
deceased.
John Henry Selleck, son of Benjamin
and Amelia (Curtis) Selleck, was born
June 17, 1859, in Darien, Connecticut. He
was educated in the public schools of his
birthplace. On reaching manhood he
chose to devote himself to agricultural
pursuits and has since followed them with
marked success, making farming his life
work. For many years he was associated
with his father in the management of the
homestead. About 1901 Mr. Selleck be-
came superintendent for S. T. Mather and
for fifteen -years took charge of the es-
tate, resigning about three years ago. In
the sphere of politics, Mr. Selleck has al-
ways remained loyal to the principles of
the Republican party, but has never cared
to participate actively in the work of the
organization. Several times he has been
called by his fellow-citizens to serve them
in public positions. For some years he
held the office of assessor, and in 1918 he
was chosen first selectman. He is now
serving his second term as justice of the
peace. He affiliates with Butler Lodge,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of
South Norwalk, and with the Improved
Order of Red Men, of Norwalk. He is a
member of the Congregational church.
Mr. Selleck married, June 13, 1888,
Delia V. Carrier, daughter of James A.
Carrier, of Norwalk, and they are the par-
ents of one son, Joseph Carrier Selleck.
The ancestors of John Henry Selleck,
in the successive generations, have always
stood for the best interests of their com-
munities, and his record bears testimony
that he has worthily followed their exam-
ple, always manifesting, both as agricul-
turist and citizen, that disinterested pub-
lic spirit invariably expected of a loyal
American.
Iiaivyer, Legislator.
Since the foundation of the nation by
the pioneer from other lands, the most
striking phase of her history has been
developed in the capacity of her sons to
adopt themselves from time to time to
the exigencies of the moment. The high-
souled ancestors came seeking relief from
political oppression and freedom to wor-
ship God according to the dictates of their
own conscience. With expressions of
spiritual fervor on their lips, they busied
their hands with the most menial tasks.
They met poverty with fortitude, they
resisted attacks of Indians and wild ani-
mals, they even turned in armed protest
upon their mother country. The men of
our day have shown the world that the
spirit still lives, even in the world of busi-
ness, and in the continual readjustment of
public matters which the march of prog-
ress involves. Louis Julius Curtis, promi-
nent lawyer of Stamford, Connecticut, is
an example of this spirit.
In the very early days there were many
and varied methods of adopting surnames,
among them being occupation, location of
home and description. The first named
are generally classed as "Occupational
Names," the second as "Place Names,"
and the third, "Personal Qualities." It
is to this latter classification that the sur-
name of Curtis belongs. It is derived
from a Norman-French word — curteis or
curtois — meaning courteous, civil. In
early records it is found spelled Curtice.
The family were early settled in Kent,
England.
(I) William Curtiss embarked in the
ship "Lion," June 22, 1632, from England,
landing December 16, 1632, at Scituate,
Massachusetts. He brought with him four
children : Thomas, Mary, John and Philip.
They settled in Roxbury, Massachusetts,
368
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
whence they removed to Stratford,
Connecticut. From the records of Strat-
ford, it appears that the father of these
must have died before the removal of the
family thither, and previous to that a son,
William, was born. The first of the name
that appears on those records are John,
William, and their mother, Elizabeth Cur-
tiss. The coat-of-arms of the Curtis family
is as follows : Azure, a fess. dancettee be-
tween three crowns or. This is according
to Cothren, the historian, and the motto
of the family is : Saepere audc.
(II) William Curtis, the second son of
the Widow Elizabeth Curtiss, was born
June 21, 1618, in England, and came to
Stratford, Connecticut, with his mother
and brother John. His name appears
among the property owners there in 1650.
As well as being an original proprietor of
Stratford, he was active in town affairs
and held the rank of sergeant. William
Curtis was representative to the General
Court, commissioner and assistant. He
was one of the original grantees of Wood-
bury, although he never lived there. The
first wife of William Curtis was Mary
. William Curtis died December
21, 1702.
(III) Josiah Curtis, ninth child and
youngest son of William and Mary Curtis,
was born August 30, 1662, in Stratford,
where he died in 1745. He was captain
of the Train Band, and had a saw mill.
He also served as deputy to the General
Court. He married (second) Mary
Beach, daughter of Benjamin Beach, of
Stratford, and granddaughter of John
Beach, immigrant ancestor, born in Eng-
land and settled in Stratford.
(IV) Benjamin Curtis, son of Josiah
and Mary (Beach) Curtis, was bom De-
cember 15, 1704, in Stratford, and died
July 28, 1782-83, in Newtown, where he
settled about 1728. He was a leader in
community affairs, and represented his
Conn— 8— 24
town in the General Court. He married
(first) Elizabeth Birdsey, daughter of
Abel and Comfort (Welles) Birdsey, of
Stratford, August 27, 1727-28, and she
died February 24, 1773.
(V) Benjamin (2) Curtis, son of Ben-
jamin (i) and Elizabeth (Birdsey) Curtis,
was born February 14, 1736, in Newtown,
where he died February 20, 1817. He
served as a private in Captain David
Smith's company, April 21, 1776. He
married (first) Phedina Nichols, daugh-
ter of Nathaniel Nichols, of Newtown,
November 23, 1758, and she died Febru-
ary 15, 1773. Mrs. Curtis was descended
from Sergeant Francis Nichols, ancestor
of the family, who wa:s born in England.
Francis Nichols was in Stratford in 1639,
an original proprietor, and first settler
there. His son, Isaac Nichols, born in
England, died in Stratford, in 1695. He
married Margaret , and their son,
Isaac Nichols, was born March 12, 1654,
and died in 1690. In November, 1686, he
owned a house and land in Stratford. He
married Mary , and their son, Rich-
ard Nichols, was born November 26, 1678,
and died September 20, 1756. Richard
Nichols was one of the most prominent
men of his day. He married, June 3, 1702,
Comfort Sherman, daughter of Theophi-
lus Sherman, who died February 11,
1726-27. Nathaniel Nichols, their son,
was born April 8, 1708. He settled at
Newtown, and was the father of Phedina
Nichols, who became the wife of Benja-
min Curtis, as above stated.
(VI) Philo Curtis, son of Benjamin (2)
and Phedina (Nichols) Curtis, was born
June 27, 1760, and died March 7, 1818, in
Newtown. He was selectman of New-
town for six years, 1802-1807 and 1809.
He married Huldah Hubbard, of Weston,
and she died January 25, 1853, at the age
of ninety-six years.
(VII) Nichols Curtis, eldest son of
369
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Philo and Huldah (Hubbard) Curtis, was
born September 27, 1784, and died April
20, 1852. He married Sarah Ann Bennett,
daughter of Amos Bennett, of Newtown,
November 3, 1803, and she died October
29, 1858. Nichols Curtis was educated in
the public schools and the Cheshire Acad-
emy. He was a farmer by occupation and
raised sheep on a large scale. A quiet,
modest, retiring man, he was very domes-
tic in his tastes. His education was con-
siderably better than most men of his
vicinity, and he was often called upon to
draw up legal papers and his advice was
sought on many matters.
(VIII) Julius Bolevar Curtis, only son
of Nichols and Sarah Ann (Bennett) Cur-
tis, was born December 10, 1825, in New-
town, Connecticut. He attended the
public schools of Newtown, the Newtown
Academy, and a private academy. He
studied alone to a large extent, and under
the preceptorship of the Hon. Edward
Hinman, of Southbury, he took up the
study of law. That was in the year 1846,
and Mr. Curtis walked fourteen miles
every day to recite his law lessons. Sub-
sequently he studied with Isaac M.
Sturges and the Hon. Amos S. Treat. His
legal studies were completed at a law
school in Ballston Springs, Saratoga
county. New York, and in 1850 he was
admitted to the Fairfield county bar. Mr.
Curtis engaged in practice in Greenwich,
Connecticut, and was recognized as one of
the foremost men of his profession in the
State. His knowledge of substantiative
law was broad and deep, and he was a
strong pleader. In ability and accom-
plishment he was comparable with the
best lawyers at any period in the history
of the bar of this State. He had an un-
usually attractive personality, combined
with great keenness of intellect that was
allied with the judicial temperament, and
won enviable reputation as a strong trial
lawyer. In 1864 Mr. Curtis removed to
Stamford, Connecticut. In his youth he
had been a strong Abolitionist and later a
Free Soiler. He had an extensive cor-
respondence with Horace Greeley, and
also wrote many strong papers on im-
portant issues of the day. He voted for
Van Buren, and later was a member of
the Republican party. In 1858 and i860
he was a member of the State Senate;
from 1861 to 1864 he served as a member
of the military committee of the town of
Greenwich, at whose meetings he was a
very regular attendant. From 1867 to
1870 Mr. Curtis served as judge of probate
in Stamford; from 1885 to 1889 he was
vice-president of the American Bar Asso-
ciation, and also served as chairman of
the Fairfield County Bar Association.
For several years he was a director of the
Stamford Street Railway Company.
Mr. Curtis entered actively into patri-
otic work at home, and was a warm per-
sonal friend of Connecticut's great Civil
War Governor, W. A. Buckingham, and
was frequently in conference with him.
Mr. Curtis was an earnest, industrious
and thoughtful man. He gave the best
that was in him to the task in hand,
whether a case at law or a matter of
public policy and interest. He was strong
in his attachments. To hear him talk of
his friends or of the Republican party, or
of the bar association, was to feel con-
vinced that love and loyalty were strong
traits of his character. He loved books
and literature, for he had a genuine ap-
preciation of all true culture. He was
especially devoted to his profession, and
in its practice financial considerations
were entirely secondary. He was not a
lover of money and was not influenced in
his views or activities by mercenary mo-
tives. Such a personality cannot fail to
win and hold friends, and Mr. Curtis was
loved and trusted by all who knew him.
370
\
^
c/^dc^^c xy 6^.uto^<^oi ^- ^.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Brookhaven, who married Charity Haw-
kins. He was a contractor and builder,
and some of the houses erected by him
are still standing in Speonk. Charity
Hawkins was a daughter of Joseph Haw-
kins, of Setauket, Long Island, son of
Alexander Hawkins, son of Eleazar Haw-
kins, of Stony Brook, Long Island, son of
Zachariah Hawkins, who came to Long
Island about 1655, son of Robert Haw-
kins, of Charlestown, Massachusetts, 1635.
Daniel Warren Ruland, son of Daniel
Ruland, was born in Speonk, Suffolk
county, Long Island, September 4, 1821,
and died in February, 1905. He learned
the carpenter's trade, and as a young man
entered independent building operations,
becoming the principal contractor of the
village, and erecting most of the struc-
tures there built during his contracting
career. Later in life he engaged in farm-
ing, following this calling until old age
compelled him to become less active. He
was a Republican in political faith, was
postmaster for years, and also held nu-
merous other town offices. He married
Amelia Tuthill, born in Speonk, Long
Island, daughter of Elisha and Harriet
(Rogers) Tuthill. The Tuthill family
was founded by Henry Tuthill, who came
to America from Norfolk, England, in
1635, and who was first of Hingham,
Massachusetts, then of Southold, Long
Island. The line from him and his wife,
Bridget, is through their son, John Tut-
hill, and his wife. Deliverance (King)
Tuthill; and their son, John (2) Tuthill,
born February 14, 1658. He was called
"Chalker John," a man of note, of great
shrewdness and energy, affable and of
sterling honesty ; was a favorite with peo-
ple, and held many offices, among them
justice of the peace, and one of the com-
missioners that laid out "King's High-
way." He was a member of the New
York Colonial Legislature, 1693-94, and
sheriff in 1695. Through him and his
wife, Mehitable (Wells) Tuthill, the line
continues to Joshua and Hannah (Reeve)
Tuthill ; their son, John Tuthill, and his
wife, Sarah (Wells) Tuthill (this John a
soldier in the Revolutionary army, Suf-
folk county militia, under Colonel Josiah
Smith) ; their son, Joshua Tuthill, and his
wife, Polly (Benjamin) Tuthill (Polly
Benjamin was a daughter of James Ben-
jamin, of Southold. This James Benja-
min served in the battle of Long Island,
and also at White Plains in the Revolu-
tionary War, and, according to Mather,
was a refugee to Connecticut. There was
a James Benjamin, of Connecticut, who
served in the Revolutionary forces in
1775-76-78-80-81, but there is no proof
that this is the same James, and it seems
unlikely, despite the identity of names);
and their son Elisha Tuthill, married
Harriet Rogers, daughter of Jesse and
Amelia (Jagger) Rogers, and had a
daughter Amelia, wife of Daniel Warren
Ruland.
Dr. Frederick D. Ruland, son of Daniel
Warren and Amelia (Tuthill) Ruland,
was born in Speonk, Suffolk county. Long
Island, July 19, 1865. After attending
public schools, a private school, and
Franklinville Academy, he entered the
medical department of Columbia Univer-
sity, and was graduated M. D. in the
spring of 1889. For the following one
and a half years he was an interne in a
Long Island sanitarium, in 1891 coming
to Westport and organizing the Westport
Sanitarium. Dr. Ruland has been presi-
dent and chief of the medical staff for
more than twenty-five years, and under
his direction the sanitarium has come
into high rank among institutions spe-
cializing in the treatment of nervous and
mental diseases. The personnel of the
institution, professional and practical,
numbers about fifty to sixty. One hun-
372
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
dred and ten acres of land, sixty owned
and fifty rented, are under cultivation,
and a herd of twenty-five cows supplies
dairy products. The sanitarium is widely
known, and its reputation for careful, sci-
entific treatment of its patients by emi-
nent specialists, has brought it patrons
from all parts of the country. Dr. Ruland
is a member of the medical organizations
of the County, State and Nation, the
Medical Society of Greater New York,
and the American Medico-Psychological
Association.
In addition to his practice in his special
branch of his profession. Dr. Ruland has
taken a public-spirited interest in town
affairs. He is a Republican in politics,
and serves on the finance board of West-
port. He is a director of the Westport
Library, and a director of the Westport
Bank and Trust Company. In fraternal
relations he affiliates with the Masonic
order, the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, and the Knights of Pythias, holding
membership, in the first named order, in
Temple Lodge, No. 65, Free and Accepted
Masons, of which he was master, 1899-
1901 ; Washington Chapter, Royal Arch
Masons, of Norwalk ; Clinton Command-
ery. No. 3, Knights Templar, of Norwalk ;
Lafayette Consistory, of Bridgeport; and
Mecca Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of New
York City, of which he has long been a
member. Dr. Ruland is held in high re-
gard in the community that has so long
been his home, and has done much to
promote its welfare.
Dr. Ruland married, January 27, 1909,
Leo Mabel Shattuck Van Deusen, daugh-
ter of Wellington and Sylvia Adelaide
(Shattuck) Van Deusen, a member of the
Daughters of the American Revolution,
and the Society of Founders and Patriots.
They are the parents of three children :
Sylvia, Charity Shattuck, and Daniel
Frederick Van Dusen.
Leo Mabel Shattuck (Van Deusen)
Ruland was born in Durhamville, Oneida
county. New York, June 23, 1876, daugh-
ter of Wellington and Sylvia Adelaide
(Shattuck) Van Deusen. Wellington
Van Deusen, a druggist in occupation,
was born in Oneida, New York, June 5,
1845, and died at Bernhards Bay, New
York, October 28, 1885. Sylvia Adelaide
(Shattuck) Van Deusen was born in Dur-
hamville, New York, June 29, 1845,
and died in Oneida, New York, December
ID, 1907. They were the parents of: Eva
Maude, born April 7, 1867, died March i,
1882 ; Leo Mabel Shattuck, married, Jan-
uary 27, 1909, in Oneida, Madison county,
New York, Dr. Frederick D. Ruland.
Mrs. Ruland was educated in the pub-
lic schools. She is a member of numerous
societies, including the Order of the East-
ern Star and the Order of the Amaranth,
and her patriotic ancestry gives her mem-
bership in the Daughters 01 the American
Revolution. She is also a member of St.
John's Episcopal Church, Oneida, New
York.
(The Shattuck Line).
(I) Mrs. Ruland's Shattuck ancestry
traces to William Shattuck, who was born
in England in 1621-22, died in Watertown,
Massachusetts, August 14, 1672. His
name appears in an old list of the propri-
etors of Watertown made about 1642, and
he became the owner of a large estate.
He and his wife, Susanna, were the par-
ents of ten children, the third, John, of
whom further.
(II) John Shattuck, son of William
Shattuck, was born in Watertown, Massa-
chusetts, February 11, 1647, and, accord-
ing to the records of that town, "was
drowned as he was passing over Charles-
town Ferry, the 14th Sept. 1675." He had
lands granted to him in Groton in 1664,
but it does not appear that he was an in-
habitant of that town for any great length
of time, if at all. He was a carpenter, and
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
resided principally in the Middle District,
the present village of Watertown, where
he was employed by the town, in 1669 and
subsequently, to keep the town mill. He
was a sergeant in Captain Richard Beers'
company in King Philip's War, and was
one of sixteen of thirty-six who escaped
death when their company was attacked
from ambush by Indians as they marched
to the relief of the town of Squawkeague
(now Northfield). Sergeant John Shat-
tuck was immediately dispatched as mes-
senger to the governor to announce the
disastrous result of the expedition, and
his accidental death occurred ten days
later. He married, June 20, 1664, Ruth
Whitney, daughter of John Whitney, and
they had four children, among them Wil-
liam, of whom further.
(III) William (2) Shattuck, son of John
Shattuck, was born in Watertown, Mas-
sachusetts, September 11, 1670, and died
in Groton in 1744. He lived in Groton
with his mother and step-father from 1678
until about the time of his marriage in
1688, when he returned to Watertown.
In 1691 he was impressed into the public
military service of the Colony, and in 1702
he bought lands in and moved to Groton.
He married (first), in Watertown, March
19, 1688, Hannah Underwood; (second),
in Groton, March 24, 1719, Deliverance
Pease, and the line of descent is through
his son, John.
(IV) John (2) Shattuck, son of Wil-
liam (2) Shattuck, was born in Watertown
in 1696. He was a mason and farmer,
and first settled in Shrewsbury, but
exchanged places in 1723 with John Bige-
low, of Marlborough, and removed to the
latter town and occupied the "Farms,"
where he died about 1759. He admin-
istered on his father's estate in Groton,
and was a highly intelligent man. He
married (first), December 24, 1716, Si-
lence Allen, of Marlborough; (second).
October 23, 1754, Mary Newton, widow,
of Southborough. The third child of his
first marriage was Thomas, of whom
further.
(V) Thomas Shattuck, son of John
(2) Shattuck, was born in Marlborough,
Massachusetts, March 3, 1724. As early
as 1 75 1 he settled in Petersham, then
called Nichewang. He often bought and
sold real estate in that and the neighbor-
ing towns. He married Elizabeth Par-
menter, daughter of Joseph Parmenter,
of Framingham, born May 17, 1722, and
they both died in Petersham. The line
continues through their sixth child, Abel.
(VI) Abel Shattuck, son of Thomas
Shattuck, was born in Petersham, Massa-
chusetts, in 1759. He first settled in his
native town, but after the death of his
first wife went to New Lebanon, Colum-
bia county, New York, and united with
the Shakers, with whom he lived ten
years, during this time learning the
clothier's trade. He afterwards left that
group and followed the same occupation
in Coleraine, where he died July i, 1816.
He was much employed in the public
business of the town, and was a soldier
in the Revolutionary War (Massachusetts
State Records). He married (first), in
Petersham, in 1780, Mary Marble, of that
town, who bore him one son, and died
a year after their marriage. He married
(second), in 1793, Lydia Oak, (see Oak
line), and there were fourteen children of
this union, the second, Jethro, of whom
further.
(VII) Jethro Shattuck, son of Abel
Shattuck, was born in Coleraine, Mas-
sachusetts, June 14, 1795, and died May
20, 1865. He was a local inspector of the
Erie canal, a Whig in political faith, and
either a Unitarian or a Universalist in re-
ligious belief. He married, 1840-41, Eliz-
abeth Brown (Barber) Walker (see Bar-
ber line).
374
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(The Oak Line).
Oakes, Oak, Oaks, Oke, are variations
of the name which originally was Oak, a
form found in Colonial records. Oakes and
Oaks are the usual present day spellings.
Ac or Ack was an Anglo-Saxon word,
meaning oak, the oak tree, and it formed
part of many local names in Great Brit-
ain ; Ackley, now Oakley ; Acfield or Ack-
field, now Oakfield ; Acden, now Oakden ;
Ackam, now Oakman ; and Halyac, now
Halyook, Holyoake or Holyoke. From
residence in an oak forest or near oaks the
family came to be called Oak, and all
coats-of-arms of the family have borne
oaks or acorns. Another theory accounts
for the name Oak as derived from the
Gaelic act or auct, meaning a field in
Somersetshire there is an ancient parish
called Oake ; in Shropshire live the Oak-
leys, who trace back to Philip, Lord of
Oakley, in the time of Henry III. Del
Oak, or "of the oak," is a surname found
in old English records.
(I) Nathaniel Oak was the immigrant
ancestor of the branch herein recorded,
and a writer of 1826 calls him an English-
man. Of his coming to America there is
only the following record, doubtless his
own statement, handed down to his grand-
children and by the son of one of them
(John Conant) inscribed in the family
Bible: "The grandfather of my mother
was a cabin boy on an English vessel
bound to Boston. Nine miles from land
the vessel foundered. All the ship's
crew except the boy, whose name was
Oaks, were lost. He, being a good swim-
mer, swam ashore. In his distress he
solemnly promised the Lord that if He
would preserve him to get to land he
would never go onto the water again. This
promise he sacredly kept. His wife, my
great-grandmother, could never persuade
him even to cross Charles river in a boat
to Boston. He would always go around
upon the neck. Thus he reached his after-
home, poor and penniless, and without
even clothes to cover; and as was then
the custom, having no friends in America,
he was bound out to earn his living. His
master set him to work in a pitch-pine
forest to pick up pine knots. In this
employ he was attacked by a catamount,
or wild cat, which he slew with a large
pine knot. His master gave him the
bounty the State paid for the pelt of this
furious beast, with which he bought a
sheep or two, which he let out to double.
These sheep were all the property he
began the world with when he became of
age." The first record of Nathaniel Oak
is of his marriage in 1686. In documents
of the time he is named "yeoman,"
"planter," and sometimes "gentleman."
In 1692 he served in a garrison, and in
1707 as one of the Goodnow garrison he
took part in a fight with the Indians. He
married (first), December 14, 1686, Me-
hitable Rediat, daughter of John and Ann
Rediat; (second). May 20, 1703, Mary
(Holloway) Farrar, daughter of Adam
and Hannah (Hayward) Holloway, and
widow of Jacob Farrar, who was killed in
King Philip's War. There were eight
children of his second marriage.
(II) George Oak, son of Nathaniel
Oak, was born in Westboro, Massachu-
setts, February 15, 1720. He lived in
Westboro on the farm that became known
as the "Wesson Place," through the own-
ership of one of the firearms firm. As
early as 1769 he settled in Rutland. He
had served in the Colonial wars, being
mustered into service, September 25, 1755,
for the Crown Point expedition ; enlisting
again April 2, 1759, and serving as ensign
in 1762 in Captain Jonathan Fay's com-
pany. In the Revolution he is named in
a company of Rutland minute-men at the
Lexington alarm, 1775, and he enlisted
August 20, 1777, in the company of Cap-
375
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
tain David Bent, marching to Benning-
ton. After 1777 nothing is known of him.
He married (first), October 23 or 26, 1744,
Lydia Eagar, daughter of Captain James
and Tabitha (Howe) Eagar; (second),
June 12, or 13, 1765, Mercy Bartlett,
daughter of Ensign Daniel and Martha
(Howe) Bartlett. There were six chil-
dren of his first marriage, two of his
second.
(III) Sylvanus Oak, son of George
Oak, was born in Westboro, Massachu-
setts, March 30, 1749, died about 1800.
In 1 77 1 he bought of Nathaniel Waite for
one hundred and sixty pounds a fulling
mill and clothier's shop in Princeton,
Massachusetts, and lived also in Holden,
where some of his children were born. He
served twelve days, from April 20, 1775,
at the Lexington alarm, in the company of
Captain Sargent, marching from Rutland
to Cambridge. After the war he sold out
his Princeton property, took his pay in
Continental money, and lost it all. He
lived subsequently in Coleraine, dying, it
is said, across the line in Vermont. He
married, in Rutland, November 25 (or
December 3), 1771, Abigail Ball.
(IV) Lydia Oak, daughter of Sylvanus
Oak, was born in Holden, Massachusetts,
September 17, 1774, died February 25,
1852. She married, in 1793, Abel Shat-
tuck (see Shattuck line).
(The Barber Line).
The origin of the name of Barber is a
question upon which there is some diflfer-
ence of opinion. All agree, however, that
Normandy was its original European
home, and that it came into England at the
time of the Norman Conquest in the elev-
enth century. The greater number of those
who have made a study of family names
ascribe its derivation to the trade of hair-
cutting and hair-dressing. The fashion of
elaborate hair-dressing and of fastidious
care of the beard was brought into Eng-
land by the Normans, and so popular did
it become at court that skillful hair-
dressers were much sought. Among the
royalty, nobility, and wealthy gentry, the
barber's position was an important one
in the household. No less an authority
than Dr. Henry Barber (deceased) of
London, claimed that the theory of its
derivation from the hair-dressing trade
was extremely doubtful. He stated that
the more probable origin "is from St.
Barbe sur Gaillon, a local name in Nor-
mandy, where was the celebrated Abbey
of St. Barbara, whence comes the name
Barber or Barbour, a hamlet in Dunbar-
tonshire," and he cites in support of this
theory the personal names "Bernard Barb
de Barbes, tenant in the Domesday Book,
St. Barbe on the Roll of Battle Abbey,
William de St. Barbara, Bishop of Dur-
ham, A. D. 1 143, Le Barbier Court of
Husting, London, 1258." Dr. Barber also
gives the various French forms of the
name as Barbe, Barbier, Barbare, Bar-
berie, and Barbry; the German form as
Barber.
(I) Thomas Barber, whose name ap-
pears in the early Colonial records of
Windsor, Connecticut, was born probably
in the County of Bedford, England, about
1614. He came to Windsor in 1635 with
the party fitted out by Sir Richard Salton-
stall, under Francis Stiles, a master car-
penter of London. He was then twenty-
one years of age, and was the first of the
Barber name in New England. Thomas
Barber was a soldier with the rank of ser-
geant in the Pequot War, and distin-
guished himself by his bravery in a
number of fights with the Pequots and
particularly in the taking of a fort which
the Indians considered impregnable. He
died September 11, 1662. He married,
October 7, 1640, and he and his wife, Jane
(or Joan), were the parents of six chil-
dren.
376
^.l\sSUi£U.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(II) Samuel Barber, son of Thomas
Barber, was baptized October i, 1648. He
married (first), Decerrfber i, 1670, Mary
Coggins; (second), January 25, 1677,
Ruth Drake, daughter of John and Han-
nah (Moore) Drake, descendant of the
noted English farnily of Drake. There
were fourteen children of his two mar-
riages, three being of the first, Joseph,
through whom this line continues, a child
of the second.
(III) Joseph Barber, son of Samuel
Barber, was bom in Windsor, Connecti-
cut, in 1681. He married. May 6, 1707-08,
Mary, daughter of Nathaniel and Eliza-
beth (Moore) Loomis, his second cousin.
They had nine children.
(IV) JrFseph (2) Barber, son of Joseph
(i) Barber, was born January 28, 1708-09.
He married, June 18, 1728, Elizabeth
Cook, daughter of Nathaniel Cook, who
was born in 1707. The line traced
through Joseph, the eldest of their five
children.
(V) Joseph (3) Barber, son of Joseph
i2) Barber, was born May 6, 1729. He
and his wife, Zain, lived for a time in
tiarwinton, Connecticut, but later moved
to Bethlehem, New York, where he died
111 1795, his wife in February, 1817. He
>vas a soldier in the Revolutionary War
; Connecticut State Records). They had
eleven children. Roswell continuing this
branch.
(VI) Roswell Barber, son of Joseph
13) Barber, was born in Harwinton, Con-
necticut, December 4, 1777. In 181 1 he
moved from Schoharie county to Oneida
county, New York, making the journey
with ox-teams. He built his log cabin on
the banks of the Oneida river between the
present towns of Oneida and Durhamville,
later erecting a large frame farm house on
the same site. Soon after arriving at their
new home, Roswell Barber and a few oth-
ers arranged for religious services which
were maintained steadily until 1815, when
a church of twelve members was organ-
ized. Their pulpit was supplied by the
"Circuit Riders," and to these hardy, self-
sacrificing pioneer preachers, who formed
such an important factor in the life of a
century ago, the home of Roswell Barber
was always open. He was a devoted
member of the Baptist church, and the
bell of the church in Durhamville was his
gift. During the War of 1812 Roswell
Barber was stationed at Sacketts Harbor
to guard supplies. He married Elizabeth
(Betsey) Brown, who was bom July 22,
1785, and died February 5, 1876. They
had six children, of whom the second was
Elizabeth Browr-i, of v.-hom further.
(VII) Elizabeth Br.>i\'n Barber, daugh-
ter of Roswell Barber, was born February
29, 1804, and died about -May, 1S87. She
married (first) Willis Warnti Walker;
(second) Jethro Shattuck (sec Shattuck
line).
KEELER, John Everett,
liswyer. Jurist.
In appointing John Everett Keeler, of
Stamford, Connecticut, to the bench of the
Superior Court of Connecticut, Governor
Holcombe selected a man whose natural
endowment of mind and personality,
broad knowledge of the law, calm judicial
temperament, and constant adherence to
the highest ethical ideals, eminently fitted
him for the exalted position. Xo st iioint-
nicnt to the bench was more ac. '-Dtable
to the legal profession and to the general
public. In Fairfield county the name of
Keeler is full of significance, both in
the records of genes :•;i'!n.•^ now gone and
in the living Ttcor-is oi the present day.
In olden days one of the commonest
ways of identifying a man was according
to his occupation. In this manner the
name of Keeler originated. Its source is
377
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
obvious. It refers to the man who laid
the keels of vessels and perhaps helped
to construct other parts.
(I) Ralph Keeler, the immigrant an-
cestor of this family, was in Hartford,
Connecticut, as early as 1639, and was a
first settler of Norwalk, Connecticut. He
was chimney viewer in 1645, ^^^ pur-
chased lands in September, 1666. He was
a carpenter and builder, and was en-
gaged in building many of the early
houses. His will was dated August 20,
1672. The name of his second wife was
Sarah Whelpley, widow of Henry Whelp-
ley, of Norwalk.
(II) Samuel Keeler, son of Ralph
Keeler, was born in 1656, in Norwalk,
died in 171 3. He served in the Great
Swamp fight, receiving in return a bounty
of land in Norwalk. He became one of
the original proprietors of Ridgefield,
Connecticut, holding the grant to the
lower part of the town. He married, in
1682, Sarah, daughter of Mark and Eliza-
beth (Stanley) Sention (St. John), of
Norwalk. She died in 1714.
(III) Timothy Keeler, son of Samuel
and Sarah (Sention or St. John) Keeler,
was born in 1695, in Norwalk, and settled
in Ridgefield. His will was dated August
30, 1748, and was proved September 22,
1748. He married (first), in 1720, Abigail
Osborne, who died in 1735. He married
(second), in 1736, Widow Sarah Couch.
(IV) Jeremiah Keeler, youngest son
of Timothy Keeler, succeeded to the
property, and in 1750 built the house
which until it was razed in 1916 was the
residence of his descendants. The farm
is still in the possession of Judge Keeler.
Jeremiah Keeler married Hannah Say-
mour.
(V) Jeremiah (2) Keeler, son of Jere-
miah (i) and Hannah (Seymour) Keeler,
married Sarah St. John, and they were
the parents of Benjamin, of whom further.
(VI) Benjamin Keeler, son of Jere-
miah (2) and Sarah (St. John) Keeler,
was born March 2, 1792. He became in-
terested in the coasting trade, and was
also associated with a firm of potters in
Huntington, Long Island. He was a
captain and sailed during the summer
months, and worked at pottery making in
lhe winter time. He also followed farm-
ng on the old homestead. In 1819 he
married Sarah Slessor, who was born
October 13, 1799, and died May 5, 1875,
daughter of John Slessor. Benjamin
Keeler died August 23, 1864.
(VII) Samuel (2) Keeler, son of Benja-
min and Sarah (Slessor) Keeler, was born
February 8, 1826, and from the age of four
years resided in Stamford, Connecticut.
His early education was received in the
public schools of Stamford, and on leaving
school he learned the trade of saddler and
harness maker. This business he followed
through the long period when riding and
driving were the pastimes of the rich, and
the merchant and the manufacturers were
dependent on hand-made vehicles and
harnesses for their delivery equipment.
Mr. Keeler was in business for himself
about fifteen years. He married Mary
Jane June, a native of Stamford, and they
were the parents of the following chil-
dren : John Everett, of further mention ;
Edith Egeton, born January 22, 1859, '^^^^
February 27, 1896.
(VIII) John Everett Keeler, the only
son of Samuel (2) and Mary Jane (June)
Keeler, was born February 26, 1856, in
Stamford, Connecticut. He received his
preliminary education in the public
schools, but later entered Yale Univer-
sity. He chose the classical course and
was graduated in 1877. He then studied
law with the eminent Calvin G. Child,
Esq., of Stamford, and in 1879 was ad-
mitted to the Fairfield county bar. One
year later he was made borough attorney,
378
^^W^y^^
ENO'CLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
N^'hich office he held for two years. From
1883 to 1887 he was judgft of the Pioiough
Court. He was engaged in the practice of
law the entire lime. From 1879 to 1887
he was alone in practice, and in th*; latter
year formed a •■•'••■- '•• • *• "■•■.i-"--'
R. Hart, th'
Keeler. Mr. .
and from thai yea.
he continued alone, Ji'. ii •!.. .>i. ,, ;
ship under the name of Keeler & i
continuing until Judge Keeler wtui ^ i.
the bench. He was appointe-l judif '
February, 1917, and took his seat, '•
19, 1918, in the Superior Court, in
position he is still serving (1921). in in
latter named year he was appointed by
Governor Lake a judge of the Supreme
Court of Errors, the appointment to take
effect August 30, 1922. The Senate by a
ballot vote confirmed Governor Lake's
appointment.
On October 14, 1885, Judge Keeler mar-
ried Harriet Alice Home, daughter of
William and Harriet J. (Dodge) Home,
of Morristown, New Jersey. They are the
parents of a son, Ralph Keeler, born De-
cember I, 1887, a graduate of Yale in 1912,
subsequently a student in the Biltmore
Forest School, graduated in 1914, and in
1917 became first lieutenant of Engineer
Corps, Company A, 502d Engineers, and
was later promoted captain of this com-
pany. The (^u'.i.'-Stt'r, Marf;ery Keeler,
was bom Septemrcr .?. ??')(.', and gradu-
ated from Wellesley College in 1918. Miss
Keeler now resides at home.
Judge Keeler is one of those men whose
standing in the community places him in
a position where the dignity of an i .
life and fine character are exempli-,
fore the rising generation. He »s cri. o-
the substantial citizens of S? >"ir< r^!
whose keen insight and soutv
have always been .at the c
every movement for civic projjii. - .1:.
social uplift. He is a member of the Sub-
urban Club, being ont of the governors;
member of the StatrN'd Yacht Club;
Yale Club of New York , Graduates' Club
of New Haven, and of the University
■ i'lb of Bridgeport.
:ELER, Robert Wellington,
Baalmeu Man, I^grislator.
!n every community there are found
. t.if. man who are known for their up-
r:i;h\ lives, strong common sense and
•'! one of the citizens of
•it, who is thus distin-
' '"ington Keeler, a
I. ii known Keeler
(III) Samuel ; : Sam-
uel (i) and Sara! fohn)
Keeler (q. v.), w;- \or-
walk, and in 1710 mjhj Hl^ >,.:>.■ -. .".'jre-
field to his father for thirty poisnd.*^. .^l<*
married (first), in 1704, Rebecca Benedict,
daughter of James Benedict, of Danbury,
and after her death, which occurred in
1709, he married (second), in 1712, Sarah
Betts, daughter of Thomas Betts. Sam-
uel Keeler died in 1763.
(IV) Samuel (3) Keeler, son of Samuel
(2) and Rebecca (Benedict) Keeler, was
born in 1706, in Norwalk, and became one
of the first settlers of Wilton, Connecticut.
During the Revolutionary War, he was
an active patriot. In 180=; th*- house he
built was sti'I
bv F. D B-;
;i< occupied
Keeler mar-
! tus will, filled
;\oi'ier, son of .Samuel
Keeler, was born in
.■re passed his life.
itha Betts ; (sec-
u.^.n.' ^nh; (thir^ Widow
' ;muel Keeler died in 1826,
urvived by. his widow until 1842.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(VI) Isaiah Keeler, son of Samuel (4)
Keeler, was born in Wilton, in 1790, and
lived all his life on the old homestead. He
was a very successful farmer and raised
horses and colts. He had an apple
orchard of one thousand trees, an im-
mense orchard in those days. He made
cider in a mill of his own and sold it for
seventy-five cents and when he got a
dollar for it he thought he was making
big money. Isaiah Keeler was a big,
strong man ; he was strong of voice and
limb and was noted for his strength. He
could pick up a barrel of cider from the
ground and throw it into a wagon. Mr.
Keeler was often heard to say that he
did not know what it was to be tired
until he became afflicted with what was
called rheumatism. He married Lucy
Watrous, and his death occurred in 1874.
(VII) Le Grand W. Keeler, son of
Isaiah and Lucy (Watrous) Keeler, was
born in October, 181 5, and died in 1892.
He grew up on the home farm, and was
educated in the district school and at the
private academy conducted by Professor
Hawley Olmstead. After completing his
schooling, Le Grande W. Keeler taught
school for a number of years in various
places. Part of the time he was instructor
in the Union School at Norwalk. That
winter was unique in that there were
seventeen weeks of sleighing, and he was
driven to Norwalk on the first of
every week and back home at the end of
the week in a sleigh. During this period,
he engaged in farming in the summer.
Subsequently Mr. Keeler went to New
York, where he was employed in a whole-
sale grocery store for a time, and then,
at his father's solicitation, returned to
Norwalk. The health of the latter had
begun to fail and he needed the son's help
in running the farm. From that time on
Le Grande W. Keeler remained on the
home farm as long as he lived. He was
a very successful farmer and would have
left quite an estate had he not lost heavily
through misplaced confidence in endors-
ing notes. But notwithstanding this mis-
fortune and heavy expense caused by
sickness, he was in comfortable circum-
stances when he died. Thrifty, prudent
and inherently honest, Mr. Keeler pos-
sessed force and determination, and he
was a true representative of that type of
old New Englander that did so much to
give American institutions their color and
character. In politics he was first a Whig
and later a Republican. He was several
times honored with public office and
served as assessor, selectman, and in other
minor offices. He took a very active in-
terest in town affairs, although not a
politician.
Mr. Keeler married Catherine Lock-
wood, daughter of Horace Lockwood, of
the neighboring town of Poundridge, New
York. They were the parents of eight
children, five of whom grew to maturity.
They are : Samuel, of Ridgefield ; Edward
L., deceased ; Robert Wellington, of fur-
ther mention ; Catherine L., resides in
Stamford ; William L., of Wallingford.
Mr. Keeler and his family were regular
attendants of the Congregational church
and much interested in all its good works.
Mrs. Keeler died in 1895.
(VIII) Robert Wellington Keeler, son
of Le Grande W. and Catherine (Lock-
wood) Keeler, was born in North Wilton,
Connecticut, September 5, 1853. After
completing the district school studies
Robert W. Keeler attended Professor Olm-
stead's Academy, which was at that time
conducted by the son of Professor Hawley
Olmstead, who had instructed Robert
W.'s father. The youth was brought up
on the home farm, one of the best in the
town and which had been in the Keeler
family for generations. Robert W.
Keeler remained there until 1870, and in
380
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
the latter year became a clerk in the very
store building he now owns and occupies.
It was then carried on by the firm of
Keeler & Gilbert, the brother of Robert
W., Edward L., being the head of the
firm. After two or three years the firm
dissolved, and Robert W. returned to the
farm, where he continued work until
1876. In the meantime another party had
taken the store at Wilton, and Mr. Keeler
worked for them for a summer. He then
went to Hinsdale, Illinois, where he re-
mained only a few months as pioneer con-
ditions in the West did not appeal to him.
He went back to the homestead and re-
mained there until 1882. Soon after this
time he received an advantageous offer
from James Comstock, who then owned a
store in North Wilton, and Mr. Keeler
went to work for him. When his em-
ployer died, about two years later, Mr.
Keeler purchased the business from the
heirs and continued there with gratifying
success for seventeen years, until 1900.
He succeeded Mr. Comstock as postmas-
ter and had the office all those years.
