CUS Katee hase Pare Beet Leste aay Ts he tf ces An Pit tek A petal ee a bel saly SNL SE Ed eae way ital Pee Ree OMe ah | oe OA pad Cawapcat Ht CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND GIVEN IN 1891 BY HENRY WILLIAMS SAGE Cornell Univer: sity Library F 102T6 C73 Commemorative bi i HO” 3 1924 Q2 841 984 olin vers COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF TOLLAND AND WINDHAM COUNTIES CONNECTICUT CONTAINING BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PROMINENT AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS -AND OF MANY OF THE EARLY SETTLED FAMILIES. ILLUSTRATED CHICAGO: PREFACE. The importance of placing in book form biographical history of representative citizens — both for its immediate worth and for its value to coming generations —is admitted by all thinking people; and within the past decade there has been a growing interest in this commendable means of per- petuating biography and family genealogy. That the public is entitled to the privileges afforded by a work of this nature needs no asser- tion at our hands; for one of our greatest Americans has said that the history of any country resolves itself into the biographies of its stout, earnest and representative citizens. This ?medium, then, serves more than a single purpose; while it perpetuates biography and family genealogy, it records history, much of which would be preserved in no other way. In presenting the Commemorative Biographical Record to its patrons, the publishers have to acknowledge, with gratitude, the encouragement and support their enterprise has received, and the willing assistance rendered in enabling them to surmount:the many unforeseen obstacles to be met with in the production of a work of this character. In nearly every instance the material compos- ing the sketches was gathered from those immediately interested, and then submitted in typewritten form for correction and revision. The volume, which is one of generous amplitude, is placed in the hands of the public with the belief that it will be found a valuable addition to the library, as well as an invaluable contribution to the historical literature of the State of Connecticut. THE PUBLISHERS. INDEX. PAGE PAGE PAGE Abbe Family: ssi isss exascaee iss 455 Ash, Johns 22% cakenesiies cena II45 Barber, Hon. William R......-- 878 Abbott Family ................ 345 Ashley, Edward E............. 1076 Bard Family........+seeeeeeees 1263 Aborn Family ......... sich asensadss 1341 Ashley Family............00005 1076 Bard, G. Percival, M. D........ 1203 Aborn, Sylvester H............ 1341 Atwood Families ............ 72, 307 Bard, John «icc. sa ccnosoaen eed 199 Adams, Anthony .............. 1206 Atwood, Henry C.............. 306 Bard, J. Sprague. ......+e0sse0> 198 Adams, Charles M. ............ 1144 | Atwood, J. Arthur............. 74 Barrows, Daniel C.......++++-+ 630 Adams Families ....... 432, 608, 1144 Atwood, James S..........0005 72 Barrows, Everett G.....-+-++++ 450 Adams, Samuel G............4. 432 Atwood, Gen. J. Walter........ 74 Barrows Family.......+++++++++ 630 Adams, Thomas R. ............ IlI7 Austin, William E............. 779 Barstow Family....-.+--+++++++ 1222 Adams, William W., M. D. .... 608 Austin, William J............. 1017 Bartholomew Family....