During that time he also kept the town
poor on a contract for a period of about
twenty years. In 1899 Mr. Keeler sold
his business. He then remained on the
farm for a year or two, giving his entire
attention to its cultivation. In 1903 he
opened his present store, and in 1909 pur-
chased the property. A line of general
merchandise is handled, including agri-
cultural implements and building ma-
terials. The business of the general mer-
chant has changed greatly since Mr.
Keeler went into business for himself
more than a third of a century ago. Then
a large part of the business was trans-
acted on a basis of barter for farm pro-
duce, and was the principle means by
which a merchant made a profit. Now
there is very little of that kind of trading,
and the country merchant is not a shipper
of produce as in days of yore.
In politics Mr. Keeler is a Republican,
and from 1880 to 1900, with the excep-
tion of three or four years, served as tax
collector. He made a record, never
equalled but for one year by any other
incumbent of that ofiice, in settling the
tax accounts in full every year and never
carrying delinquent taxes from one year
to the next. In 1900 he was sent to the
Legislature to represent the town, and
discharged his duties in a manner which
brought satisfaction to his constituents.
He served on the insurance committee
and on the committee having in charge
the seating of the members of the House.
Of the latter committee, Mr. Keeler was
chairman and learned how popular a man
is when he has it in his power to bestow
favors, for of course every member wanted
the best seat on the floor, yet only one
man could have it.
Fraternally Mr. Keeler is a member of
Ark Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons ; Washington Chapter, Royal
Arch Masons ; Clinton Commandery,
Knights Templar, of Norwalk ; Lafayette
Consistory, Sublime Princes of the Royal
Secret ; Pyramid Temple, Mystic Shrine,
of Bridgeport. Mr. Keeler is a director
of the Central Trust Company of Nor-
walk, that being the first, with one excep-
tion, that Wilton has been represented in
a bank in Norwalk since the first Sher-
man Moonhouse. Sr., was made director
of the old Central Bank some forty years
ago.
Mr. Keeler married Ruth Zelda Ray-
mond, daughter of William M. Raymond.
Mr. and Mrs. Keeler were the parents
of the following children: i. Florence
Catherine, married George C. Brown, of
Norwalk, now manager of the Park Ave-
nue Hotel of New York City ; they have
381
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
one daughter, Zelda, and an adopted
daughter. 2. Alice R., married Raymond
Comstock, of Wilton, and is the mother of
two children, Sarah and Marjorie. 3.
Bessie L., married Townsend B. Wick-
wire, of Norwalk, a sketch of whom ap-
pears elsewhere in this work. 4. Samuel
J., a sketch of whom follows. 5. Ray-
mond, who tried to enlist in the army,
navy and aviation, but was refused by all
three. He was finally drafted, and though
physically not rugged enough for service,
was sent to Camp Devens. When it was
learned there that he had had store ex-
perience, he was transferred to the Quar-
termaster's Department and had not been
there long when it was discovered that
he was an expert automobile driver and
he was assigned to drive the car of Major
Briggs. He was kept at this work until
finally discharged for physical disability
after eighteen months of service, worn
out from overwork without ever getting
out of this country.
Robert W. Keeler is a member of the
Congregational church of Wilton, in
which he has held several offices, and Mrs.
Keeler is a Christian Scientist.
(The Raymond Line).
This surname, derived from an ancient
Christian name, Raimundus, was intro-
duced into England at the time of the
Conquest, or soon after. It signifies "light
of the world," being derived from rai, a
beam of light, and monde, from mundus,
the world. The family played an illustri-
ous part in the history of the Old World,
and its record in the New is entirely
worthy of its past.
(I) Richard Raymond came from Es-
sex, England, and settled in Massachu-
setts. His occupation is given as that of
a mariner. In 1634 he was made a free-
man in Salem, where he and his wife were
members of the First Church. He moved
to Norwalk and then to Saybrook, where
he died in 1692, aged ninety years. He
married Judith .
(II) John Raymond, son of Richard
and Judith Raymond, was born in Nor-
walk. He married, in 1664, Mary Betts,
daughter of Thomas Betts, of that place.
(III) John (2) Raymond, son of John
(i) and Mary (Betts) Raymond, was
born at Norwalk, where he was a prom-
inent man and served as captain of the
train band ; he also served as surveyor,
and was a large owner of real estate. John
Raymond married, in 1690, Elizabeth St.
John, daughter of Samuel St. John. He
died in 1737.
(IV) Jabez Raymond, son of John (2)
and Elizabeth (St. John) Raymond, was
born in 1705. He married Rebecca .
(V) Josiah Raymond, son of Jabez and
Rebecca Raymond, was born about 1740.
He married, in 1765, in Norwalk, Molly
Merwine, who died in 1809. Josiah Ray-
mon passed away in 1827.
(VI) Thomas Raymond, son of Josiah
and Molly (Merwine) Raymond, was
born in 1797. He married Eunice Meeker,
of Greenfield.
(VII) William Meeker Raymond, son
of Thomas and Eunice (Meeker) Ray-
mond, married Sarah E. Thorp.
(VIII) Ruth Zelda Raymond, daugh-
ter of William Meeker and Sarah E.
(Thorp) Raymond, became the wife of
Robert W. Keeler, as above stated.
KEELER, Samuel J.,
Business Man.
As one of the most aggressive repre-
sentatives of that constantly recruited
body, the younger business men of Nor-
walk, Mr. Keeler has already become a
figure of prominence in his own special
sphere of action. He is officially con-
nected with a number of financial organ-
izations and scrupulously fulfills all the
382
OU^cn^ >/ ^2tk^^^.
ENCYCLOPF.iUA OF BIOGRAPHY
'^quirements of public-spirited
hip.
(IX) Samuel J. Keeler, .crt
Wfilington and Fntl: / ' -A
T (q. v.), V.
■ ut, NcA-en
lucation '.'
.... c town. He .... . , .,
'tn years by his father, a;
i real estate and insurance u...
'in. On January i, 1915, Mr. Keeler
_ purchased the Norwalk Agency, Incor-
Ih porated, of Norwalk. Later he bought
■■ the Harry Smith Agency, of the same
I iiiuce, and still later the Philip D. Mason
■ \gency. These combined concerns fur-
nished a large and strong foundation on
.'•hieh to build a business which has been
-.teadily expanding ever since its incep-
■ ion. The insurance branch has been of
specially rapid growth ' and includes
very description of the business — life,
're, accident, compensation, automobile
nd others. Ever since the inception of
ne Central Trust Company of Norwalk,
lanuary i, 1920, Mr. Keeler occupied a
^eat on its board of directors, and in 1919
-as vice-president of the company. He is
ne of the corporators of the Fairfield
"ounty Savings Bank, and vice-president
of the Denver Coal Mines Company,
.. hose properties are situated in Kentucky
ind Oklahoma Ht- affiliates with St.
!ohn's Lodge, X ' ree and
Accepted Ma.son hapter,
Royal Arch Masoii>. .-te ^.m ins family
re members of the Christian Science
hurch. Throughout the recent World
War. Mr. Keeler was a leader in th^ x»
'riotic activities of his communii
ng as secretary of the Liberty L"
mittees of Norwalk.
Mr. Keeler married, December l«;. 3
Esther Gregory, daughter of Julia :■
Anna M. (Condell) Gregory, of
Connecticut, and they are the ^m> v> i^t
one child, Samuel, born June 20, \tji6.
citizen- KEELER, Anson Foster,
IV
Since 1905 a resident of .N.' iwalk, Mr.
Keeler is now the proprietor oi the largest
-iMTidry establishment in Southwestern
ecticut. In addition to this he has
" md honorable record of service
recent World War.
v>.-ithy (2) Keeler, son of Tim-
' Sarah (Couch) Keeler
; , ■' '"1 1721, and settled in
Rio- Hed (first), in 1744,
Mar) .. • '--'7 He mar-
ried (sec. Hannah
Dunning, «<i..
(V) Jeremiai-
(2) and Mary . Ji..v.,. ■.
in 1760, in Ridgefield, and
nessed Tryosi's attack on in^ >,, ..
lage. So moved ;\ :t.> he by the heartrend-
ing spectacle that he immediately enlisted
in the Continental service and served to
the close of the war. As orderly-sergeant
under General Lafayette he was present at
the siege of Yorktown, and was one of
the first to scale the breastworks under
a murderous fire. In recognition of his
bravery he was presented by General La-
fayette with a sword which is still in the
possession of his descendants. Orderly-
Sergeant Keeler married Huldah Hull,
and settled in South Salem, New Yr.rk.
He died in 1853.
(VI) John Ely Keeler. scj« o< I<?f*miah
and Huldah (H> " ' nrn May
16, 1810. Fnr as estab-
1839, in '"
. -V.'rn'va Chapman, wl.. 4^.
Married (second). iS ><ith
!,-,rer, whose ancestral <■• Is ap-
pended to this biography, uti^i who died
in 1891, in Brooklyn. Mr. Keeler passed
away at the .same place in 1892 He was
383
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
a prominent member of the Throop Ave-
nue Presbyterian Church.
(VII) John Foster Keeler, son of John
Ely and Mary Elizabeth (Foster) Keeler,
was born December i8, 1854, in Flushing,
Long Island, New York. He received
his preparatory education at a boarding
school in New Canaan, Connecticut, later
graduating from the University of the
City of New York with the degree of
Civil Engineer. He never, however, en-
tered upon the practice of his profession,
preferring to associate himself with his
father in the latter's carpet cleaning busi-
ness. Mr. Keeler, senior, operated a car-
pet cleaning plant and storage warehouse
in Brooklyn, and his son made it the busi-
ness of his life. In politics he was an
active Republican, representing the
Twenty-first Ward of Brooklyn in the
New York Legislature. He affiliated with
Euclid Lodge, Free and Accepted Ma-
sons, of Brooklyn, and had also taken the
Royal Arch degrees. Mr. Keeler married
Mary Gazella Foster, whose ancestral
record is appended to this biography, and
they became the parents of the following
children: i. Harold, died at the age of
nine years. 2. Helen De Forest, born
June 26, 1884; married Walter McLaren,
M. D., of Brooklyn, and has one child,
Anson Austin. 3. Anson Foster, men-
tioned below. The family were members
of the Congregational church. Mr.
Keeler died July 3, 1902.
(VIII) Anson Foster Keeler, son of
John Foster and Mary Gazella (Foster)
Keeler, was born September 22, 1887, in
Brooklyn, New York. He received his
education in public schools of his native
city. At the age of fifteen he came to
Norwalk, where for some years he was
variously employed. In 1910 Mr. Keeler
entered the service of Armour & Com-
pany, and for six years remained with
them as a salesman. In February, 1916,
he formed a partnership with Alvin R.
Heerdt under the firm name of the Nor-
walk Steam Laundry. Later they bought
out Lowe's Laundry, consolidating the
business with their own, and in December,
1919, they purchased the Old Well Laun-
dry. They are now the proprietors of the
largest steam laundry in Southwestern
Connecticut, perfectly sanitary in every
department, and having the most com-
plete and modern equipment. Their pa-
tronage is not confined to Norwalk, but
extends to neighboring towns. Their
present flourishing condition is largely
due to the tireless energy and sound busi-
ness judgment of Mr. Keeler, who from
the day of his first connection with the
concern has, with the exception of his
period of military service, labored stren-
uously for the upbuilding and main-
tenance of the business.
When the United States entered the
World War, Mr. Keeler was among the
first to respond to the call to arms, en-
listing July 10, 1917, in the Sixth Com-
pany, Coast Artillery Corps, Connecticut
National Guard. On July 15th they went
to Fort Terry, New York, remaining until
January 4, 1918, when they proceeded to
the Third Officers' Training School, Camp
Upton. On April 19, 1918, they left there
for Camp Gordon, Mr. Keeler then hold-
ing the rank of sergeant. At Camp Gor-
don, on June 6, 1918, he received his com-
mission as second lieutenant, and on July
i8th left for overseas duty. Lieutenant
Keeler went over with a replacement
company, landing in Liverpool, August
3rd, and soon after going to France. From
Cherbourg they proceeded to St. Aig-
man, where the company was taken from
the officers, and Lieutenant Keeler was
assigned to Company A, i6ist Infantry,
Sunset Division (41st). He was with
them until September 26th, when he was
ordered to report to the Sixth Army
384
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Corps Replacement Battalion. There he
remained until November 3rd, going then
to the Sixth Army Corps as assistant corps
gas officer. They moved into Luxem-
bourg on December 24th, and Mr. Keeler
vi^as then transferred to Headquarters
Troop, 6th Army Corps. He remained
there until April 28, 1919, when he started
for home, landing in Boston, May 27,
X919, and receiving his discharge at Camp
Dix in June, 1919.
The fraternal affiliations of Mr. Keeler
are numerous. He is past master of St.
John's Lodge, No. 6, Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons, and affiliates v^rith
Washington Chapter, No. 28, Royal Arch
Masons ; Clinton Commandery, No. 3,
Knights Templar, all of Norwalk; the
Connecticut Consistory, Norwich, Con-
necticut ; Norwalk Chapter of Rose Croix ;
Van Rensselaer Council, Princes of Jeru-
salem ; and King Solomon Lodge of
Perfection ; Pyramid Temple, Mystic
Shrine, of Bridgeport ; the Patrol ; and the
Improved Order of Red Men.
Mr. Keeler has proved himself an able
business man, a good citizen and a brave
soldier. Such a record is the best promise
for the time to come.
(The Foster Line).
This ancient name, which is a contrac-
tion of Forrester and Forester, first be-
came known in history when Sir Richard
Forester, then called by his Latinized
name of Forestarius, went to England
with his brother-in-law, William the Con-
queror, and at the age of sixteen partici-
pated in the battle of Hastings. Through-
out the subsequent history of England
this family was among the most distin-
guished, being the principal chieftains in
Northumberland, and of high standing in
the counties of Galway and Clare, Ireland.
(I) Christopher Foster, born in 1603,
in England, sailed from London, in 1635,
on the "Abigail," and in 1637 was made
a freeman in Boston. The same year he
became a resident of Lynn, where he
owned sixty acres. In 165 1 he went to
Southampton, Long Island, where he was
still living in 1670. The Christian name
of his wife, whom he married in England,
was Frances. Christopher Foster died
in 1687.
(II) Joseph Foster, son of Christopher
and Frances Foster, was born in 1638,
and lived in Southampton. The name of
his wife is unknown. The death of Jo-
seph Foster occurred January 30, 1708.
(III) Joseph (2) Foster, son of Joseph
(i) Foster, was born in 1665, in South-
ampton, where he appears to have lived
all his life. He married there, and died
in 1704.
(IV) Josiah Foster, son of Joseph (2)
Foster, was born about 1698, on Long
Island, where he continued to live. He
married .
(V) Timothy Foster, son of Josiah
Foster, lived in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
He married there (first), in 1748, Sarah
Smith, who died November 24, 1751. He
married (second) Mrs. (Corn-
wall) Ketchum. His death occurred prior
to 1776.
(VI) Jonah Foster, son of Timothy
and Sarah (Smith) Foster, was born No-
vember 14, 1751. He lived in Ridgefield
and Redding, Connecticut. He married,
in 1778, Hannah Benedict, who was born
February 28, 1762, and died December 22,
1834, surviving her husband many years,
he having passed away on December 17,
1815.
(VII) John Benedict Foster, son of
Jonah and Hannah (Benedict) Foster,
was born January 17, 1785. He learned
the cloth-dressing industry in his father's
mill. Later he moved to Sullivan county,
New York, where he had his own estab-
lishment. Thence he migrated to South
385
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
East, Putnam county, New York, where
during the remainder of his life he was the
proprietor of a woolen factory. He mar-
ried (first), in 1806, Phoebe Burchard,
who was born March 13, 1782, and died
April 27, 1814. He married (second),
Phoebe Hobbs, who was born October 19,
1792, and died May 31, 1871, in Elizabeth,
New Jersey. The death of Mr. Foster oc-
curred October 10, 1833.
(VIII) Anson Foster, son of John Ben-
edict and Phoebe (Burchard) Foster, was
born November 19, 1806, in South East,
New York, and lived in New York City
and in Stoningfton, Connecticut. He mar-
ried Mary Atwater. He died October 22,
1880.
(VIII) Mary Elizabeth Foster, daugh-
ter of John Benedict and Phoebe (Hobbs)
Foster, was born June 23, 1829, in South
East, New York, and became the wife of
John Ely Keeler, as stated above.
(IX) Mary Gazella Foster, daughter
of Anson and Mary (Atwater) Foster,
was born April 13, 1856, in Stonington,
Connecticut, and on November 15, 1882,
became the wife of John Foster Keeler,
as stated above.
BEERS, Louis S.,
Attorney.
In the parish of Westcliffe, County
Kent, England, the Beers family appears
to have originated at a place called Bere's
or Byers Court. William de Bere of
Bere's Court, was bailiff of Dover about
1275, and Nicholas de Bere held the manor
of Bere's Court in the twentieth year of
Henry III. Of this same family was
Roger Bere, who died in the reign of
Queen Mary, and whose son John, in 1542,
purchased the Horsman place, in Dart-
ford, said to have been a mansion of some
note. In his will, 1572, this John Bere
founded four almshouses in Dartford, and
devised his mansion to his son Henry.
His grandson, Edward, died unmarried,
in 1627.
Martin de Bere, the first of the family
to whom an unbroken line is traced from
the American pioneer, lived at Rochester,
County Kent, in i486; he married a
daughter of Thomas Myssell, of Wrot-
ham, and had a son, John Beers, who
married Faith, daughter of John Royden.
James Beers, their son, married Dorothy,
daughter of John Kingswood, of Roches-
ter, and their son, John Beers, married
Mary, daughter of Robert Selby, of York-
shire. They were the parents of James
Beers, who was a mariner, and was lost
at sea ; he married Hester, and she died
in 1635. Anthony Beers, his son, came
to America with his uncle, Richard Beers,
in 1635 ; he was first in Watertown, later
in Roxbury, and served as a sergeant in
the Indian Wars in 1649. In 1658 he re-
moved to Fairfield, Connecticut, and like
his father, he was a mariner, and was also
lost at sea, in 1676. His wife was Eliza-
beth, and their children were : Ephraim,
born in 1648; John, born in 1652; Samuel
B., born in 1657; Barnabas, born 1658.
Anthony Beers was undoubtedly the an-
cestor of the Beers family whose history
is given herein.
Ezekiel Beers, grandfather of Louis S.
Beers, was born in 1793, and died De-
cember 25, 1859. He lived for many years
in New Canaan, and may have been a
native of that town. In his youth he
learned the trade of cabinet-maker and
undertaker, which occupation he followed
in Westport for some years. In those
days a cabinet-maker did his own finish-
ing, and that part of the work so affected
the health of Mr. Beers that he was forced
to give it up and take up the occupation
of carpenter.
Mr. Beers married, September 10, 1818,
Abigail St. John, born in 1800, daughter
386
■, and was also
whose histor)'
r ot Louis S
[ormanvvears
have t
l-maker and
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of Abijah and Hannah (Hendricks) St.
John. One of the oldest families in Fair-
field county is the St. John family, or
Sention, as it was early written. The
founder, Matthias Sention, was one of the
prominent men of his day. He was the
ancestor of Mrs. Abigail (St. John) Beers,
who traces in an unbroken line. The
children of Ezekiel and Abigail (St. John)
Beers, were: William S., born April 17,
1820, died May 19, 1857; George, born
June 28, 1823, died June 15, 1829; Sarah
Ann, bom April 15, 1825, married Stephen
James ; Adolphus Perry, of whom fur-
ther; Abigail Amelia, born June 17, 1829,
married James James ; Jane Augusta, born
June 24, 1831, married Isaac W. Daniels;
and Esther Mary, born October 16, 1841,
married William Wardwell. Mr. and Mrs.
Beers were among the founders of the
Methodist church at Silver Mine, in New
Canaan.
Adolphus Perry Beers, son of Ezekiel
and Abigail (St. John) Beers, was born in
Silver Mine, on the old Beers homestead,
January 2, 1827, died in April, 1906. He
learned the trade of carpenter with his
father and followed it some years. After
the death of his wife he removed to Nor-
walk, where he spent the last ten years
of his life. Mr. Beers was a natural me-
chanic and had picked up the essentials
of the machine trade. In Norwalk he
worked for some time at the Union Man-
ufacturing Company, where he was in
charge of the machine shop. Mr. Beers
married Sarah L. Gilbert, daughter of
Josiah Gilbert, of Brighton, New York.
Among their children was Louis S. Beers,
of whom further.
Louis S. Beers, son of Adolphus Perry
and Sarah L. (Gilbert) Beers, was born
in Silver Mine, August 18, 1866, died May
8, 1920. He was educated in the public
schools and the Norwalk High School.
He then entered the employ of the First
National Bank of South Norwalk, where
he was teller for many years. In his spare
time Mr. Beers had been reading law
and had become so interested in the sub-
ject that when the bank went out of busi-
ness he entered the offices of Judge
George H. Vosburgh and General Russell
Frost. After his admission to the bar,
Mr. Beers practiced alone until his death.
He was clerk of the City Court for several
years, and was assistant secretary of the
Norwalk Building and Loan Association.
In his practice of law, Mr. Beers special-
ized on real estate law and also carried on
a real estate business, developing a num-
ber of tracts. In politics, a Republican,
Mr. Beers was several times called upon
to hold public office, and held the office
of assessor, and for seven years was a
member of the Board of Education ; for
four or five years, and up to the time of
his death, he served on the Board of
Estimate and Taxation.
Mr. Beers married Mary Albertson,
daughter of William and Jane Albertson,
of New York City, and they were the
parents of three children: i. Lois St.
John, born July i, 1893; married William
Ferris, of Norwalk. 2. Albertson S., a
sketch of whom follows. 3. Kenneth
Sanford, born June 11, 1903. Mr. and
Mrs. Beers were members of the South
Norwalk Congregational Church for many
years. Mr. Beers served as treasurer of
the church, and was also greatly inter-
ested in the welfare work done by the
churches.
BEERS, Albertson S.,
Dairyman.
Albertson S. Beers, son of Louis S. and
Mary (Albertson) Beers (q. v.), was born
in Norwalk, January i, 1897. He was
educated in the public schools of that
place, graduating from the high school in
387
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
1914. The following year and a half were
spent at Cornell University studying me-
chanical engineering. For a year he was
with the Connecticut State Dairy Depart-
ment testing cows, and this led him to
enter the retail milk business on his own
account. He purchased the business of
T. B. Woodruff, and until May i, 1920,
continued alone. On that date he formed
a partnership with Samuel J. Stewart, of
Norwalk, under the name of The Nor-
walk Dairy Company. On October i,
1921, they bought the business of Charles
H. Hawxhurst, and at the same time
Clarence Seymour was admitted to the
firm and became vice-president. They do
a large and profitable business; Mr. Beers
is very well fitted for his work through
training and experience, and their suc-
cess is assured.
Mr. Beers married Gladys Louise Olm-
stead, daughter of Gilson and Caroline
Olmstead, of North Wilton, Connecticut.
Mrs. Beers is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, while her husband at-
tends the Congregational.
STEWART, Samuel J.,
Business Man,
By perseverance and application, Sam-
uel J. Stewart has so utilized his life as to
render it of value not only to himself but
to others. Prominent as a citizen and as
a man of highest integrity, he is in every
sense of the phrase a self-made man. Mr.
Stewart's surname is one of the oldest
in English records. Originally it was de-
rived from the occupation of steward, and
was the name assumed by the Fitz Wal-
ters and the Fitz Allans from their office
of steward of the Royal household, and
destined to become famous through their
deeds. In the Hundred Rolls (1274) the
name of Hugh le Steward is found. Other
spellings of the name are: Styward, Stu-
art and Stuard.
The Stewart family, of which Samuel
J. Stewart is a scion, was early settled in
New York State. Thomas B. Stewart,
his father, was born in Brooklyn, where
he grew to manhood. He was bom in
1842, and died in 191 1. As a young man
he went to Orange county, and there was
engaged in dairy farming throughout his
active life. He married Mary F. Baird,
daughter of John Baird, of Warwick, Or-
ange county, New York. They were the
parents of the following children : Samuel
J., of further mention ; Julia, wife of Frank
Laroe, and a resident of North Beverly,
Massachusetts; and Mary, wife of J. B.
Laroe, residing in Sugar Loaf, Orange
county. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart were mem-
bers of the Episcopal church at Warwick.
Samuel J. Stewart, son of Thomas B.
and Mary F. (Baird) Stewart, was born
February 2, 1871, in Bellvale, Orange
county. New York, and was reared on the
home farm in Warwick. He attended the
district schools, and while still in his teens
went to Brooklyn, where he entered the
employ of the Tuttle & Bailey Manufac-
turing Company, manufacturers of venti-
lators. It did not take very long for Mr.
Stewart to discover that he could not
stand the confinement of indoor work, so
after a little more than a year he entered
the employ of the Meadowbrook Dairy
Company, of Brooklyn, where he re-
mained about two years. When he was
nineteen he bought a milk route and went
into business for himself, and after about
five years formed a partnership with Ira
C. Hunter, under the firm name of Stew-
art & Hunter. That continued about two
years and then Mr. Stewart disposed of
his interests, removing at the same time
to Sugar Loaf, Orange county, where he
bought a farm and became a milk pro-
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ducer, shipping milk to the company from
which he had just withdrawn. After two
years he sold this farm and bought the
milk business in which he had been a part-
ner. His next location was in Rosendale,
New York, where he engaged in similar
business. After disposing of this farm,
Mr. Stewart entered the insurance field
as assistant superintendent of the Kings-
ton agency of the Metropolitan Life In-
surance Company. From Kingston he
was transferred to Rosendale, thence to
Saugerties, and then back again to Kings-
ton. From the latter town he went to
Peekskill, and from there to Ossining.
Mr. Stewart's success in the insurance
business was assured, but a tempting
proposition from the White Plains Milk
and Creamery Company in 1908, forced
him to resign, and he became manager of
the latter company. After a year he
formed a partnership with H. C. Buck-
hout and they purchased the business,
which they conducted under the firm
name of Buckhout & Stewart. Subse-
quently, they formed the Purity Milk and
Cream Company and admitted a third
partner.
A little later Mr. Stewart sold his in-
terests and went with the Goucher Elec-
tric Purifying Company, manufacturers
of an electrical device for pasteurizing
milk, a much superior method to the one
then and now generally in use. This ven-
ture, however, proved unsuccessful be-
cause it called for an immense amount of
money which was not available. Mr.
Stewart became associated with the Crys-
tal Lake Ice Company, and for seven
years was engaged in business on his own
account. Some seasons money was made
and other seasons the accumulated profits
were lost so that the net results were not
so great. During the last two years of
that period Mr. Stewart had engaged in
the dairy business and this had grown so
that he decided to give it his undivided
attention. Few milk dealers have the
technical knowledge of the product they
handle that Mr. Stewart possesses. When
he was selling the pasteurizing device, he
traveled all over New England, selling
and installing outfits, and then establish-
ing a demand for the milk handled by the
new process. In the course of his work,
he called upon thousands of physicians,
and the questions they asked made it
necessary for him to be familiar with
every technical detail of the chemical
structure of milk, how it is effected by
various treatments, both with reference
to its physical and chemical properties,
and as to the effect of its food value.
Mr. Stewart was heavily in' debt when he
started in the milk business for the last
time, so much so that he was advised to
take advantage of the bankruptcy laws to
relieve himself of the burden. That he
refused to do, but went manfully to work
and has paid off every cent of indebted-
ness, working early and late, and he has
established a most enviable reputation for
sterling honesty. In the spring of 1920
he formed a partnership with Albertson
S. Beers, under the firm name of the Nor-
walk Dairy Company, and October i,
1921, they bought the milk business of
Charles H. Hawxhurst, which was added
to their business. They installed a new
and modern plant for pasteurizing and
handling milk, and have four routes which
are served by two autos and two wagons,
and in addition they do quite a large
wholesale business.
During all these years Mr. Stewart has
dealt in real estate as opportunity and
limited capital offered. As the tide
turned in his favor, he was able to en-
large his operations until by the spring
of 1920 he was one of the leading real
estate operators in Norwalk. In 1920
he purchased a farm in the Cranbury dis-
38Q
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
trict of Norwalk, of about twenty-one
acres, and this he is operating as a small
dairy farm, producing specially inspected
Jersey milk.
Mr. Stewart married Annie B. Lane,
daughter of Timothy Lane, of Brooklyn,
New York, and they are the parents of
eight children : i. Anna, married Leo
Leonard, who is associated with Mr.
Stewart in his business, and they have
three children : Leo, Marion, and Helen.
2. Marion, wife of Rowland Legg. 3.
Julia, wife of Garland Harward. 4.
Helen. 5. Samuel J., Jr. 6. Durland, as-
sociated with his father. 7. Thomas, who
is also connected with the business. 8.
Grace.
GREEN, Francis E.,
Business Man.
For several generations the Green fam-
ily has held an esteemed place in the his-
tory of Poundridge, State of New York,
but a town adjoining New Canaan, Con-
necticut. Many of the early families in
Poundridge removed there from Fairfield
county so that they are among the Co-
lonial families of Connecticut.
Thaddeus Keeler Green, grandfather
of Francis E. Green, was a resident of
Poundridge most of his lifetime. He was
the father of Lewis Green, born in Pound-
ridge, and lived to be fifty-six years of
age. He was accustomed to farm life,
and in due time succeeded to the owner-
ship of the home farm. Agricultural pur-
suits occupied most of his time, and for
eighteen years he served in the interests
of the town as assessor. Mr. Green mar-
ried Clarissa Scofield, daughter of Squire
Scofield, of Poundridge, and a descendant
from one of the oldest families. Of their
children, the following grew up : Leroy,
now deceased ; Philo, resides in Spring-
dale ; Sarah, married William Granger,
and resides in New Canaan ; Francis E.,
of further mention ; Minerva, married
Edward Zarr, and resides in Worthington,
Massachusetts. Mr. Green attended the
Methodist Episcopal church, and his wife
was a member of the Congregational
church.
Francis E. Green was born in Pound-
ridge, February 14, 1864. He attended
the public schools and also the Eastman's
Business College, a famous school of that
time. He grew up on the home farm, and
after completing his studies at Eastman's
came to New Canaan. There he entered
the employ of Raymond & Sutton, dry
goods merchants, where he remained for
six years. About 1895 Mr. Green was
attracted to the real estate and insurance
business as an occupation, and he resigned
from the mercantile work to enter this
field. He has been signally successful in
his undertaking, and owes much of his
success to his sterling traits of character
and pleasing personality. Mr. Green has
taken an active interest in public matters,
as has been customary with the members
of his family for many years ; he is a
Democrat in politics, and is now president
of the School Board ; he has been a mem-
ber of the School Board for almost twenty
years. Mr. Green is a corporator of the
New Canaan Savings Bank, and is now
a director of that institution. He is also
a member of the Volunteer Fire Depart-
ment, president of the New Canaan Li-
brary Association, and president of the
New Canaan Cemetery Association.
Mr. Green married Carrie Hodges,
daughter of Charles W. Hodges, of New
Canaan, and they have two children: Bea-
trice, married Edward Lawrence, of New
Canaan ; Blanche, a student at Drew
Seminary, New York. The family attend
and support the Congregational church
390
' attended the
•'Mdliismit
1 owe.! inucli of his
[ tilts of charactei
Mr, Green has
IJn public matters,
iith the meniberi
: he is a
I teen a mem-
Umost twenty
(orator of the
; and is now
He is also
Ident of the
LOtNew
lofNf
DrfB'
i
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
BRADLEY, Daniel Burr,
Fiiut&cier, IieKi»l*t'>T
It is no uncommon thing v- . ^.L lac
head of affairs in many of th<^ S< v. Eng-
land towns and cities men whos?; .v'lccstry
can be traced to the first settler." of those
towns. It seems particularly fitting that
this should be so. Qne whose family is
old in the history of I^'airfield county, and
whose career has been \ one to further
honor the name is Daniel Burr Bradley,
leading citizen and banker of Wcstport.
Connecticut.
The name of Bradley is of Norman
origin, and is a place name derived from
Bradley, in Lincolnshire, England. In its
old English form it was Brad- Leah and
literally signified broad lea or meadow.
The earliest Bradley known seems to be
Sir Francis Bradley, who probably flour-
ished in Yorkshire, and who must have
been born about mo. The American
immigrant ancestor of the family herein
described was Francis Bradley. John
Bradley, brother of the latter, was of the
parish of St. Andrew's, Middlesex, and
died in March, 1697-98. He was buried,
according to all directions in his will, in
the parish church of St. Pancras, on
March 30th. His will, dated February
20, 1696, was proved March 31, 1697-98,
in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury,
and is recorded in the records of that
court, 47 Pyne. The original will is pre-
served in the files.
The family of the immigrant in Eng-
land has been traced to William Bradley,
of Sheriff Hutton, County York, and the
pedigree is given in 'Camden's "Visitation
of the County of
which is published
"Publications of t!;
The arms of the fnn
Gules, a chevron ./
1619,
•f the
"♦v."
boars' heads couped or These arms were
not contained in early eaitions of Burke's
General Armory, but ii; tr -.lition of 1868
he copied it and gave (.auiacti as his au-
thority.
This William Bradley had a son, Wil-
liam Bradley, of the city of Coventry,
County Warwick, England, who married
Agnes Margate. Francis Bradley, eldest
son of William and Agnes Bradley, mar-
ried Francisca Watkins, and their son,
Francis Bradley, son and heir, aged
J wets') tour in 1619, was the founder of
the A-me^Jcan line. Joseph P. Bradley,
attthor of 'Family Notes Respecting the
Bradlej ' ['airfield," and one of
the \.Uh ui tiie family, an-
nounced n ;.-. . :- :ifs descent in the
above work,
(I) Francis Pr;i •
first mentioned in ,; ^
in 1650; he was a ■.
hold of Governor 1
it is possible that he canu >.
latter in 1637, or with his ecu-
in 1644. Francis Bradley settle j va Biaa-
ford in 1657, and in Fairfield in 1660. He
was made a freeman in October, 1664. He
married Ruth Barlow, daughter of John
Barlow.
(II) Daniel Bradley, fifth child and
third son of Francis and Ruth (Barlow)
Bradley, was born in 1673, and died in
1 7 14. He married Abigail Ta<'k='<»n,
datjghter of Joseph Jackson
(III) Captain Daniel
of Daniel (i) anH ^
Bradley, wa? '
23, 176> ^
teemed r , he
served a 1724,
Captain , chst) Esther
Burr, 1 1702-^, a de-
scendant ol Jcliuo i'lurr, and a si'itcr of
Rev. Aaron Burr, the first pre*ident of
391
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Princeton College (see Burr IV). In 1759
Captain Bradley and his family removed
to Ridgefield.
(IV) Daniel (3) Bradley, son of Cap-
tain Daniel (2) and Esther (Burr) Brad-
ley, was baptized May 25, 1729, and died
in Greenfield, Connecticut, January 8,
1780. In 1757 his father deeded him a
homestead, and later he came in posses-
sion of the homestead at the front of Long
Lots at Hull's Farms, in the town of
Fairfield, and in 1773 he lost his property.
Daniel Bradley married, August 8, 1751,
Mary Banks, daughter of Joseph and
Mary (Sherwood) Banks, born July 19,
1731, died July 28, 1815.
(V) Major Daniel (4) Bradley, son of
Daniel (3) and Mary (Banks) Bradley,
was born February 13, 1757, and died De-
cember 8, 1837. Major Bradley served
two months in 1716 in New York, and
was in the retreat from New York when
the British took possession of it. He was
in the battle of Harlem in 1776, in Colonel
Lewis' regiment, and received his ensign's
commission, January i, 1777. He was
annexed to Captain Hart's company,
Colonel Philip Burr Bradley's regiment,
of the Connecticut line under the conti-
nental establishment without any vaca-
tion until November 3, 1783, when he was
honorably discharged at West Point, New
York. Major Bradley was in the battle
of Ridgefield, Connecticut, when the
British burned the public stores at Dan-
bury ; also in the battle at or near King's
Bridge, and in the battles of Monmouth
and Germantown. He served on the staff
of General Lafayette, who presented him
with a sword. Afterwards Major Brad-
ley served in the Indian War in the
Northwest, and was in General St. Clair's
army, but was left as one of a garrison
in a small fort before that army was de-
feated on November 4, 1791. He was
commissioned captain to take rank from
that date, and was in the battle of Mau-
mee when the Indians were defeated by
General Wayne, August 20, 1794. On
March 3, 1797, he was commissioned
major of the 4th Regiment of Infantry,
and his commission is in the hands of his
descendant, Edward B. Bradley, of West-
port (q. v.). In 1795 Major Bradley re-
turned to Fairfield, stopping en route for
a time in Philadelphia. Major Bradley
married Elizabeth Stratton, born Decem-
ber I, 1760, died November 5, 1837, daugh-
ter of John and Grace (Osborn) Stratton.
(VI) Daniel Banks Bradley, son of
Major Daniel (4) and Elizabeth (Strat-
ton) Bradley, was born November 30,
1795, in Westport, and was engaged in
farming there all of his lifetime. He had
a strong natural instinct for trading, and
at one time or another he owned, it is
said, numerous farms in Fairfield. He
was an extensive dealer in cattle and made
many trips into New York State to pur-
chase them.
(VII) Daniel Burr Bradley, son of
Daniel Banks Bradley, was born Novem-
ber 28, 1823, and died May 11, 191 1. His
farming was on an extensive scale, keep-
ing at times as many as thirty or forty
cows. He was thus actively occupied
until within a few years before his death.
During the War of the Rebellion, Mr.
Bradley enlisted, but was refused on ac-
count of his teeth, which were not strong
enough to bite the cartridges. Frater-
nally he was a member of Temple Lodge,
Free and Accepted Masons ; Washington
Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; and Clinton
Commandery, Knights Templar. Mr.
Bradley married, February 6, 1848. Sarah
M. Henshaw, daughter of Samuel and
Elizabeth (Lockwood) Henshaw. Eliza-
beth Lockwood was a daughter of John
Lockwood, who was a brother of Luke
V. Lockwood, a biography of whom, to-
gether with his genealogy, appears else-
392
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
where in this work. Mr. Bradley and his
wife were both graduates of Green Farms
Academy, studying under the same
teacher, the well known Ebenezer B.
Adams. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley were the
parents of the following children : William
Henshaw, born December 5, 1848 (q. v.);
Daniel Burr, of whom further; Emily
Amelia, born August 2, 1853, married,
April 28, 1874, Robert H. Coley, and has
three children : Leila M., born September
3, 1877, married Henry Kelley; Burr M.,
born May 3, 1884; Robert H., Jr., born
February 28, 1886, married Lezia Talen ;
Frances Adella, born June 2, 1858, mar-
ried William Nathaniel Cole, of New York
City.
(VIII) Daniel Burr (2) Bradley, son of
Daniel Burr (i) and Sarah M. (Henshaw)
Bradley, was born April 11, 1850, in West-
port, where he attended the public
schools, and the Green Farms Academy,
under the preceptorship of Ebenezer B.
Adams, same teacher and school as his
father and mother attended, from which
he graduated. He then attended a busi-
ness college, after which he taught school
for seven years. During this time Mr.
Bradley read both law and medicine for
pleasure. Finally, being compelled to give
up teaching on account of his health, he
went to Mount Kisco, New York, where
he formed a partnership with L. B. Gor-
ham, and under the firm name of Gorham
& Bradley, they bought a furniture busi-
ness which they soon enlarged by the
addition of musical instruments and sew-
ing machines. After two successful years
they sold the business, and Mr. Bradley
returned to Westport, where for several
years he was engaged in farming.
Mr. Bradley is among the most es-
teemed citizens of Westport ; he has been
active in the business and public life of
that town throughout his lifetime, and has
several times held public office. A Re-
publican in politics, Mr. Bradley served as
selectman for eleven years from 1885, in
1896 was elected judge of probate, and
was reelected continuously to that office
as long as he was eligible. On April 20,
1920, he retired from this office, having
reached the age limit fixed by law at
which judges may hold office in Connecti-
cut. Mr. Bradley was a justice of the
peace for about thirty years, until re-
tired for the same reason.
He was elected from his district to the
State Legislature, in 1921, and is serving
on the committee on banking. He has
been connected with the Westport Bank
and Trust Company since 1887 as a di-
rector, and since 1913 has served as its
president. He is treasurer and one of the
trustees of the Westport Public Library,
and a senior member of the board of trus-
tees of the Staples High School, president
of the Willowbrook Cemetery Associa-
tion, and a corporator of the Norwalk
Savings Society. Fraternally, Mr. Brad-
ley is a member and a trustee of Temple
Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of
Westport; Aspetuck Lodge, Knights of
Pythias, of Westport ; Westport Country
Club and Westport Club. He is a vestry-
man of Trinity Episcopal Church.
On December 29, 1875, Mr. Bradley
married (first) Sarah A. Coley, daughter
of Lamson Coley. They were the parents
of two sons and a daughter. One son
died in infancy. The second son, Herbert
S., was born December 11, 1877, and died
May 14, 1883. The daughter, Edith, was
born October 14, 1883, married, October
31, 1906, Winfred Martin Gaylord, of
Easthampton, Massachusetts, and they
have the following children : Elizabeth,
born December 21, 1908 ; Ruth Anita, born
April 21, 1910; Daniel Bradley, born Oc-
tober 20, 1912 ; and Winfreda, born May
15, 1916. Mrs. Sarah A. Bradley died
April 27, 1890. Mr. Bradley married
393
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(second) in November, 1892, Grace Hunt,
daughter of Floyd and Eleanor Hunt, of
Ridgefield.
Surrounded by associations and friends
of many years, Mr. Bradley makes his
home in Westport, his native town, where
the history of his life has been written as
a record of wholly honorable attainment.
(The Burr Line).
(I) Jehue Burr was born in England
about 1600, and died in Fairfield in .1670.
He came over in the Winthrop fleet in
1630, and was among those who settled
in Roxbury. Two years later he was ad-
mitted a freeman, and in 1635 was a
member of the church with his wife. Je-
hue Burr joined the company headed by
William Pynchon, and was among the
first settlers of Springfield, Massachu-
setts, remaining there for eight years,
whence he removed to Fairfield, Connec-
ticut. In 1645 and 1646, he was repre-
sentative to the General Court from Fair-
field.
(II) Jehue (2) Burr, son of Jehue (i)
Burr, the immigrant, was born in Eng-
land, in 1625. and died in 1692, in Fair-
field. He was a captain in King Philip's
War. His first wife was Mary Ward,
daughter of Andrew Ward.
(III) Daniel Burr, son of Jehue (2) and
Mary (Ward) Burr, was born about 1642 ;
he was made a freeman in 1668, and in
1690 was commissary of Fairfield county.
He married (second) Mary Sherwood.
(IV) Esther Burr, daughter of Daniel
Burr, became the wife of Daniel Bradley
(see Bradley III).
BRADLEY, Edward Burr,
Attorney-at-Iiaw.
From the time of its American
founding the family of Bradley has had
honorable representation in Connecticut,
its first home, and numerous members
of the lines established by Francis Brad-
ley there continue their residence. Num-
bered among these is Edward Bun-
Bradley, a legal practitioner of Westport,
whose professional activity and reputa-
tion have been in keeping with distin-
guished and worthy traditions. The
history of his family has always interested
him, and a valued possession is the origi-
nal commission as major issued to his
great-great-grandfather, Daniel Bradley.
(VIII) William Henshaw Bradley, son
of Daniel Burr Bradley (q. v.), was born
in Westport, Connecticut, December 5,
1848. He was educated in the public
schools and Green Farms Academy, fin-
ishing his schooling with a course in
Bryant & Stratton's Business College,
Bridgeport. He was well known in the
district, served for one term as a justice
of the peace, and for a number of years
as tax collector. Politically he was a
Republican, and in religious faith an
Episcopalian, a communicant of Trinity
Church. He affiliated with Aspetuck
Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of Westport.
He married Annie H. Gray, daughter of
Eliphalet and Harriet (Coley) Gray, of
Westport. Their only child was Edward
Burr, of whom further.
(IX) Edward Burr Bradley, son of
William Henshaw and Annie H. (Gray)
Bradley, was born in Westport, Connec-
ticut, July 28, 1880. After attending the
public schools of his birthplace he entered
the law department of the University of
New York, whence he was graduated
LL. B. in 1903. He was admitted to the
New York bar in 1903, and to practice in
Connecticut two years later, for three
years thereafter being associated with
Robert H. Hibbard. Subsequently he
established independently in New York
City, and after a short time made West-
port the scene of his professional work
394
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Mr. Bradley has confined his practice
mainly to corporation and surrogate chan-
nels, and has built up a substantial cli-
entele in the district and in New York.
He is held in esteem for personal and
professional qualities, and his place in the
community is that of a responsible, pro-
gressive citizen. He is a vestryman of
Trinity Episcopal Church, and a member
of Temple Lodge, Free and Accepted
Masons, of Westport. His club is the
University of New York City.
Edward Burr Bradley married Eliza-
beth Babbitt, of Brooklyn, New York, and
they are the parents of one son, Daniel
Burr, born March 7, 1918.
GRAY, Walter Thomas,
Business Man.
The name Gray is of local origin, that
is, following the name of a place in Bur-
gundy, France. In the department of
Haute-Saone, there is a town called Gray.
The name was originally Croy. A Nor-
man chief named Rolf, Rollo, or Raoul,
invaded France with his Norwegian fol-
lowers and established himself there in
the ninth century. A descendant, or at
all events a member of the same family,
became chamberlain to Robert, Duke of
Normandy, and received from him the
castle and honor of Croy, from which his
family assumed the name of De Croy,
which was afterwards changed to De
Gray, and at last to Gray without the
prefix.
Gray instead of Grey is the orthography
in use in this branch of the family, as it
is almost universally in the different
branches of the country. In England and
Ireland, however, in the titled families,
Grey still obtains, while in Scotland it
is Gray. However, this slight difference
makes but a narrow line of demarcation
between different branches of a family
all evidently descended from one parent
stock and of one origin.
The Grays unquestionably came over to
England with William the Conqueror in
1066, for among the names of those in-
scribed at Battle Abbey, after the decisive
battle of Hastings, as worthy to be re-
membered for valiant services there ren-
dered, was John de Gray.
The Gray family in America is numer-
ous, widespread, and consists of many
diverse branches. They were among the
Pilgrims of New England, the Quakers of
Pennsylvania, and were also early settlers
of Virginia and other Southern States.
Within the first century — from 1620 to
1720 — researches made warrant the esti-
mate that at least twenty different families
of Grays, or different branches of the
same family, had emigrated to this coun-
try and made their homes in the New
World. As early as 1622, two brothers,
Thomas and John Gray, had become pro-
prietors of the island of Nantasket in
Boston Harbor, by purchase from the
Indians. At an early period there were
also Grays at Salem, Boston, Plymouth,
and Yarmouth, and in the provinces of
Connecticut and Maine.
The fact that the Gray family was
largely represented among the early set-
tlers of Fairfield county, Connecticut, was
soon ascertained, but it seemed probable
at first that they were among other pio-
neers from the Colony of Plymouth and
Massachusetts Bay who had pushed on
toward the frontiers on the line of west-
ward emigration, and so helped to people
the sister Colony of Connecticut. And
this reasonable inference found ready con-
firmation in the discovery that the Grays
of Beverly and Yarmouth had representa-
tives at an early day in Litchfield county,
and in the northern part of Fairfield, and
on the adjoining "Oblong." However,
further research dispelled that theory and
395
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
disclosed the fact that there was a very
early and doubtless direct emigration of
Grays to old Fairfield, Connecticut. The
records show that there were two broth-
ers, John and Henry Gray, among the first
settlers in 1643. They had married sis-
ters, daughters of William Frost, who
with his family had come from Notting-
ham, England.
Henry Gray is said to have been a man
of consequence, and represented his town
at the General Court. He married Lydia
Frost, and was in middle life when he
migrated to this country. He died about
1658, aged probably fifty years. He left
four sons: Jacob, Henry, Levi, and Wil-
liam. John Gray, brother of Henry Gray,
married Elizabeth Frost, but the names
of his children cannot be definitely de-
termined. The name of William Gray,
of Fairfield, appears on the early records
of Westchester county. New York, as
having been appointed administrator of
the estate of his brother Levi, date of
June 3, 1684, who had paid church rates
in Eastchester, March 30, 1678. A "home
lot" had been granted to William Gray
on November 9, 1680. His name again
appears on the records of Westchester
county as having paid church rates in the
town of Eastchester in 1692; and again
the real estate records show that "Wil-
liam Gray of Fayrefield in Conn., weaver,
sold his home lot in Eastchester," date of
April 23, 1697. It is not known whether
he then returned to Fairfield, but that
some of his descendants remained is evi-
denced by the fact that the name of
William Gray appears on record there in
1775, and on a map of Westchester
county, date of 1779, William Gray's
place, in the town of Eastchester, is noted.
None of the name of Gray have, however,
at any recent date, resided in that vicin-
ity. Henry and Lydia (Frost) Gray were
the parents of Henry, who was the father
of Isaac Gray. Isaac Gray's grave is said
to have been the first one in the old North-
field burying ground. Isaac Gray had a
son, Nathan, of whom further.
Nathan Gray was born in 1714, and
married, in Fairfield, Connecticut, July
24, 1735, Mary Holibert. One of his thir-
teen children was Elijah, of whom fur-
ther.
Elijah Gray married (first), in Weston,
Connecticut, September 10, 1769, Esther
Sturges; (second). May 6, 1793, Rhoda
(Morehouse) Disbrow, a widow; (third)
Lydia Taylor. Elijah Gray died on his
eightieth birthday, November 16, 1827.
Walter Thomas Gray, son of Elijah and
Esther (Sturges) Gray, was bom Decem-
ber 15, 1785. He died in Westport, sur-
vived by six children. He was a shoe-
maker, following that occupation all of
his active life.
Henry Gray, son of Walter Thomas
Gray, was born in Easton, Connecticut.
He learned his father's trade of shoemak-
ing, and in that pursuit and farming
passed his life. He married Charlotte
Brant, and they were the parents of Wal-
ter Thomas, of whom further.
Walter Thomas (2) Gray, son of Henry
and Charlotte (Brant) Gray, was born in
Easton, Connecticut, in 1846, and died in
1895. His early life was spent on the
home farm, and in early manhood he was
for a few years an itinerant merchant of
tinware, a picturesque type of peddler, of
which there are few representatives at
this time. Modern methods of transporta-
tion and distribution have caused their
passing, but their wagons, well stocked
with household goods of every descrip-
tion, were a boom to rural communities
and farmers remote from business cen-
ters. About 1875, Mr. Gray opened a
bottling establishment in South Norwalk,
and later purchased a site in East Nor-
walk, where he installed his business.
396
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
His product, bottled soda water, found its
market in the surrounding territory, and
Mr. Gray continued in this line with in-
creasing success until his death. Five or
six men were employed by him in the
manufacture of his beverages, and several
wagons distributed his goods throughout
the neighboring towns. Mr. Gray was a
member of the Knights of Pythias, of
South Norwalk, a man widely known and
as universally respected.
Walter T. Gray married, in 1879, Mary
Arline Bradley, daughter of Eli and So-
phia (Srtiith) Bradley. They were the
parents of one child, Walter Henry, who
died in infancy. Mrs. Gray was educated
in the Western Female Seminary in Ox-
ford, Ohio, and upon the death of her
husband assumed the direction of his busi-
ness. She was totally inexperienced in
practical affairs, had never shared the
burden of managing the business with
her husband, and the intricacies of com-
mercial enterprise were entirely unknown
to her. Taking over the responsibility of
management, she met every emergency
that arose with wisdom and foresight,
and in a day when women were not so
generally active in affairs as now, when
they have proved their possibilities in
executive positions. She not only re-
tained the trade built by her husband, but
increased its scope, and conducted the
business successfully for about a quarter
of a century. Then the high cost of ma-
terials caused by the war leaving only
a narrow margin of profit, combined with
the fact of her advancing years, caused her
to close down the plant in 1918. This
action at this time was not due to inabil-
ity to continue manufacture, but was a
decision that proved the same careful
judgment and acumen that had guided her
throughout the years of her independent
administration.
The Bradley family, of which Mrs.
Gray is a member, is of Norman origin,
and is given in full in the preceding
sketches.
Henry Bradley, grandfather of Mrs.
Gray, was known during his life as Cap-
tain Harry Bradley, a sea captain, who
was lost on one of his voyages. His home
was in Greenfield, Connecticut. He mar-
ried Roxie Seeley. His son, Eli Bradley,
was born in Greenfield, Connecticut, in
May, 1819, and died January 4, 1907. He
was a member of Temple Lodge, Free
and Accepted Masons, of Westport. He
married Emily Sophia Smith, daughter
of Hezekiah and Eunice (Meeker) Smith,
of Saugatuck. They were the parents
of the following children: Emma Au-
gusta, married Samuel Baker, deceased,
of East Norwalk ; Mary Arline, married
Walter Thomas (2) Gray, aforemen-
tioned ; Caroline, deceased, married Frank
Curtis, of Norwalk; Charlotte, died un-
married ; Henry Eli, died in infancy ;
Harry Burr.
FISHER, Clinton Reed,
Banker, Usefnl Citizen.
The banking interests of a community
constitute one of the elements most vital
to its prosperity, and it is of the utmost
importance that those interests should be
committed to the care of men of unques-
tioned ability and unimpeachable integ-
rity. As treasurer of the Stamford Trust
Company, Mr. Fisher fulfills most com-
pletely all the exacting demands involved
in the tenure of such an office, to the du-
ties of which he brought a ripe and com-
prehensive experience.
(I) William Fisher, grandfather of
Clinton Reed Fisher, was a native of New
York City. He was employed as a mas-
ter mechanic by the Harlem Railroad
Company. He was the inventor of the
form of oil boxes now in use on Journals
397
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of railroad trucks. Mr. Fisher married
Ann Lowrey, of New York City.
(II) Daniel M. Fisher, son of William
and Ann (Lowrey) Fisher, was born Au-
gust 21, 1846, in Saybrook, Connecticut.
He attended the public schools of New
York City. During the greater part of
his life he was engaged in the insurance
business. He was a veteran of the 7th
Regiment, New York National Guard.
Mr. Fisher married Emma L. Reed,
daughter of Sands Reed, of Norwalk, Con-
necticut, and their only child, Clinton
Reed, is mentioned below. The death of
Mr. Fisher occurred October 12, 1912.
(III) Clinton Reed Fisher, son of Dan-
iel M. and Emma L. (Reed) Fisher, was
born July 15, 1870, in Darien, Connecti-
cut. He received his education in New
York public schools. When the time
came for him to enter upon the active
work of life he entered the service of
Henry Clews & Company, well known
bankers of the metropolis, with whom he
remained seven years, acquiring a thor-
ough insight into the methods of banking
and laying up a fund of valuable experi-
ence. In 1891 the Stamford Trust Com-
pany was organized, and Mr. Fisher en-
tered their service in the capacity of
bookkeeper. As time went on he filled,
successively, every position up to his
present one of treasurer, becoming assist-
ant treasurer on July i, 1917, and in July,
1918, being elected treasurer. During the
many years which have elapsed since he
associated himself with the institution he
has, by the excellence of his work and the
clearsighted wisdom of his words of coun-
sel, contributed in no small measure to
the maintenance and extension of its
strength and prosperity. The well-nigh
unceasing demands of duty have left Mr.
Fisher little leisure for social enjoyment,
and the only club in which he holds mem-
bership is the Suburban Club of Stamford.
Of the obligations of citizenship he has
always been mindful, and no institution or
cause which he deemed worthy of en-
couragement has appealed to him in vain.
Mr. Fisher married, October 24, 1895,
Janet Sammis, daughter of Frederick H.
and Elizabeth (Hatfield) Sammis, of Ore-
gon, Illinois, and they are the parents of
one son, Edward C, born August 2, 1896 ;
graduated from the New York Law
School in 1917, and in December of the
following year was admitted to the bar.
Mr. and Mrs. Fisher are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
The record of Mr. Fisher is one of
quiet, forceful and effective usefulness in
a position involving high trusts and great
responsibilities. He is a type of man
essential to the upbuilding of large cities
and of all communities.
HUBBARD, Frederick Augustus,
liawyer. Public Official.
An able member of the Fairfield county
bar. Judge Frederick A. Hubbard, is also
a representative of one of the earliest fam-
ilies of New England. It is an old tra-
dition in the Hubbard family 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 East-Abglia or Kent to avenge
the death of his father, Ragnar Logbrog.
The latter had made his name a cause for
terror on the shores of the Baltic and the
British Isles on account of his invasions.
After taking possession of Paris, he
planned an invasion of England, and his
expedition was wrecked on the coast of
Northumbria, but Ragnar, with a band of
his followers who reached the shore, be-
gan their usual career of depredation in
spite of the inferiority of their numbers.
When the Northumbrians learned of the
398
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■ -^'^ Vork Law
^«*rofthe
nittfd to the bar.
^Minbersoftlie
ctiircli.
f*r is one of
tee usefulness in
[the FairSeld county
mily that the
! fUliba or
a ause for
laltic and the
s invasions,
I Paris, he
, and his
[ coast of
lation in
iinihers,
I of the
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
descent of the Norsemen, they flew to the
coast and fought the invaders, and made
Ragnar a prisoner. He was put to death
immediately and is said to have consoled
his last moments with the hope that "the
cubs of the boar would avenge his fate."
His son, Hubba, above mentioned,
spent the winter in fortifying his camp
and equipping his followers. In Febru-
ary, 867, despite the desperate battle
given by the Northumbrians, the forces
of Hubba triumphed. They killed Osbert
in battle, but took prisoner Aella, his erst-
while rival chieftain, but now compatriot
in fighting the common foe. Hubba and
his followers now gave themselves the
pleasure 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 invasions
of the surrounding countries, and their
exploits form 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 different spellings of what is appar-
ently the same name being found on
record. Even in America, the forms,
Hubbard, Hubbert, Hubard, Hubert, Ho-
bart and Hobert are common. Several
branches of the family in England have
borne coats-of-arms.
(I) George Hubbard, the ancestor of
the family, is distinguished from other
immigrants of the name, by the reference,
"George Hubbard of Guilford." He is
believed to have been in Watertown, Mas-
sachusetts, in 1633 ; '^ October, 1635, he
removed to Wethersfield, Connecticut, in
that part which is now called Wethers-
field. There he resided for three years,
and later settled in Milford, where he was
admitted to the church, January 15, 1644.
Four years later, September 22, 1648, he
purchased land in Guilford, whence he re-
moved, and was admitted to the church
there, October 6, 1650. He was a sur-
veyor. In each community he interested
himself in public matters, and was several
times honored with public office. In 1639
he served as representative ; for eight
terms he served as deputy magistrate, and
in 1666-67 was a member of the General
Assembly. He died in Guilford, in Jan-
uary, 1683. George Hubbard married
Mary Bishop, daughter of John and Anne
Bishop, and she died in Guilford, Sep-
tember 14, 1675.
(II) John Hubbard, son of George and
Mary (Bishop) Hubbard, was born in
England, in 1633, and died in 1705. He
was brought to America by his parents,
and in 1650 was a resident of Wethers-
field, Connecticut. On March 26, 1661,
he was admitted a freeman in Wethers-
field. A few years before his death John
Hubbard removed to Hatfield, Massachu-
setts. About 1648 he married Mary Mer-
riman, of Concord, Massachusetts.
(III) Jonathan Hubbard, son of John
and Mary (Merriman) Hubbard, was
born January 3, 1658-59, in Wethersfield,
Connecticut, and died in Concord, Massa-
chusetts, January 17, 1728. He had re-
moved to the latter town in 1680, and
there married, January 15, 1681, Hannah
Rice, who was born in 1658, and died
April 9, 1747, in Concord; she was a
399
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (King)
Rice, of Sudbury and Marlboro, Massa-
chusetts.
(IV) Thomas Hubbard, son of Jona-
than and Hannah (Rice) Hubbard, was
born August 27, 1696, in Concord, Massa-
chusetts. He married Mary Fletcher, of
that town.
(V) Nathan Hubbard, son of Thomas
and Mary (Fletcher) Hubbard, was born
January 23, 1723, in Concord, Massachu-
setts. Subsequently, he lived in Groton,
Massachusetts. He married, April 2,
1745, Mary Patterson.
(VI) Thomas (2) Hubbard, son of
Nathan and Mary (Patterson) Hubbard,
was born December 28, 1745, and died
May 25, 1807. His second wife was Lois
White, who was born April 30, 1747, and
died March 26, 1834, of Lancaster, Massa-
chusetts. They were married October
I. 1777-
(VII) Luther Hubbard, son of Thomas
(2) and Lois (White) Hubbard, was born
August 13, 1782, and died March 2, 1857,
in Manchester, New Hampshire. He was
a stone cutter and maker of tomb stones
for surrounding counties. He was known
as Major Hubbard, but there is no record
of his having performed military service.
Luther Hubbard married, December 18,
1806, Hannah Russell, born July 9, 1781,
in Westford, Massachusetts, died in Man-
chester, New Hampshire, December 12,
1870.
(VIII) Luther Prescott Hubbard, son
of Luther and Hannah (Russell) Hub-
bard, was born June 30, 1808, in Hollis,
New Hampshire, and died in Greenwich,
Connecticut, September 18, 1894. The
public schools of his native town afforded
his early education, and these courses
were supplemented by a term in the Pin-
kerton Academy in Derry, New Hamp-
shire. In 1824 Mr. Hubbard learned the
trade of stone cutter, which his father had
long followed. In Quincy, Massachu-
setts, Mr. Hubbard worked at his trade
and was one of the men employed in shap-
ing the stones of the Bunker Hill Monu-
ment. In 1827 he came to New York,
where he had charge of much important
work. Subsequently he accepted a posi-
tion as confidential clerk in the office of
Ira Morris & Company, granite dealers
of New York City.
Mr. Hubbard was always interested in
his fellowmen, and it was this desire to
be of assistance which led to his later em-
ployment as secretary of the American
Seamen's Friend Society. He was one
of the first to distribute Bibles in New
York for the Marine Bible Society in 1833.
In 1863 he became financial agent of the
former society. Mr. Hubbard removed
with his family to Greenwich, Connecti-
cut, in 1859, ^nd there was warden of the
borough. Mr. Hubbard published a small
genealogy bearing on his family history
in 1872. He was secretary of the New
England Society in the City of New York
for forty consecutive years.
Mr. Hubbard married (first) November
28, 1832, Sarah Ogden Johnson, and for
his second wife, Mary Cummings Ten-
ney, who was born November 19, 1819,
in Hollis, daughter of Hon. Ralph E. and
Phebe Colburn (Smith) Tenney. Their
children were : Frederick A., of further
mention ; Mary Tenney, born October 12,
1855 ; John Theodore, born October 2,
1857, died February 2, 1882; William
Norris, born November 2, 1865, a physi-
cian in New York City ; Benjamin Farley,
deceased.
(IX) Frederick Augustus Hubbard,
eldest son of Luther Prescott and Mary
Cummings (Tenney) Hubbard, was born
November 17, 1851, in Hollis, New Hamp-
shire, and was seven years old when
brought by his parents to Greenwich,
Connecticut. There he attended school
400
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
and the Greenwich Academy. The legal
profession had attracted him from youth,
and with the purpose of making that his
career he began the study of law under
the preceptorship of Evarts, Southmayd
& Choate, noted New York lawyers and
friends of his father. In 1875 Mr. Hub-
bard was graduated from the University
of the City of New York with the degree
of LL. B. and in the same year was ad-
mitted to practice there and also in the
State of Connecticut. His practice has
been in Greenwich and he has made a
specialty of probate cases, care of estates,
real estate law, and a good deal of convey-
ancing.
For many years Judge Hubbard has
been one of the foremost citizens of
Greenwich. Upright in his dealings, he
has commanded the respect of his fellow-
citizens. His political affiliations are with
the Republican party ; although not de-
sirous of holding office. Judge Hubbard
never shirks a public duty, and any move-
ment for the general welfare can count
upon his loyal support. He was appointed
deputy judge of the Borough Court of
Greenwich.
Judge Hubbard has found time outside
of his business cares to indulge in his
talent for writing. His library at home
and collection of curios is typical of his
tastes. His writing is entertaining and
instructive. He has contributed many
articles to newspapers over the pen name,
Ezekiel Lemondale. Many who are famil-
iar with his articles feel that his literary
work should be embodied in a more en-
during form. He is a fluent, graceful
writer, possesses a keen sense of humor
and has a splendid sense of proportion.
He will always be remembered for his one
published volume "Other Days in Green-
wich," which, while disclaiming to be a
history, splendidly supplements the work
of other historians by relating interesting
facts and anecdotes of people, places and
things identified with the past of that
town. It is a unique and valuable con-
tribution to Connecticut's historical liter-
ature. Fraternally, Judge Hubbard is a
member of Acacia Lodge, No. 85, Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons, of Greenwich,
and is a life member of the New England
Society of New York.
Judge Hubbard married, August i,
1883, Agnes Helena Waterbury, daugh-
ter of George P. and Ellen F. (June) Wa-
terbury. They are the parents of three
sons: I. Carleton Waterbury, born
April 25, 1884 ; he graduated from the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
class of 1909, and is a mechanical engi-
neer in New York ; he married Katharine
Chase, and they are the parents of Mal-
vern Drexel, Richmond Chase, Dorothy
Georgia and Frances Alice. 2. Drexel
Tenney, born August 22, 1886; he mar-
ried Katherine Bond, and they have one
child, Charlotte Bond, born June 3, 1919.
3. George Frederick, born October 19,
1899; he was educated in Repton School,
Tarrytown, and was a first lieutenant in
the Royal Air Force, and was injured
while in service by an airplane crash ; he
has fully recovered. The family attend
the Second Congregational Church of
Greenwich, and aid in its support.
WEED, Edward Franklin,
Ziover of Natural Science.
For almost three hundred years the sur-
name of Weed has been prominently iden-
tified with the interests of Fairfield
county, Connecticut. Members of this
family have been among the useful and
upright citizens of their communities, and
they have left definite impress upon the
industrial and public life of these com-
munities.
The Weed family is a very ancient one
401
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
in England. The name is derived from
the place which was the residence of the
family, Weed-on-the-Street, or Weed-on-
Beck, one of the oldest parishes in the
hundred of Fawsley county, Northamp-
ton, situated four miles from Daventry.
The name could be found only in North-
amptonshire at the time of Jonas Weed's
emigration to this country.
There is a record of Ralph, of Weed-
on-Beck, or as the name became simpli-
fied, Ralph de Weedon, having settled in
Buckinghamshire in 1307. He became
knight of the shire, and his arms were:
"Argent, two bars gules, in chief three marlets
sable."
The family became scattered through-
out Great Britain, and different branches
were soon established in various sections
of the kingdom. The form of the name
changed with the different environment,
and we find Wedon, Wead, Weedon,
Weede, and Weeden, as well as other
names somewhat similar. Only in the
County of Northampton did the simple
spelling Weed survive. From this fact
it is possible to state with more than
ordinary certainty the locality where this
line of the family originated.
(I) Jonas Weed, the immigrant ances-
tor of the family in America, lived near
Stamford, Northampton county, England,
and with a group of friends became in-
terested in the stories of the new colonies
across the ocean, and joined Governor
Winthrop's fleet, sailing in company with
Sir Robert Saltonstall on the good ship,
"Arabella." The expedition landed in
Boston, May 29, 1630, and old records of
Watertown, Massachusetts, show that
Jonas Weed was among the settlers there
the following year. On May 18, 163 1, he
was admitted a freeman in Watertown.
He removed to Wethersfield, Connecticut,
in 1635, and during his stay there served
as a juror, this service carrying great re-
spect and honor in the pioneer communi-
ties. He removed from Wethersfield to
New Haven, and the colonizing expedition
to Stamford was organized and started
from there. In 1641 he removed to Stam-
ford, and there received a grant of land
in 1642. He died in 1676, and his wife sur-
vived him until 1689 or 1690.
(II) Daniel Weed, son of Jonas Weed,
married Ruth , and was the father
of Nathaniel, of whom further.
(III) Nathaniel Weed, son of Daniel
and Ruth Weed, born October 22, 1696.
The latter married Mary , and was
the father of Nathan, of whom further.
(IV) Nathan Weed, son of Nathaniel
Weed, was born January i, 1725. He
married and was the father of Nathan,
of whom further.
(V) Nathan (2) Weed, son of Nathan
(i) Weed, married, September 2, 1787,
Mary Scofield.
(VI) Joseph Weed, son of Nathan (2)
and Mary (Scofield) Weed, was born De-
cember 20, 1801, and died March 9, 1888.
He was a Whig, and later a Republican.
He attended the Congregational church
of Darien. He married (first) Louise
Weed, daughter of Benjamin and Mary
(Waterbury) Weed, March 7, 1825, and
their children were: Joseph Henry, Na-
than, Louisa, and Alvah. He married
(second) Jane Tweedy, of New York
City, and their children were : Samuel
Richard of whom further ; Arthur, Bea-
trice, Mary, Edgar, Edwin, Mary J.,
Jessie G., and Annie Tweedy.
(VII) Samuel Richard Weed, eldest
child of Joseph and Jane (Tweedy)
Weed, was born in New York City, Feb-
ruary 9, 1837, where he died, Feberuary 4,
1918. He was a writer by occupation,
and in later years was in the insurance
business. In politics he was a Repub-
lican, and in religious faith a Congrega-
402
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
tionalist. Mr. Weed married, October ii,
1859, Nellie S. Jones, daughter of David
W. and Mary Cabor (Newell) Jones, the
former of Boston, and the latter of Fram-
ingham, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs.
Weed were the parents of the following
children: i. Walter Harvey, bom May
I, 1862. 2. Nathan Herbert, born August
I, 1868. 3. Edward Franklin, of whom
further.
(VIII) Edward Franklin Weed, son of
Samuel Richard and Nellie S. (Jones)
Weed, was born January 20, 1870, in St.
Louis, Missouri. When he was about six
years of age his parents removed to
Brooklyn, New York, and Edward F. re-
ceived his education in the public schools
of that city. Following his courses there,
he became a student in the Connecticut
Agricultural College in Storrs, Connecti-
cut. Mr. Weed then became a special
student of Sheffield Scientific School of
Yale College in microscopic botany and
entomology. Mr. Weed has never lost
his interest in his natural science work,
and spends much of the leisure time from
his business in this work. Mr. Weed's
hobby is stamp collecting. For forty
years he has been collecting stamps, spe-
cializing at different times in the stamps
of certain countries. At the present time
Mr. Weed is making a specialty of Brit-
ish Colony stamps and has a valuable col-
lection of them. The social activities of
Mr. Weed are many. He is a thirty-
second degree Mason ; he affiliates with
Old Well Lodge, No. 108, Free and Ac-
cepted Masons ; Butler Chapter, No. 38,
Royal Arch Masons ; Clinton Command-
ery. Knights Templar ; Lafayette Con-
sistory ; and Pyramid Temple, Mystic
Shrine, of Bridgeport. He is secretary
of the local Red Cross Association, and a
member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church,
of Noroton, of which he is junior warden.
Mr. Weed married (first) Mrs. Louise
(Lane) Colyer, daughter of Adolphus and
Eliza Jane (Stearns) Lane. He married
(second), July 18, 1912, Isabel M. Weed,
daughter of Nathan and Elizabeth (Dor-
Ion) Weed, of New York City, and Ma-
con, Georgia, the former a son of Joseph
and Louise (Weed) Weed.
WEED, Hanford Smith.
Lairyer, Legislator.
In the annals of Fairfield county fre-
quent mention is found of the Weed
family. This family is not only among
the oldest families of that county, but
also among the most prominent.
(II) John Weed, eldest son of Jonas
Weed (q. v.), purchased land in Stam-
ford, Conn., April 20, 1657, and died in
1688. He married, in 1665, Joanna West-
cott, daughter of Richard Westcott.
(III) Daniel Weed, son of John and
Joanna (Westcott) Weed, was born Feb-
ruary II, 1669. He married and was the
father of Abraham, of further mention.
(IV) Abraham Weed, son of Daniel
Weed, was born August 18, 1680. He
married and was the father of Abraham,
of further mention.
(V) Abraham (2) Weed, son of Abra-
ham (i) Weed, was born in that part of
Stamford now included in New Canaan,
January 11, 1727-28. He married Naomi
Pond.
(VI) Enos Weed, son of Abraham (2)
and Naomi (Pond) Weed, was born
March 14, 1731-32. The Christian name
of his wife was Mary.
(VII) Lieutenant Seth Weed, son of
Enos and Mary Weed, was born January
30, 1752. He was a member of the First
Company, 5th Regiment, under Captain
David Waterbury (later colonel), and
Lieutenant Jonathan Whitney, in May,
1775. This regiment marched to New
York under General Wooster. Seth Weed
403
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
was commissioned lieutenant, January i,
1777, and resigned September 30, 1777.
In June, 1776, he was in Captain Hall's
company under command of Lieutenant-
Colonel Thomas Seymour of the Connec-
ticut Light Horse, which was ordered to
New York for service. In 1779, Seth
Weed was in Captain Scofield's company
under Major-General Oliver Wolcott
during the New Haven alarm. Lieuten-
ant Seth Weed and Silas Davenport were
appointed to procure provisions needed
for the Continental army and State
troops. Lieutenant Seth Weed married,
January 3, 1771, Hannah Andreas or
Andros. He died December 26, 1822. A
house which Lieutenant Seth Weed built
was remodelled in 1920. It stands on
Weed street, about a quarter of a mile
south of the Weed homestead.
(VIII) Seth (2) Weed, son of Lieu-
tenant Seth (i) Weed and Hannah (An-
dreas, or Andros) Weed, was born July
7, 1772, and died January 14, 1833. He
was a farmer and with his father owned
most of the land through which Weed
street, New Canaan, now passes. He
married, November 27, 1793, Sally Ayres,
born March 27, 1774, died March 5, 1844.
(IX) Samuel Andros Weed, son of
.Seth (2) and Sally (Ayres) Weed, was
born in New Canaan, November 13, 1799,
and died July 7, 1868. For many years
he was a wholesale grocer in New York
City, during which time he resided there.
On his return to New Canaan, he built
the house now occupied by Mr. Hanford
S. Weed, on his father's property. At
this time Mr. Weed retired from business.
He was the first president of the first bank
organized in New Canaan. Mr. Weed
married, April 7, 1835, Anna Smith, born
March 14, 1799, died March 23, 1894,
daughter of Joseph and Mary (Tall-
madge) Smith, of New Canaan.
(X) Seth Chauncey Weed, son of Sam-
uel Andros and Anna (Smith) Weed, was
born May 4, 1838, and died January 26,
1896. He attended Rockwell's schools in
New Canaan, and prepared for college at
Hoyt's private school at Niagara Falls.
About this time his father opened a hard-
ware store in New Canaan, and Seth C.
Weed took charge of the management of
this store. He continued in this business
for some years, finally resigning to travel
with his wife. Mr. Weed married, June
19, 1862, Jane Amelia Smith, daughter
of Hanford and Naomi C. (Wortendyke)
Smith, of New York City, and their chil-
dren were: i. Jennie C. A., born April
23, 1863, a member of Hannah Benedict
Carter Chapter, Daughters of the Amer-
ican Revolution. Miss Weed is past
regent, and was active in Red Cross work
during the World War. 2. Amanda P.,
born September 16, 1865; she is now
regent of the above named chapter and
also was active in aiding the Red Cross.
3. Samuel Andros, born December 4, 1866,
died September 10, 1914. 4. Hanford
Smith, of further mention. 5. Chauncey
James, born October 23, 1870, died Feb-
ruary 5, 1872. 6. Sherman Chauncey,
born March 20, 1872. 7. Naomi W., born
February 11, 1874, a member of Hannah
Benedict Carter Chapter, Daughters of the
American Revolution, and was active in
Red Cross work. 8. William St. John,
born January 27, 1875. The family still
own the three Weed homesteads, their
great-great-grandfather's and their great-
grandfather's and they make their home in
their grandfather's homestead. For many
years the family have attended St. Mark's
Episcopal Church and aid in its good
works.
(XI) Hanford Smith Weed, son of
Seth Chauncey and Jane Amelia (Smith)
Weed, was born in New Canaan, October
3, 1868. He was educated in the public
schools, and spent two years at Rev. Dr.
404
J^^<z-v^JHm-x^
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Selleck's school, Norwalk, and two years
it the King School, Stamford. In 1891,
Mr. Weed received his degree of B. A.
'rom Yale College, and in 1893 received
lis dcgi^ee of LL. D. from the New York
i-av^r School. The same year Mr. Weed
was admitted to the New York bar, and
ome time later to the Connecticut bar.
After association in practice with other
ittorneys in New York for about three
years, Mr. Weed opened an office of his
nvn in New York, in 1896, where his prin-
ipal practice has been, although he has
a large and growing practice in No (.<•<■
tiaan and vicinity. Mr. Weed specialises
on surrogate and probate work and real
estate law and has the care of many
estates.
Mr. Weed is a Democrat in politics, and
has been very active in the work of his
narty. He is not a politician, but takes
a very sincere and earnest interest in
public aflfairs, especially a"; concerns the
lovvn where he and his ancestors for so
many generations were born. For a
number of years he served as justice of
the peace and as a member of the board
of finance. He went to the convention
that nominated the candidate for State
Senator in 1912, pledged to support an-
other candidate for the nomination, one
of the county's most estimable citizens, but
it developed that, because of certain pro-
fessional activities in connection with lit-
igation, that candidate at that time would
not be acceptable to the voters of his
party, and so quite unexpectedly Mr.
Weed was nominated for the office and
was elected. As a member of the State
Senate, in 1913, Mr. Weed served as
chairman of the committee on banks and
banking, chairman of the finance commit-
tee, and chairman of the committee on
constitutional amendtnents. These ap-
pointments were a signal honor, as it has
been very rare in the history of the State
405
that a man at one session has been made
chairman of so many committees. But it
was only a just recognition of his ability,
indefatigable industry and patriotic de-
votion to public duty. The committee on
banking revi.^ed the entire banking laws
of the .Statc.^nd so thoroughly and satis-
factorily was the work done that since
that time very few and those minor
changes have been made in the laws as
then adopted. Mr. Weed has another
unique distinction, that is, that every bill
tbat he in his capacity as chairman of a
'" .':niittee approved was enacted into
u ■< -I'.i'l every bill that he disapproved
i?.i\-.i .* enactment. He also served as
.1 17 ■• • Tal other committees:
T< , districts, Putnam
meiii--. ...... ' 'i elections, and
Senate a[>iK>;n'
Mr. Weed is a ir.ci.iucr ■-/■ t.u,- Yale Club
of New York, and of thv iS JT-^alk and
Roxbury clubs. He is held w 'nigh es-
teem among his fellow-citizens, and takes
his place among the leading men of Fair-
field county.
WEED, Eugene Augustus,
Contractor and Ballder.
From the beginning of time the build-
ers of the world have left their mark on
the pages of history. In this day. when
it is hard to believe that there is anything
further to be said or written in the story
of construction, still the builder puts him-
self, his best, into his work, and to the
discerning observer there is individualitv
and meaning in the edifices which to the
multitude signify only use or shelter. In
the structural development of the city of
Stamford, Connecticut, Eugene Augustus
Weed has had a large share
(III) Abraham Weed, son of Daniel
and Ruth Weed (q. v.), was born August
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
i8, 1680. He married, April 11, 1706,
Susannah Bell.
(IV) Abraham (2) Weed, son of Ab-
raham (i) and Susannah (Bell) Weed,
married, January 11, 1727 or 1728, Na-
omi Pond.
(V) Peter Weed, son of Abraham (2)
and Naomi (Pond) Weed, was bom
March 29, 1745. He married, June i,
1768, Esther Bouton.
(VI) Zenas Weed, son of Peter and
Esther (Bouton) Weed, was born Au-
gust 24, 1790. He lived the greater part
of his life in New Canaan, Connecticut.
He was an industrious, thrifty man, and
besides following farming was a skilled
shoemaker. He married Betsey R. Com-
stock, daughter of Abijah and Betsey
(Raymond) Comstock. This family were
descendants of William Comstock, an
early settler of New London.
(VII) Rufus Weed, son of Zenas and
Betsey R. (Comstock) Weed, was born in
New Canaan, Connecticut. He received
a thorough grounding in the essentials of
education in the public schools of that
town. He then learned the shoemaker's
trade. But he was not a young man to
sit quietly down and watch the world
pass by him, and he looked upon his trade
more as an equipment in case of emer-
gency than as a definite life work. He
left home at an early age and went to
New York City, where he secured a posi-
tion as clerk in a grocery store. He re-
mained there until he had acquired a
working knowledge of the business, then
opened a store for himself. His location
was the corner of Seventeenth street and
Tenth avenue, quite well uptown some
seventy-odd years ago. He continued in
business for some years, then was ofifered
an excellent position on the police force
of New York City, which he accepted.
Later he resigned and went into draying.
In this line, as in the grocery business.
he operated for himself. The rapidly in-
creasing trade of the Metropolis made
this a profitable venture. He increased
his equipment judiciously, and after he
had acquired a sufficient sum of money
for further ventures disposed of the busi-
ness to advantage and went to Wiscon-
sin. This was in 1855, and he found him-
self one of the early pioneers of that State.
He bought a quarter section of land, erec-
ted a house for his little family, and re-
mained there for seven years. The open
spaces appealed to him, and the opportu-
nity of shaping the beginnings of the State
thrilled him as his ancestors had been
thrilled by early Colonial life in the East.
In 1862, still imbued with the pioneer
spirit, he pressed farther West, removing
to Minnesota. Here he again established
himself and his family, and here he died
in the home he had chosen for himself
rather than any place circumstances
might have apportioned him. His wife
was Charlotte Bowman, daughter of Sam-
uel Bowman, whose family home was
near Freehold, Monmouth county. New
Jersey. Of their six children four grew
to maturity ; the children were as follows :
Zenas, deceased ; Eugene Augustus, of
whom further ; William, deceased ; Har-
riet, who married James Pike, of Aurora,
Brookings county, Dakota ; Ithiel ; and
Charles, of Rochester, Minnesota. The
family were members of the Congrega-
tional church, of which the father was
deacon for many years.