---+-+- 457 Agard, Hon. Edwin S. ......... 1039 Avery, Edward W............. 607 Bartholomew, William I......-- 457 Agard Family ..........+--.0-- 230 | Avery Families........607, 862, 1207 Bartlett Family..... ab REL r047 Agard, Isaac M. ..............6. 230 Avery, Myron P....... essen eee Bartlett, Mrs. Josephine Mie anes 104: Agard, Hon. William A........ 435 Avery, William C Bartlett, Prescott ....-+++++++> 1047 Alden ‘Ramil yi. occ iseticieietr e's 612 Ayer, Charles E............... Bascom Family......-+-e+s+e+ 748 Alden, _Hannibal............... 612 Aver (‘Hatnilyy..xdsnsotad a Alford, Giles H............06- 354 Babcock, Gilbert P............. 981 Bates Families ....265, 460, 710, 1163 Allen, Mrs. Ann W............ 1003 Bale: Mam ily 2c os 02 ebetsedaw ef ie 440 Bates, Col. Gustavus D.....---- 460 Allen, Christopher ............. 372 Baek; Arty Bes ccs sce-wstsenccesene erase 441 Bates, Hon. Ira D....+--+-+e0+> ae Allen, Elliott E................ IIII Back, ROSiisi: : swe cscaive owes s 440 Bates, Ira J...---e eee eeeeeee 2 Allen Families ....... 372, IIII, 1139 Backus, Charles Paiscccscanes vice 434 Bates, Loren.....+++eeereeerree 1309 Allen, Hiram ...........0..056. 1003 | Backus Families...... ...434, 1200 | Bates, Mrs. M. E....---++++ +> 1310 Amidon Family................ 442 Backus, Georgé He ossaseciewsss 1290 Bates, Orren W...--.eeee eres 1183 Amidon, Samuel E............. 442 Backus, William C............. 1291 Bates, Capt. Thomas K.......-- 679 Anderson, Alphonso L.......... 957 Baileys: AIOHZO: os snicnicainea gee ees 802 Beasley Family......-+-++++-++ 1079 Anderson, Charles C........... 1215 Bailey, Charles H.............. 778 Beasley, John......--- Anderson Families ........ 957, 1215 Bailey Families ........... 779, 1066 Bebbington, F. F Anderson, William T........... 958 Bailey: [ta Ces o25.ce dnanxnente + ¢ 1066 Beckwith, Mrs. E. Park......-. 1292 Andrew, Arthur C............. 507 Bailey; John ‘Gees ies sapveeniasirss 804 Beebe; Henry.....-.-.e+ee eres 1244 Andrew Family................ 567 Baker, Mrs. Celestia A......... 684 Belding, Hon. Alvah N.......-- 12 Andrews Family............... 867 Baker, Charles H.............. 683 Belding Family......++-++++++- 13 Andrews, George P............ 867 Baker, Hon. Davis A........... 448 Belding, Hiram......-++++++++5 13 Andrews, Mrs. Julia M........ 627 Baker, Miss Ella M............ 220 Belknap, Hendrick Laat aem eens 1084 Angell Family. .cacscese2seas sai 534 Baker Families 218, 448, 683, 870, 1059 Benjamin Family spe a fornia a uae 487 Angell, George D.............. 534 Baker Prank Elis sinead ontevien 220 Bennett, Benjamin F........--- 603 Annis, Arthur W.............. 1267 Baker, Gilbert H.............6- 219 Bennett Families .........- 603, 1130 Anthony, Caleb .............5.. 1229 Baker, Horatio R............-- 870 Bennett, Frank W Anthony, Caleb, Jr............. 750 Baker, Leonard B............+- 220 Bennett, Joseph........-- ese ees Anthony Families ......... 749, 1229 Baker, eyman: Assiiscscxessecs 10590 Benton, Edward J Anthony, Jonathan............. 749 Baldwin, Mrs. Ella L. T. P..... 18 Benton Family........---.eee ee Appley Family, s:casecs2age4 339 13290 | Baldwin Family................ 18 Berr, Theodore ...-.