(VIII) Eugene Augustus Weed, the
second son of Rufus and Charlotte (Bow-
man) Weed, was born in New York City,
December 22, 1847. ^t was in Wisconsin
that he began attending school, and he
enjoyed only the advantages aflforded by
the primitive schools of the pioneer coun-
try. But many men of orderly minds and
a capacity for assimilating information
have won their way to success with no
406
]i:NCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
better start, and Mr. Weed has added his
name to this group. In accordance with
his family tradition, he made his start in
life on his own responsibility, leaving
home and coming East. He remained
with his grandparents for about a year,
in Monmouth county. New Jersey, then
went to Portchester, New York, and be-
gan to learn the trade of mason. When
about seventeen years old he located in
Stamford, Connecticut, and followed his
trade as a journeyman. He was indus-
trious and economical, but what is more
important, perhaps, he never was satis-
fied with a piece of work unless it was
completed in a workmanlike manner. In
1876 he went into business for himself,
he had not only his savings with which
to build his success, but an established
reputation for excellence of work. In his
long career Mr. Weed has built innu-
merable structures, many of them of vital
significance to the industrial and business
world of Stamford and vicinity. Note-
worthy among these are the Blickensder-
fer Typewriter factory, and several build-
ings for the Yale & Towne Manufactur-
ing Company. Included in his earlier
work were the Irving block, since torn
down ; the Hurlburt block, the first five-
story building to be erected in Stamford,
which stood at what is now No. 107 At-
lantic street; and the Adams four-story
block, where the Town Hall now stands.
He also built many school houses in
Stamford and neighboring towns. In
January, 1910, he retired from active
business. He is still hale and hearty, and
is keenly interested in every phase of pub-
lic progress. He has always borne his
share in public responsibility, but has al-
ways been reluctant to enter the political
game. He is afifiliated with the Repub-
lican party, and served a term of six
years as a member of the Park Board.
For some years Mr. Weed was a director
of the Blickensderfer Typewriter Com-
pany, and is now a director of the Stam-
ford Realty Company. He is an hon-
ored member of Union Lodge, No. 5, An-
cient Free and Accepted Masons ; of Rit-
tenhouse Chapter, Royal Arch Masons;
of Washington Council, Royal and Se-
lect Masters ; of Clinton Commandery,
Knights Templar, of Norwalk; and a
member of Pyramid Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Noblesof the Mystic Shrine,
of Bridgeport.
Mr. Weed married Emily Morrell,
daughter of Elijah P. Morrell, a promi-
nent public ofiicial of Portchester, New
York. They have one child, Harry E., of
Lakewood, Ohio, who married Minnie E.
Wilson, of Stamford, and has two chil-
dren, Harriet and Wilson. Mr. Weed
has long been identified with the Method-
ist Episcopal church, as was his wife,
who passed away December 25, 1919, and
he has always been active in every move-
ment that made for the public good.
WEED, Edgar S.,
Real Estate and Insarance.
One of the oldest families in Fairfield
county, Connecticut, and one which has
played an important part in the upbuild-
ing of that county, particularly in the city
of Stamford, Connecticut, is the Weed
family, represented in the present gener-
ation by Edgar S. Weed, of Stamford.
(I) Hezekiah (2) Weed, great-grand-
father of Edgar S. Weed, was born July
26, 1756, and was a son of Hezekiah (i)
Weed, and traced descent to the emigrant,
Jonas Weed, through his son, Jonas (2)
Weed. Hezekiah (2) Weed married,
October 28, 1779, Rebecca Knapp, and
they were the parents of Alanson, of
whom further.
fll) Alanson Weed, son of Hezekiah
(2) and Rebecca (Knapp) Weed, was
407
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
born July 23, 1780, and died March 3,
1849, in New York City. He went to
New York at the age of thirteen years and
clerked in a store. Eventually, through
his good judgment and thrifty habits, he
was able to open a store on his own ac-
count, and this was situated at East
Broadway and Catherine street. For al-
most half a century he continued success-
fully in business. He married (first)
April 8, 1804, Betsey Wilson. Dr. Mitchell
ofificiating; he married (second) Clorinda
Smith, April 27, 1826, Rev. Henry Chase
officiating. His first wife died June 25,
1824, his second, December 3, 1857.
(Ill) Edgar S. Weed, son of Alanson
and Clorinda (Smith) Weed, was born in
New York City, December 26, 1835, and
died in Stamford, Connecticut, July i,
1890. He was educated in the public
schools, and subsequently became a clerk
in a grocery store. He removed to Stam-
ford, and there entered into a partnership
with his brother, Albert G. Weed, under
the firm name of A. G. Weed & Brother,
and engaged in a similar business. For
many years they were among the best
merchants of Stamford, and were remark-
ably successful in their business life. Mr.
Weed finally disposed of his interests to
his brother, and was retired for several
years before his death. He married Em-
ily Bishop, daughter of Edwin and Han-
nah (Palmer) Bishop, a native of Stam-
ford, and a direct descendant of Rev. John
Bishop, of Stamford (1642). Mr. and
Mrs. Weed were the parents of ten chil-
dren, six of whom grew to maturity.
They were: i. Harriet, who married
Frank Weed, and now resides in Roch-
ester, New York. 2. Edgar Smith, of
whom further. 3. Julia D. 4. Herbert
Stanley, of whom further. 5. Horace N.,
a resident of Greenwich, Connecticut. 6.
Qarence, a resident of Stamford, Connec-
ticut. Mr. and Mrs. Weed and their fam-
ily were members of the Presbyterian
church, of which Mr. Weed was treasurer
for many years.
(IV) Edgar Smith Weed, son of Edgar
S. and Emily (Bishop) Weed, was born
in Stamford, Connecticut, January 20,
1863. The public and private schools of
that city afforded him his early education,
and his first step in the business world
was with the Yale & Towne Manufac-
turing Company, where he remained for
ten years. The first eight years were
spent as an accountant in the paymaster's
department, which was followed by a
year in New York City, and on returning
to Stamford, Mr. Weed was placed in
charge of the pattern work. In 1891 he
went to New York City again and entered
the employ of the Iron Car Company, re- ■
maining for two years. At that time the
health of Mr. Weed was somewhat un-
dermined and it became necessary to give
up his business interests for a year. From
1898 to 1919, a period of twenty-one years,
Mr. Weed was associated with the Dia-
mond Ice Company, having charge of
their office in Stamford. In the fall of
that year he resigned from this position,
and in partnership with his brother, un-
der the firm name of Weed & Weed, en-
gaged in the real estate and insurance
business and has prospered from the first.
Their business is of a general nature, and
although vastly dififerent from the lines
followed by Mr. Weed for so many years
his business acumen and good judgment
are important factors in his success. In
politics Mr. Weed is a Republican, and
served two years as town auditor. In
October, 1918, he was elected town treas-
urer, which office he still holds. Frater-
nally he is a member of the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks. He was
for five years a member of the State
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Guard of Connecticut, and for two years
served in the Home Guard. His club is
the Suburban, of Stamford.
Mr. Weed married (first) Isabella
Brennan, daughter of Owen W. Bren-
nan, at one time charity commissioner of
New York City. He married (second),
June 23, 1900, Mary E. Horan, daughter
of James J. Horan, of Stamford, who was
born July 21, 1874.
(IV) Herbert Stanley Weed, son of
Edgar S. and Emily (Bishop) Weed, was
born in Stamford, Connecticut, August
27, 1870. He was educated in the public
schools, and after eight years in the em-
ploy of Yale & Towne Manufacturing
Company, in 1894 entered the Young
Men's Christian Association work as as-
sistant secretary of the Stamford Asso-
ciation. The following year he went to
Sewickley, Pennsylvania, as general sec-
retary. In 1900 he became general sec-
retary of the Young Men's Christian As-
sociation in Stamford, Connecticut, where
he remained until 1910, largely increasing
the membership and vigorously prosecut-
ing association activities, attesting the
value of his leadership, and in that year
he took up the duties of general secre-
tary in Richmond, Indiana. In 1913 he
resigned from the Young Men's Chris-
tian Association, and was appointed spe-
cial agent of the Equitable Life Assur-
ance Society of the United States, in
Richmond, continuing until the entry of
the United States into the World War.
He was sought for overseas service in
the Young Men's Christian Association,
and for twenty months was a part of the
"Y" organization with the American Ex-
peditionary Forces in France, his previous
association experience and friendly un-
derstanding of men of all walks of life
enabling him to serve efificiently and help-
fully in the great work accomplished by
the Young Men's Christian Association
in France.
Upon his return to the United States in
July, 1919, Mr. Weed became associated
with his brother, Edgar S. Weed, in real
estate and insurance operations in Stam-
ford. Mr. Weed and his family are mem-
bers of the Presbyterian church. He re-
tains an active interest in Young Men's
Christian Association afTairs, although
not as an executive, and was a supporter
of the movement that gave Stamford its
splendid new Young Men's Christian As-
sociation building.
Herbert S. Weed married Elma A.
Law, of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and
they are the parents of three children: i.
Robert L., was a second lieutenant of ar-
tillery, receiving his commission in Sau-
mur, France. 2. William D., a member
of the "Columbia Unit" in the United
States during the World War. 3. Ruth
Bishop.
WEED, Richmond,
liawyer, Man of Affairs.
Among the early Colonial families there
is none which achieved a more honorable
record in early Connecticut history than
the Weed family. Its members have been
worthy citizens, brave soldiers, and prom-
inent men for many generations. The
family was founded by Jonas Weed
(q.v.).
The venerable home of this ancient race
is still standing on the Boston post road
in Darien. It is the old styled structure
of about two hundred years ago and was
built to replace the first house built by
Jonas Weed, which was destroyed by
fire. The original chimney escaped the
general demolition, and the house now
standing was built around it, thus pre-
serving it as the center of this dwelling.
409
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(I) "Gentleman" John Weed, the great-
grandfather of Richmond Weed, directly-
descended from the immigrant, was
born October 15, 1771. He saw service
in the Connecticut Legislature. He mar-
ried, December 23, 1799, Sarah Water-
bury, a widow.
(II) Henry Davis Weed, son of John
and Sarah (Waterbury) Weed, was born
August 30, 1803, and died February i,
1875. As a boy he went to Savannah,
Georgia, making the greater part of the
journey on foot. There were no railroads
in that day and probably no vessel bound
for the port he desired. In association
with his brother, Nathaniel B. Weed, he
established a hardware business in Sa-
vannah under the firm name of N. B.
Weed & Company, which is still carried
on by descendants and is the oldest hard-
ware concern in the United States. In
the course of time Mr. Weed became the
head of the firm, the name being changed
to H. D. Weed & Company. When the
business was started it was retail, but in
the passing years has grown to such pro-
portions that it has been largely whole-
sale. The territory extends into neigh-
boring states and many of the surround-
ing country stores are supplied. At the
outbreak of the Civil War the financial
situation of the South was such that Mr.
Weed was not able to make his collec-
tions, and he accepted cotton in payment
of the accounts, which was stored in a
building in Savannah. When the army
of General Sherman entered the city the
cotton was destroyed. It had always been
the custom of Mr. Weed to spend his
summers at the old homestead in Darien,
and during the war he ran the blockade
eight times in order to reach the North.
In his claim against the United States
Government for the cotton destroyed, Mr.
Weed was allowed $90,000, and with this
money the brick Weed house now stand-
ing in Noroton was built. Immediately
after the return of peace, Mr. Weed as-
sisted in the establishment of the Freed-
men's Bank, but the Southern whites
were not yet ready to support such an in-
stitution and the venture was necessarily
abandoned. This unsuccessful undertak-
ing was the cause of Mr. Weed losing
many thousands of dollars, but the episode
serves to indicate the fine spirit of the
man and also his far-reaching business
instinct.
Mr. Weed married Sarah M. Dunning,
December 10, 1835, daughter of Sheldon
C. and Gertrude (Russell) Dunning, of
Savannah, Georgia. Mrs. Weed died
August 16, 1865. Their children were :
Joseph Dunning; John Waring, of fur-
ther mention ; Edwin G., who is the Pro-
testant Episcopal Bishop of Florida ; Ger-
trude, who died at the age of sixteen
years. The family were members of the
Christian church, a denomination some-
times known as the Campbellites. Henry
Davis Weed died February i, 1875, ii"*
Savannah, Georgia.
(Ill) John Waring Weed, son of
Henry Davis and Sarah M. (Dunning)
Weed, was born July 5, 1845, in Savan-
nah, Georgia. He graduated from the
University of Georgia in Athens, receiv-
ing his degree in 1915. Mr. Weed had
only been a year there when the Civil
War broke out and he went into the Con-
federate army. He was in the Signal
Service and was out four years, and after
the war he returned to Georgia with his
horse. He subsequently travelled in
Germany a year for his health. On his
return he entered Columbia Law School,
from which he was graduated in 1869,
and was admitted to the bar in New York
City. During his lifetime he was en-
gaged in the practice of his profession
there, and was at one time in partnership
with John D. Townsend ; previous to this
410
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
time he had been associated with the legal
firm of Evarts, Choate & Barlow. In
1882 Mr. Weed began to practice alone,
continuing until 1889, in which year the
law firm of Weed, Henry & Meyers was
organized. Their practice was a general
one, and Mr. Weed continued a member
of this firm until his death.
In politics Mr. Weed was an independ-
ent Democrat, and although he gave much
time to public speaking and took an ac-
tive interest in affairs of civic importance,
he did not seek to hold public office. Mr.
Weed was much interested in charitable
organizations and was never too busy to
give his time to the furthering of those
movements for the general welfare. He
was a member of St. John's Guild, of
which he was president for several years.
Mr. Weed was a member of the Bar As-
sociation of New York ; member of the
Georgia Society ; Nyantic Club of Flush-
ing, New York ; Wee Burn Golf Club, of
Darien, Connecticut, and of the Stamford
Yacht Club. During the summer Mr.
Weed lived in Noroton, and his winter
residence was in Flushing. He was
an attendant of St. George's Episcopal
Church in Flushing, and was warden of
St. Luke's Church in Noroton.
Mr. Weed married Louise Richmond,
daughter of General Lewis Richmond, of
Bristol, Rhode Island, and their children
were : Rev. Edwin D., who married Mar-
guerite H. Johnson, and resides in Du-
luth, Minnesota ; Richmond, of further
mention ; Magdelaine, wife of Lindley M.
Franklin, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin reside
in Flushing, Long Island, and are the par-
ents of Lindley Murray, John Weed, Ed-
ward Vernon, Martin Franklin ; Sarah,
wife of Samuel M. Dorrance, of New
York City, and the mother of Samuel and
Louise Dorrance.
(IV) Richmond Weed, son of John
Waring and Louise (Richmond) Weed,
was born in Bristol, Rhode Island, July
26, 1875. He was educated in the public
schools and in the Flushing High School.
In 1895 Mr. Weed received his A. B.
degree from Columbia University, and
two years later graduated from the Co-
lumbia Law School with the degree of
LL. B. Mr. Weed was admitted to the
bar the same year, and immediately en-
tered his father's office where he engaged
in the practice of his profession. In 1902
Mr. Weed was made assistant corpora-
tion counsel of New York City, which
office he ably filled for two years. In
1904 he resigned and returned to his fa-
ther's office, being admitted a member
of the firm the same year. This arrange-
ment continued until the death of Mr.
Weed's father, and after this time Mr.
Weed practiced alone until 1919. In the
latter year the firm of Gordon, Weed &
Young was organized. As a lawyer, Mr.
Weed has made a well deserved success.
He applied himself diligently to the mak-
ing of his career, and is actively interested
in all matters of public interest. Outside
of his legal affairs, he serves as a director
of several corporations. During the
Spanish-American War, he enlisted as a
seaman in the United States Navy, April
26, 1898; served on the United States
Steamship "Yankee" with the New York
Naval Militia on blockade in Cuba until
the termination of the war ; was dis-
charged, September 2, 1898. During the
World War, he was December 22, 1917,
appointed member of the War Loan Staff
of the Secretary of the Treasury at Wash-
ington, with special reference to legal
matters connected with the Government
loans. He served until February, 1919.
Mr. Weed is a member of the New
York State Bar Association, Association
of the Bar of the City of New York, the
New York County Lawyers' Association,
the Queens County Bar Association, the
411
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
New York Law Institute. The chief
recreations of Mr. Weed are hunting and
fishing. He spends the summers at his
country home in Noroton, Connecticut,
and there finds an opportunity to indulge
in these sports. Mr. Weed is a member
of several clubs, among them being : Down
Town Club of New York City, Columbia
University Club, Metropolitan Club of
Washington, D. C, Oakland Golf Club,
Wee Bum Golf Club of Stamford, the
Stamford Yacht Club, the Woodway
Country Club, and the Orchard Lake
Club. In politics, Mr. Weed is an inde-
pendent Democrat ; he does not seek to
hold public office, yet he is ever willing to
do his share of the public service. He is
a member of the Episcopal Church of St.
George, Flushing, and of St. Luke's Epis-
copal Church, Noroton, and aids in the
support of their charitable works. He
also serves as trustee of the Home for
Old Men and Aged Couples, St. John's
Guild, New York City.
MARSHALL, Alfred Wilkinson Walton,
Banker.
The qualities of sound principle and
singleness of purpose are revealed in the
life of Alfred W. W. Marshall, vice-pres-
ident of the Greenwich Trust Company.
He has devoted his interests to one line
of work, and as a result now holds an im-
portant executive position in that work.
Mr. Marshall is a man worthy of confi-
dence, and of strong personality. He was
born in Greenwich, Connecticut, April i,
1875, son of Joseph Hoyt and Mary Louise
(Marshall) Marshall.
The surname of Marshall is one of the
most ancient. In fact, we find mention of
it in "Canterbury Tales," which also gives
an inkling of its origin :
And with that word, he gan unto hyme calle
A squier, that was marchal of his halle.
It is formed from the word (old Eng-
lish) marah, meaning horse, and scalh,
signifying keeper or caretaker. It is a
name, then, belonging to the class known
as occupational, and was early assumed
by one who was in charge of the king's
horses, or in some way connected with
the royal hunts.
(I) Gilbert Marshall, the ancestor of
this family, was, according to family tra-
dition, one of three brothers who came to
America from Scotland in 1750. His
name is first found on Greenwich, Con-
necticut, records, in the tax list of 1769.
On December 30th of that year, land in
Coscob, Connecticut, is conveyed by Ste-
phen Marshall to Andrew and Gilbert
Marshall of the same place. The names
of these men appear on the tax lists for
a number of succeeding years. Accord-
ing to the probate records in Stamford,
Connecticut, Gilbert Marshall died in
1795; he married Sarah Brown. Gilbert
Marshall was known as "Captain Jack,"
and ran a boat between Coscob and New
York. He served in the Revolution as
corporal in Captain Abraham Mead's
company (the Sixth) 9th Regiment, Con-
necticut Militia.
(II) Stephen Marshall, son of Gilbert
and Sarah (Brown) Marshall, was born
April 22, 1783, and died June 30, 1835.
He married, November i, 1807, Pamelia
Bush Mead, daughter of Captain Mat-
thew and Mary (Bush) Mead (see Bush
and Mead lines). She was born January
21, 1784, and died February 8, 1857.
(III) Gilbert (2) Marshall, son of Ste-
phen and Pamelia Bush (Mead) Mar-
shall, was born in Greenwich, Connecti-
cut, November 3, 1809, and died March
8, 1892, at Port Chester, New York. For
a time he was engaged in the retail shoe
business with his cousin, Matthew Mead,
under the firm name of Marshall & Mead.
He was one of the founders, November
412
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
14, 1843, of the Greenwich Methodist
Episcopal Church. He was active in
church work until the end of his life. He
removed to Port Chester, and there en-
gaged in the shoe business with his son-
in-law, under the firm name of Marshall
& Betts. He married (first), October 22,
1834, Deborah Bouton Hoyt, born July
13, 1813, died January 11, 1876, daughter
of Joseph Bouton and Thankful (Bene-
dict) Hoyt, of New Canaan, Connecticut
(see Hoyt line).
(IV) Joseph Hoyt Marshall, son of
Gilbert (2) and Deborah Bouton (Hoyt)
Marshall, was born in Greenwich, Con-
necticut, February 6, 1839. He was edu-
cated in the public schools of Greenwich,
and on completing his courses there en-
tered a dry goods store as a clerk. For
several years he was thus occupied, but
an opportunity presenting itself to pur-
chase a bakery Mr. Marshall took advan-
tage of it, conducting it very profitably in
partnership with his brother, Stephen
Marshall, for several years. About 1870
Mr. Marshall accepted a position as book-
keeper with Russell, Burdsall & Ward,
manufacturers of nuts, bolts, etc., of
Greenwich. He later became paymaster,
which position he now holds. He has
been associated with this company for
almost half a century, and is one of their
valued and trusted employees.
Mr. Marshall married, September 10,
i860, Mary Louise Marshall, daughter of
John Ennis and Susan Morgan (Covert)
Marshall, who was born at West Farms,
New York, May 12, 1841 (see Marshall
line). The children of Joseph Hoyt and
Mary Louise (Marshall) Marshall were:
Howard Ellsworth, born March 11, 1862,
married Mary E. Melville : Mary Edith,
died in infancy ; Jessie Amanda, born No-
vember 3, 1866; Susan Mary, born March
15, 1869, married June 5, 1901, Joseph
Haight, Jr.; Alfrew W. W., of further
mention; Joseph H., died in infancy; Ze-
tella Josephine, died in infancy; Chester
Arthur, died in infancy.
(V) Alfred W. W. Marshall, son of Jo-
seph Hoyt and Mary Louise (Marshall)
Marshall, was educated in the public
schools of Port Chester, New York. In
1890 he entered the First National Bank
of that city as a messenger, remaining
in the employ of this institution for six-
teen years, rising through the various
grades until he was made teller. He held
that position until 1906, and in the latter
year resigned to accept the position of
secretary of the Greenwich Trust Com-
pany, which office he still holds. Later,
Mr. Marshall was made vice-president of
this institution, and he is discharging the
duties incumbent on these two offices in
a most commendable manner. Through-
out the early years of his bank service he
was always alert to learn every detail of
the business, and retained his knowledge.
As time went on and positions entailing
greater responsibilities were offered him,
he was able to accept them and fill them
creditably.
In the public life of his community, Mr.
Marshall has ever been interested. He is
a member of the Republican party, and
has several times been honored with po-
litical office. For two terms he served as
clerk of the town of Rye. During the
World War, 1917-18, when men of ex-
ecutive ability and keen minds were in
such demand, Mr. Marshall freely gave
of his experience and time in the Liberty
Loan work. He served as chairman of
four of the five drives, which in itself is
sufficient warrant of his ability. He was
also actively identified with many other
phases of the war work.
Socially, Mr. Marshall is a member of
Mamaro Lodge, No. 653, Free and Ac-
cepted Masons, of Port Chester, New
York, of which he is past master ; is a
ri3
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
member of the Past Masters' Association
of the Twelfth Masonic District; and is
past high priest of Anmour Chapter, No.
292, Royal Arch Masons, of Port Chester,
which he helped to organize. He is also
a member of the New York Consistory
and the Mecca Shrine; the Azim Grotto;
and the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, of Port Chester; he was organ-
izer and served as treasurer of the latter
organization for several years. Other
social activities of Mr. Marshall's include
membership in the Greenwich Country
Club, which he serves as treasurer; is a
member and secretary of the Indian Har-
bor Yacht Club ; and the New York Ath-
letic Club. His chief recreation is found
in hunting and fishing, and he is a mem-
ber of several rod and gun clubs, includ-
ing the Red Spot Fishing Club, of Upton,
Maine; and River Hill Fishing Club, of
Greenwich, Connecticut.
Mr. Marshall married Edith B. Walsh,
daughter of Hon. Robert Jay Walsh.
They were the parents of a son, Robert
Jay Walsh Marshall, born August 20,
1906. Mrs. Marshall died February 4,
1910.
(The Mead Line).
(I) William Mead, of Fairfield, Con-
necticut, was born about 1600, and died
in 1663. In 1625 he married, and was the
father of John Mead, of whom further.
(II) John Mead, son of William Mead,
was born in 1634, and died February 5,
1609. He married Hannah Potter, daugh-
ter of William Potter, and they were the
parents of John (2) Mead, of whom fur-
ther.
(III) John (2) Mead, son of John
Mead, was born about 1658, and died May
12. 1693. He married, in 1681, Ruth Har-
dey, daughter of Richard Hardey, of
Stamford, Connecticut, and they were the
parents of John (3) Mead, of whom fur-
ther.
(IV) John (3) Mead, son of John (2)
Mead, was born October 7, 1682. He
married, in 1724, Elizabeth Lockwood,
and died in 1759. They were the parents
of Captain Matthew Mead, of whom fur-
ther.
(V) Captain Matthew Mead, son of
John (3) Mead, was born about 1734, and
died in 1812. He married, about 1759,
Mary Bush, a descendant of an old fam-
ily (see Bush V), and they were the par-
ents of Pamelia Bush Mead, born Janu-
ary 21, 1784, died February 8, 1857, who
married Stephen Marshall (see Marshall
II).
(The Bush (Bosch) Line).
(I) Hendrick Bosch, ancestor of the
Bush family, was a native of Leyden,
Holland. He was married three times,
his first wife being Anna Maria (Rem-
bach) Bosch.
(II) Albert Bosch, son of Hendrick
Bosch, was born in Holland, in 1645, and
came to America with his father and step-
mother. Like his father, he was a sword
cutler. In 1689 he was sergeant and then
leader of Captain Peyster's company in
Leister's Rebellion. He married. May i,
1668, Elsie Blanch, baptized February 22,
1643, daughter of Jeurian Blanch, a gold-
smith.
(HI) Justus Bosch, son of Albert Bosch,
was born in 1674, and died in 1739; he
was a merchant. In 1726 he bought pro-
prietary rights in land in the Peningo
Neck Purchase, Rye, New York. At one
time he was a resident of Greenwich, Con-
necticut, where he also purchased land.
Probably he lived in Greenwich before
settling in Rye, for on June 15, 1716, the
town of Greenwich voted to "Justice Bush
of New York" mill privileges on Horse-
neck brook. Earlier than this he is re-
corded in Newtown, Connecticut, where
on July 25, 1705, he and two other men
purchased from the Indians a tract of
414
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
land eight miles long and six miles broad.
Later Mr. Bush and William Junos sold
their interest in the tract for £22 los.
His will is dated June 24, 1737. The
records of the Dutch Reformed church of
New York show "July i3. 1698, Justus
Bosch married Anna Smith "
(IV) Justus (2) Bosch or Bush, son of
Justus Bosch, was baptized December 3,
1699. He was an extensive landowner in
Greenwich, Connecticut, his holdings be-
ing in that part of town known as Belle
Haven. According to "Selleck," Nor-
walk's historian, he married Ann Hayes,
daughter of Samuel and Ruth (Moore)
Hayes, of Norwalk, Connecticut. Letters
of administration on the estate of Justus
Bush were granted to his sons, Justus and
Henry, May 15, 1761.
(V) Mary Bush, daughter of Justus
(2) Bush, married, about 1759, Captain
Matthew Mead (see Mead V). At the
time of their marriage they were said to
be the richest couple in Fairfield county.
She outlived her husband, who died in
1812. They were the parents of Pamelia
Bush Mead, who married Stephen Mar-
shall (see Marshall II).
(The Hoyt Line).
(I) Simon Hoyt, son of John Hoyt,
was born in Dorchester, England, Janu-
ary 20, 1590, and died at Stamford, Con-
necticut, in 1657. ^6 married (first) at
Upway, England, Deborah Stowers,
daughter of Walter Stowers. He married
(second) soon after coming to America,
Susanna Smith. Children by his first
wife : John ; Walter, of whom further ;
Thomas, Deborah, Nicholas, and Ruth.
(II) Walter Hoyt, son of Simon and
Deborah (Stowers) Hoyt, was born June
3, 1616. He came with his father to
America about 1629. He lived at Fair-
field, Connecticut, and died about 1698.
He married and had children, among them
Zerubbabel, of whom further.
(III) Zerubbabel Hoyt, son of Walter
Hoyt, was born about 1650. He married
Mehitable Keeler, widow of John Keeler,
and lived at Norwalk, Connecticut.
Among their children was Caleb, of
whom further.
(IV) Caleb Hoyt, son of Zerubbabel
and Mehitable (Keeler) Hoyt, married,
in 1707, Mehitable Blatchley, a widow
(daughter of John Keeler). They lived
at Norwalk. The will of Caleb Hoyt was
proved in May, 1755. Among his chil-
dren was David, of whom further.
(V) David Hoyt, son of Caleb and Me-
hitable (Keeler-Blatchley) Hoyt, was
born December 3, 1710, died in 1771. He
removed to New Canaan, Connecticut,
from Norwalk in 1737. He married, Jan-
uary 5, 1735-36, Ruth Lockwood, daugh-
ter of Joseph Lockwood, and among their
children was Timothy, of whom further.
(VI) Timothy Hoyt, son of David and
Ruth (Lockwood) Hoyt, was born May
27, 1739, died in 1815. He was a soldier
in the Revolution, and lived in Norwich
and New Canaan, Connecticut. He mar-
ried, February 4, 1761, Sarah Benedict
(see Benedict V), and among their chil-
dren was Joseph Bouton, of whom fur-
ther.
(VII) Joseph Bouton Hoyt, son of
Timothy and Sarah (Benedict) Hoyt,
was born September 6, 1775, and died Oc-
tober 12, 1844. He married, February 8,
1800, Thankful Benedict, and among their
children was Deborah Bouton Hoyt, of
whom further.
(VIII) Deborah Bouton Hoyt was
born in 1813. She married Gilbert (2)
Marshall (see Marshall HI).
(The Benedict Line).
(I) Thomas Benedict was of Notting-
hamshire, England. Tradition says that
415
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
the family lived for many years in the
silk manufacturing district of France and
were of Latin origin. Thomas Benedict
was born in 1617, and came to America
in 1638. He married, about 1640, Mary
Bridgum, and they were the parents of
nine children, among them John, of whom
further.
(II) John Benedict, son of Thomas and
Mary (Bridgum) Benedict, was born in
Southold, Long Island, but removed to
Norwalk, Connecticut. He married Phebe
Gregory, daughter of John and Sarah
Gregory (see Gregory line). They were
the parents of seven children, among
them John (2), of whom further.
(III) John (2) Benedict, son of John
(i) and Phebe (Gregory) Benedict, was
born in 1676, and died in 1766. He mar-
ried Mary (probably Haight), and they
were the parents of six children, among
them John (3), of whom further.
(IV) John (3) Benedict, son of John
(2) and Mary (Haight) Benedict, was
born in 1701, and died in 1770. He lived
in New Canaan, Connecticut. He mar-
ried (first) Dinah Bouton. He married
(second) Mary . Children: Dan-
iel, John, Jachin, Joseph, Dinah, Heze-
kiah, Rhoda, Mary ; Sarah, of whom fur-
ther.
(V) Sarah Benedict, daughter of John
(3) and Dinah (Bouton) Benedict, mar-
ried, in 1761, Timothv Hoyt (see Hoyt
VI).
(The Gregory Line).
Henry Gregory, who founded the fam-
ily in America, came from an old and dis-
tinguished Nottingham family. He was
born there about 1570; was in Boston,
Massachusetts, in 1633; at Springfield,
Massachusetts, in 1639, and in a few years
removed to Stratford, Connecticut, of
which town he was one of the founders.
A distribution of his estate was ordered
July 19, 1665.
John Gregory, son of Henry Gregory,
was early in New Haven, Connecticut,
whence he removed from Stratford, and
thence to Norwalk, where he was an orig-
inal settler. He represented the town in
nine May sessions of the Legislature and
at eight October sessions. His will was
executed August 15, 1689, and on the 9th
of the following October his wife, Sarah,
was represented at court as a widow.
They had a daughter, Phebe, who mar-
ried John Benedict (see Benedict II).
(The Marshall Line). I
Captain Sylvanus Marshall, of Green-
wich, Connecticut, was bom May 4, 1746,
and died September 28, 1833. He was
second lieutenant in Captain Jesse Bell's
company. First Battalion, State Troops,
Colonel Samuel Whiting, 1776; ensign in
Captain Abraham Mead's company, Ninth
Regiment, Connecticut Militia, Lieuten-
ant-Colonel John Mead, August 13 to Sep-
tember 8, 1776; lieutenant in Captain Syl-
vanus Mead's company, same regiment,
November i, 1776, to January 11, 1777;
and captain of rangers in 1781. After
leaving the service, Captain Marshall con-
tinued to reside for a time in Greenwich,
and then lived for a year or two in Bed-
ford, New York. He removed to Salem,
New York, and then back to Greenwich,
Connecticut. He spent the last fifteen
years of his life with his son, Walter Mar-
shall.
Walter Marshall, son of Captain Syl-
vanus Marshall, was born December 29,
1788, and died December 29, 1836. He
was of Mamaroneck, New York. He mar-
ried. May 25, 1812, Martha Ennis, born
October 27, 1788, died May 22, 1864.
They were the parents of John Ennis
Marshall, of whom further.
John Ennis Marshall, son of Walter
Marshall, was born February 7, 1815, and
died October 5, 1897. He was a member
416
ENCY<
>IV
of the "Union Defence
Town of Rye," foriT-
He was supervisor '
to 1859, and 7:. -
1863. In rcc
Mew York, which from th..
' itie gatherings there acquired 'i^
: i "Leather Tammany." He wa«
jjiesident of the Westchester Fire '■>.>■•
..nee Company, and remained a Hu'.,'
until his death. In religious faith h;
an Episcopalian
John Ennis Marshall married, June j\.
1837, Susan Morgan Covert, born No
vember 9, 1820, died January i, 1896, and
they were the parents of Mary I>ouise
Marshall, who married Joseph Hoyt Mar-
iiall (see Marshall IV).
SHERWOOD. Harry R,
There is a half-way point \v
"very man hesitates, and it '<;
;nost difficult moments <
very often success is just h
turn in the road. Harry '■■
leading lawyer and este-
vVestport, Connecticut, ^^
various employment? J v
that his career was t
.^herwood family is
of Fairfield county. '
hzs a prominent phi.
ture.
(I) David Sherwoo<i 1
grandfather of Han
buried at Greetifioli),
(II) Ruel
Sherwood
from Gr-
ried Rachi
V..3-
of '
th<
an.
tr: :
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
W. and Lois A. (Osborn) Sherwood, was MATHEWSON, Clifford Earl,
born January 31, 1873, in Westport, Con-
necticut, and was educated in the public
schools there and in the South Norwalk
High School. After three or four years
spent in various employments, Mr. Sher-
wood entered Yale Law School, from
which he was graduated in 1899 and ad-
mitted to the bar in June of the same
year. He engaged in general practice of
his profession, and for two years was in
the office of Davenport & Banks, at the
same time maintaining an office of his
own in Westport.
Mr. Sherwood has actively entered into
public matters, and has several times
been honored with public office. He was
a member of the Legislature in 191 5, serv-
ing on the judiciary committee. In 1917
he was reelected, which in itself is suffi-
cient warrant of his ability and the con-
fidence reposed in him by his constitu-
ents, and he again served on the judiciary
committee. Two years later he was for
a third time honored by his fellow-citi-
zens, and was House chairman of the
committee on cities and boroughs. In
192 1 he was again reelected Representa-
tive and served on the judiciary com-
mittee.
Mr. Sherwood is a member of Temple
Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of
Westport, Connecticut, and of Washing-
ton Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Nor-
walk, Connecticut. He is a member of
the Westport Country and the University
clubs of Bridgeport.
Mr. Sherwood married Edna Mason,
daughter of William B. Mason, of Jersey
City, New Jersey, but a native of Eng-
land. Their children are : Lois, and John
Mason Sherwood. The family attend the
Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr.
Sherwood is a trustee.
Bnsiness Man.
As sales manager and secretary of the
Norwalk Tire and Rubber Company, of
Norwalk, Connecticut, Mr. Mathewson
continues active in a line in which he has
been well known since 1902, at which time
he took over the entire management of
the Diamond Rubber Company's business
on the Pacific Coast and the Orient. Mr.
Mathewson is a native of the West, and
a member of an old New England fam-
ily, of which numerous representatives
have chosen western homes.
(I) The founder of the branch of the
Mathewson family was James Mathew-
son, who came from England, locating at
Plymouth, Massachusetts, and moving,
about 1658, to Providence, Rhode Island.
He was born about 1624, and died in
1682. He married Hannah Field, daugh-
ter of John Field, who died in 1703. Their
children were : Ruth ; James, bom in
1666, died in 1737; John, died in 1716;
Isabel, died in 1719; Thomas, born in
1673, died in 1735 ; Zacheriah ; Lydia ;
and Daniel, of whom further.
(II) Daniel Mathewson, son of James
and Hannah (Field) Mathewson, was
born in Providence, Rhode Island, Janu-
ary 28, 1683, died in Gloucester, Rhode
Island, January 13, 1751. He married
(first), February 10, 1704, Sarah Inman ;
(second), in 1732, Esther, surname un-
known; (third), September 26, 1742, Char-
ity Inman; (fourth), July 12, 1747, Lydia
Montague. There were seven children of
his first marriage, four of his second, one
of his third, and two of his fourth.
(III) Othniel Mathewson, son of Dan-
iel and Sarah (Inman") Mathewson, was
born February 2, 1705. He married, Feb-
ruary 3, 1733, Sarah Winson, and they
had six children.
418
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(IV) Joseph Mathewson, son of Oth-
niel and Sarah (Winson) Mathewson,
was born December 20, 1748. He mar-
ried, April 8, 1773, Betty Brown, daughter
of Nicholas Brown. Among their chil-
dren was Samuel, of whom further.
(V) Samuel Mathewson, son of Joseph
and Betty (Brown) Mathewson, was born
about 1780. He married Candace Ballou,
descendant in the sixth generation of Ma-
turin Ballou, and they moved to Connec-
ticut, from Burrillville, Rhode Island.
Children: Ada, born May 11, 1802; Su-
sanna, born Oct. 15, 1803; Charlotte, born
August 17, 1805 ; Julia Ann, born July 27,
1807; Polly M., born May 7, 1809; Dear-
born, of whom further; Phebe, born June
22, 1813 ; Sessions, born May 5, 1815 ;
Laura, born March 15, 1817; Esther, born
November 20, 1822.
(VI) Dearborn Mathewson, son of
Samuel and Candace (Ballou) Mathew-
son, was born in Burrillville, Rhode Is-
land, March 27, 181 1. When he was a
lad of eleven years his parents went to
Connecticut and settled in North Coven-
try, Tolland county, where he grew to
manhood. Mr. Mathewson was reared on
a farm, and when he arrived at years of
manhood, purchased a tract of land near
that owned by his father. He remained
upon it a few years, then removed to
Manchester, and purchased a half inter-
est in a stone quarry, which he retained
possession of for one year. He then dis-
posed of his interest in this and removed
to Windsor, where he rented a farm and
remained until 1855, then decided to go
West. He proceeded to Rock Island, Il-
linois, and thence to Henry county, Illi-
nois, where he bought one hundred and
sixty acres of wild land, situated a mile
from Oxford, upon which he settled and
lived for eight years. There were great
improvements to be made, all of which
he accomplished. He erected a dwelling-
house, and after he had brought much of
the farm land to a good state of cultiva-
tion, he sold out to good advantage, and
purchased a tract of fifty acres in Winne-
bago county. This land he also greatly
improved, and erected a house upon it.
Here he remained until 1870, when he de-
termined upon removal to Iowa. He ac-
cordingly came into Linn county, and
purchased a tract of land on Section 21,
Maine township. Here he established a
permanent home, and remained until his
death, which occurred April 30, 1885. He
was a man of industry, energy and gen-
erous impulses, and made substantial con-
tributions to the welfare of his commu-
nity.
Mr. Mathewson married (first) Maria
W. Whiton, a native of Connecticut, who
died in Tolland, that State. He married
(second), March 24, 1840, Martha Savan-
tia Kimball, born in Bozrah, Connecticut,
September 23, 1818, daughter of John and
Nancy (Turner) Kimball, descendant in
the seventh generation of Richard Kim-
ball. Children : Albert, born February
14, 1841, died October 29, 1841 ; Harriet
Maria, born October 20, 1842 ; Albert
Watson, of whom further ; Martha Lou-
isa, born March 27, 1846, died November
27, 1846; Martha Janet, born November
24, 1850; George Dearborn, born August
II, 1853-
(VII) Albert Watson Mathewson, son
of Dearborn and Martha S. (Kimball)
Mathewson, was born in New Britain.