-.ese+se ees Appley, James L............... 1329 Baldwin, John D............... 19 Bessette Family.........---26-5 Appley, Hon. Lyman N........ 1330 Ballard Family. ....cacusaece ees I19Q5 Bessette, John M......--.+++++ Arbus, JaCOD: . 25 scsccauae spieces 1334 Ballard. N@el- O's ny sesaienced gees IIQ5 Bidwell Family........-....05- Armstrong, Henry............. 562 Bancroft, David O............. 617 Bidwell, Wesley P.....-...+++- 719 Arnold, Daniel G.............. 1231 Bancroft Family............... 616 Bill, Judge Benezet H.........- 8 Arnold, Ernest M.............. 800 Bancroft, Joseph............... 616 Bill. Pamilyiwcccs cxcaxeacien sie 8 Arnold Families....... 665, 800, 1231 Barber, Edward W......../... 131 Billings, Alpheus............... 979 Arnold, Levi Bye. cssiecie sce ces 800 Barber, Mrs, Elizabeth ......... 131 Billings, Charles S.-..04 ssneces ss 415 Arnold; Ortin -Sy.cccsisae even 665 Barber Families... .131, 620, 878, 908 Billings Family. sk cctomee ei 979 Arnold, Walter S...ccscccee.ss 801 Barber, Ralph Tscc%-4¢. aaccaale nas 620 Bissell, Arthur’ “Dissascaeawa nes 227 ‘ INDEX. a se PAGE Bissell: Hamblincwcacesanincuns 224 Burlingame Family.........-++ 743 Chapman, William D.....-+++++ 741 Bissell, Lebbeus................ 224 Burlingame, Fenner........--+- 743 Chappel , Family........--++++++ 259 Bissell, Mrs. Lucy A........... 226 Burlingham, Daniel P........- 828 Chappel, Oliver S.......++0e0e- 259 Bixby, Deacon Allen T......... 808 Burlingham Family..........++ 828 Chappell Family.......-.e--++- O1r Bixby Family...........-..000. 808 Burlingham, Samuel L........- 319 Chappell, Herbert R.......++++- 611 Bixby, Herbert A.............. 809 Burnap Family..........--0000- 257 Chase, David so dpavenaye ea 16. DRADER 897 Blanchette, Joseph O........... 816 Burnham, Edward L........... 338 Chase Family............e0eee- 895 Bliss Ramil Veeouasmiuna eas esa 345 Burnham Families .........+.+- Chase, O’Meara G............. 896 Bodo, Frank, Jr.............00. EQ5H basis 313, 338, 473, 58, 750, 973, 1196 Chase, Rufus R.........--0+0++ 898 Bolieau, Marshall.............. 1139 Burnham, George W........+++ 750 Chase. Dr. Samuel C.......... 897 Bolles, Mrs. Ellen M........... 251 Burnham, Griswold............ 313 Chesebrough, Judge Charles H.. 464 Bolton, George M.............. 1307 Burnham, Lester H...........- 1196 Chesebrough Family............ 464 Boss, Charles Tidascayaean tenes 624 Burnham, Selah A............. 558 Chesebrough, Mrs. Mary N. L.. 466 Boss, Gen. Eugene S........... 129 Burnham, Hon. William H..... 973 Child, Deacon Abel............ 918 Bosworth Family............... 1056 Burwell, Henry Ei gscasaaseenes II4I Child Families, 298, 722, 901, 912, 918 Bosworth, Henry A............ 1056 Burwell, William W...........- 1140 Child, Foster Dis. sc eect ore cesses. 298 Botham: Banitly occ. escaeeaae's 820 Butterfield, Edward E.......... 811 Child, Henry VP saseniarenaita se ord Botham, Thomas P............. 820 Butterfield, Henry ............. 847 Child. Nathaniel S........--4.- 721 Bottomley, Charles S........... 1258 Button Family. ou cccceceecenas 634 Choquette Family .............. 973 Bottum, Albert D.............. 624 Clapp Families ............ 840, 977 Bottum, Mrs. Sarah Ascis cic. 624 Cady; Aldred: Digcccuceace se cosa 282 Clapp, Hon. Henry............ 