Connecticut, March 8, 1844, and died
February 8, 1920. When he was a boy of
six years of age his parents moved to
Iowa City, Iowa, later settling at Morse,
in the same State, and there he was edu-
cated in such schools as existed in what
was then a frontier State. In early young
manhood he entered business indepen-
dently, establishing a creamery, and de-
veloped a large wholesale trade, which he
419
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
continued for about four years. Selling
his interests in this line, he removed to
Fairmont, Nebraska, where he conducted
real estate operations, two years later lo-
cating in Trenton, that State, where, in
addition to dealing in property, he founded
the first bank. He remained in this place
two years, and in 1890 was the pioneer
settler in what is now Brady, Nebraska.
He was the owner of the first store and
bank, brought many families to the town,
and was the principal factor in its large
growth and development. He built the
bridge across the North Platte river to
connect the rich farming country to the
south with Brady, then a small village.
This bridge saved the farmers of this sec-
tion a journey of thirty, miles to North
Platte, and fifteen miles to Gothenburg,
and was the determining cause of Brady's
rise to importance. Mr. Mathewson re-
tired from business in 1906 with a record
of extreme usefulness that had benefited
large numbers of pioneer settlers in the
West. He made his home in Denver,
Colorado, until his death in 1920. He was
a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, donated land for the church and
school in Brady, and was a man of great
public spirit, although avoiding diligently
personal publicity.
Albert W. Mathewson married Mattie
J. Mack, a native of Illinois, and they
were the parents of: Ernest Linn, and
Clifford E., of whom further.
(VIII) Cliflford E. Mathewson, son of
Albert W. and Mattie J. (Mack) Math-
ewson, was bom in Iowa City, Iowa, De-
cember I, 1879. He obtained his educa-
tion in the public schools of Trenton,
Brady, and North Platte, Nebraska, and
as a young man entered the bicycle busi-
ness in Denver, Colorado. From 1899
to 1902, during the boom in the bicycle
business, he engaged in racing, and held
many track and road records, and in the
latter year became general manager of all
the twelve Pacific coast branches of the
Diamond Rubber Company, manufactur-
ers of automobile and bicycle tires. While
serving in this capacity his headquarters
were San Francisco, California. He de-
veloped this business to the point where
a volume of many millions of dollars
worth of business was done yearly. In
1914 he decided to go into business for
himself and the Norwalk Tire and Rub-
ber Company was organized by a num-
ber of the head men of the parent com-
pany. Mr. Mathewson becames sales
manager and secretary of the new com-
pany, an ofifice he holds to the present
time. This company has gained wide
reputation in its line, and has enjoyed
successful and prosperous continuance.
Mr. Mathewson has borne a full share in
the shaping of its policies and the up-
building of its interests, and is widely
known in the tire trade. He holds the
thirty-second degree in the Masonic or-
der, his lodge Mt. Moriah, No. 44, Free
and Accepted Masons, and he is also a
member of Islam Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of
San Francisco, California. He was at
one time the youngest thirty-second de-
gree Mason in California.
Mr. Mathewson married Marie A. Hall,
daughter of William Hall, of San Fran-
cisco, and they are the parents of: Clif-
ford E., Jr., born April 27, 1917; and Joan
Marie, born December i, 1918. The mem-
bers of this branch of the family now live
in Stamford, Connecticut.
MATHEWSON, Herbert A.,
Mannfaotnrer, Fnblie Official.
The origin of the name of Mathewson
is similar to that of Williamson and John-
son and many other names of that order.
They were derived from the combination
420
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of the Christian name of the father com-
bined with the word "son." In the early
dates, before surnames were in general
use, it was common to refer to a man as
John's son, William's son, and Matthew's
son. As time went on and surnames be-
came a necessity, in order to distinguish
members of a family, it was very natural
that these names would be assumed by
those who had borne them, as their sur-
names. The name of Mathewson is an
old one in England and is frequently met
with in the records there. In the State
of Connecticut the name has been known
since 1850, the founder of the family in
New England being John Mathewson.
John Mathewson, above referred to,
was born in Hounslow, England, where
he grew to manhood. He was appren-
ticed to Mr. Charles Peck in the Wool-
wich Arsenal, and after serving his time
went with his father, who was general
superintendent of the Government Gun
Powder Works in Hounslow. About
1845 ^I''- Mathewson came to America,
bringing with him and putting into oper-
ation the first steam machinery for mak-
ing gunpowder. After installing the ma-
chines in the plants of A. G. Hazard and
the Du Ponts, Mr. Mathewson remained
with the Hazard Powder Company as
general superintendent for many years,
until his removal to Enfield, at which
time he engaged in the brewing business
as a member of the firm of Mathewson &
Gray, which he organized to take over
the old Connecticut Valley Brewery in
Thompsonville. Mr. Mathewson was ac-
tive in the business until his death, which
occurred in 1879. He was a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
His wife, who was Ann (Turvey) Math-
ewson, died in 1888, and they were the
parents of the following children : John,
deceased; Edwin E., a former partner of
Herbert A., now deceased ; Ann Eliza,
wife of William O. Collins, of Springfield,
Massachusetts ; Albert H., of Springiield ;
Florence A., of Enfield, Connecticut;
George T., deceased ; Charles P., of Hart-
ford, Connecticut; Herbert A., who re-
ceives extended mention below.
Herbert A. Mathewson, son of John and
Ann (Turvey) Mathewson, was born in
Enfield, Connecticut, April 21, 1861, and
died June i, 1921. He was educated in
the public schools of that town and in the
private school of the Rev. C. M. Selleck,
of Norwalk. In 1879 he entered the em-
ploy of Lounsbury Brothers & Company,
beginning as assistant shipping clerk, and
held all of the various positions up to a
partnership in the business. About 1876
Edwin E. Mathewson, brother of Herbert
A. Mathewson, became a member of the
firm, and the name was changed to Louns-
bury, Mathewson & Company, and later
Herbert A. became a member of the firm.
The product of manufacture has always
been women's shoes, sold direct to the re-
tailer. Salesmen cover the entire United
States in the interests of the business, and
there are three hundred and ten people
employed. Mr. Mathewson was one of
the energetic American type of business
men, and was held in high esteem among
his fellow business men and citizens. He
was a director of the City National Bank
of South Norwalk. In politics he was a
Republican, and gave able service to the
interests of his constituents as treasurer
of the city of Norwalk. His clubs were
the South Norwalk and the Norwalk
Country, and he was also a member of
several clubs in other cities. In all of the
many departments of city life into which
his activities led him he filled a place of
usefulness and made worthy contribution
to the general welfare. He was esteemed
for personal qualities of rare merit, and
the record of a busy life has no page that
will not bear the public view.
421
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Mr. Mathewson married Mary E.
Knapp, daughter of Burr Knapp, of Nor-
walk. Her mother was Rebecca (Fitch)
Knapp, daughter of Samuel Mason Fitch.
The Knapp ancestry of Mrs. Mathewson
will be found elsewhere in this work (see
Knapp, John H.). Mr. Mathewson was
an attendant of Trinity Episcopal Church,
of South Norwalk, in whose work Mrs.
Mathewson takes an active part.
Below is a copy of resolutions adopted
by the directors of the City National Bank
at their regular meeting held June 20,
1921 :
To THE Board of Directors :
Your committee, appointed to prepare a suitable
minute upon the death of Herbert A. Mathewson,
beg leave to report the following:
In the death of Herbert A. Mathewson this
Board has lost one of its ablest and most effi-
cient members. He was conscientious and out-
spoken, and never hesitated to say and to do what
he deemed to be just. He was, however, open to
conviction, and was always considerate of the
opinion of his associates, and we always found
him willing to cooperate in the most helpful way.
His successful career as a man of business, and
his complete mastery of the underlying principles
of finance and banking, served to render his advice
invaluable in making loans and extending credits.
Therefore, we feel a personal loss in this death,
and we share with the whole community in the
loss of a good citizen.
We beg to extend to his widow and family our
heartfelt sympathy.
John H. Light,
Lewis R. Hurlbutt,
Committee.
ADAMS, Elbert Sherman,
Business Man, Iiegislator.
In every man there is some natural
tendency toward certain lines of work
and success depends largely upon giving
heed to this bent. And it is equally true
that the man who is not interested in pub-
lic affairs cannot hope to succeed. He
must be willing to do his part for the
community in which he lives, and it is
knowledge of these facts which has con-
tributed largely to the success of Elbert
S. Adams, one of the leading business
men of Norwalk, Connecticut.
The Adams family is one of the oldest
and most honored of the New England
Colonial families, and is traced to Robert
Adams, who was born in England, in
1602. Eventually his descendants re-
moved to Braintree, Massachusetts, where
Squire Adams, the grandfather of Elbert
S. Adams was born. He married Par-
melia Waterbury, born in Norwalk, a
scion of an old Fairfield county family.
They were the parents of Jonathan Tay-
lor Adams, born in Weston. As a boy
he learned the trade of shoemaker and
completed his apprenticeship in Norwalk
and Westport. For about thirty years
he was occupied at this work, and then
entered the butcher business in Norwalk.
He continued in this business for about
fifteen years, and then sold out to his sons.
During most of his lifetime Mr. Adams
lived in Norwalk and there he married
Caroline Disbrow, daughter of Sherwood
Disbrow, of Norwalk, and they were the
parents of nine children, namely: Royal
W., resides in Norwalk ; William T., de-
ceased ; Elbert S., of further mention ;
Arthur R. ; Sylvia Estella, deceased ;
James Howard ; Edith, wife of Nathaniel
Jones, of Norwalk, both now deceased ;
Ernest; Lester. The father and mother
of these children attended the Congre-
gational church of Norwalk for many
years.
Elbert Sherman Adams was born March
4, 1854, in Norwalk, Connecticut. He
was educated in the public schools there.
Soon after completing his studies, he
went into the meat business with his fa-
ther, and later in partnership with his
brother, Royal W., succeeded his father
422
ENCYCLOPEDi.
I
e business und
:iis Brothers.
. irew from the
.;.Unued alone unt!>
-ie disposed of his ini'
!ig his connections wiui .
Adams entered into the ;
it the same time taking li ..
the Sonora phonograph for th<
Connecticut and Rhode Island. • > -
and one-half years Mr. Adams coiirinu<-d
■his business and then, owing to a scriou?
illness, he was compelled lo give up th<
agency, which he sold bark to the
^iany, having built up a si'if^r.'i.'* •■:;■
in the comparatively short tune iio iuiii
:he territory.
Til politics Mr. Adams is a Republican,
.u\d has always taken more than a passive
interest in public affairs. He served a
year as city treasurer, and was ^ member
of the Common Council for two terms.
In 1902 he was a member of the Legisla-
ture, and served .-js rlerk of the commit-
tee on appropriations and was chairman
of the committee on new towns and pro-
bate districts. He also served on si»v<«'!il
other special committees. Ir
Adams was appointed postma: .
walk by President Willuim H<.v,v«id i»:i,
which office he held for nine years.
Mr. Adams married (first) Ida Bouton,
daughter of Juh,- fir) u ton, and they were
the parents of two children: i. Grs'-c
Bouton, manied Charles T.,. **.'-:;r -'^^
has two daughters. Franr
Carol Vida. 2. Spencer
treasurer of the South i\ui •
Company ; he mnrricc' ''firsi '
ter, and has *
brow and El hi
of these chil:;
ams married ;
Randolph * M
of Silas Barr. .
Meeker, and wKlo.
ihc bore one
mi'mber?
Surname::
id is that or ' J;i ■ :: -
■in ancient wt>rd "ii.uiiuritr
OCCUp'i^l'U.! !: ■,■•
spelled Gramme,
mainly found in
Massachusetts li.
the name is v-
of this family
migrants to the Aew v.
John Ciani, was born in 1
a proprietor of 1/
in i^.JC H# ws^a
Cram family
ediy descends.
(I) Daniel Cram, grandfather
Cram, was born in South
J^rv/ Hampshire, nhort rRi5
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
They were members of the Baptist
church. Mr. and Mrs. Cram were the
parents of the following children : George
W., of further mention ; Mary Jane, born
about 1843 ; Elizabeth, 1845 ; Daniel
Henry, August 14, 1847; Sarah Melissa,
1849; Josephine Lily, 1852; Adeline, 1854;
Ida May, 1856; Benjamin Manley, 1858.
All of these children were born in Boston.
(II) George W. Cram, father of Dr.
Cram, was born in East Boston, Massa-
chusetts, January 25, 184:2, and died De-
cember 26, 1905. He was educated in the
Boston public schools, and then learned
the trade of civil engineer, which he fol-
lowed for a short time. Then Mr. Cram
followed in his father's footsteps and en-
tered the contracting business, only of a
more general nature. He was awarded
a contract in Norwalk, Connecticut, to
put in the city water works, and he re-
moved to that city where he was a resi-
dent until his death. Most of the sewer
system of the old city of Norwalk was
installed by Mr. Cram, and he also had a
contract for construction of that part of
the railroad in the vicinity of Roxbury.
Mr. Cram was a Republican, a public-
spirited citizen, and although he took an
active part in the campaigns he was never
a seeker for public office. He was a mem-
ber of St. John's Lodge, No. 6, Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons ; member of
the Grolier Club, of New York.
Mr. Cram married Lydia Ann Bartlett,
bom in Newburyport, Massachusetts,
July II, 1841, died April 25, 1919. Her
father, Horace W. Bartlett, was born
December 2, 1812, in Salem, Massachu-
setts, and died in Norwalk, Connecticut,
June II, 1897. He went to sea early in
life and became a captain. Later he was
in the shoe business in Newburyport as a
manufacturer and retailer. He was a
member of the Grolier Club, of New York,
of Ex Libris, of London, and the Sons of
the American Revolution. Horace W.
Bartlett married Ann Maria Currier,
daughter of Benjamin Currier, born July
4, 1813, in Newburyport, died September
12, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. George W. Cram
were the parents of: Albert Stevens, died
unmarried ; George E., of further men-
tion ; Alice Bartlett, married Hubert E.
Bishop, of Norwalk, sketch of whom ap-
pears elsewhere in this work ; Clarence
Currier, of Seattle, Washington. The
family attend Grace Episcopal Church.
(HI) Dr. George Eversleigh Cram was
born in Norwalk, Connecticut, October
14, 1875. He was educated in the public
schools of that city. He tutored for col-
lege, and was graduated with the degree
of Ph. B. at Sheffield Scientific School in
1897, and in 1901 received his degree of
M.D. from the College of Physicians and
Surgeons, of New York. The seven
months following were spent in a Brook-
lyn hospital, thence he went to Tamali-
pas, Mexico, as physician for a mining
company. During the Yellow Fever Epi-
demic in 1903, he was stationed in Tam-
pico, Mexico, and in his eiiforts to min-
ister to the sick contracted the fever him-
self. After his recovery he spent some
time in the State of Durango, and alto-
gether was in Mexico ten years. During
that time he completely mastered the
Spanish language, which is spoken there,
and this knowledge made his services
even more valuable.
In 191 1 Dr. Cram returned to Norwalk
and engaged in general practice. He has
made that city his residence since and has
built up a large clientele. For six years
he has been a member of the Board of
Health, and is also on the staff of the
Norwalk Hospital. He is a member of
the Norwalk Medical Association, the
Fairfield County Medical Association, the
Connecticut Medical Society, and the
American Medical Association. Frater-
424
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
nally, he is a member of St. John's Lodge,
No. 6, Ancient Free and Accepted Ma-
sons, of which his father was a member;
Our Brothers Lodge, Independent Order
of Odd Fellows ; Norwalk Club ; Norwalk
Country Club ; Norwalk Yacht Club.
On April 2, 1916, Dr. Cram enlisted in
the naval militia as a junior lieutenant.
When the United States entered the
World War, he was sent to Boston and
shortly after was transferred into the Na-
tional Naval Volunteers. He was or-
dered to New York Navy Yard to go
aboard the United States Steamer "Chris-
tobal," and from there to Brest. He was
stationed at Brest for a year, then sent
through Spain to Gibraltar and went
aboard the United States Steamer "An-
ahma," where he remained seven months.
At this time the armistice had been
signed, and Dr. Cram was ordered to
Constantinople ; he was aboard the first
American war vessel that had ever passed
through the Dardanelles, and was in Con-
stantinople when the Allies took posses-
sion of that city. They were sent to the
relief of the crew of the United States
Steamer '"Scorpion," that had been in-
terned by the Turks during the War, and
subsequent to this time Dr. Cram was at-
tached to the "Scorpion" for a time as
medical officer, and on his release came
home on a United States army transport
by way of Smyrna. He arrived in this
country, July i, 1918, and was released on
inactive duty the following month. Thus
through this very creditable record in
time of need. Dr. Cram has brought
honor to his family name, and proves
himself worthy of descent from those
courageous and hardy pioneers.
Dr. Cram married Jeanne (Barrett)
Hoke, daughter of John Barrett, of Sher-
idan, Indiana, and widow of Charles Hoke.
By her first marriage Mrs. Cram was the
mother of three sons, George, Charles
and William Hoke. Dr. Cram and his
wife attend and aid in the support of the
Methodist Episcopal church of Norwalk.
TAYLOR, Cornelius G.,
Agriculturist, Public Official.
Among the surnames of occupational
derivation is Taylor, of ancient origin,
found in New England at the time of the
earliest Colonial settlement. Hall's "His-
tory of Norwalk" gives the marriage of
Josiah Taylor and Thankful French, Au-
gust 2, 1729, and their children : Josiah,
born 1730; Jonathan, born 1731 ; Levi,
born 1733; Gamaliel, born 1735; Borak,
born 1737; Abijah, born September 22,
1740, of whom further; Paul, born 1741-
1742 ; Sarah, twin of Paul ; Thankful, born
1746; Eleazer, born 1749; Deborah, born
1756.
The family records of Norwalk, sup-
plementing Hall's "History of Norwalk,"
have the children of Abijah Taylor and
Isabella, his wife, as follows : Robert W.,
born 1769; Thomas W., born 1772; Gil-
bert, born 1775; Dan, born 1778; David,
of whom further; Samuel, born 1784;
Charles W., bom 1786.
David Taylor was born August 2, 1781 ;
he married Sally Dykeman. All of the
name of Dykeman in America are be-
lieved to have descended from William
Dykeman, a native of Holland, who was
among the early settlers of New Amster-
dam. Of his children there is no record.
He had grandchildren, among whom was
Jacobus. Jacobus Dykeman married a
member of the Kesur family, and had
children, among them William. William
Dykeman, born 1725, died 1787, married
Mary Turner. One of their children was
Michael. Michael Dykeman was born
.A.ugust 9, 1756, and died in January, 1808,
a soldier of the Revolution. He married,
about 1778, Sarah Oakley, and had two
425
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
daughters : Sarah, to whom all indications
point as the wife of David Taylor, and
Maria. Children of David and Sarah
[Sally] Taylor: Dykeman; Sandusky, of
whom further; Hiram; David; Abigail,
married Peter Brower; Jerusha, married
Thomas Bird; Sarah Elizabeth, married
George Hoyt; and Betty, who died in
childhood.
Sandusky Taylor, son of David and
Sarah [Sally] Taylor, was born in Pound-
ridge, New York, and died in Hoboken,
New Jersey, in 1864. He took up rail-
roading for his life work, and it was while
following this occupation he met with a
fatal accident. Mr. Taylor married Ore-
atha Juliere, daughter of David Juliere,
of West Norwalk, of French descent.
Their children were: Eva, married
Charles Tooker, of Hoboken, and is now
deceased ; Cornelius G., of whom further.
Cornelius G. Taylor, son of Sandusky
and Oreatha (Juliere) Taylor, was born
in White Plains, New York, December i,
1856. He came to New Canaan, Connec-
ticut, when he was but a lad of ten years,
and with the exception of two years has
resided there continuously since that time.
He started in life as an apprentice, and
through his own unaided efforts carved a
recognized place in his community. He
lived in Hoboken until apprenticed to
Stephen Raymond, of New Canaan, at
the age of ten. He was with Mr. Ray-
mond for eight years and then went to
New York City, where he learned the
tinsmith's trade. Not finding this to his
liking, Mr. Taylor returned again to New
Canaan and purchased his present farm of
about one hundred and fifty acres, and
has since engaged in general farming.
He has about twenty head of cattle.
In politics, Mr. Taylor is a Democrat,
and served several terms as a member of
the board of selectmen, and also served
as assessor. He is a member of Wooster
Lodge, No. n. Independent Order of Odd
Fellows ; New Canaan Grange ; Pomona
Grange, and the State Grange ; and served
on the school board.
Cornelius G. Taylor married, in 1877,
Nancy E. Tallmadge, daughter of Wil-
liam H. and Nancy (Weed) Tallmadge,
and they have one daughter, Lorena. The
family are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church. Mr. Taylor is a trus-
tee of the Tallmadge Hill Union Chapel.
(The Tallmadge Line)
(I) Thomas Tallmadge was of New-
ton Stacy, Hants, England. He came to
America in 1631, landed at Boston, re-
moved to Lynn, later to Southampton,
Long Island, and was allotted two hun-
dred acres of land. He died about 1653.
His wife's name is not mentioned. He
had seven children, among whom was
Robert.
(II) Robert Tallmadge, son of Thomas
Tallmadge, was born in England, and
came to America as a young man. It is
said he was one of the original purchasers
of New Haven in 1639. He married Sarah
Nash, daughter of Thomas and Margery
(Baker) Nash. Among their six children
was Enos.
(III) Lieutenant Enos Tallmadge, son
of Robert and Sarah (Nash) Tallmadge,
was born at New Haven, Connecticut,
October 4, 1656. He was on Bradley's
list of proprietors of New Haven in 1685.
He went to the defense of Schenectady in
command of assistance sent by Connec-
ticut, and was killed in the burning of the
town, February 9, 1690. He married,
May 9, 1682, Hannah Yale, daughter of
Thomas Yale. They had four children,
among whom was Thomas.
(IV) Thomas Tallmadge, son of Lieu-
tenant Enos and Hannah (Yale) Tall-
madge, was born in New Haven, Decem-
ber 7, 1688, removed to Stamford, and
426
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
died in 1766. He married, in 1715, Su-
sanna Weed, who died in 1756. They had
six children, among whom was James.
(V) James Tallmadge, son of Thomas
and Susanna (Weed) Tallmadge, was
born September 10, 1721, and died in New
Canaan, in 1797. He was probably the
founder of Tallmadge Hill. He married,
at Norwalk, in 1741, Mary Seymour.
They had five children, among them Sey-
mour.
(VI) Seymour Tallmadge, son of James
and Mary (Seymour) Tallmadge, was
born May 28, 1755, ^"^ died July 6, 1840,
at Pike, Allegheny county. New York,
where he had removed some time after
1816. He was a soldier in the Revolu-
tion. He married, April 7, 1774, Sarah
Hoyt. They had eight children, among
them John.
(VII) John Tallmadge, son of Sey-
mour and Sarah (Hoyt) Tallmadge, was
born in New Canaan, March 3, 1777, and
died May 25, 1852. He married. May 15,
1798, Sarah Bates, of New Canaan, who
died December 17, 1856. Children: Polly,
born 1799; John L., born 1801 ; Sarah D.,
born 1803; Seth. born 1809; William H.,
of whom further; James H., born 1816.
(VIII) William H. Tallmadge, son of
John and Sarah (Bates) Tallmadge, was
born May 12, 1810, lived in New Canaan,
and died February 3, 1875. He married,
January 11, 1848, Nancy Weed. Chil-
dren : Sarah, born 1849, married D. S.
Sholes ; Nancy E., born 1852, married
Cornelius G. Taylor (see Taylor line) ;
Mary, born August 2, 1853.
TAYLOR, Frederick Clark,
Attorney-at-Laxr.
Frederick Clark Taylor was born in
Stamford, Connecticut, November 3, 1866,
son of Henry F. and Mary E. (Clark)
Taylor.
(I) The ancestor of the Taylor fam-
ily, John Taylor, was a Puritan. He came
from England and settled first in Lynn,
Massachusetts. In 1639 he was in Wind-
sor, and there received a grant of land in
1640. He was the father of two sons born
about 1646. In 1647 John Taylor sailed
on a return voyage to England on the
ship '"Phantom," which was lost at sea
together with those aboard.
(II) John (2) Taylor, eldest son of
John (i) Taylor, was born in 1641, and
was killed by the Indians in 1704. He
settled in Northampton, Massachusetts,
and was granted a home lot there on
Elm street. He was granted permission
to set up a saw mill there in 1674. In
1703 he received eighty acres of land, in
which section the town of Southampton
was later located. He was among the
men who contributed to Harvard College
in 1672-73. In 1688-90 John Taylor served
in King W^illiam's War, and also served
in Queen Anne's War, and it was during
a pursuit of Indians he met his death,
May 13, 1704. He married Thankful
Woodward, daughter of Henry Wood-
ward, who was quartermaster of the
Hampshire Troop, of which John Taylor
was captain, formed in 1663.
(III) John (3) Taylor, son of John (2)
and Thankful (Woodward) Taylor, was
born in Norwalk, Connecticut, in 1667,
and died in 1774. He married (second),
January 19, 1726, Hannah Stewart,
daughter of Lieutenant Joseph Stewart.
(IV) Seth Taylor, son of John (3) and
Hannah (Stewart) Taylor, was born
March 30, 1735. He married, March 7,
1765, Martha Gaylord, daughter of Rev.
William Gaylord, of Wilton.
(V) Seth (2) Taylor, eldest son of Seth
(i) and Martha (Gaylord) Taylor, was
born February 4, 1771, and died in 1837.
He married Abigail Warren.
(VI) John Warren Taylor, son of Seth
427
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
(2) and Abigail (Warren) Taylor, was
bom April 8, 1810, in Norwalk, Connecti-
cut, and died December 29, 1876, in West-
port, Connecticut. Until he was fifteen
years of age he attended the public
schools and also was a student at the Nor-
walk Academy. Until 1832 he was in-
structor in a school in Norwalk. In 1834
he purchased a small stock of drugs from
Dr. Nash, of Westport, and entered into
the drug business, to which he later added
books and stationery supplies, continuing
this business until his death. Mr. Taylor
was one of the most prominent men of
Westport; was an old line Whig; served
in many public offices ; for thirty-seven
consecutive years was town clerk, and
also served as postmaster and justice of
the peace. He married, March 20, 1832,
Mary Jerusha Hoyt, born in Norwalk,
Connecticut, October 29, 1812, daughter
of Uriah Hoyt.
(VII) Henry F. Taylor, son of John
Warren and Mary Jerusha (Hoyt) Tay-
lor, was born in Westport, Connecticut,
where he grew to manhood. For a num-
ber of years he was associated with
"Scribner's Magazine." Subsequently he
was advertising manager of "The Church-
man." In October, 1863, Mr. Taylor mar-
ried, in Stamford, Mary E. Clark, daugh-
ter of Austin Griswold Clark, of Stam-
ford. Their children were : Emily Lou-
ise, Frederick Clark, of further mention ;
Francis Gilbert, Sarah Howe. Mr. and
Mrs. Taylor were members of St. An-
drew's Episcopal Church, of Stamford, of
which for many years he was senior war-
den. Mr. Taylor now resides in Seattle,
Washington.
(VIII) Frederick Clark Taylor, son of
Henry F. and Mary E. (Clark) Taylor,
began his education in Stamford, attend-
ing the common and high schools there.
In 1883 he left school temporarily and
entered the employ of the Continental
Insurance Company, of New York City,
continuing with them for about five years.
In 1888 he entered the real estate and in-
surance brokerage business in New York
on his own account. Two years later he
came to Stamford and engaged in the real
estate business there. This continued
for several years. In the meanwhile Mr.
Taylor took up once more the pursuit of
his studies. In 1893 he began the study
of law, preparing himself for the law
school of Yale University. In 1894 he
entered the law school, from which he
was graduated in 1896. While there he
was chairman of the editorial board of the
"Yale Law Journal." In February, 1897,
he formed a law partnership with James
S. Jenkins, under the firm name of Taylor
& Jenkins. Mr. Taylor has always taken
an active interest in public affairs, yet is
not a politician in the commonly accepted
sense of that term. He was elected in
November, 1897, to the office of judge of
the Court of Probate for the District of
Stamford, Fairfield county, on the Repub-
lican ticket, and was reelected for four con-
secutive terms of two years each, and de-
clined to be a candidate to succeed him-
self in 1907. He was chosen the last time
as the candidate of both the Republican
and Democratic parties, being the first
man in the history of the court to be thus
honored with a unanimous election. In
1907 he resumed the active practice of
his profession, specializing in corporation,
estate, trusts and family practice. I
Mr. Taylor is a director of the newly
consolidated First-Stamford National
Bank, and a member of its executive com-
mittee, having been one of the vice-presi-
dents of the Stamford National Bank at
the time of the consolidation. He is an
incorporator and director of the Stamford
Savings Bank, a director of the Stamford
Gas & Electric Company, the Stamford
Hospital, the Ferguson Library of Stam-
428
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ford, the Stamford Home for the Aged,
and many other corporations. He is a
member of the State Bar Examining
Committee, of the grievance committee
of the Fairfield County Bar, member of
the American Bar Association, the Con-
necticut State Bar Association, and vice-
president of the Stamford Bar Associa-
tion. Mr. Taylor is a director of the
Woodway Country Club and of the Sub-
urban Club of Stamford, a member of the
Stamford Yacht Club, the Wee Burn Golf
Club, of Noroton, the Graduates' Club, of
New Haven, the Metropolitan, Racquet
and Tennis, and Yale clubs, of New York.
On November 5, 1892, Mr. Taylor mar-
ried Elizabeth H. Tilley, daughter of
George H. Tilley, of Darien, Connecti-
cut, who was for years secretary and
treasurer of the Southern Express Com-
pany. They have two children : Harriet
Dorothy, bom December 4, 1894; Fred-
erick Heath, born September 15, 1896.
The latter left Williams College as a vol-
unteer with the American Expeditionary
Forces and served in France as a member
of the Headquarters Troop of General
Hodges, Seventy-Sixth Division. He is
now studying the textile industry at the
Georgia School of Technology, Atlanta.
Mr. Taylor and his family are members
of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, of
Stamford, of which he is a vestryman.
SHERWOOD, Stuart Wakeman, M. D.,
Specialist in Mental and Nervous Diseases.
(I) The ancestor of this branch of the
Sherwood family was Thomas Sherwood,
born in England in 1585-56, traditionally
in Warwickshire, and who, in April, 1634,
with his wife, Alice, and children, Ann,
Rose, Thomas (2), and Rebecca, sailed
from Ipswich, County Suffolk, England,
in the ship "Frances." He was for a
time at Wethersfield, Connecticut, ap-
peared at Fairfield about 1648, and was
there in 1650. His will was dated July
21, 1655, and probated October 25 of the
same year. Among his children was
Thomas.
(II) Thomas (2) Sherwood, son of
Thomas and Alice Sherwood, was born
about 1624, and died at Fairfield, Con-
necticut, in 1697. He was a freeman at
Hartford in 1664, and was the first miller
on Mill river in Fairfield. He married
four times; (first) Sarah Wheeler, who
died before 1659; (second) Ann Turney;
(third) Mrs. Elizabeth Cable; (fourth)
Mrs. Sarah (Hide) Coley. By his second
wife he had six children, among them
Samuel.
(III) Samuel Sherwood, son of Tho-
mas (2) and Ann (Turney) Sherwood,
married at Fairfield, Connecticut, and
had: Sarah; Samuel (2), of whom fur-
ther; Abigail; Anne; Daniel, born April
5, 1708, died 1784.
(IV) Samuel (2) Sherwood, Esq., son
of Samuel Sherwood, was born between
1700 and 1702, and was deacon of the
Congregational church of Westport in
1747. He married, March 8, 1722, Jane
Burr, daughter of Daniel Burr; she was
baptized April 17, 1702. Among their
children was Samuel (3).
(V) Samuel (3) Sherwood, son of Sam-
uel (2) and Jane (Burr) Sherwood, was
born between 1722 and 1725. This is
probably the Samuel Sherwood (Connec-
ticut Soldiers in the Revolution, page 11)
who served from Fairfield, Connecticut.
He married Ann Nichols, and among their
children was Samuel Burr Sherwood.
(VI) Samuel Burr Sherwood, son of
Samuel (3) and Ann (Nichols) Sher-
wood, was born November 26, 1767, and
died April 26, 1833. He graduated from
Yale College, in 1786, was admitted to
the bar in 1790, and practiced at West-
port, Connecticut. The Christian name
429
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of his wife was Charity ; she was born in
1767, died in 1814, and was buried at
Westport.
(VII) Henry Sherwood, toward whom
all indications point as the son of Sam-
uel Burr and Charity Sherwood, was a
graduate of Yale College, in the class of
1818. He resided in Westport, Connec-
ticut, his death occurring in 1878, and he
was always known as Captain Sherwood,
drilling the town militia. He married,
and was the father of Henry Edgar Sher-
wood, of whom further.
(VIII) Henry Edgar Sherwood was
born in Westport, Connecticut, in 1841,
and died in October, 1903. He was edu-
cated in Westport public schools and
Westport Academy, and entering the lo-
cal bank at an early age, was connected
with that institution nearly all of his life.
B. L. Woodworth was cashier of the
bank, an office he retained for more than
fifty years, although during the latter part
of that period Mr. Sherwood for several
years carried the responsibility and dis-
charged the duties of the position. Mr.
Sherwood was not strong in his youth,
and in addition to his banking work, for
many years conducted a dairy farm, an
enterprise that brought him excellent re-
turns financially as well as in improved
health. Mr. Sherwood was a man of un-
usual talents, and developed no mean
ability as an artist, although his painting
was confined largely to the copy of mas-
terpieces. He was also an amateur mu-
sician of ability, for many years sang
tenor in the choir of Christ Episcopal
Church, and took much interest in local
music generally. He was also a vestry-
man and treasurer of Christ Church, of
which his wife was also a member. He
was a Republican in political belief, and
for a number of years filled the office of
town treasurer.
Mr. Sherwood married Alice Dotten,
daughter of James and Sarah (Knowles)
Dotten, and they were the parents of the
following children : Stuart Wakeman, of
whom further ; Hetty, who married Louis
Weidlich, of Stratford, Connecticut; El-
sie, who married Claude W. Gillette,
M. D., of Schuylkill Haven, Pennsyl-
vania ; Leonard, a resident of Los An-
geles, California ; Ethel, a trained nurse
of New York City, served in Base Hos-
pital No. 7, of the American Expedition-
ary Forces in France, during the World
War ; Frances, who lives in Los Angeles ;
Katherine, a resident of New York City.
(IX) Stuart Wakeman Sherwood, son
of Henry Edgar and Alice (Dotten) Sher-
wood, was born in Chicago, Illinois, Feb-
ruary 25, 1874. In his youth he attended
grammar school and Staples High School
in Westport, Connecticut, and for seven
years was employed in the bank with
which his father was connected, then
known as the First National Bank. En-
tering the medical school of the Univer-
sity of Pennsylvania, he was graduated
M. D. in the class of 1902, completing his
training with one year as interne in the
Harrisburg General Hospital. Shortly
after his return to Westport and the sub-
sequent death of his father, Dr. Sherwood
became assistant physician at the West-
port Sanitarium, remaining on the staff
of this institution until 1904. At this
time he became mine physician for the
mining company owning coal lines near
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and for three
years he served in this capacity.
About 191 5 Dr. Sherwood founded the
Alderbrook Sanitarium in the town of
Norwalk, Connecticut, and here he has
specialized in the treatment of mental
and nervous diseases. The sanitarium
has come into high standing among or-
ganizations of its kind, and is distinctive
in the degree to which its institutional
aspects are minimized and from the em-
430
ENCYCLO'
phasis that is plac-
and environment.
the Alderbrook S;*
tice a number of o:
ods in ps)'chiatr\
won favorable pro.
as constituting a p'
terprise. E>r. Sher'.
the Norwalk Medical S ■
American Medical As-
for many years bee:
urer of Christ F.pi ■
that his honored father held
Dr. Sherwooii married Lin
daughter of Benjamin Batsor..
Canada, and they are the pari:. ..
children: Benjamin Edgar, 3.nd '/Ji.i..
beth Batson.
RORECH. John J.,
Contractor, Builder.
Business responsibilities came to Mr
Rorech at an early age, and the promise
of youthful years fof a useful, successful
career has been amply fulfilled in his ma-
ture years.
John J. Rorech was bom in Sta — '- "
the son of John and Matilda (.'.i
Rorech, and was educat- ' - •
schools and King's Ft
and graduated from !v
College. He grew up ■
business with his father. .\: .1 ' ;
young man was given charge of '
ther's men. At an unusually eari> .jj.;
Mr. Rorech began taking contracts on
his own ; recognition
among • 'iien of his
native ci' '
of struLi
includinc
buildiiijj
Mr. Roi •
ford Mas
widely know '
ton L
Or ...
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
was an Independent, he was the manager
of the three campaigns for the governor-
ship of Massachusetts of Governor Wil-
liam Russell, and managed several other
political campaigns. Subsequently, he
was owner of the railroad between East
Aurora and Buffalo. Mr. Leon is a great
student and has given considerable time
to the invention of Cellugraph, an oilless
bearing which has been widely adopted
by the largest textile manufacturers of the
country. Mr. Leon married Lorion H.
Nice, daughter of John and Lucy (Clark)
Nice. The father of Mr. Leon was Er-
nest Leon, who was born in Paris. He
died when his son, Albert Ernest, was
but twelve years of age. His wife was
Mercy Jane (Jones) Leon, of an old New
Hampshire family.
The family home is a most attractive
residence at Shippan Point, built by Mr.
Rorech in 1919. It was designed entirely
by Mrs. Rorech, is constructed of stucco,
and in architecture, floor plan, and ap-
pointments shows discriminating taste
and judgment in homemaking. A view of
this beautiful home accompanies this
record.
WATERBURY, William TeU,
Master Mariner.
The career which Captain William Tell
Waterbury chose was one which has ap-
pealed to the youth of the land for gener-
ations. It was a natural tendency for
him to follow, considering the many hours
he spent with his father, and his associa-
tions. The Waterbury family, which has
been identified with Stamford since ear-
liest Colonial days, were pioneers in
steamboat transportation for Stamford
freight and passenger traffic, and contrib-.
uted more in their time, perhaps, than
any other agency to the material up-
building of the city. The family is still
prominent in the commercial life of Fair-
field county.
(I) John Waterbury, the first of this
family to settle in Stamford, was among
those who came from Wethersfield, Con-
necticut. He received a grant of land in
1650, and died eight years later. His chil-
dren remained there and founded the nu-
merous families of that name which are
still prominent in this section of the coun-
try. In an old "History of Stamford" by
Rev. Mr. Huntington, the author speaks
of this family in the most glowing terms,
as follows :
There were the Waterburys, then known as
Senior and Junior, the former being a colonel in
the Continental service, who had earned some
reputation for good judgment and military ability
in the field, and the latter soon to earn by his per-
sonal fitness for it, the rank of general of brigade.
(II) David Waterbury, the son of John
Waterbury, was born in Stamford, Con-
necticut, in February, 1722, the twelfth
day. He did excellent service in the
French and Indian War, and was com-
missioned major. He was representative
in the General Assembly when the Rev-
olutionary War broke out, and served the
cause of the colonies with such ardor
and fidelity that he was esteemed one of
the noblest patriots of Stamford. He en-
tered the war a colonel and was promoted
to brigadier-general in 1776. After the
close of the war, he was selectman and
representative, and remained a resident of
Stamford until his death, June 29, 1801.
(III) Captain William Waterbury,
fourth son of David Waterbury, was
born October 10, 1765, and died January
ID, 1842. He was much in the public
service, and opposed the tax on the Con-
gregational Church Society, using his pri-
vate means liberally to establish the free-
dom of the church in the same spirit that
he had given his services to the cause of
432
■first of this
/^'.H is still
''*nford, •
•'■'^l^er, Hischil.
ledtkcmi.
'•^'"'"'ewWare
^iMoitliecoan.
''"}'ofStaiiy»|)j.
iT'StjIomng terns,
'»!i'm tlffl bowii IS
»i«i liail eanieii soim
^tandniilitaryjiijijij,
isoontoeankyliisper. •
^oifBinjIofbrijjfc • i
■iuTi-.tliesonofJolin
ini in Stamford, Con-
ly, 1/22, tlie fweiftk
service in tlie
', and was corn-
It was representative
ibly when tke Rev-
loot, and !tmi the
with such ardor
j esteemed one of
lamiord, Heen-
II was
ll7/i After the
led a resident of
I June 29, ita-
Waterbur)',
ilerhiiry, was
died januar)'
1 the i-on-
lause o:
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
political freedom. He married Mrs. Sally
Jessup, daughter of Philip Lockwood.
(IV) Captain David (2) Waterbury,
eldest son of Captain William and Sally
(Lockwood-Jessup) Waterbury, was born
April 17, 1819. His education was limited
to such as the times and location afforded.
When about fifteen years old he shipped
as a sailor on a market boat trading week-
ly between Stamford and New York. He
rose rapidly from one position to another
until before his twentieth birthday he was
captain and owner of the "Rival," a sloop
of about fifty tons. In 1852, in company
with Edmund Lockwood and Lewis Wa-
terbury, he purchased the steamer, "Wil-
liam W. Frazier," a daily passenger and
freight boat plying between Stamford and
New York, Captain Lockwood command-
ing and Captain Waterbury serving as
superintendent, agent and so forth, with
offices in Stamford. This steamer was
the first to run between Stamford and
New York regularly, and to be owned in
Stamford. In 1859 the company built a
new steamer, the "Ella," which was run
on this route until it was sold to the
United States Government at the time of
the Civil War. When Captain Lock-
wood retired from active business, Oliver
Scofield joined interest with the two re-
maining partners and they built the
"Stamford," which they placed on the
same route in 1863. They sold this
steamer the next year and built the
"Shippan," placing her on this route in
1865. In May, 1870, she was burned at
the Stamford Wharf, also the entire prop-
erty of the company, the loss being about
$70,000, only half covered by insurance.
In 1870 the business was sold to R. Cor-
nell White, of New York. The same year,
Captain Waterbury started a business in
Stamford in coal and wood, which he con-
tinued until his death, November 22, 1894.
Also he organized the Stamford Trans-
portation Company, of which he was
manager. This was in 1873, after the
New York parties had failed with the
steamboat business. Captain Waterbury
sold the transportation interests to the
North & East River Steamboat Company.
Captain Waterbury was a Democrat in
politics, and disregarded partisan connec-
tions for the sake of the better man if
that man was an opponent of his party.
He was broadly liberal in his religious
views, and was for many years a mem-
ber of the parish of the Universalist
church.
Captain Waterbury married (first),
January 23, 1842, Sarah M. Selleck, daugh-
ter of John and Charlotte (Mead) Sel-
leck, of Greenwich, Connecticut. Of
their children six grew to maturity. They
are : Captain William Tell, of whom fur-
ther; John S., Mary E., Sarah M., Charles
F., whose sketch follows ; Lottie A. Mrs.
Waterbury died September 26, 1867.
Eight years later Captain Waterbury
married (second), her sister, Mrs. Joseph-
ine E. Colby.
(V) Captain William Tell Waterbury,
son of Captain David (2) and Sarah M.
(Selleck) Waterbury, was born March 4,
1843, in Stamford, Connecticut, where he
died, February 12, 1912. He attended the
public schools of Stamford and the fa-
mous Glendenning Academy. We can
picture the young lad accompanying his
father on every opportunity and finding
in the life on the water the fulfillment of
his desire. On completing his schooling
he obtained work on a small sailing ves-
sel, one of the type which was used in
transporting commerce between Stam-
ford and New York. Having set himself
to mastering all the details of the vessel,
Captain Waterbury rose rapidly until he
was qualified to take charge and was
made captain.
Throughout the many years of his ac-
433
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
tive business life he was identified with
the business of sea transportation, and
enjoyed a large circle of acquaintances.
A few years before his death, finding the
life of a captain too arduous, he retired to
pass his remaining days with his family
and among the associations of his child-
hood. Captain Waterbury was one of
the early members of Union Lodge, An-
cient Free and Accepted Masons, of
Stamford, and also of Rittenhouse Chap-
ter. The only fire company in his day
was the one formed of the volunteer cit-
izens, of which he was one, and he was
also a member of the veteran organiza-
tion formed after the new fire company
was installed.
Captain Waterbury married Sarah Gu-
ley, daughter of Jacob Guley. The latter
was a native of England, and came to
America about 18/^4. He was in the
woolen business, and resided in various
textile centers in the East. His wife and
daughter came to this country to join him
seven years later. Mr. and Mrs. Water-
bury were the parents of three children:
Harry Guley, a sketch of whom follows
in the work ; S. Maude ; Alice Dodge. For
many years the family were actively iden-
tified with the Presbyterian church, of
Stamford.
WATERBURY, Charles P.,
Merchant.
As a man is broadened by contact with
his fellows, so a city is enriched by con-
tact with the outside world. Men who
control the arteries of commerce are vital
factors in the growth and development
of a community, and among this number
is Charles F. Waterbury, of Stamford.
(V) Charles F. Waterbury, son of
Captain David (2) and Sarah M. (Sel-
leck) Waterbury (q. v.), was born May
15. 1855. He was educated in the public
and private school of Professor Glenden-
ning. He then was employed in his fa-
ther's steamboat business for a short time.
He then learned the trade of moulder,
which he followed until 1875, in which
year he again became associated with his
father in the coal business. He was soon
made manager of the business, and in
1888 was admitted to partnership. In
1892 he purchased his father's interest
and has since continued alone. It is the
largest coal business in Stamford and a
large wholesale trade is conducted. Other
business interests of Mr. Waterbury in-
clude: Director of the First Stamford
National Bank; vice-president of the
East Dock Branch Corporation; president
of the Woodland Cemetery Association;
secretary and treasurer of Shippan Wa-
ter Realty Company ; director of the Mor-
ris Plan Bank. In politics Mr. Water-
bury holds independent views, and re-
fused to be a candidate for public office.
Mr. Waterbury married Annie Samuel
Lockwood, daughter of Charles A. Lock-
wood, of Stamford, and thev are the par-
ents of two children: i. David, born Oc-
tober 12, 1882; now manager of his fa-
ther's business ; he married Ida Zahn,
daughter of Frederick Zahn, of New York
City ; he is the father of two sons and one
daughter: David C, John Lockwood,
Margaret Z. 2. Josephine Waterbury
became the wife of Walter Edward Lea-
man ; one son, Walter Edward, Jr. The
mother of this family is an attendant of
the Universalist church of Stamford. Mr.
Waterbury is a member of the Suburban
Club, of Stamford, the Stamford Yacht
Club, and the Woodway Country Club.
WATERBURY, Harry Guley,
Business Man, Public Official.
In one of his addresses, the late Mar-
shall Wilder said: "The genealogy of a
434
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
family is completely barren, unless en-
riched by the intermingling of biograph-
ical sketches which may stand as land-
marks in the history of the race." A fam-
ily, therefore, whose members have con-
ducted their lives in such a manner as to
bring honor and distinction to the name
is indeed enriched by the addition of the
biographies of those members.
(VI) Harry Guley Waterbury, son of
Captain William Tell and Sarah (Guley)
Waterbury (q. v.), is a splendid example
of the type of capable man of affairs. He
was born November lo, 1868, in Stam-
ford, Connecticut. He received his edu-
cation in the public schools there. He
entered the employ of Lyman Hoyt &
Son, furniture dealers, where he remained
for ten years. For the succeeding two
and one-half years, he was assistant post-
master, which position he left to enter
the employ of the Stamford Gas & Elec-
tric Company. At that time he was their
only clerk, and some idea of the growth
of Stamford can be gleaned from the fact
that there are now twenty persons em-
ployed in the office.
Mr. Waterbury progressed with the
passing of the years, and to-day holds the
position of auditor of the company with
which he started as clerk. He is well
and favorably known among the business
men of his native city, takes an active in-
terest in the civic and social life there,
and has several times served in public of-
fice. From 1904 to 1905 he was town
treasurer, and since 1917 has been a mem-
ber of the Board of Finance. Several
other of Stamford's business interests
claim his attention, namely, the Stam-
ford Savings Bank, of which he is a di-
rector ; treasurer of the Woodland Cem-
etery Association, and treasurer of St.
Andrew's Episcopal Church.
Mr. Waterbury, fraternally, is a mem-
ber of LTnion Lodge, Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons, and has served as past
master of this lodge ; is past high priest
of Rittenhouse Chapter, Royal Arch Ma-
sons ; is past thrice illustrious master of
Washington Council, Royal and Select
Masters; member of Clinton Command-
ery, Knights Templar, of Norwalk ; Laf-
ayette Consistory, and Pyramid Temple,
of Bridgeport ; member of Past Masters'
Association of Fairfield County. He is
also a member of the Sons of the Amer-
ican Revolution and the Military Order
of Foreign Wars.
Mr. Waterbury married Mary L. Clark,
daughter of George H. Clark, of Pitts-
field, Massachusetts, and they are the
parents of a daughter, Beryl, born March
20, 1902. George H. Clark was the son
of Selden Yale and Hannah N. (Sears)
Clark, a descendant of an old New Eng-
land family, one of his ancestors, Jon-
athan Clark, having been a signer of the
Massachusetts Constitution. George H.
Clark was born in Pittsfield, Massachu-
setts, April 29, 1848, and died September
7, 1916. He was long connected with
the government paper mills at that place,
where paper for United States currency
is made. Mr. Clark was a leading citizen
of Pittsfield, a member of the old volun-
teer fire department, and took an active
part in Democratic political affairs. He
was a devoted member of the Episcopal
church. George H. Clark married Mary
Baker, born February 16, 1850, died Feb-
ruary 6, 1915. Children: George H., Jr.,
and Mary L., who married Harry G. Wa-
terbury. Mrs. Waterbury is a member of
the Daughters of the American Revolu-
tion, eligible through the services of both
Clark and Yale ancestors.
435
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
FOSTER, Dean,
Specialist on the Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat.
New York City, and Stamford, Con-
necticut, have known Dr. Dean Foster in
his specialized work in the medical pro-
fession for a period of twenty years, dur-
ing which time he has maintained oi^ces
in both places for the treatment of dis-
eases of the eye, ear, nose, and throat.
Stamford is his residence, and his pro-
fessional, social, and civic connections
are mainly with the organizations and in-
stitutions of Connecticut, while he has
been called into the public service as the
representative of his district in the State
Senate. Dr. Foster is well known as an
able specialist in the branches in which
he has directed his life work, and he has
come into a position of prominence in his
calling and in his community.
The Foster family, of English origin,
is of Colonial record in New England,
and its branches were early transplanted
widely throughout the country. Andrew
Foster, grandfather of Dr. Dean Foster,
was born at Mififlinburg, Pennsylvania,
and followed the farmer's calling. He
married Rachel McMichael, and Edwards-
burg, Michigan, became the family home.
This was the birthplace of Thomas Fos-
ter, son of Andrew and Rachel (Mc-
Michael) Foster, who was born in 1846,
and there grew to manhood. Like his
father he was an agriculturist, and in
1884 moved to Anthony, Kansas, where
he passed the remainder of his life. He
was a past master in the Masonic order
at Anthony, and was also a member of
Harper Commandery, Knights Templar.
He was a member of the Presbyterian
church. His death occurred in 1899.
Thomas Foster married Alice Dean,
daughter of William Dean, of Mifflin-
burg, Pennsylvania, a member of an old
Colonial family, and their children were :
Dean, of whom further; Peggy, married
Edward Fulton, of Caldwell, Kansas :
Andrew J., of Springdale, Connecticut:
Lloyd, of Freeport, Kansas; Hugh M., an
attorney of Globe, Arizona; and Graham,
likewise an attorney of Globe, Arizona.
Dr. Dean Foster, son of Thomas and
Alice (Dean) Foster, was born in Ed-
wardsburg, Michigan, in 1870, and pre-
pared for college at Lewis Academy.
Wichita, Kansas. Entering the Univer-
sity of Kansas, he was graduated from
that institution in the class of 1896, with
the degree of Bachelor of Arts, having
interrupted his course by one year of
school teaching. For one year prior to
his college entry he had also taught
school. His classical studies were fol-
lowed by a course in the Medical School
of Yale University, and in 1899 he re-
ceived the degree of Doctor of Medicine.
A portion of the following year was spent
as an interne in the New Haven Hospital,
and the two following years were occu-
pied with an interneship in the Manhattan
Eye and Ear Hospital, where he studied
the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear,
nose and throat. In 1901, Dr. Foster be-
came a resident and special practitioner
of Stamford, and in 1902 he opened an
office in New York City, to both of which
he has since given his time and attention.
He is attending ophthalmic aural and
otological surgeon to the Stamford Hos-
pital and to the Greenwich Hospital, and
is also assistant surgeon at the Manhat-
tan Eye and Ear Hospital. He has been
honored in the past by his professional
colleagues of Stamford with the presi-
dency of the Stamford Medical Society,
and he is also a member of the County
and State Medical societies and the Amer-
ican Medical Association.
Dr. Foster was elected to the Common
Council of Stamford in 191 1, and gave
willingly of his time to public affairs. In
436
7"' Kans,:
^«' Connection,,
niir vears were (
;liesti;
ises of the
eye, ear,
! ke opened an
bofwbict
me and attention,
aural and j
t Stamiord Hos- '
t the Manhat-
He has been
i professional
|ith the presi-
liical Society,
the Count}'
J the Amer-
ind ?3vi >
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
1913 he was called to a larger field of use-
fulness in the public business, and was
elected to the State Senate, and received
the further distinction of reelection to the
same important office. In the Senate he
was a member of the committee on pub-
lic welfare and of the committee on the
sale of lands. Dr. Foster is a member
of Union Lodge, No. 5, Free and Accepted
Masons ; Clinton Commandery, Knights
Templar, of Norwalk, Connecticut, and is
also affiliated with Pyramid Temple,
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Bridge-
port. His club is the Suburban of Stam-
ford.
Dr. Foster married Mabel E. Neale,
daughter of Frederick and Kathryn
Neale, of Toronto, Canada, and they are
the parents of: Alice Dean, Kathryn E.,
and Mabel N.
BRUSH, Ralph Emerson,
Iiawyer, Served in 'World War.
While a resident of Greenwich, Mr.
Brush as the possesor of a lucrative and
growing clientele maintains an office not
only in his home town but also in New
York City. During the recent World
War he made an honorable record in the
United States Navy, and in the promotion
of the best interests of his community he
is always actively interested.
The Brush family is of long standing
in Greenwich, having been founded there
by one of two brothers who went thither
from Long Island soon after 1700. Their
descendants in the successive genera-
tions have been actively instrumental in
the upbuilding and development of the
town and neighborhood.
Joseph Brush, great-grandfather of
Ralph Emerson Brush, was the owner of
a large part of the town of Greenwich,
from Putnam avenue through Rock Ridge
and Edgewood Park. Mr. Brush mar-
ried Sarah A. Mead, daughter of Richard
Mead.
Amos M. Brush, son of Joseph and
Sarah A. (Mead) Brush, was born Janu-
ary 9, 1825, in Greenwich, and as a young
man was in business at Coscob, where he
was the proprietor of a general store, pur-
chasing produce from farmers and run-
ning market sloops to New York. He
also dealt extensively in cattle, driving
them on the hoof to the New York stock-
yards. In this enterprise he was asso-
ciated with his brother Benjamin, under
the firm name of A. and B. Brush. When
Amos M. Brush was about forty years
old he retired from business and for a few
years resided in New York City, eventu-
ally returning to Greenwich. He was a
Democrat, and for many years held the
office of justice of the peace. Active in
town affairs, he at one time served as
lieutenant-colonel on the staff of the Gov-
ernor. He was an active member of the
Congregational church, occupying a seat
on the board of deacons. Mr. Brush
married Sarah P. Mead, daughter of
Amos Mead, and his death occurred July
30, 1905-
Augustus Mead Brush, son of Amos
M. and Sarah P. (Mead) Brush, was born
May 13, 1856, in Greenwich, and edu-
cated in Prof. Peck's private school. On
reaching manhood he entered the iron,
steel and plumbing supply business. He
resided in New York during the winters,
spending his summers in Greenwich.
Yachting was his recreation, and he was
a member of the Riverside Yacht Club.
He and his wife were members of Christ
Protestant Episcopal Church.
Mr. Brush married Sarah Hodgman,
daughter of Dr. Abbott Hodgman, of
New York City. Dr. Abbott Hodgman
was educated at Dartmouth College and
received his professional training at the
College of Physicians and Surgeons, New
437
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
York. His death occurred February 26,
1901. Mr. and Mrs. Brush were the par-
ents of the following children : Abbott
Purdy, of Greenwich ; Ralph Emerson, of
further mention ; Gladys Merrill, wife of
G. Lawrence Redman, of Greenwich ; and
Marjorie E. On June 6, 1904, Mr. Brush
passed away at the comparatively early
age of forty-two.
Ralph Emerson Brush, son of August-
us Mead and Sarah (Hodgman) Brush,
was born July 10, 1886, in New York
City, and received his earliest education
in the private school of Miss Elliott, pass-
ing thence, successively, to grammar and
high schools. He studied for his profes-
sion in the New York Law School, grad-
uating on June 18, 1908, with the degree
of Bachelor of Laws. The same year he
was admitted to the New York bar, and
the following year became a member of
the bar of Connecticut. After practicing
in New York four years in association
with the firm of Wells & Snedeker, he
opened his own office in Greenwich, but
still maintains an office in New York
City.
The professional progress of Mr. Brush
has been both assured and rapid. For
two years he filled the office of prosecut-
ing attorney in Greenwich, and his private
practice has steadily increased, keeping
pace with the excellent reputation which
he has built up alike with his legal asso-
ciates and the general public. He was
one of the organizers of the Putnam
Trust Company and is now a director
and also counsel for the company. He is
a director of the Putnam Cemetery As-
sociation, and of the Title Insurance and
Mortgage Company.
The interest of Mr. Brush in politics is
from the standpoint of what is for the
best good of the community. In move-
ments for good government he takes an
active part. He affiliates with Acacia
Lodge, No. 89, Ancient Free and Accep-
ted Masons, and belongs to the Indian
Harbor Yacht Club, and the Greenwich
Country Club. He is a member of Christ
Protestant Episcopal Church.
On November 6, 19 17, Mr. Brush en-
listed in the United States Navy, receiv-
ing a commission as ensign in the United
States Naval Reserves. In view of the
fact that he had been very active in
yachting and had made a study of navi-
gation, he was assigned to the Merchants'
Auxiliary at Pelham Bay, as instructor
in navigation. In June, 1918, he was pro-
moted to lieutenant, junior grade, and in
September was assigned to the United
States Troop Transport "America," sail-
ing for Brest, France. His duties on
shipboard were those involved in the
charge of fire control. Returning from
France in the latter part of October, he
arrived in New York harbor on a Friday,
and on the following Monday, at four
o'clock in the morning, the ship on which
he came sank at her pier in Hoboken.
When the armistice was signed Mr. Brush
was sent back to Pelham, and was placed
on the inactive list, December 31, 1918.
In May, 1919, he resumed his law prac-
tice in Greenwich and New York City.
Mr. Brush married, April 29, 1916.
Electa Harper, daughter of John A. and
Flora (Sherbourne) Harper, of Pitts-
burgh, and they are the parents of one
child : Electa Harper Brush, born July
2, 1918.
Able as he is to look back upon a career
of patriotic service, as well as upon a
record of professional success, Mr. Brush's
life-story has opened under the happiest
auspices. Ever)'thing indicates that the
results which have already crowned his
work at the bars of two states will be fol-
lowed by others larger and more satisfy-
ing as the years go on.
438
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
WALSH, Hon. Robert Jay,
Attorney and Statesman,
In all histories of public progress and
personal achievement, there are many
names which it is the delight of the bi-
ographer to record. These names are
fraught with significance to the commun-
ity, the State, the nation. They repre-
sent lives of dignity and beneficence,
spirits strong to lead, wise to guide, capa-
ble of handling great issues in such a way
as to avert disaster. The city of Green-
wich, Connecticut, can point to her share
of these names, among which the Honor-
able Robert Jay Walsh holds a high place.
While the fact that the story of his life
is now a memorial record, gives it a
tinge of sadness, still it gives opportunity
to picture with greater freedom the beauty
and fineness of the character which made
him a true leader among men.
Born August i, 1854, in Lewisboro,
Westchester county. New York, his boy-
hood was spent in a section which
abounds with historical interest; and per-
haps it was only natural that the early
impressions should give him an impulse
toward the public service, in which his
brilliant mentality was to become such
an important factor in later years. He
was a son of James F. and Annie E.
Walsh, highly respected citizens of the
town of Lewisboro. The boy was only
ten years old when the family removed
to Ridgefield, Connecticut. He was a
studious child, and having attended
school regularly, was now well advanced
in the elementary studies, which he con-
tinued in the public schools of the town.
When twelve years of age he entered the
High Ridge Institute at Ridgefield, a
school widely known for its thorough ex-
cellence. The learned Prof. William O.
Seymour, later railroad commissioner of
Connecticut, was then principal of the
institution, and took a personal interest
in the lad.
In the life of the school he was a leader,
being popular with his companions, and
interested in all the activities of the in-
stitution. But it was not within the na-
ture of the boy to let the social interests
of the school outweigh the intellectual.
He never neglected his studies, and his
work was always characterized by that
precision which bespeaks careful and
thorough preparation. He was always
cordially loyal to the ideals of the insti-
tution, and in sport as well as in study
stood for right and honesty. He attended
this school for two years, during which
time he gained a practical knowledge of
the higher branches, then became anxious
to strike out into the world of men and
afifairs and make a place for himself which
should count towards his future. In all
the later life of the man the most idle ob-
server could note a strong vein of prac-
tical common sense. And now, as a mere
boy, it was definitely apparent in his
choice of an occupation. Sturdy and well-
grown, he delighted in athletic activities
and tests of strength, and he realized that
skill in some branch of industry was an
excellent foundation for a useful career.
Possessing a great fondness for animals,
he chose the blacksmith's trade, and en-
tered an apprenticeship. He by no means
dropped his studies, but spent many hours
of his spare time in reading and study.
As he grew towards manhood the in-
tellectual pursuits held stronger appeal,
and when he had mastered his trade, he
sought the advice of Dr. William S. Todd,
then a prominent Ridgefield physician.
He reviewed his English studies with the
doctor, and with this preparation and at
the age of seventeen taught school for a
year. Appreciating to the full the respon-
sibilities connected with this vocation, he
entered the State Normal School to gain
439
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
more thorough training, but receiving a
very flattering offer from a school in Port-
chester, New York, did not remain to be
graduated. The young man's genial per-
sonality and habits of careful study com-
bined to make him a beloved as well as
a successful teacher, and he was held in
warmest regard by parents, children, and
friends. During the entire period of his
work along this line, he made his influ-
ence felt throughout the community in
upholding high standards among the
children under his care. Still in all his
young manhood, he was constantly look-
ing forward, seeking from the future some
higher, broader field of usefulness. Char-
acteristically, while still teaching school,
he took up the study of law under the
direction of Col. H. W. R. Hoyt, then
and for many years thereafter, a promi-
nent and successful attorney at Green-
wich, Connecticut. Colonel Hoyt saw a
brilliant future before the young man, ap-
preciating to the full his analytical tem-
perament and his capacity for seeing both
sides of a question. He frankly en-
couraged him to drop the work of teach-
ing and devote all his time to preparation
for the practice of the law. He gave the
young man such assistance as was most
practical — remunerative work in his own
office, together with help in professional
study.
Mr. Walsh was admitted to the Fair-
field county bar, and immediately there-
after taken into partnership with Colonel
Hoyt, the experienced man giving gen-
erously of the ripened fruits of his years
of practice, in the form of advice. With
unflagging zeal the young man threw
himself into the work he had chosen, and
while he never failed in his loyalty to
the man who had smoothed his way, still
his native diligence and indomitable cour-
age gave him the personal power without
which no real success can be achieved.
Notwithstanding his deep appreciation of
the assistance of Colonel Hoyt, in 1882,
Mr. Walsh desiring absolute freedom of
action and purpose, opened his own law
offices in the town of Greenwich.
Gifted with an unusually pleasing per-
sonality, an outgrowth of a wholesome
optimism and a ready sympathy with his
kind, he won and held the confidence of
the people, and soon came to be regarded
as one of the really big men of the town.
He was not permitted to confine his
public appearance to the court room. His
cool judgment and invincible logic were
needed in the public service, and it was
inevitable that the Republican party, with
which he was closely affiliated, should
make him a leader. He gave of his talents
in this work, as in every branch of activ-
ity, without stint of self-consideration,
bringing all the force of his nature to bear
in the advancement of what he considered
the right.
During the presidential campaign of
1880, he took the stump for Garfield and
Arthur, and this was the beginning of a
long and brilliant public career. In this
same year he was elected to the Repub-
lican State Central Committee for the
Twelfth Senatorial District of Connecti-
cut, which honor he held for nine years, j
until his duties as judge led him to re- I
sign. He again took the stump during
the campaign of 1884, doing eloquent and
forceful work in support of Blaine and
Logan. The success of the opposing
party in the presidential election in no
way weakened his allegiance to Repub-
lican principles, and before the close of
the year he was nominated by the Repub-
licans of the twelfth district as their can-
didate for the State Senate. There was
great enthusiasm among the voters of the
district, and he was elected by a very
large majority, running far ahead of his
ticket. He was made secretary of the
440
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
State Central Committee in 1886, and his
senatorial record had so established him
in the confidence of his constituency that
upon his renomination, they reelected
him by twice his first majority.
He had won recognition in the Senate
as a man of power, fearless in spirit, keen
of wit, relentless and untiring in pursuit
of his object, yet always a fair opponent
and graceful in relinquishing a point to
the mind of the majority. He served as
chairman of the committee on incorpora-
tions, in 1885, and later, in 1886 and 1887,
was chairman of the judiciary committee.
In filling these important positions, for
which by nature, as well as by training,
he was peculiarly fitted, he demonstrated
that element of fairmindedness which so
largely contributed to the success of his
whole career. During the session of 1887
he had the honor of being called to pre-
side over the senatorial body as president
pro tern, and no one appreciated more than
he the significance of the dignity being
accorded to so young a man. In 1888 he
was nominated by his party for the office
of Secretary of State, and his election was
included in the success of the ticket. In
the spring of 1889 the home county called
upon him to fill a position demanding
every power and grace with which the
man was so generously endowed. He was
appointed judge of the Criminal Court of
Common Pleas in Fairfield county.
Rarely indeed is a man found who fills this
responsible and dignified position as well
and as conscientiously as did Judge
Walsh. Appreciating to the full the psy-
chological side of criminology, his fine
discernment and unwavering sense of
justice made him no easy prey to senti-
ment. His thorough training and wide
experience gave him a firm grasp on the
most complicated legal problems, and his
clear-sighted progress through the most
tangled case made him the admiration of
all connected with it.
With the arduous duties thus devolving
upon him, he made every effort to with-
draw from all political connections, and
positively refused renomination to the
office of Secretary of State, which he had
filled with so much honor to his party
and satisfaction to his constituency. The
Legislature, however, failed to declare the
election of his successor, and since it was
constitutionally impossible for the office
to remain vacant, he filled the office until
another election released him from it, and
allowed him to give his full time to the
county judgeship, where his personality
was becoming a power for right and jus-
tice. But his party had not released him
permanently from the broader service to
the State, as time proved.
Perhaps one of the most noteworthy
periods of Judge Walsh's public service
was in 1885. He had for some time served
as corporation counsel for the borough of
Greenwich, and his capacity for the wise
administratiion of public affairs became
so widely recognized that Governor Har-
rison, in that year, appointed him a mem-
ber of the commission to revise the stat-
utes of Connecticut. He was one of the
youngest in that body of men, all eminent
in the legal profession. His influence
upon the deliberations of the commission
was apparent from the first. His keen
mind and progressive spirit made him a
recognized leader among them, and it was
cordially conceded that much of the suc-
cess of the commission was due to his
efforts. There is a particularly charac-
teristic touch in the fact that personally
he was more proud of having been the
counsel for the town of Greenwich for
a period of thirty-five years of changing
political administrations of the town gov-
ernment than of any of the more showy
441
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
and solid honors that came to him from
the larger outside world.
The depth, as well as the breadth of the
character of the man was apparent in the
less conspicuous activities for the public
good which always commanded his cor-
dial interest and earnest support. While,
as one of the most distinguished attorneys
of his time, and as an honored judge, the
arduous duties of his professional life
might have excused him from many pub-
lic offices in which his talent was needed,
still he served most devotedly wherever
he found the opportunity. The financial
world of his town and county has reason
long to appreciate the prosperity which
was founded largely on his sound common
sense and sagacious judgment. At the
time of the organization of the Greenwich
Trust Loan and Deposit Company, he
turned his great ability to most practical
use in establishing it securely in the con-
fidence of the public. For many years he
was president of this company, the honor
being entirely unsought so far as he was
concerned, indeed his election to this
office took place while he was absent from
home on an extended vacation, one of his
rare periods of relaxation, and continued
as its president up to the time of his death,
a period of twenty-seven years. He was
a director of the Greenwich Gas and Elec-
tric Light Company, being one of its most
enthusiastic promoters, this at a period
when few communities of similar size as-
pired to the dignity of city conveniences.
He was for some time secretary of the
Hawthorne Mills Company, manufac-
turers of high-grade woolen fabrics, cap-
italized in the millions, and located in
Greenwich and New York City ; president
of Abendroth Brothers Foundry at Port
Chester, New York, manufacturers of
boilers, coal and gas ranges and soil pipe,
a successful concern employing about five
hundred men, of which he was president
up to the time of his death. Also presi-
dent of the Greenwich Water Company,
the water supply for Greenwich, Port
Chester and Rye, New York, holding
office up to his death. He was also deeply
interested in real estate development, and
there are many evidences about the vicin-
ity of Greenwich of his taste and good
judgment in the laying out of residential
sections. He was also president of the
Putnam Cemetery Association ; director.
New York & Stamford railroad; trustee
of Greenwich Y. M. C. A. ; trustee of
Greenwich Library Association; charter
member of Greenwich Country Club ;
member of Blind Brook Country Club ;
of Indian Harbor Yacht Club ; of Repub-
lican Club of New York; Acacia Lodge,
Free and Accepted Masons, of Greenwich ;
Empire Lodge, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, of Greenwich.
Perhaps in these varied activities one
can measure the man more accurately
than in his professional and political ca-
reer. In the latter, unquestionably, he
reached an enviable position, but in those
civic and business interests to which he
turned as relaxation, in a way, his world
found the human and warmly personal
side of the man. He had a genius for the
right thing — the kind thing — and his
world was not slow to learn to love him
as loyally and deeply as it had long ad-
mired him.
Still another side of his rich and whole-
some nature, but a side known only to his
closest friends, as the home life in which
he was a devoted husband and father. He
married Anna A., daughter of Matthew
Merritt, a very prominent resident of
Fairfield county. They were the parents
of three charming daughters : Lucy M.,
who is the wife of Walter B. Todd,
son of Dr. William S. Todd, makes her
home in Greenwich ; Edith B., who was
the wife of A. W. W. Marshall, vice-presi-
442
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
dent of the Greenwich Trust Company,
of Greenwich ; she was the mother of a
son, Robert Jay Walsh Marshall, bom
August 20, 1906; she died February 4,
1910; Roberta Jay, who is the wife of
Lloyd S. Cooney, now living on Middle-
sex road, Noroton, Connecticut, but for-
merl}- of Greenwich. They are leaders in
the social life of the county, and earnest
workers in every movement for the public
welfare, local. State and National.
WILLIAMSON, Charles E.,
Prosecuting Attorney.
One of the acknowledged leaders of the
Fairfield county bar, Charles Ernest Wil-
liamson, is also one of the eminently pub-
lic-spirited citizens of Connecticut. He is
distinguished by his zeal in the public
service, and has several times been called
upon to represent his fellow-citizens in
both the upper and lower house of the
Legislature. Since 1913 Mr. Williamson
has held the office of prosecuting attorney
of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and the man-
ner in which he has discharged the duties
of this office has been one of satisfaction
to the people of that city.
(I) Alanson Williamson, grandfather of
Charles E. Williamson, was born in Bed-
ford, New York, January 7, 1815, and died
at Darien, Connecticut, April 20, 1904.
He married, August 14, 1836, Elizabeth
Hoyt, born September 11, 1815, at Pound-
ridge, New York, and died November 17,
1905, at Darien, Connecticut, daughter of
Jesse and Sarah (Norman) Hoyt. She
was a direct descendant of the immigrant,
Simon Hoyt, one of the first settlers of
Stamford, Connecticut, whose ancestry
follows in detail.
(II) George Henry Williamson, son of
Alanson and Elizabeth (Hoyt) William-
son, was born December 29, 1843. He
lived at Darien, Connecticut, and mar-
ried, July 22, 1869, Cynthia Drugen Mills-
paugh, born September 12, 1846, daughter
of Erastus Elmer and Elizabeth Ann
(Derrbon) Millspaugh (see Millspaugh
line). George Henry and Cynthia Dru-
gen (Millspaugh) Williamson were the
parents of three sons: i. Frederick H.,
born October 17, 1876, of Brooklyn, New
York. 2. Charles Ernest, of further men-
tion. 3. Norman Lester, of Darien, Con-
necticut, born there, June 15, 1881.
(Ill) Charles Ernest Williamson, son
of George Henry and Cynthia Drugen
(Millspaugh) Williamson, was born
March 29, 1879, ^^ Darien, Connecticut.
He was educated in the public schools of
Darien and at the Stamford High School,
graduating from the latter in 1898, after
which he spent a year in the Yale Law
School. In 1900 he was employed as a
clerk in the grocery house of Richard J.
Rogers in New York City, where he re-
mained for two years. On June 16, 1903,
Mr. Williamson was appointed financial
clerk at the Fitch Home for Soldiers at
Noroton, Connecticut, which office he
resigned October 21, 1907. While thus
earning his living, he continued his study
of law at the New York Law School's
evening sessions, and was admitted to the
bar in January, 1907. The same year he
entered the office of John W. Banks, who
is now judge of the Superior Court, and
remained with Judge Banks until 1916.
In that year Mr. Williamson formed his
present association with Spottiswood D.
Bowers, under the firm name of Bowers
& Williamson, and their practice is a
general one.
Mr. Williamson has ever been inter-
ested in all matters of public interest from
a youth. As early as 1908 he was a can-
didate for Representative to the Legisla-
ture and received one hundred and sixty
out of one hundred and seventy-six votes
in the caucus. In the legislative session
443
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of 1909 he was chairman of the commis-
sion on banking, and was again elected
in 1910, serving on the same commission.
Sufficient warrant of the confidence his
constituents had in his ability was shown
in 191 5 when he was a member of the
Legislature and served on the Judiciary
Committee. The following year he was
elected to the State Senate, and served as
chairman of the Committee on Forfeited
Rights, and also on the Humane Insti-
tutions Committee. In 1918 he was
reelected to the Senate. Since entering
politics, Mr. Williamson has been a dele-
gate to every State convention except that
of 1910. In 1913 he was appointed pros-
ecuting attorney of Bridgeport, Connecti-
cut, as above noted, and he maintains his
residence in Darien.
Mr. Williamson is a member of Puritan
Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, of Stamford, and of the Algonquin
Club, of Bridgeport.
(The Hoyt Line).
(I) Simon Hoyt was in Salem in 1628
or 1629, and came in either the ship
"Abigail," or the "George." He was a
pioneer in several places in New England,
and at length settled in Stamford, Con-
necticut, where he died.
(II) Joshua Hoyt, son of Simon Hoyt,
was born about 1641, and died in 1690.
The Christian name of his wife was Mary.
(III) Joshua (2) Hoyt, son of Joshua
and Mary Hoyt, was born October 4, 1670,
and died January i, 1744. He also lived in
Stamford, and married, March 16, 1698,
Mary Pickett, who died November 10,
1732.
(IV) Job Hoyt, son of Joshua (2) and
Mary (Pickett) Hoyt, was born January
22, 1703-04, and died October 13, 1754.
He was admitted to the New Canaan
church, September 7, 1735. He married
Elizabeth Lockwood, born May 15, 1708,
at Stamford, Connecticut, daughter of
Joseph and Elizabeth (Ayers) Lockwood,
and granddaughter of the immigrant of
this distinguished family, Robert Lock-
wood. Mrs. Elizabeth (Lockwood) Hoyt
was admitted to the church in New Ca-
naan, Connecticut, July 21, 1734.
(V) Jesse Hoyt, son of Job and Eliza-
beth (Lockwood) Hoyt, was baptized
April 24, 1743, and died between 1829 and
1831. He was a soldier in the French and
Indian War, actively engaged along our
northern frontier, and was taken prisoner
by the British troops in their raid on
Poundridge in 1779, but escaped. In 1806
he was a member of the Poundridge
church, and during the Revolution was a
member of one of the local regiments.
(VI) Jesse (2) Hoyt, son of Jesse
Hoyt, was born June 3, 1775, in Pound-
ridge, and died at Laceyville, Ohio, Octo-
ber 2, 1856. He married (second), April
14, 1804, Sarah Norman, and they were
the parents of Elizabeth Hoyt, who be-
came the wife of Alanson Williamson, as
above noted.
(The Millspaugh Line).
Erastus Elmer Millspaugh was born
February 5, 1805, and died September 2,
1886. He married, April 23, 1831, Eliza-
beth Ann Derrbon, born June 17, 1814,
and died February 3, 1889. Their daugh-
ter, Cynthia Drugen Millspaugh, married
George H. Williamson, as above noted.
Erastus E. Millspaugh was a son of Ed-
ward M. Millspaugh, the latter born De-
cember 8, 1781, died June 17, 1842. He
married, February 23, 1804, Ann Cather-
ine Latte, born September 20, 1787, died
December 18, 1823. His father, Matthias
Millspaugh, was born June 7, 1748, and
died April 27, 1796. He married Elsie
Kimbach. He was the son of Peter and
Susanna (Comfort) Millspaugh, and
grandson of Matthias Millspaugh. The
444
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF B!
^51
Millspaugh family were csirJy settled in
Montgomery, Orange c"-'>^ ' ••" V ,iL
having left their home it;
of religious persecution, .-.^.v ..■ . ■.-.■.
families who came together in 1730,
namely, Sinsb"«gh, Miltzpach, Book-
staver and Younjjlilood. Their first win-
ter was spent in a dugout, and the fol-
low^ing spring they built a log church,
where they worshipped for many year?
These families purchased over a thousand
acres of land in the town, and part ol this
same land is now' in the possession of
their descendants.
SMmiel. A«a», ao4
SKEEL, Adelbert Arthur,
I/awyer, Veteraa of Spaaich-Aaaeriqaji War.
<J, Li «:
The Skeel family has a long and bow- and a-
ored ancestry in Connecticut, \\hence conclu
branches have spread to neighl)r,nng Arad :
States ;ir ' ' '..lut the country. This ^v
outline i John Skeel, who mar- Cj'>....r
ried Haiir,,:). , i':,!. daughter of Roger 1 '
Terrill, and refn-^'-ed from South Britain,
Connecticut, to "WModLiury, in this .State. ^
John Skeel died Octolier 5, 1721 ; his wife !>
died November 11, 1730. They were the bn- . ;
parents of John, of whom further; Han- Lydia
nah, Thomas, Elizabeth, Abigail, and -•
Ephraim.
John (2) Skeel, son of John and Han-
nah (Terrill) Skeel, was born in Novero- ;
ber, 1679. *"<^ ^^^^ May 25, 1727. He was 01 ' ■•
of Woodbury in 1702. He and his wife. War ^
Sarah, were the pare=i >■ Prent>
Miriam; John, who, w~ of w^h-
G'-' Adoniram, and L.::-^i.; ,■.. cj-d x :'
' Mabel, settled in Durham, .\1- J
■nty, New York; Ephraim; Abi-
i:tthan ; Samuel, of whom further ;
id Hannah.
; Skeel. son of John (2) and
Sar.i;, ^keel, married Lydia Belden, and
they had children : Belden ; Truman, of
M :*.
O.rcn Sketi. >.or. oi Rrv
Lydia (Prentice) .Skeel, wa-
York- State, and became an
in lH'iioi?. Vi/'-itirnr in the t
i "^per-
Maria
445
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Douglas, daughter of Warner and Charity
(Remington) Douglas, her father of
Scotch-Irish ancestry and a native of Ire-
land, where his father owned a consider-
able estate. Warner Douglas was taken
in his youth by two elder half-brothers to
Liverpool at a period prior to the Revolu-
tionary War and was bound in service
to the captain of a ship sailing out of that
port. The lad escaped from the vessel,
and by good fortune was befriended by a
clergyman in Boston, Massacusetts, who
took him into his family and reared him.
In manhood, Warner Douglas moved to
Wolcott, Wayne county. New York. His
wife was a native of Massachusetts. Car-
oline Maria Douglas was an early advo.
cate of prohibition, militant in her ardoi
for the cause, and led a mob in a raid
upon the first saloon in Lena, Illinois.
James D. Skeel, son of Oren and Caro-
line Maria (Douglas) Skeel, was born in
Stephenson county, Illinois, in 1850. He
was educated in the township schools and,
learning the trade of carpenter in ■ his
youth, followed it for a time, also engag-
ing in agricultural operations. Subse-
quently, he became a pattern-maker, was
for a time a stationary engineer, and after-
ward superintendent of the Stover Man-
ufacturing Company at Freeport, Illinois.
For several years he has been retired from
active life, enjoying a well-earned leisure.
He married Elizabeth Schadell, daughter
of Samuel Schadell. Children : Cora, mar-
ried William M. Schlott, of Freeport,
Illinois; Alvah, of Freeport, Illinois;
Theron, deceased ; Adelbert Arthur, of
whom further; Pearl, married Daniel
MacNeill, of Freeport, Illinois ; Maurice,
a resident of Freeport ; Ethel, married
Albert Albright, of Dakota, Illinois.