840 Bowen Fanny se anecseswessns a Cady, Mrs, Eva N.........0000- 1038 (Clark: (David! secasaa ce qceegedess 848 Bowen, Oliver Weacenctiecrt ace ees Cady Families............. 282, 1107 Clark, Dawid: iii ae ena tartantere 848 Bradford Families... .883, 1157, he Cady, George F................ 283 Clark Families........ 738, 848, 1323 Bradford, George Teta ec 1276 Cady, Lambert W.............. 1037 Clark, Hon. Levi N............. IOI2 Bradford, Henry M............ II57 Cady, William H.............. 1107 Glarlc. “Mis: Mary Busse aceaccas 1188 ‘Bradford, Waldo Laaseoanexess 883 Call: Charles? Hi ccuvdenteintees. secs 925 Clark, Walham. Gasicccs ciesanes 738 Bradway, ae ties haere elles sted 590 Call Batmitl yi. nies glee vaccine nove 924 Clarke, Beat: 0. o:csceseiaeaiesie-ctcen 352 Brayton, William R............ 547 Call, George H................ 925 Clarke Families ....... 106, 352, 890 BREEM AMES ss haicandon ncseaechv intense TI3I Cameron, John G............... 763 Clarke, Willard B.............. 890 BReWery Ae We somes csmanmecccees 1314 Campbell Family ............... 1004 Cleveland Families .......... 317, 925 Briggs Families ..........5 285, 801 Campbell, Samuel .............. 1004 Cleveland, Lemuel W.......... 317 Briggs, LucivSewrernasarevaeys 285 Card. Banitily sce) x andema ote 283 Clough Family........ ........ 546 Brigham, Frank M.. 2:3 cseses0% 277 Card, (Martins vsavestinasceas cos 283 Clough, James H............005 546 Brigham, George N............ 276 Garey Bantilyine icc c0ce cannes 382 Coe RAM il ys ccaautaeiw seas sues 1176 Brigham, Miss Mary E......... 277 Garey, Fitch Avo. owcee annannaiera 382 Colburn, Ebenezer.............. 640 Brown. Deacon Benjamin, Jr... .1095 Carman, JON: Bice sacs once 632 Colburn, Ezra: Sieess s4es sees een 843 Brown, (Charles rine reesei canoes 291 Carpenter. Edwin J............. 875 Colburn Families............ 640, 843 Brown, Charles H............. 120 Carpenter Families .... Colburn, Lucius D........... ” 844 Brown, Chauncey E........0066 748 fo, 519, 608, 719, 875, 889, 1265 CGE BAM vocinnwensneracnns 861 Brown, David Assess reverses» 1257 Carpenter, John A....... 00.0... 206 Cole, Stephen H...........-.-. 861 Brown Faunilies.. ..119, 290, 369, Carpenter, John F.............. 207 Collins Family................. 644 362. 746, 749. 1073, Toot, 1257, 1261 | Carpenter, Nelson... 698 | Collins, Guy P........ ce ccl ll. 644 Brown, Major Freeman M..... 1350 | Carpenter, Mrs. Susan D....... 699 Collins, Seth O10... 22st, 1210 Browh, GideOti cs sede scenes 1073 Carroll, Adams P.............. 247 Colvin’ Family. Soar 1246 Brown, Gilman H...........-. 290 Carroll Family. ...........00.., S40. | (Colwin, Pred Hagen yaecasnetcoae 1246 Brown, Ey Beecher’ gsc wie gnosis 369 Carroll, George W............. 247 Coman Oseitiueccc 647 Brown, Henry N............05- 121 Carroll, Lucius W.............. 247 Comins, Albert O...222000 0202) 836 Brown, Hiram N..........005, 119 Catys Dwight) .oa ecnecaeanya eens 63 Comins, William A............ 835 Brown, TIOLACE sie camaasisaiosses 562 Cary Families. 0000000000200) 63, 520 Conant Families ............ 399 468 BROW: JON oo povotrcncanwnnaee 1349 Cary, Wolcott............0.005 520 Conant, John: Acs. evas.ccs-. ; 468 Brown, Joh Acs .-cecacwaesen sipien . 746 Chaffee Families ............ 