Adelbert Arthur Skeel, son of James D.
and Elizabeth (Schadell) Skeel, was born
in Lena, Stephenson county, Illinois, May
15, 1878, and after attending the public
schools of Freeport, Illinois, became a
student in the Northwestern Academy at
Evanston. For a time he was a student
at the noted Cheshire Military Academy
at Cheshire, Connecticut, proceeding to
the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale
University and being graduated in 1904
with the degree of Ph. B. In 1907 he
graduated from the Yale Law School,
with the degree of LL. B., was admitted
to the bar in the same year, and until 191 1
pursued professional practice in New
Haven. In that year Mr. Skeel came to
Stamford and formed an association with
Cummings & Lockwood that endured for
three years, since which time he has prac- l
ticed independently. Early in his Stam- I
ford residence he was called into the pub-
lic service and he has filled the office of
corporation counsel of the city of Stam- J
ford for five terms with conspicuous sue- I
cess. He is a Republican in political sym-
pathy, has acted as moderator of town
meetings, and has been a delegate to sev- J
eral party conventions. I
Mr. Skeel enlisted in Chicago, Illinois,
in Company B, 3rd Mississippi Regiment,
United States Volunteers, and served dur-
ing the Spanish-American War, and is
now a member of the United Spanish War
Veterans. During the World War he
held the rank of sergeant in the State
Guard. Mr. Skeel is a member of Puri-
tan Lodge, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows ; Union Lodge, Independent Or-
der of Mechanics, and of the Suburban
Club.
Mr. Skeel married Helen Louise Peck,
daughter of Benjamin Hall Peck, of Che-
shire, Connecticut, and they are the par-
ents of one daughter, Esther, born April
22, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Skeel are mem-
bers of St. John's Episcopal Church, of
which Mr. Skeel is auditor.
446
iiiliiiliii
^.^ L.lvS^x^^'W^
KNCYCLOPEDIA O'
WHITE, Ralph Lewis
Physician. «-t".».
There i? n
the prof-
the youn
fulness, asi.i
Ralph Lewis '
necticut, is c:
born in Slo; i
New York, Jutu. :..
and Frances (Bee
i.on of David Whut
Dr. White wa- . -' ■
School, New York
University. In in
the University ol '
gree of M. D. For •.
following, Dr. White was \\
Samaritan Hospital of Ne^v
and also spent six months at the u^
Hospital. T'nti! 1913 he was I'.k.m
Eddy C' V Mexico. v:\\.v
practice: -ars, and in th"
year loc Canaan, '
There h-.- --sfully pr.
the World Vvar, which brou;
demand for trained men 1.
sions.
On August II, TQi:
commissioned firs'
Reserve Corp^ ;;■
school at W.:
bia, wher^ hs-
From Hob'iv
sailed for F-Hj^:
Blackpool. R. A, M. C •
six week?. v.b'Tr 'i'^ :< .1
Thenre '
there h
Field T!
charu'.
McCrt
battaho:
Brigfadc,
rh trf New
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
BORG, Henry L., A. B., Ph. G., Ph. D.,
state Chemist.
All lines of honest effort bear relative
importance to the public welfare, but
many a man has made his chosen work
broadly significant for good by tireless
energy, a capacity for exhaustive research
and precise conclusions, and the practical
application of his knowledge to everyday
problems. In such a relation to the com-
munity stands Henry L. Borg, of Stam-
ford, Connecticut.
The name of Borg is of peculiarly in-
teresting origin. In Sweden it is custom-
ary to give certain surnames to men who
have given military service. These sur-
names are retained after leaving the army,
and it is considered a great honor to be
permitted to bear them. As an inher-
itance handed down from father to son,
they are borne proudly, showing as they
do the military record of the family. The
nam of Borg is of such derivation.
Dr. Borg's grandfather was a manufac-
turer of piano wire, and had the reputa-
tion of producing the finest bass strings
on the market in his day. He was a man
of more than local note in Sweden, and
was interested in public progress as well
as in the business in which he attained
success. He controlled the local newspa-
per, and was instrumental in forwarding
the interests of his community, his fear-
lessness and sound common sense giving
him an influential position in the province.
When the telephone was first introduced
into Sweden he defrayed the expense from
his personal means of erecting a tele-
phone line from Stockholm in order that
he might give his readers the latest news
while it was still vitally fresh and im-
portant in the great centers of population.
He was one of the burgomasters of the
town in which his family had been large
land-owners for generations.
Of the next generation, Albert Borg,
the present Dr. Borg's father, was bom
in the Province of Wwemmerberg, Swe-
den. At the age of twelve years he came
to America with his parents. The family
settled in Altoona, Pennsylvania, where
the young lad began his education in the
public schools of the town. Mentally he
was generously endowed, and his splendid
inheritance of physical health carried him
through the period of his education, when
his studious tastes would have been very
trying to one less robust. He was a great
student of history, delighting in the great
deeds of men of all times and all nations.
Later his parents removed to Hartford,
Connecticut, where he continued his edu-
cation in the Hartford public high school.
Later he studied law, but while he found
great satisfaction in the knowledge
thereby gained, he never practiced. The
field of merchandising appealed to him
more strongly, and here his training in
broad and varied interests gave him an
appreciable advantage. He became in-
terested in a chain of grocery stores oper-
ating in many Eastern cities, including
Hartford, New Britain, and Bridgeport,
having as an allied interest the importa-
tion of high grade liquors. These stores
were uniformly successful. He was
associated with this company for about
twenty years, then withdrew, but re-
tained the Bridgeport interests, which he
continued to operate until the time of his
death. Like his father, he was public-
spirited and a thoroughly progressive
man, and was prominent in the Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows.
His wife, Christine Borg, was a daugh-
ter of Axel Johnson. They were the par-
ents of ten children, among whom seven
lived to mature years : Henry L., of whom
we give more extended mention ; Hilda,
who married Harry Benedict, of Bridge-
port ; Eva, Edith, Frederick, Sidney, and
448
•^bert Borg,
^' mnamiiy
r'™ia, where
Jwtion in the
Di grocer}' stores 0
Hera cities, iEclm
bterest the importa-
jior;. These stores
ssiol He was
■ for about
(ithdrew, but re-
interests, which he
dtil the time of his
, he was public-
progressive
BthelndepenJ-
e the par-
m
m
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Ferris. The family are members of the
Episcopal church.
Henry L. Borg was born in Bristol,
Connecticut, June 13, 1882, and is the
eldest son of Albert and Christine (John-
son) Borg. He received his early edu-
cation in the public schools of that town,
but showed such capacity for diligent and
precise work that his parents gave him
opportunities broader than any to be
found in a small town to prepare for a
future of usefulness. When he was
twelve years old he was sent abroad, and
enjoyed a year and a half of study at
Upsula, a school connected with the Uni-
versity of Gottenberg. Later, when the
family resided in Bridgeport, he attended
school in that city, and was graduated
from the Bridgeport public high school.
For a year he attended Yale University,
then entered the University of New York,
from which he was graduated in 1900 with
the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Through
the formative years of his life, he showed
great decision of character and steadfast-
ness of purpose. So it was as a man, with
his life work before him, that he entered
Columbia University School of Pharmacy
the following autumn. Here two years'
work gave him the degree of Graduate
Pharmacist, and in 1904 he received the
degree of Doctor of Philosophy. His the-
sis, "The Superphosphates," gave evi-
dence of careful research.
The young man then took up post-grad-
uate work in Bacteriology at the South-
ern University, Baltimore, Maryland.
This institution is a department of the
Johns Hopkins University, world-famous
in this branch of science. In this connec-
tion, Mr. Borg also covered the regular
medical course. This was not with the
intention of practicing medicine, but to
fit himself for every branch of chemical
work, including autopsies.
With this broadly comprehensive pre-
Conn— 8— 29
paration, he came to Stamford and estab-
lished the Borg Laboratories. Here he
keeps well abreast of the times, and has
done much work of real significance. He
now has nine men in his employ. Not long
after this important beginning, he pur-
chased a drug store, which has since been
successfully conducted under the name of
Borg Brothers. In April, 1919, The Borg
Products Company was organized, with
Dr. Borg as president and manager. This
company manufactures a general line of
baker's supplies, including shortening,
extracts, flavors, etc. The company em-
ploys about thirty-five people. In this
eminently practical way. Dr. Borg ap-
plies the knowledge he has won through
the years of study, giving, it need hardly
be said, the most painstaking attention
to every detail which will perfect the qual-
ity of his products. The buildings are
equipped with every modern device
adapted to this line of production, and
special attention is given to sanitation
through every process of production. The
buildings occupied are those formerly
used by the Mianus Motor Works.
It was inevitable that a man of this
calibre, with training which has made for
such wide usefulness, should be called to
public service. Dr. Borg has been State
Chemist for some years. In 1916 he
opened a laboratory in Bridgeport. The
principal work done there is clinical, and
five men are employed under his direction.
Socially he has not been allowed to for-
get his position in the public eye. He is
a member of Phi Chi at Columbia ; Kappa
Phi at Johns Hopkins ; and the Alumni
Association of both universities. He is a
member of Union Lodge, No. 5, Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons, of Stamford;
Rittenhouse Chapter, Royal Arch Ma-
sons ; Washington Council, Royal and
Select Masters; Clinton Commandery,
Knights Templar, of South Norwalk;
449
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Lafayette Consistory, of Bridgeport; Pyr-
amid Temple, Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine ; the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, of Stamford ; Excelsior
Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of Stamford.
He is also a member of the Stamford His-
torical Society, and the Stamford Subur-
ban Club and Yacht Club. In political
affiliation, Dr. Borg is a Republican. He
was chairman of the Stamford Board of
Health for two years ; was chairman of
the Board of Finance for two years ; and
for two years was member of the Com-
mon Council. In all his public life he
exemplifies the same high ideals which
have made his scientific work a success.
Dr. Borg married Julia Bjorklund,
daughter of Charles A. Bjorklund, of
Bridgeport, and they have one daughter,
Margaret. The family are members of
St. John's Episcopal Church of Stamford
and actively interested in the social life
of the church.
WEED, William Maury,
Banker, Soldier. Public Official.
As banker, soldier, and man of affairs,
Mr. Weed has been for many years much
in the public eye, but has now withdrawn
from the turmoil of the arena to lead the
life of a country gentleman on his beau-
tiful estate on the shore of Long Island
Sound, his post office addrss being Noro-
ton, Connecticut. Mr. Weed is a rep-
resentative of one of the oldest Colonial
families of the State of Connecticut.
The venerable home of this ancient race
is still standing on the Boston Post Road
in Darien, Connecticut. It is the old-
styled structure of about two hundred
years ago and was built to replace the
first house built by Jonas Weed, which
was destroyed by fire. The original
chimney escaped the general demolition
and the house now standing was built
around it, thus preserving it as the center
of this dwelling.
Henry Davis Weed, born August 30,
1803, died February i, 1875, grandfather
of William Maury Weed, and a son of
"Gentleman" John Weed, went to Savan-
nah, Georgia, when a boy, making the
greater part of the journey on foot, for
that was long before the days of railroads,
and at the time of his departure there
was, probably, no vessel bound for the
port to which he desired to go. In 1812,
in association with his brother, Nathaniel
B. Weed, he established a hardware busi-
ness in Savannah under the firm name of
N. B. Weed & Company. This business,
which is still carried on by descendants,
is the oldest hardware concern in the
United States. In the course of time Mr.
Weed became the head of the firm, the
name being changed to H. D. Weed &
Company. In its beginning the business
was retail, but its character was changed
from time to time in conformity to vary-
ing conditions and in order to improve
new or larger opportunities. For some
years the business was largely wholesale,
reaching out into neighboring States and
supplying the country stores. When the
Civil War broke out there was no money
in the South and Mr. Weed was not able
to make his collections, it being custom-
ary then for merchants to carry their
patrons on their books until such time as
crops were marketed. Mr. Weed ac-
cepted cotton in payment of his accounts
and stored it in a building in Savannah.
When General Sherman's army entered
the city the cotton was destroyed. It had
always been Mr. Weed's custom to spend
his summers in the family's old home
town of Darien and he made no excep-
tion during the war, for he ran the block-
ade no fewer than eight times. He put in
a claim against the United States Govern-
ment for the cotton destroyed, and re-
4S0
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ceived in compensation the sum of ninety
thousand dollars. With this money he
built the brick Weed house, now standing
in Noroton, Connecticut. Immediately
after the return of peace, Mr. Weed as-
sisted in the establishment of the Freed-
men's Bank, but the Southern whites were
not yet ready to support such an institu-
tion and the venture had to be abandoned.
In this unsuccessful undertaking Mr.
Weed lost many thousands of dollars.
The episode serves to indicate the fine
spirit of the man and also his far-reaching
business instinct, for his plans and pur-
poses were essentially wise, failing merely
because they were too far in advance of
the time.
Mr. Weed married Sarah M. Dunning,
December lo, 1835, daughter of Shelden
C. and Gertrude (Russel) Dunning, of
Wilton, Connecticut, a representative of
an old New England famil}\ Gertrude
(Russel) Dunning died August 16, 1865.
The children of Henry Davis and Sarah
M. (Dunning) Weed were: Joseph Dun-
ning, mentioned below ; Edwin G., Protes-
tant Episcopal Bishop of Florida ; and
Gertrude, who died at the age of sixteen.
The family were members of the Christian
church, a denomination sometimes known
as the Campbellites. The death of Henry
D. Weed occurred February i, 1875, in
Savannah, Georgia. He was a man of
much ability and great force of character,
the architect of his own fortune and, to
a certain extent, of the fortune of his de-
scendants.
Joseph Dunning Weed, son of Henry
D. and Sarah M. (Dunning) Weed, was
born March 15, 1839, in Savannah,
Georgia, and as he grew up was initiated
in the business by his father. He spent
his summers in Connecticut and his win-
ters in the South, and in i860 graduated
at Harvard University. At the time of
the Civil War he enlisted in the Georgia
Hussars, and his two brothers also served
in the Confederate army, participating in
some of the heaviest fighting. At the
close of the war Mr. Weed's father took
him into the business, to the leadership
of which he succeeded upon the death
of Mr. Weed, Sr. For many years Mr.
Weed was president of the Savannah
Bank and Trust Company, and also of the
Middle Georgia & Atlantic Railroad Com-
pany. He was the builder of this road,
and served as president of the Augusta
& Savannah Railroad Company. These
two roads later became a part of the Cen-
tral Railroad of Georgia, which eventu-
ally passed into the hands of a receiver.
The Augusta & Savannah railroad was
earning good dividends, which during the
reorganization were used to make up the
deficit in the earnings of the other road.
The bondholders of the Augusta & Sa-
vannah railroad appealed to the courts
for redress or relief and the courts ordered
a president elected to represent the bond-
holders of the Augusta & Savannah. Mr.
W'eed was honored by election to that
office, which he held during the remainder
of his life. The fact that he was the
choice of the company furnished the most
conclusive proof of the esteem and con-
fidence in which he was held by all who
knew him. For a long period he was
chairman of the bond commission of the
city of Savannah. His religious member-
ship was in Christ Church, Savannah, in
which for many years he held the office
of warden.
Mr. Weed married, June 20, 1867, Sarah
Fanny Maury, whose ancestral record is
appended to this biography, and they be-
came the parents of the following chil-
dren : Gertrude, married Robert Billing-
ton, of Savannah ; William Maury, men-
tioned below; Henry D., of Savannah;
and Josephine D., who married John
Morris, of Savannah. Joseph Dunning
451
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Weed passed away February ii, 1906. It cut, and engaged in the banking business
is difficult, in this necessarily limited
space, to do justice to the character of
such a man, combining as it does the
varied qualifications which fitted him to
play the important part which was his at
a time of unprecedented crisis in our na-
tional history, embracing the Civil War
and the momentous period which fol-
lowed it. Essentially progressive, he pos-
sessed, also, the ability to read the future
and to discern what was necessary for
the rebuilding and restoration of a land
recently at war and reunited under condi-
tions which had no place in its history.
Few men of his time accomplished as
much as he for the development of the
New South in the State of Georgia.
William Maury Weed, son of James
Dunning and Sarah Fanny (Maury)
Weed, born May 12, 1870, in Savannah,
Georgia, received his preparatory edu-
cation at King's School in Stamford. In
1892 he graduated from Harvard Univer-
sity, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
For three years, thereafter, he pursued
special studies abroad, spending one year
at the Technische Hocher Schule of Han-
over, and two years at the Koeniglische
Bergakademie at Clausthel.
Upon his return to the United States,
Mr. Weed entered the German banking
house of Knauth, Nachod & Kuehne, of
New York City, remaining there until the
outbreak of the Spanish-American War.
He was one of the first forty men to en-
list in the navy, went to Santiago and
served through the campaign under Ad-
miral Sampson. After the war Mr. Weed
spent about two years in travel, and then
engaged in the steamship business. For
four years he was in Havana as agent
for the West India Steamship Company,
going there on December 25, 1900. In
1906, Mr. Weed resigned his position, re-
turned to his home in Noroton, Connecti-
in New York City. He also purchased,
in 191 1, a barren wilderness known as
Brush Island, on the shore of Cove Pond.
There is, perhaps, no more picturesque
spot on the Connecticut shore and there
is certainly none more beautiful, now
that Mr. Weed has caused the brush to be
cleared away and has developed the land
into a fertile and, in all respects, a model
farm. About fifty acres are under the
plough and the estate is devoted to the
raising of general crops and the breeding
of beef cattle.
Politically, Mr. Weed is a Republican
and a number of years ago was chosen by
his party to serve on the Board of Finance
of Darien, Connecticut. He retained the
office ten or eleven years, with an inter-
mission of two years. For the last four
years he has been elected on the Demo-
cratic ticket, a striking tribute to his non-
partisan interest in community affairs.
While at Harvard, Mr. Weed became
a member of the Institute of 1770, and also
of the Hasty Pudding Club. He belongs
to the Harvard Club, the University Club
and the Georgia Society, all of New York.
He is a life member of the Connecticut
Harvard Club, and was one of the foun-
ders of the Wee Burn Country Club, from
which he resigned about two years ago.
He is senior warden of St. Luke's Protec-
tant Episcopal Church at Noroton.
Mr. Weed married, December 29, 1909,
Julia Victoria Kaufmann, daughter of
Bernard and Charlotte Wilhelmina (Von
Hoffmann) Kaufmann, of New York
City.
After an exceptionally varied and suc-
cessful career as financier and business
man, Mr. Weed has returned to the neigh-
borhood of his ancestral home and to the
quiet pursuits of rural life. In doing so
he has taken with him the aggressive
force and active public spirit always char-
452
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
acteristic of his race and is causing them
to be felt in the advancement of the in-
terests vital to the vk^elfare and progress of
his home community.
(The Fontaine Line).
It seems clear that the name of the first
authentic ancestor of the American
branch of the Fontaine family was James,
that being the English equivalent of the
French Jacques, which is the name given
in history. The fact that his son, grand-
son, and great-grandson all bore the name
of James seems to corroborate this theory.
Jacques (or James) de la Fontaine, whose
great-great-grandson, by the way, was
also named James, was born in 1500, in
the village of Chatelas, parish of St.
Pierre, de Royan, Saintonge, and was a
Huguenot pastor. In 1563 the religious
persecution which was then raging in
France found in him one of the martyrs of
the Reformed faith.
(II) James (2), son of Jacques de la
Fontaine.
(III) James (3), son of James (2) de
la Fontaine.
(IV) James (4), son of James (3) de
la Fontaine, was a minister of the Re-
formed church.
(V) James (5), son of James (4) de
la Fontaine, was also a Protestant min-
ister.
(VI) Mary Ann, daughter of James
(5) de la Fontaine, married Matthew
Maury, of Virginia (see Maury line).
(Tlie Maury Line).
Matthew Maury, the first ancestor of
record, was of Huguenot descent and re-
sided in Virginia. He married Mary Ann
de la Fontaine (see Fontaine line).
(II) James, son of Matthew and Mary
Ann (de la Fontaine) Maury, was rector
of Fredericksville parish, Virginia.
(III) Matthew (2), the son of James
Maury, was born in 1744.
(IV) James (2), son of Matthew (2)
Maury, was appointed by President
Washington consul at Liverpool, Eng-
land, and until 1829, a period of forty
years, filled that office continuously.
(V) William, son of James (2) Maury,
was of Liverpool, England.
(VI) Sarah Fanny, daughter of Wil-
liam Maury, became the wife of Joseph
Dunning Weed, as stated above.
The Maury family is very prominent in
the South and in England. One of
its representatives, Matthew Fontaine
Maury, was a distinguished hydrographer
and a commander in the United States
navy. Another Maury commanded the
privateer "Georgia" during the Revolu-
tion. Matthew Fontaine Maury charted
the ocean, his charts being in use at the
present day. In 1841 he was placed in
charge of the Department of Charts and
Instruments out of which grew the
United States Naval Observatorj- and the
Hydrographic Office.
WEED, James Albert,
Agricnltnrist.
Wide spaces give to the men of studi-
ous tastes the untrammeled freedom
impossible to be found in centers of popu-
lation, where neighbor jostles neighbor
and strangers congregate in more or less
hilarious companies. In the peace and
quiet and unmarred beauty of the country
the occupation, the surroundings, and the
home itself may be of a man's own choos-
ing, and reflect his true character. It is
here that a man may revel in the real-
ities of life, which, after all, include those
things least tangible, and leave outside
— behind— the baubles for which too
many give the best of life, only to learn
their utter worthlessness. Richly endowed
with those mental qualities which make
a man himself, rather than the reflection
453
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
of his fellows, James Albert Weed, of
Stamford, Connecticut, enjoys to the full
the privileges which the country life af-
fords.
(II) Jonas (2) Weed, son of Jonas (i)
Weed (q. v.), was administrator of his
father's estate. While it appears that he
remained in Stamford or thereabouts all
his life, instead of following his father's
example in penetrating new country, he
lived an estimable life, doing his share in
the public service, being townsman for
eleven years. He died November 19, 1704.
He married, November 16, 1670, Bethia
Holly, daughter of John Holly; she died
December 29, 1713.
(III) Jonas (3) Weed, son of Jonas
(2) and Bethia (Holly) Weed, married
January 20, 1703 or 1704, Sarah Water-
bury, daughter of Jonathan Waterbury ;
she was born August 15, 1677. The
meagre records of the generations which
intervene between the immigrants and the
time when the national prosperity was
assured tell an eloquent tale of the bitter
hardships endured with fortitude, and
deeds of courage which there was no time
or strength left to record.
(IV) David Weed, son of Jonas (3)
and Sarah (Waterbury) Weed, was born
April 20, 1707. He married, November
8, 1733, Mary Weed. They were the par-
ents of David, of whom further.
(V) David (2) Weed, son of David (i)
and Mary (Weed) Weed, was born Octo-
ber 28, 1741, and died in 1781. He mar-
ried Mary Selleck.
(VI) James Weed, son of David (2)
and Mary (Selleck) Weed, was born in
1767. He married, January i, 1787, Lydia
Slason, who was born May 18, 1766,
daughter of Nathaniel and Lydia (Bates)
Slason.
(VII) Hezekiah Weed, son of James
and Lydia (Slason) Weed, was born
March 2, 1797, in Darien, near Stamford,
Connecticut, and died August 6, 1869. He
was possessed of a brilliant mind, and
was considered one of the best mathema-
ticians in Connecticut. In those days
school text books were not plentiful, and
those available fell far short of what
would be considered even mediocre ex-
cellence at the present time. During the
early part of his career, Mr. Weed taught
school, and being unable to find satisfac-
tory text books in the higher mathematics
prepared one himself for use in his school
from which he taught trigonometry. The
illustrations of the problems are speci-
mens of fine draftsmanship, and the text
exhibits fine ability as a penman, to say
nothing of the masterly, and often orig-
inal, exposition. This text book, in ex-
cellent preservation, is now the prized
possession of his grandson, James A.
Weed, of Stamford. Hezekiah Weed was
also an excellent Latin scholar, and was
familiar with one or two other languages
besides his native tongue. He was suc-
cessful as a teacher, and contributed
largely to the development of a high
standard in the schools of the section;
but teaching, then as now, was unre-
munerative, and Mr. Weed was at length
obliged to retire from this field of activity
and enter the business world. Being a
practical man, he became interested in
purveying the daily necessities of life, and
opened a market in Stamford, which busi-
ness he conducted for a number of years.
From his wife he inherited property on
Tallmadge Hill, and he made this the
foundation of a prosperous real estate
business. He continued to carry on the
market, and retained an active interest
until within a few years of his death.
Mr. Weed was considered very dog-
matic by many people. Throughout his
life he never entirely lost the manner of
the schoolmaster, and no man of mental
depth and power can help thinking and
454
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
speaking, at times, over the heads of the
multitude. He was somewhat eccentric
in dress and manner, yet this was nothing
more nor less, undoubtedly, than the out-
growth of originality of thought and in-
dependence of action. He was deeply
religious, but made many enemies in the
church because he did not believe in the
rental of pews, then an established cus-
tom, by no means universally practiced
now. He refused to rent a pew for him-
self, and sat in a chair, but out of con-
sideration for his wife, he rented a pew
for her. He was an earnest believer in
practical, every-day-in-the-week Chris-
tianity, and his rugged honesty and sin-
cerity commanded the confidence and re-
spect of all who knew him, regardless of
whether they agreed with his views or
not.
Mr. Weed married (first) Mary Tall-
madge, who was a descendant of one of
the oldest families of Fairfield county.
She was the mother of two sons : James,
who never married, and Francis Bates, of
whom further. He married (second),
November 5, 1838, Mary Weed, daughter
of Nathan Weed, and widow of Alvah
Weed ; she died December 7, 1866.
(VIII) Francis Bates Weed, son of
Hezekiah and Mary (Tallmadge) Weed,
was born in 1819, in Darien, Connecticut,
and died in 1861. He received his formal
education at the public schools, but the
broader learning received from close as-
sociation with his father supplemented
the regular school course. While still a
young man he learned the carpenter's
trade, which he followed for a number of
years, but later became interested in the
butcher business. In this he continued
until his death. For some years prior to
his death he lived in Stamford.
Mr. Weed married Emmeline Weed,
and they were the parents of three chil-
dren : Emma L. ; James Albert, of whom
further; and Hezekiah. Emmeline
(Weed) Weed, wife of Francis Bates
Weed, was born in Darien, Connecticut,
in 1821. Her ancestry traces back,
through a different line of descent, to the
original Jonas Weed, the immigrant.
She was a daughter of Paul and Ruth
(Waring) Weed. Her grandfather,
Jonas Weed, was born June 28, 1749, and
married Rebecca Brown. His father,
Silvanus Weed, was born in November,
1713, and his wife's name was Sarah.
The father of Silvanus Weed was Jonas
Weed, the same Jonas as the fourth gen-
eration of the line of James Albert Weed,
whose name appears as the subject of this
review.
(IX) James Albert Weed, son of
Francis Bates and Emmeline (Weed)
Weed, was born in Stamford, Connecti-
cut. December 24, 1852. He received his
early education at the excellent public
schools of the place, then a thriving town
of progressive spirit. He completed his
education with a course at Professor
Glendenning's private academy. Being
the son of a prosperous father, he could
well have taken his leisure, but feeling
that he wanted an interest of his own in
the business world, he became a clerk in
a retail store. Later he built the beau-
tiful house known as "Gray Towers,"
where he resided from 1876 to 1895. He
then bought his present farm of one hun-
dred acres. Here, in the midst of the
peace of simple, country life, Mr. Weed is
free to indulge his quiet tastes, and sur-
rounds himself with treasures of the
world of art and literature. His chief
interest is in his really wonderful col-
lection of old books. This includes the
nine volume set of the Mahabharata, the
Brahman Bible ; which is one of the four
sets known to be in this country. Mr.
Weed also owns an ancient copy of Owen
Feltham's poems, brought out in 1696,
455
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
and a copy of John Cleveland's poems,
1654. Perhaps the most curious of all
the collection is a two volume cook book,
of the thirteenth century. Among these,
also, are a volume of Materia Medica of
the sixteenth century, and a volume of old
English laws of the same period.
Mr. Weed and his sister, who shares his
home and his tastes, are both deeply in-
terested in Spiritualism.
WEED, William Francis,
Artist, Photograplier.
(I) Carey Weed, great-grandfather of
William F. Weed, was a descendant of
Jonas Weed (q. v.). Carey Weed was
born in 1782, and died November 9, 1842.
He married (first) Clarissa St. John, and
they were the parents of William H., of
whom further.
(II) William H. Weed, son of Carey
and Clarissa (St. John) Weed, was born
April 13, 1813, and died November 10,
1863. His boyhood was spent in his
native town, and early in life he learned
the trade of shoemaker, but he did not
follow this very long. Most of his time
was given to farming, and he did some
contract work in laying stone walls and
so forth. Mr. Weed was a member of the
Connecticut Militia, and was captain in
the Horse Artillery. He married, in
Poundridge, New York, Januar}' 27, 1837,
Mary E. Hanford, daughter of Austin
Hanford. The latter met his death in the
War of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Weed were
the parents of seven children, among
whom was Francis Edward, of whom
further.
(III) Francis Edward ^^'eed, son of
William H. and Mary E. (Hanford)
Weed, was born in New Canaan, Connec-
ticut, November 26, 1841. He attended
the public schools, and at an age when
most children are playing he was helping
in the support of the family by working
by the month. When he reached the age
of eighteen, he entered the New Canaan
Post OfiSce, where he remained until
i860. After the Civil War was over, Mr.
Weed was employed for a time with the
Hoyt Manufacturing Company; in 1868,
upon the completion of the New Canaan
railroad, he became station agent. This
position he held until 1879, ^"^ during
the time had not only taken care of the
agent's duties but had also made the
freight contracts of the railroad and at-
tended to the general freight and ticket
agent's duties.
In 1880, Mr. Weed embarked in the
coal business as the agent of David Wa-
terbury, of Stamford. His mother's un-
cle, John St. John, was the founder of
the St. John Woodworking Company, of
Stamford, who had a mill and lumber
yard, and at the same time he entered the
coal business Mr. Weed began to sell
lumber in New Canaan on commission.
He started with almost no capital but his
own sterling character, ambition and in-
dustry. In May, 1882, he took as a part-
ner George E. Lockwood, the firm name
being Weed & Lockwood. Six years
later George Kellogg became a member
of the firm, Mr. Lockwood having with-
drawn. Subsequently Mr. Kellogg with-
drew, and Mr. Weed carried the business
on alone until he admitted H. C. Turner
as a partner, the name being Weed &
Turner. After about five years Mr. Tur-
ner sold his interests to George W. Dur-
yea, and the name was changed to Weed
& Dur3'ea. In 1914 the business was in-
corporated under the name of The Weed
& Duryea Company, Mr. Weed being
president of the company. A large busi-
ness was built up, and among the articles
carried were building supplies, fertilizers,
and heavy hardware for contractors.
Mr. Weed took an active and interested
456
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
part in all public affairs during his life-
time. Several times he has been honored
with public office and has creditably held
the offices of selectman, constable, justice
of the peace and State representative. He
was the first business manager of the New
Canaan "Messenger;" a director of the
New Canaan Water Works ; president of
the New Canaan Savings Bank ; president
of the New Canaan Library, and its build-
ing was erected during his administration.
He was also chairman of the building
commission having in charge the erection
of the town hall ; and was president of the
New Canaan Historical Society.
Mr. Weed married, April 3, 1867, in
South Norwalk, Martha J. Brush, born
September 7, 1845, daughter of Henry
Chapman and Clarissa (St. John) Brush.
Henry Chapman Brush was born Febru-
ary 16, 1820, and died April 26, 1897, in
Ridgefield. He married Clarissa St. John,
born January 18, 1820, died December
22, 1888. The grandfather of Henry C.
Brush was Azra Brush, and he was a son
of Eliphalet and Eunice Hall (Lee)
Brush, and grandson of Thomas and Lucy
(Ball) Brush. Mr. and Mrs. Weed were
the parents of two children : William
Francis, of further mention ; and Bertha
G., born April 25, 1875, died July 9, 1880.
(IV) William Francis Weed, son of
Francis Edward and Martha J. (Brush)
Weed, was born in New Canaan, Con-
necticut, January 31, 1873. He was edu-
cated in the public schools. Then he
entered the New York Institute for
Artists and Artisans, where he took a
preparatory art course, training with a
view to specializing as an illustrator.
Subsequently Mr. Weed studied under the
well known artist of Philadelphia, How-
ard Pyle, and also spent some time in
study in the Drexel Institute, and while
there took up the study of photography
as part of his course of training in illus-
trating. At this time an attack of pneu-
monia so undermined his health that he
was compelled to abandon his studies.
He then entered the studio of a manufac-
turer of stained glass windows as a figure
draughtsman, and later opened a studio
in New Canaan to do illustrating. During
the interim, Mr. Weed had been making
pictures as an amateur photographer, and
soon after opening his New Canaan
studio began to devote all his time to
photography, specializing in home por-
traiture, which had not then achieved its
present popularity. After the death of
his father, Mr. Weed also used his offices
as a branch of the Weed & Duryea Com-
pany, of which he is treasurer. He is also
secretary of the New Canaan Historical
Society, and is a past commander of
Richard E. Holcomb Camp, Sons of
Veterans.
Mr. Weed married Lilian Offen, daugh-
ter of B. T. Offen, of New Canaan, and
they were the parents of three children :
Ida Lilian, died aged twelve ; Francis Ed-
ward, 2nd ; and Wilmer Eveline. The
family attend the Congregational church
and aid in its support.
SANFORD, Jonathan Bartlett,
Jndge of Probate.
A long line of intelligent New Eng-
land ancestry could not fail to prove a
priceless heritage, yet it carries with it a
heavy responsibility, for the present gen-
eration must ever maintain a high stand-
ard for the benefit of the generations to
come.
(I) Judge Jonathan Bartlett Sanford is
a direct descendant of the immigrant,
Thomas Sanford. The latter was born in
1607-08. in County Essex. England, and
died at Milford, Connecticut, September
or October, 1681. He married, in 1636-
1637, at Dorchester, ?\lassachusetts. Sarah
457
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
-, and she died May 4, 1681, at Mil-
ford.
(II) Ezekiel Sanford, son of Thomas
and Sarah Sanford, was born in Dorches-
ter, Massachusetts, where his father first
settled, and died late in the year 1683. He
married, April 25, 1665, Rebecca Whelp-
ley, daughter of John and Rebecca
Whelpley. Before 1660, Ezekiel Sanford
was settled in Fairfield county, and was
a freeman there in 1669. He was a tan-
ner by occupation and a large landowner.
(III) Ezekiel (2) Sanford, son of Eze-
kiel and Rebecca (Whelpley) Sanford,
was born March 6, 1668, and died March
2, 1728. He married, in March, 1696,
Rebecca Gregory. He was an engineer
and built the first stockade at Saybrook,
Connecticut. With his wife he was ad-
mitted to the church, September 30, 1705.
(IV) Lemuel Sanford, son of Ezekiel
(2) and Rebecca (Gregory) Sanford, was
born December 16, 1699, and died April
25, 1780. He married, May 12, 1730, Re-
becca Squires, born June 17, 1705, died
March 26, 1779, at Redding, Connecticut.
Lemuel Sanford was a very prominent
man of his day ; he settled at Redding
Centre.
(V) Lemuel (2) Sanford, son of Lem-
uel and Rebecca (Squires) Sanford, was
born April 18, 1740, at Fairfield, Con-
necticut, and died at Danbury, Con-
necticut, March 12, 1803. He married,
September 20, 1768, Mary Russell, daugh-
ter of Jonathan Russell, of North Bran-
ford, Connecticut, and she died June 23,
1829, aged eighty-four years. They set-
tled at Redding Centre, and Lemuel San-
ford became a freeman in April, 1792. He
was judge of county court at the time
of his death, and during the Revolution
was a member of the committee on sup-
plies.
(VI) Jonathan Russell Sanford, son of
Lemuel (2) and Mary (Russell) Sanford,
was born February 11, 1782, and died
August 21, 1858. He married, October 17,
1808, Maria Davies, daughter of Dr.
Thomas Davies, born in Sherman, Con-
necticut, in 1791, died May 25, 1869. He
was appointed town clerk in 1808, also
treasurer; these offices he held for fifty
3'ears. He was also judge of probate and
Representative to the Legislature.
(VII) Lemuel (3) Sanford, son of Jon- I
athan Russell and Maria (Davies) San- 1
ford, was born September 18, 1816, and
died June 9, 1890, at Redding Centre,
Connecticut. He married, January 13,
1847, Abby Maria Hill, daughter of Brad-
ley and Betsey Hill. He was like his
father, a very public-spirited man, and
held many offices, among them being
town clerk and judge of probate for about
forty years, and was also the Representa-
tive of his section in the Upper House.
(VIII) Jonathan Bartlett Sanford, son
of Judge Lemuel (3) and Abby M. (Hill)
Sanford, was born in Redding, Connecti-
cut, October 25, 1862; he was the only
son and the youngest of seven children. He
prepared for college at the famous Hop-
kins Grammar School in New Haven,
Connecticut. For a number of years he
engaged in the creamery business and
had a general store in connection with
the creamery. He was elected to the
office of judge of probate in November,
1910, and after assuming this office gave
up the merchant and farming business.
He is a Democrat in politics, and most of
the time has been placed in nomination
by both parties.
Judge Sanford married, May 25, 1887,
Edith Dayton, born May 24, 1868, at Mor-
ristown. New Jersey, daughter of James
W. Dayton, of Philadelphia, Pennsyl-
vania. Her mother was Clara Catlin
Gregory, granddaughter of Benjamin
Gregory of the old Fairfield county fam-
ily. The latter married Abbie Sanford,
458
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
•laughter of Ezekiel Sanfm :
Mrs. Sanford arc the j>artnt
T. Lem\:v'
'.-;-: ediicr.
1^
Judge and
(jf the fol-
' nving childre- • r. Lem\:v'i i'lsi Feb-
"uary 5. iSJV', ' v-;^: edncr.*i;<' i; <hei-
■leld Scienti' ul-
ne Smith, , > . 'iii.
Eleanor Arrowr>mitii. born Apr;! 6,
1890. 3. Edith, born January i, 1892,
died August 24, 1907. 4. Jonathan Bart-
lett, Jr., of whom further. 5. Abby Hill,
born November i, 1896, and is now a
trained nurse, having received her train-
ing in the Hartford Hospital. 6. Dayton,
born March 9, 1899, graduated at the San-
ford School and is now (1921) with the
Travelers' Insurance Company of Hart-
ford. 7. Elizabeth Russell, born Ma/ 19,
1901, is a student in the class of 1923 at
Connecticut College, New London, Con-
necticut. 8. Arthur Redington, born May
19, 1903, is now preparing for Yale at
Sanford School. 9. Theodore Van Zandt,
born August 30, 1905. 10. Alice Davies,
born December, 21, 1907. 11. Dudley
Gregory. lx->rn December 14, 1909, 12.
Clara Dayton , born March 7, 191 2
(IX) Jonathan Bartlett Sanford, Jr.,
second son ot Judge Jonathan B. and
Edith (Dayton) Sanford. was horn No-
vember 9, 1894. He was educated at the
Sanford private school and Storr's Agri-
cultural College. He plans to follow sci-
entific farming for a career. He enlisted,
August 14, 1917. at New York City, in the
old 7th New York Regfiment, which was
made over into the 107th United S'ates
Infantry, and w'a.=; made corpi>rai, ''n-tober
16, 19T7. He was promoted to >ergcant
May 2, 1918, and served in the following
battles: East Poperinghe line. July 9 to
August 20, 1918; Dickebusch Sector in
Belgium, August 21 to 30, 1918; Hinden-
burg line (vincinity of Bacey), Company
K, 7th Regiment; arrived in the United
States, March 9, 1919. He was awarded
a military medal by the British
ment. Citation :
Dnring the operations against the Hin-:- :>
line near Venduille, September 29, 1918, Sir«;eant
Sanford gave proof of great devotion and bravery
when he gallantly insisted upon remaining with
his command, despite the fact that he had been
seriously wounded in the Ick- During the advance
he later received other wounds from shcll-tirc,
thereby demonstrating his o<.urage and devotion to
duty and setting a splendid example to his com-
rades.
By command of General I'ershiujs:.
James G. H.^rbord, Chief of Sicff.
He was in Battle-War Hospital No, 2,
Readinji. England, for about ten week.-,
Serpeatu Sanford married, in ; )frnl-.«<-
1920. Frances Boughton.
WALSH. Hon. John J.,
Jariat. Pnblic 0«BciaI.
"On both sides of the sea" the profes-
sion of the law has been largely and emi-
nently recruited by men of Irish birth as
the number of distinguished names which
adorn the legal annals of the Old World
and the New bear abundant witness. The
bench and bar of the United States have
always owed much of their prestige to the
talents and services of their representa-
tives of Irish blood, and at the present
day the citizens of Fairfield county can
testify that the Hon. John J. Walsh, of
Kzst Norwaik, Connecticut, judge of the
Criminal Court of Common Pleas, ably
maintains the best traditions of his race.
Judge Walsh has always been active in
the sphere of politics and has wielded a
powerful influence in behalf of those prin-
ciples which he believes constitute the
foundation of all good government.
The name Walsh, or Walshe, signifies '"a
native of Wales." its first representatives
in Ireland having been Philip and David,
kinsmen and perhaps brothers, who,
459
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
in 1 169, went thither with Strongbow and
his followers. Like many other foreigners
they adopted an Irish surname and title
— Branaghs, from Breatrach, which, in
Irish, signifies "a Briton," in allusion to
their having come from Wales. Their de-
scendants settled in various counties, be-
coming so numerous that it was said
"their numbers were equal to the nobility
of their origin." Members of the family
won distinction in the Stuart cause in
1688, and in the eighteenth century, or
earlier, a branch was transplanted to the
American colonies. Here, as in their an-
cient home, many of them have achieved
eminence in law, politics and divinity,
many famous ecclesiastics having borne
the family name. The escutcheon of the
Walshes is as follows :
Artns — Argent, a chevron gules between three
broad arrowheads, points upward, sable.
Crest — A swan pierced through the back and
breast with a dart, all proper.
John Walsh, father of John J. Walsh,
was born in County Cork, Ireland, and at
the age of eighteen emigrated to the United
States, settling in Randolph, Massachu-
setts, where he learned the shoemaker's
trade, which he made his lifelong occupa-
tion. In 185 1 he removed to Norwalk,
Connecticut, and followed his trade there
and in New Canaan until the outbreak of
the Civil War. Like the loyal citizen he
was, he enlisted without delay in the 12th
Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infan-
try, and, with the exception of one thirty-
day furlough, was out the entire period of
his three-year enlistment, reenlisting upon
its expiration. While in service he was
temporarily disabled by a sunstroke. In
November, 1865, he returned home and
moved from New Canaan to Norwalk,
where he engaged in business on his own
account as a custom shoemaker. He was
a member of Buckingham Post, Grand
Army of the Republic.
Mr. Walsh married Rose Burke, like
himself a native of County Cork, Ireland,
her father at one time superintendent of
schools of the city of Cork. The Burkes
were a literary family and some account
of their origin is appended to this biogra-
phy. The following children were born
to Mr. and Mrs. Walsh: i. Margaret,
widow of James Cole ; of their children
two are living: James and Thomas. 2.
Anna, died unmarried. 3. John J., men-
tioned below. 4. Rose, married James
Hamilton, and has three children: Flor-
ence, Mary, and Augustin. 5. Catherine,
widow of James Boyle. 6. Annie, mar-
ried Patrick Haugh, and has one child
now living, Harry. 7. William, died leav-
ing no children. 8. Francis, also died
without issue. John Walsh, the father,
died in 1892, at the age of seventy-seven.
John J. Walsh, son of John and Rose
(Burke) Walsh, was born October 5, 1857,
in Norwalk, Connecticut, and until his
eighth year attended the public schools
of New Canaan. From that time until the
age of twelve he was in the public schools
of South Norwalk. He then went to
work in the woolen mill, but had been
there only nine months when the new
child labor law became effective and he
was taken out. After attending school
for nearly a year he was instructed two
evenings a week by a tutor, H. B. Wig-
gin. This continued for three years and
at the end of that time he applied himself
to the study of shorthand.
While receiving instruction from a tutor
and also while studying shorthand, Mr.
Walsh was learning the stonecutter's
trade. It may seem that much mental
progress was scarcely compatible with
application to manual labor as strenuous
as that of stonecutting. Mr. Walsh, how-
ever, has always been a man with whom
an intention is rarely suffered to remain
an intention. Unless conditions render
46c
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
it absolutely impossible for it to do so, it
must develop into action. Having the
intention to acquire a knowledge of the
law he would not allow his work as a
stonecutter to frustrate that intention,
and, hard as he might be obliged to labor
during the day, his evenings were invari-
ably devoted to study. When he had
thoroughly mastered shorthand, Mr.
Walsh entered the office of H. H. Barber,
a well-known lawyer, who had established
a local paper called "The Democrat," and
of this Mr. Walsh became city editor.
Never neglecting the duties of the posi-
tion, he steadily pursued his legal stud-
ies, and in April, 1880, he was admitted
to the bar.
Entering immediately upon his chosen
career, Mr. Walsh practiced alone for the
ensuing twelve years. At the end of that
time he formed a partnership with James
T. Hubbell, under the firm name of Walsh
& Hubbell. In the years during which
he practiced alone he established, by
sheer force of native ability, thorough
equipment and unceasing devotion to
duty, a reputation, both with the profes-
sion and the general public, which has
been the cornerstone of a career of bril-
liant and well-merited success. During
the period of his partnership this reputa-
tion increased and strengthened, and he
became a recognized leader of the Fair-
field county bar.
In June, 1913, the partnership was dis-
solved by reason of the fact that Mr.
Walsh was then appointed by Governor
Baldwin judge of the Criminal Court of
Common Pleas, subsequently reappointed
by Governor Holcomb. This court has
both civil and criminal jurisdiction. His
career upon the bench, in the evidence
it furnished of his profound knowledge of
the law, his insight into the motives and
merits of men, and the judicial character
of his mind, constitute one of the most
interesting and instructive chapters in the
legal history of Fairfield county.
In the field of general public service,
unconnected with the law, Judge Walsh
has been equally prominent and useful,
and his activities have been many and
varied. He was a member of the commit-
tee having in charge the building of the
new Fairfield county court house at
Bridgeport, Connecticut, was a member
of the board of directors and building
committee of the Norwalk Hospital, and
was general counsel for the Norwalk
Bridge Construction Committee which
built the Washington street bridge.
From his youth Judge Walsh has taken
an active interest in politics, always as an
advocate of Democratic principles. In
the campaign of 1876, being then but nine-
teen years of age, he took the stump as
a champion of Tilden, and after he be-
came a voter, served for ten or twelve
years as registrar of voters for the First
District. For over fifteen years he was
a member of the State Central Committee,
and for about eight years served as its
chairman. He has been district delegate
to conventions without number, including
the national conventions in which Bryan
and Parker were nominated. For a num-
ber of years he was prosecuting attorney
for the city of Norwalk, filling the office
in a manner highly satisfactory to all good
citizens.
Until his elevation to the bench, Judge
Walsh was for some years a director of
the Fairfield County Savings Bank. He
affiliates with the Benevolent and Protec-
tive Order of Elks, and his clubs are the
Catholic, the Norwalk, and the Norwalk
Yacht. Yachting is his favorite recrea-
tion, and during the season he spends the
greater part of his leisure time on his
boat.
Judge Walsh married, October 4, 1884,
Julia Finnegan, daughter of Dennis and
461
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Mary (Wallace) Finnegan. The record
of Judge Walsh, both at the bar and on
the bench, is that of a high-minded man,
faithful to the noble traditions of his
chosen profession. His many years of
disinterested service in the political arena
have been inspired by genuine public
spirit, and there seems to be little doubt
that his fellow-citizens will, in the near
future, summon him to assume greater
trusts and larger responsibilities.
(The Burke Line).
This ancient race is classed, with the
Butlers and Fitzgeralds, among the most
distinguished of the Norman-Irish fami-
lies. The name Burke, or Burgh, signifies
"a place of defense or safety."
William Fitz-Aldelm de Burgo was a
kinsman of William the Conqueror and
accompanied Henry the Second to Ire-
land. He was appointed by that monarch
Lord Justice of Ireland, and his descend-
ants settled in numerous counties. They
were distinguished in the army, the
church, literature and statecraft, both in
Europe and America. In the Civil War
the family was gallantly represented. The
Burkes are entitled to display the fol-
lowing escutcheon :
Arms — Or, a cross gules on the dexter canton a
lion rampant sable.
462
ERRATA-INDEX
IN DEX
ERRATA
Cowles, p. 304, 2nd col., 19th line, Albert Abernethy Cowles should be Alfred Aber-
nethy Cowles.
/
Acheson, Dean G., 134
Edward C, 134
Edward C, Bishop, 133
Eleanor, 134
Adams, Clarissa, 295
David, 294
Elbert S., 422
Elizabeth R., 423
Henry, 294
Ida, 423
Jonathan, 294
Jonathan T., 422
Levi, 294, 295
Oren, 295
Oren L., 295
Robert, 422
Spencer S., 423
Squire, 422
Thomas, Lieut., 294
Adorno, Maria, 200
Michele, 198
Salvatore, 198, 199
Allen, Benjamin, 263
Catherine M., 269
Daniel, 263
Delancey, 263
George, 262, 263
Gideon, 263
Helen, 264
Isaac, 263
John, 267
Joseph, 263
Kate M., 264
Lauren M., Dr., 262, 264
Stephen, 267
William M., 268
INDEX
"Atkins, Albert, 183
Ephraim, 183
Grace M., 185
Ithamar, 183
Joseph, 182
Luke, 182
Mary M., 185
Thomas, 183
y Thomas J., 182, 184
Avery, Christopher, 173
Edward C, 173, 174
James, Capt., 173
Joel E., 174
John, 173
Mabel, 175
Maria, 173, 175
Robert, 173, 175
Samuel, 173
Bacon, Benjamin, 185
Charles W., 187
Henry, 188
Louis P., 185, 187
Nathaniel, 185
Nellie O., 187
Phebe, 189
Phineas, 185
Bailey, Christopher, 179
Edgar L., 178, 179
Ephraim, 179
John, 178
Miriam S.. 180
Richard M., 178, 179
William, 179
Banning (Bayning), Abner, 38, 53
Annah, 38, 53
465
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Asenath C, 40, 43
Ashel, 38
Benoni, 35
David, 33, 38, 43
Edward, 35
James, 33, 34
John, 33, 34, 37
Kate, 40
Paul, 35
Paul, Sir, 36
Phineas, 37
Pierson, 33
Richard, 33
Robert, 33
Samuel, 34, 38
y Stephen, 33
Barber, Elizabeth (Betsey), 377
Joseph, 377
Roswell, 377
Samuel, 377
, Thomas, 376
"'Bassett, Bennett, 336
Joseph, 336
Mary, 336
'Bassick, Edgar W., 100, 102
Edgar W., Jr., 103
Edmund C, loi
Frederick C, 103
George, loi
Grace E., 103
Lillian C, 104
Marshall M., 103
\/ William, loi
Beaumont (Bemont), David B., 214
Elijah, 214
Emeline R., 214
/ Makens, 214
^eers, Adolphus P., 387
Albertson S., 387
Ezekiel, 386
Gladys L., 388
Louis S., 386, 387
Mary, 387
\/Belcher, Elisha, Dr., 240
Gregory, 241
/p
Moses, 241
Samuel, 241
William, 241
y William, Capt., 240
Belden, Catherine L., 265
Charles D., 264, 265
David, 265
Sarah R., 265
William A., 266
Benedict, Dinah, 416
John, 416
Mary, 416
Phebe, 416
/ Thomas, 415
Bennett, Edwin B., 310, 312
Eli G., 311
Elias, 310, 311
Isabelle W., 312
James, 310
Mary, 311
Nathan, 310
Sturges, 311
-/ Thomas, 310
Bird, Adam, 47
George, 48
Henry, 47
James, 48
John, 48
Joseph, 48
Moore, 49
Peter, 47
Randall, 48
Thomas, 48
y William, 47, 48
Bishop, Alfred, 93
Alfred F., 53, 54
Elizabeth F., 55
Ethan F., Rev., 53, 54
Georgianna, 55
Henrietta, 96
Henry A., 92, 95
Henry A., Jr., 96
Jessie, 96
John, 54
John, Rev., 54
466
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Pierson, 54, 93
Sydney, 55
William, 54, 93
William D., 93
^^Blakeslee, Daniel, 160
Minnie O., 160
Robert N., 160
1 Bogardus, Abraham, 274
Ada I., 279
Clarence E., 278
Cornelius, 273
Eloise A., 275
Everardus, 272
Frank W., 271,275
J. Howard, 276
John S., 274
Kate, 276
Matthew, 274
Samuel, 274
Borg, Albert, 448
Henry L., 448, 449
^ Julia, 450
Bouteiller, Austin W., 233
Emile F., 232
Florentine, 232
Grace L., 233
Griswold L., 233
William H., 232, 233 .
Bradley, Abraham, 42
Amy, 43, 45
Ariel, 43, 45
Asenath, 43, 49
Catherine, 328
Daniel, 391, 392
Daniel B., 392
Daniel B., Jr., 391, 393
Edward B., 394
Eli, 397
Elizabeth, 395
Ellen, 43. 49
Emily S., 397
Enos, 43, 49
Esther, 391
Francis, 328, 391
Grace, 394
L^T
Henry, 41. 397
James, 41
James, Capt., 43, 45
John, 41,42,43
Moore B., Dr., 43
Sarah A., 393
Thomas, 41,42
Wakeman, 328
William, 41, 42
^ William H., 394
Brainerd, Abiah, 229
Daniel, 229
Erastus, 230
Erastus LeR. (E. Le Roy), 229, 230
James, 229
Le Roy, 229, 230
Mildred, 231
Silas, 230
^^ Simon, 230
Brathwaite, F. Windsor, Rev., 324
Frederick G., Dr., 324, 325
Marguerite, 326
Melancthon W., 326
^^rowning, Ann, 5, 8
Eliza S., 6, 10
Elizabeth, 3
Eva B., 7, 13
John, 4
John H., 6, 10
John H. (2), 3, 6, 13
Nathaniel, 3
Thomas, 5
William, 4
^William T., 5
■^rush. Amos M., 437
Augustus M., 437
Caleb, 266
Eleanor, 266
Electa, 438
Joseph, 437
Joshua, 266
Lucretia, 266
Ralph E., 437- 438
Bryant, Calvin T., 90
Clement, 90
467
WT
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
George Q. A., 90
Ichabod, 89
Ida, 92
Job, 90
Ruth, 92
Stephen, 89
Waldo C, 88, 91
^ Waldo G., 92
Buckingham, Eliza, 32
Samuel, 31
^ William A., Gov., 31
Burnham, Charles, 131
Edward G., 131
Elisha, 130 S
George, 130
Hattie J., 133
Richard, 130
Thomas, 129
, William E., 128, 132
Burr, Daniel, 394
Jehue, 394
Mary, 394
»/Bush (Bosch), Albert, 414
Ann, 415
Hendrick, 414
Justus, 414, 415
Calhoun, David, 341
Frederick J., 341
Jedediah, 341
John, 341
/ Mary A., 341
Candee, Amos, 345
Annie M., 346
Caleb, 345
Jason, 345
Nehemiah, 344, 345
Samuel, 344, 345
Zaccheus, 344
tarmichael, Frank, 29
George E., 298, 299
Helen G., 299
James T., 299
Thompson, 298
'Carpenter, Abiah, 74
U-
Amos, 76
Ann E., "jy
Byron W., 78
Christopher, 76
John, 76
John A., "j-y
John F., 78
Joseph, 75
Marcia J., 78
Oliver, 76
Robert, 76
y William, 71, 72, 73
Chapman, Charlotte F., 297
Daniel, Rev., 295
Edwin N., Dr., 295, 296
Edwin N., Jr., 296
Harold W., 296
John D., 297
Joshua, 296
Maria B., 296
Marvin A., 296
Mary A., 298
Nathaniel, 295
Phineas, 295, 296
, Robert, 295
Child, Annie C, 70, 78
Chester E., 70, 78
Ezra C, 70
Clarke, Alexander, 355
J. A., Dr., 355
/ Lily, 356
Coe, Carlotta, 301
David, Capt., 300
Ebenezer J., 301
Elias C, 301
John W. B., 301
Joseph, Capt., 300
Robert, 300
Seth, 300
Walter E., 299, 301
Coughlin, Eva L., 160
John, 159
William J., 159
*Cowles, Alfred A., 304
George P., 304
468
/.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Louise M., 306
, Russel A., 304, 305
Cram, Daniel, 423
George E., Dr., 423, 424
George W., 424
^ Jeanne, 425
Crane, Albert, 284, 286
Ebenezer, 285
Ellen M., 286
Fanny, 286
Henry, 284
Joseph, 285
, Thomas, 285
Crosby, Ansel, Capt., 243
Charles, 2zt4
Chester N., 244
Elizabeth, 243
Estelle, 246
J. Elton, 246
Joseph E., 244
Joseph P., 243, 244
Lemuel, 243
Maria D., 244
Theophilus, Capt., 243
^Culver (Colver), Edward, 63
Joshua, 63
Ruth, 63
Samuel, 63
J Sarah, 63
Curry, Ann, 139
Edward P., 139
James A., 138, 139
Mary A., 139
Teresa, 139
Thomas, 138
Thomas B., 139
William P., 139
"XTurtis (Curtiss), Annie E. C, 371
Benjamin, 369
Josiah, 369
Julius B., 370
Louis J., 368, 371
Nichols, 369
Philo, 369
William, 368, 369
Daskam, Benjamin J., 302
Harriet, 304
John, 301
Theodore J., 302
Walter D., 301, 303
William, Capt., 302
iDavis, Abbott H., 192
Alvin, 189
Andrew, 189
Charles T., 189, 191, 192
Grace L., 191, 192
Harold H., 192
John, 189
Lemual, 189
Peter, 189
Samuel, 189
Sydney T., 190
^Davol, John, 296
Laura, 296
Pardon, 296
Sarah, 296
Stephen, 296
William, 296
^ay, Annie E., 155
Ebenezer, 154
Edmund, 154, 155
Julius, 155
Robert, 154
Thomas, 154
Timothy, 154
Dayton, Beriah, 360
Charles H., 361
David, 360
Elizabeth, 361
Henry, 359, 360
Jesse, 360
Ralph, 360
Robert, 360
^ickerman, Abraham, 146
Elihu, 147
Elihu E., 149
Elihu J., 147
Enos, 147
Isaac, Capt., 147
Jonathan, Lieut, 147
469
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Lillian A., 149
Thomas, 146
, William E., 146, 147
Dickson, Abbie T., 234
Clara E., 234
Isadore I., 234
James, 233
William, 233
•Duryea, Alice E., 367
George W., 366
Stephen C, 366
i^Dyer, Edward, i8r
Heman, 181
Henry, 181
Kirk W., 180, 182
Ruth, 182
Samuel, 181
William, 180
Edgerton, Amelia D., 153
Annie E., 154, 155
Elisha, 150
Francis C, 153
Francis D., Dr., 149, 151
Henry C, 153, 155
John, 149, 150
John W., 153
Richard, 149
Simon, 151
■^Emery, Albert H., 255, 256
Albert H., Jr., 261
Fannie B., 261
John, 255
Joshua, 255
Samuel, 255
''Estabrook, Joel, 175
Thomas, 175
/
Fenton, Jonathan, 65
Sarah, 65
Fisher, Clinton R., 397, 398
Daniel M., 398
Edward C, 398
Janet, 398
William, 397
•^Fones, Alfred C, Dr., 96, 98
Christopher, 97
Civilian, Hon., 96, 97
Daniel, 97
Elizabeth, 100
John, Capt., 97
Phoebe E., 98
"Fontaine, Jacques, 453
James, 453
L^oster, Andrew, 436
Anson, 386
Christopher, 385
Dean, Dr., 436
John B., 385
Jonah, 385
Joseph, 385
Josiah, 385
Mabel E., 437
Mary, 386
Thomas, 436
Timothy, 385
"^risbie, Abigail, 56, 64
Daniel, 56, 63
Edward, 57
Edward L., 56, 57, 60, 61
Edward L., Jr., 58
Elijah, 56, 64
Elizabeth, 56, 62
Emily J., 58, 60, 61
Eunice, 56, 63
Hannah A., 58
John, 56
Josephine, 58
Laurens, 56
Reuben, 56, 62
Gilbert, Benjamin, 312
Edwin, 313
i^illespie, Edward L., 351
Edward T. W., 350
Elizabeth J., 349
Emma, 351
John, 346
Kingsley A., 354
Mabel, 354
470
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Richard H., 351, 352
Richard H., Jr., 353
Sarah B., 353
Sarah E., 352
Schuyler W., 354
William F., 354
William W., 346, 347
'Godfrey, Caroline St. L., 70
Charles C, Dr., 68, 69
Christopher, 68
Jonathan, 68
Jonathan, Rev., 68
Nathan, Lieut., 68
''Graham. Benjamin, 61
Cyrus, 61
Fannie, 61
Jesse, 61
''Graves, Bertha, 344
Carlisle F., 344
Chester W., 344
Henry M., 343
Isaac, 343
John, 343
Levi, 343
Phineas, 343
Rhodolphua, 343
Thomas, 343
William W., 342, 344
"^Gray, Elijah, 396
Henry, 396
John, 396
Mary A., 397
Nathan, 396
Walter T., 395, 396
"^Green, Carrie, 390
Francis E., 390
Lewis, 390
Thaddeus K., 390
i4larral, Crissy DeF., 196
Edward W., 193, I94- i95
Ellen B., 196
George, 194
George, Dr., 195
Henry K., 194, 195
Julia, 196
Harris, Channing P., 281, 282
Charles, 281, 282
Esther, 283
Stephen, 281
Sylvester, 281
"llarstrom. Carl A., Dr., 279
Carl E., 281
Carl G., 279
Eric E., 279
Lee S., 280
Havens, Elmer H., 104, 106
Emma, 107
Emmy L., 107
George, 105
George O., 105
Jonathan, 105
William, 104
Hazard, Jeremiah, 8
Robert, 7
Sarah, 8
Thomas, 7
'' Hickcox, Mary, 66
Samuel, Capt., 66
Samuel, Serg., 66
William, 66
William, Capt., 66
''Hill, Eunice, 63, 65
Jared, Lieut., 63, 65
John, 62
Obadiah, 62
/Robert, 62
Hoyt (Halt), Caleb, 415
David, 415
Jesse, 444
Job, 444
Joseph B., 415
Joshua, 444
Sarah, 415, 444
Simon, 415, 444
Thankful, 415
Timothy, 415
Walter, 415
y Zerubbabel, 415
Hubbard, Agnes H., 401
Alfred, 225
Alfred, Hon., 224
471
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Carleton W., 401
Caroline K., 225
Charles E., 192
Drexel T., 401
Frederick A., 398, 400
George, 224, 399
George F., 401
John, 399
Jonathan, 399
Julia A., 225
Luther, 400
Luther P., 400
Margaret O., 193
Margaret S., 225
Nathan, 400
Robert P., 223, 224
Russell H., 192, 193
Thomas, 400
^Hubbell, Andrew, 114
Gideon S., 115
Harvey, 113, 114, 115
Harvey, Jr., 117
James, 114
Louie E., 116
Matthew, 114
^ull, Elizabeth, 10
John W., Col., 10
Joseph, 10
Joseph, Rev., 8
Latham, 10
Stephen, 10
Tristram, 10
Tristram, Capt., 9
^ngersoll, Dorcas, 309
John, 309
Jonathan, 309
Jennings, Isaac, 322
Jacob, 322
Joshua, 322
*Keeler, Anson F., 383, 384
Benjamin, 378
Esther, 383
Harriet A., 379
Isaiah, 380
Jeremiah, 378, 383
John E., 377, 378, 383
John F., 384
LeGrand W., 380
Mary E., 383
Mary G., 384
Ralph, 378, 379
Raymond, 382
Robert W., 379, 380
Ruth Z., 381
Samuel, 378, 379
Samuel J., 382, 383
^ Timothy, 378, 383
King, Anne, 309
Joshua, 308
Kirk, Bennett B., 336
C. Frances, 336
Frank H., 336
Theodore H., 334, 335
Warren, 334
William, 334
■4Cirkham, Fanny L., 125
Henry, 122
John, 122
John S., 123
Thomas, 121, 122
Thomas A., 120, 122, 124
William, 122
"^Lee, Alonzo, 293
Barnes, 293
Daniel, 293
Guy E., 294
Julia C, 294
Mortimer M., 292, 293
Robert M., 294
'Leggett, Gabriel, 269
John, 269
Margaret, 269
Thomas, 269
William H., 269
l.ockhart, Elizabeth, 118
R. Harold, 118
472
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Reuben A., Dr., 117
Royal A., 118
"T-ounsbury, Anna P., 238
Charles H., 236, 237
George, 237
Joshua, 236, 237
Michael, 236
Richard, 236
Robert, 236
Silas, 237
McCready, James, 365
Myrtle B., 366
Robert H., Dr., 365, 366
Robert W., 365
McFarland, David, 319
David W., Dr., 319
Marie, 320
'McHarg, Frederica B., 308
Henry K., 306, 307
Henry K., Jr., 308
John, 306, 307
Sophia, 307
, William, 307
McNeil, Abraham, 11 1
Abraham A., in
Archibald, no, in, 112, 113
Jean, 113
Kenneth W., 113
Roderick C. R., 113
William, in
^Malkin, Albert D., 329
Albert R., 328, 329
Allen R., 329
Catherine A., 329
Richard, 328
Samuel, 328
/Ward G., 329
Manwaring, Allen W., 125
Elizabeth W., 126
Emmeline L., 126
Moses W., Hon., 125, 126
Marsh, Anna, 342
John, 342
MVIarshall, Alfred W. W., 412, 413
Deborah B., 413
Edith B., 414
Gilbert, 412
John E., 416
Joseph H., 413
Mary L., 413
Stephen, 412
Susan M., 417
Sylvanus, Capt., 416
Walter, 416
Mathewson, Albert W., 419
Clifford E., 418, 420
Daniel, 418
Dearborn, 419
Herbert A., 420, 421
James, 418
John, 421
Joseph, 419
Marie A., 420
Mary E., 422
Othniel, 418
Samuel, 419
^Maury, James, 453
Matthew, 453
. William, 453
Mazzotta, Angelina, 177
Carmelo, 175
Salvatore, 175
'^ead, Alexander, 271
Henry S., 271
John, 414
Mary, 414
Matilda, 271
Matthew, Capt., 414
Pamelia B., 412
^^, William, 414
Miller, Anne D., 81
Carrie, 317
Catherine, 315
Charles J., 315
D. Henry, 317
David H., 314, 316
David H., Jr., 316
Emily L., 81
Esther A., 316
473
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Frank, 78, 79, 80
John H., 314
John H., Jr., 314
Josephine L., 317
Julius W., 315
Louis P., 317
Mary F., 318
Samuel J., 316
Stephen, 79
Thomas, 79
Millspaugh, Edward M., 444
Elizabeth A., 444
Erastus E., /\/\/[
Matthias, 444
^ Peter, 444
Montgomery, James W., 320
LeRoy, 320, 321
Marion M., 321
William, 320
, William E., 320
Moody, Elizabeth F., 55
John, 55
Moss, John, 309
Joseph, 309
"Mylchreest, Grace E., 173
John, 171
Joseph H., 172
Joseph W. (J. Warren), 171, 172
William, 171
vNilson, A. H., 200
Augusta S., 201
Jacob, 201
Nil, 200
"^ Noble, Anna E., 278
Erastus, 278
James, 278
Joseph, 277
Matthew, 277
Robert, 278
Roger, 277
Thomas, 277
Oak, Abigail, 376
George, 375
Nathaniel, 375
Sylvanus, 376
Osborn, Carrie L., 324
David, 322
Gregory T., 322, 323
Ida F., 324
Isaac, 322
John, Capt., 322
Mary E., 323
Richard, Capt., 322
Turney, 322
William, 322
William E., 323
William F., 324
^ Otis, Carrie F., 141
John M., 139, 141
Marshall, 141
Richard, 141
Robert, 140
Partridge, Elisha, 281
Frances A., 281
Samuel S., 281
Thomas M., 281
''Pascall, George C, 169
Helen, 170
Marie A., 169
Richard, 167
Richard B., 170
Richard H., Capt., 167, 168
Patten, Daniel A., 225
David, 225
David W. (D. Walter), 225
Erminie I.. 226
Peck, Benjamin, 134, 135, 357
Bernice E., 359
Carrie, 136
Elias, 357
Elias S., 357
Elizabeth I., 359
Harry D., 137
Henry, 134
Horace H., 136
Howard S., 134, 136
Jeremiah, 356
474
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Jesse, 135
Joseph, 135
Joseph N., 136
Reuben, 135
Samuel, 357
Theophilus, 357
Walter S., 359
Wilbur M., 356, 358
William, 356, 357
^enfield, Almira G., 204
Bessie P., 205
George H., 203, 204
Hiram A., 203
John, 203
John, Col., 203
Richard P., 205
Samuel, 203
Walter H., 205
'Perry, Grace, 314
Richard, 314
Thaddeus, 314
Piatt, David, 323
John, 323
Justus, 323
Richard, 323
Samuel, 323
Plum, Aaron, 207
Benoni, 207
Edna, 210
Elihu. 207
Elihu H., 206, 210
Henry L., 208
John, 207
Loren H., 209
Robert, 207
Samuel, 207
Porteous, Alexander, 235
Eva, 236
James H., 235
"^Porter, Daniel, Dr., 67
Elizabeth, 246
John, 245
Joseph B., 246
Margaret, 67
Martha D., 16
Mary, 16, 19
Nehemiah, 245, 246
Noah, 14
Noah, Rev., 13, 14, 19
Robert, 13, 14
Samuel, 245
Thomas, 14
Timothy, Dr., 67
'Post, Abraham, 287
Bissell E., 287
David, 287
Elijah, 287
Eliza, 288
Gurdon, 287
Jedediah, 287
Lisetta, 288
Robert W., 287, 288
Stephen, 287
^Quintard, Elizabeth, 332
Evert, 332
Francis E., 332
Frederick H., 331, 332
Isaac, 331
Mary E., 333
Peter, 331
Radford, Bessie H., 284
Stephen L. (i), 283
Stephen L. (2), 283
Stephen L. (3), 283
Raftery, Adelaide E., 143
Harold B., 143
Mary E., 143
Oliver H., Rev., 141
, Thomas, 141
Raymond, Amos N., 319
Asa, 319
Charles A., 319
Jabez, 382
John, 318, 382
Josiah, 382
Nancy, 319
Richard, 318, 382
Samuel, 318
475
I
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Sands, 319
Sarah E., 382
Thomas, 382
^y William M., 382
Reed, Ebenezer, 339
Edith E., 340
Herbert C, 338, 339
Jesse, 339
John, 338
John B., 339
Stephen E., 339
y Thomas, 339
Reynolds, Ebenezer, 222
Ephraim O., 222
Henry B., 222
John, 222
Jonathan, 222
May B., 223
Wilson S., 221, 223
Riley, Catherine E., 206
Patrick, 206
Stephen, 206
William J., 205, 206
Roberts, David B., 212, 213
Edwin M., 212
Elisha, 212
Jeanette L., 213, 214
Joseph, 212
Joseph W., 212, 214
Maude I., 214
/ William, 212
Rogers, Amos, 145
Emma E., 146
Ezekiel C, 145
George E., 146
George L., 145
John W., 144, 146
Joshua, 145
Robert, 144
Theodore E., 146
■/ Thomas, 144
Rorech, John, 431
John J., 431 -
, Lorion S., 431
Ruland, Daniel, 371
Daniel W., 372
Frederick D., Dr., 371, 372
Leo M. S., 373
St. John (De St. John), Benoni, 364
Daniel, 364
Darius, 364
Darius A., 363, 364
Ebenezer, 363
John, 23
John. Sir, 23, 24
Lawrence D., 365
Lewis v., 364
Matthias, 363
Oliver, 24
Oliver, Rt. Hon. Sir, 24
Oliver, Sir, 23
Robert, 23
Roger, 23
Sarah, 24
Sarah E., 365
Thomas, Rt. Hon., 24
Vincent S., 365
William, 23
'Salmon, Daniel C, 326
David A., 326
Frederick M., 326, 327
Martha G, 327
Mary C, 326
Sanford, Betsey, 144
Charles G., 143
Charles H., 143
Dayton, 459
Edith, 458
Edwin G., 143
Ezekiel, 458
Frederick S., 143
Glover, 143
Homer B.. 143
Jonathan B., 457, 458
Jonathan B., Jr., 459
Jonathan R., 458
Lemuel, 458, 459
Liffe, 143
Thomas, 143, 457
476
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Selleck, Benjamin, 367
Delia v., 368
John H., 367, 368
Major, 367
Shattuck, Abel, 374
Elizabeth B., 374
Jethro, 374
John, 373, 374
Lydia, 374
Thomas, 374
^y William, 373, 374
Sherman, Charles D., 161
Edward F., 162
Freeman C, 160, 161
Marcia S., 161
Sherwood, Charles E., 417
Charles W., 417
David, 417
Edna, 418
Harry R., 417
Henry, 430
Henry E., 430
Lillian, 431
Ruel, 417
Samuel, 429
Samuel B., 429
Stuart W., Dr., 429, 430
Thomas, 429
^Sisson, Charles G., 11, 13
George, 11
Gilbert, Maj., 12
Martha, 13
Mary, 13
Richard, 11
Thomas, 12
William, 12
Skeel, Abiram, Rev., 445
Adelbert A., 445, 446
Helen L., 446
James D., 446
John, 445
Oren, 445
Samuel, 445
/ Truman, 445
Skene, Ellen A., 292
George M., 292
Gilbert, 291
John, 291
John C, 292
John D., Rev., 289, 291
Malcolm S., 292
William, 291
"^Skidmore (Scudamore), Thomas, 49
Thomas, Sir, 49
L'Smith, Alfred O., 202
Amna, 337
Amos, 316
Bessie E., 218
Charles H., 210, 211
Charles H. (3), 210
Clifford B., 216, 218
Daniel, 316
David, 337
Edward A., 201, 202
Elisha, 210
Ella J., 216
Gibson, 330
Henry, 316
Herbert E., 216
Jacob, 336
James, 336
James O., 201, 216
John, 201
Joseph, 316
Josiah, Lieut., 316
Kathryn H., 331
Lottie S., 203
Marion C, 211
Nathaniel, 336
Richard, 210
Robert K., 210, 211
Sarah, 317
William, 330
Sparrow, Elizabeth, 53
John, 52, 53
Jonathan, Capt., 51
Richard, 50
, Stephen, 52
Spear, Aaron, 218
Clara, 221
477
^c
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
/
/
Isaac, 219
Robert L., 221
Viola, 221
William P., 218, 220
Stevens, Anna M., 163
Bertha M., 163
Burr E., 162
Frederick C, 162
Stewart, Annie B., 390
Durland, 390
Samuel J., 388
Samuel J., Jr., 390
Thomas, 390
Thomas B., 388
Stoddard, John, 226
Mark, 227
Martha, 228
Orrin E., 226, 227
Robert, 227
Stephen, 227
, Stephen M., 227
■'Stow, Alanson, 214
Asa B., 215
Frederick S., 216
James P., 214, 215
James P., Jr., 216
Mary D., 216
''Strang, Alma E., 243
Daniel, 239
Edgar A., 241
Grace E., 242
James S., 238, 242
Joseph, Maj., 240
Joseph W., 240
Lorena S., 243
Samuel, Dr., 240
/
Tallmadge, Enos, Lieut., 426
James, 427
John, 427
Nancy, 427
Robert, 426
Seymour, 427
Thomas, 426
William H., 427
Taylor, Cornelius G., 425, 426
David, 425
Daniel, 17
Elizabeth H., 429
Frederick C, 427, 428
Frederick H., 429
Henry F., 428
John, 17, 427
John W., 427
Lorena, 426
Nancy E., 426
Nathaniel, Col., 18
Nathaniel, Rev., 18
Nathaniel W., Rev., 18
Rebecca M., 19
Sandusky, 426
Seth, 427
Thomas, 17
Terrill, Almira O., 157
Arad, 156
Frederick W., 158
Lewis, 156
Lillian E., 159
Moses, 156
Moses W., 157
Moses W. (2), 155, 158
Timothy, 156
Willis E., 157
"^Thompson, Abigail, 229
Anne, 45, 46
Anthony, 44
Finton, 228
Finton (2), 228
Harriet, 45
Henry, 44
James, 45
John, 44, 47
Samuel, Capt., 45
Thomas, 44, 228
Thomas F., 229
Todd, Arthur S., 362
David, 362
■ Nellie L., 363
ij William S., Dr., 362
Trevithick, Frederick W., 235
478
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
v4
Harry P., 235
Mary E., 234
William, 234
y William J., 234
Trumbull, Alexander H., 137
Hugh H., 137
Mary J., 138
Tucker, Benjamin, 165
Henry, 166
Henry V., 166
Ida D., 167
James W., 165
LeRoy M., 164, 167
Robert, 165
Stephen, 165
'buttle, Daniel, 65
John, 64
Mary, 65
Samuel, 65
William, 64
Van Deusen, Sylvia A., 373
Wellington, 373
^ Van Tassel, Abraham, 267
•A^icars (Vicaris), Thomas, 46
Walter, 46
William, 46
vX'^akelee (Wakelyn), Ebenezer, 62
Elizabeth, 62
Henry, 61
James, 62
Wakeman, Grace M., 171
Howard N., 170
Tallmadge N., 171
y Zalmon, 170
Waldo, Annie, 109
Cornelius, 107, 108
Daniel, 108
Edward, 108
George C, 107, 108
George C. (2), 109
John, 108
Josiah C, 108
Maturin B., 109
Shubael, 108
^/■
Walsh, Anna A., 442
James E., 439
John, 460
John J., Hon., 459, 460
Julia, 461
, Robert J., Hon., 439
Warner, Andrew, 127
Clinton H., 196, 198
Daniel, Lieut., 127
Donald J., 127
Donald J. (2), 126, 128
Donald T., 128
Ebenezer, 197
George, 197
Harvey De F., 127
John, 127, 197
Lois C, 128
Mildred, 198
Noadiah, Rev., 127
Noble, 197
Robert, 197
Theodore, 197
Warren, Pedigree A., 26
Pedigree B., 27
Pedigree C, 2"^
. Pedigree D., 29, 30
Waterbury, Annie S., 434
Charles P., 434
David, 432, 434
David, Capt., 433 ^
Harry G., 434, 435 ^
John, 432
Mary L., 435
Sarah, 434
William, Capt., 432
/ WiUiam T., Capt., 432, 433
Watson, Alice C, 120
Arthur K. L., 120
Catherine, 232
James J., 231, 232
Thomas L., Gen., 118, 119
William, 231, 232
J William L., Dr., 119
Weed, Abraham, 403, 405, 406
Alanson, 407
Carey, 456
479
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Daniel, 402, 403
David, 454
Edgar S., 408
Edgar S., Jr., 407, 40:
Edward F., 401, 403
Elma A., 409
Emily, 407
Emma L., 455
Emmeline, 455
Enos, 403
Eugene A., 405, 406
Francis B., 455
Francis E., 456
Hanford S., 403, 404
Harry E., 407
Henry D., 410, 450
Herbert S., 409
Hezekiah, 407, 454
Isabel M., 403
Isabella, 409
James, 454
James A., 453, 455
Jane A., 404
John, 403, 410
John W., 410
Jonas, 402, 454
Joseph, 402
Joseph D., 451
Julia V,. 452
Lilian, 457
Louise, 403, 411
Mary E., 409
Nathan, 402
Nathaniel, 402
Peter, 406
Richmond, 409, 411
Robert L., 409
Rufus, 406
Samuel A., 404
Samuel R., 402
Sarah F., 451
Seth, 404
Seth, Lieut., 403
Seth C, 404
William D., 409
William F., 456, 457
A
William H., 456
William M., 450, 452
Zenas, 406
Weeks, Daniel L., 164
Frank B., 163
Helen L., 164
Thomas, 163
vWellstood, Catherine, 338
Frank G., 338
James, 337
John, 337
John G., 337
Robert, 337, 338
Robert M., 338
Stephen, 337
'Welton, Anna, 59, 68
Anne, 59, 65
Dorcas, 59, 67
George W., 59, 61
Harriet, 60
John, 58
John, Capt., 59, 67
Mary, 60, 61
Richard, 59, 65
/ Richard F., 59, 68
Wheeler, Amelia V., 88
Archer C, 86
David, 82
Elizabeth T., 88
Ellen R., 88
Huldah R., 86
James, 82
Mary E., 86
Moses, 82
Nathaniel, 82, 83, 88
Nathaniel W., 88
Samuel, 82
Samuel H., 87
J William B., 86
White, David, 447
James L., 447
Jane, 246
Olive F., 447
Ralph L., Dr., 447
Warren P., 246
480
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Whiting, Dorcas, 22
Elizabeth, 21, 24
Samuel, Rev., 19, 22, 24
William, 20
'Whitney, Abigail, 333
David, 333
Henry, 333
John, 333
Joseph, 333
y..
Timothy, 333
Wilcox, Josiah, 270
Robert M., 269, 270 ^
Tillie A., 271
, Willis H., 270
Williamson, Alanson, 443 J\
Charles E., 443
Cynthia D., 443
Elizabeth, 443
^/George H., 443
Winchester, Albert E., 246, 250
Carrie A. D., 254
Ebenezer, 247
Edward Van S., 255
Elhanan, 247
Elizabeth G., 254
Herbert D., 255
John, 247
Josiah, 247
Samuel, 247
Theodore, 248
2990