504, 810 Conant, Joseph ec othie 595 Brown, John Adams............1084 Chiaffees Olam Sioscces wacns vats vane 504 Converse, Hon nee ia 56 Beowny J. BNOt snc. ax cannons s< LOSY Challenger, George E.......... 350 Converse, Albert............... 58 Brown. Stephen Pirriadannaienos dns 1261 Chamberlain, Mrs, Charles A...1222 Converse, Alfred Tics ccwcreses 288 Puck, Hon. Edwin A.......... 1347 Chamberlin, Edward C......... 407 Converse, Eliab A.............. 705 DOK Panes 5 asa ax seit 667, 1348 Chamberlin Families ....... 497, 408 Converse Families... ..44, 56, 286, an Bitch, Jtide Re ccenomsedmveesining 531 Chamberlin, William B........_ 498 Converse, Franklin : 287 Buckland, Solomon S.......... 473 Champlin, George H........... 1266 Converse, James H........... 287 Buell, Blihw Py esasks acroyen ess 394 Champlin, John R.............. 279 Converse, Hon. Je Cai 3226 Buell, Miss Ellen. Pom ccactannces 304 Chandler, Charles N............ 836 Converse. John D......0 0! 287 Buell Families............ 1054, 1202 Chandler Families, 330, 615, 836, ae Converse, Hon. Julius eee Buell, John EL i serdecraii ie latatagart 1202 Chandler, Frederick Vee theese cots ooet 625 Converse, Orrin!.............., 648 Bugbee, Edwin................. 377 Chandler, Joseph W............ 825 Converse, Capt. Parley Be ees Bugbee, Edwin PF. ccocscccsccas 379 Chandler, Randolph H.......... 1138 Converse, Capt. Solva,..... 117” - Bugbee, Mrs. Ellen M......... 824 Chandler. William B........... 1269 Converse, William S...007 0777" se Bugbee Family................. 378 Chapin, Adolphus G............ 636 Cook, Pennett utah crit es . Bugbee. Thomas C............. 824 Chapin Family...............0. 636 Cook, Mrs. Clarissa P. 1111) 1! a Bull. Moses Bow ccsis cscee va ngs 728 Chapin, Kibbe V.........0...6, - Cooley Families.......... tom. ata Bundy, Mrs. Clara E............ 1031 Chapman, Eustace C........... Cooley. RJ. mea ge? Bundy Family................. 1028 Chapman Families, 253, 24, 741, oh Cooley, Silas Bl.) ae Bundy, James Waiariki 2 1028 Chapman, Jairus .... Staten Ths Cooley, William H Pe acdiaais od Burgess, Charles F............ 939 Chapman’, Jolitt Tisasannsescswc« 784 Cooney, Rev. Thomas...) 11) Bourke ys TUCM Vs juacscscceis, a trateuse! es 628 Chapman. Mrs. LGis Asso. eigeecs sess 742 Cooper, Emory J........000007 1185 Burlingame, Comfort S......... 148 Chapman, Mrs, Louisa B....... 254 Corbin, Edward M......) 1)! aa ae INDEX. vii PAGE PAGE Corbin Families. ..........0. 242, 859 Dawson, James Ellis Families... .489, 660, 1219, 1303 Corbin, Deacon Francis L...... 858 Day, David............ Ellis, Franklin -‘C Corbin, Lewis As ccasceonewns oe 212 Day Families Ellis, Gardner B......... Cosgrove Family.............4 879 Day, Miss Louisa E............ 357 Ellis, Gilbert H............005- Cosgrove, George A.........06- 879 Dean, Edmund A.............. 1007 Ellis, John E......ccsceseeeees 660 Covell Family..........ceeeeeee 1067 Dean, Col. Josiah............... 1008 Ellis, Mrs. Julia S........2..-- 900 Covell, Horace D..........0000- 1068 Dearden, Greenwood......... 6 739 Ellis, Samuel, Kies eissaiesvecaes 661 Covell, Hon. Marcus A......... 1068 Deming, Daniel M............. 571 Ellis, Rev. William W.......... 489 Covell, Hon. Willis........... .. 1068 Deming, Frank H.............. 571 Ellison, Edmund W...........- 1163 Cox, George M.............4.. ‘Demond Family..............4. 1201 Ellison Family............0006: 1163 Craig, William J............0.. Demond, William E............ 1201 Ellsworth, Joseph Crandall, Alden B Denison Family.............00- 347 Ennis, Alfred A......ceeseeeees Crandall, Edwin J Denison, George M..........46. 347 Ennis, William.......... ig ‘Crandall Family...... 6 Dennis, Hon. Ebenezer C...... 200 Euvrard, Julian A Crane, Daritts.....wc..cicsvanawe Dennis Family ................ 200 Eyans. Pamil yc owacccniccecesnneied 84 Crane, Eleazer B.............05 274 Dexter, Edward............... 70 Evans, Henry M...........-04- Crane Families........... 10, 75, 274 Dexter Family ccs iicscdsiw s's'sveiecs 70 Evans, Thomas W........++-65 682 Crane, Lyman W..........e00- 75 Dickinson, A. Palmer.......... 989 Exley, Nathan ........+sese+e- 841 Crane, “Willan canewss ness eeaues 12 Dickinson Family.............. 989 Cranska; Floyds aaustaeaee es brie 388 Tillinghast, Mrs. Jennie S.. ane ie Weldon, John, M. D......... «++ 623 Strong, Nathan M............. » Aad Tillinghast, Thomas A.......... 322 | Wendhiser, George P........... 793 Sumner, Charles F, M. D...... Ste Tile e Judge Waldo..... 27333 Wendhiser oe. Eyer eanck oes 2 » Charl LOM, Downers ida e ASR OLED aio etaatontedicne ores YOR ee Fe ao eile 80, 572, 645 Tillotson, W. Clinton ‘MD trees 931 West Families ............ 983 1088 alii aol ere 572 Tingier Family ... Pea wees a West, Orren C...... papayas ” 1088 eae ee penne 28 Tingier, Lyman T............ oe ae West, ‘Samuel’ Bi cose nase evans 5 983 Se esau an 574 Tiger Ca, babes oo a Westcott, Miss Almira E........ 585 ee 26 Porrey. Charles D........ fs Westcott Family ............ v) 384 Somn aoe Tie eens Bo Torrey, Charles L. eee : Westcott, Henry ..........% ae 584 ee 1 pereenanenpere ood Torrey Families .......-- +. 38, ao Westcott, Henty T...2......00. 585 Se a nonnteeery o7 ‘Totiticliotis Eandltcs eae 5 2 Wheatly, Charles B........ Sees 950 ee ees oa Teuttellotic, 1. Burton 2 35, 57 Wheatly Family .........200... ae cles a ea enone 57 Tourtellotte, Hon Jerome hares ote Wheaton, Edgar M......,. oe lees TEN Sot uemateh 57, 976 Teale tte 23 Wiieaton Families ....°-s.. 4 :+ 139 enson, Charles ............5. 1322 ; ’ PONIBERT 6 Gini 576 Wi i comet geo Switt amily - 13 Townsend, Charles H 6 Heaton, Guneon A235 146 Swift, Washington I....... pine Get | Sere. Tene IC concen domes 463 | Wheelock, Eugene Ao... ae Se Wes gion becca: g12 [oie oe 578 Wheelock Family ..... She = Shes. oe oe Tripp. Pery G... ce ; : eee 707 White, Cyrus ........ : : apnea j 8 SE Be esses pod ple ‘Trowbridge, Charles E......... 79% Whe Wee ee lb ciao ee nee Trowbridge Families pening ee ‘White Families ..345, ors, Yo13 a Taber Family Trowbridge, Deacon Henry. oa, 380 White, Henry........0° 20... a Fe ee feet 1155 ricci Aibere Ce 3 White, Jabez L....2.00) 002, ane Taft, Mrs. Augusta Flo. .0.01. 1155 | Truesdell Family ~ 0 o.0. ce 830 | White, Minor How Taft) Ephraim K...........-. 0. 356 Tucker Family . 22.2.0... 00, 39 White, Robert C.. M. D.- oe ee 355 Turner, Charles S.............. White, Mrs. Sarah A. 7 oe a ea erage 153 Turner Pel as Whitford, Clark Di fs. Taleott Families, ...cccscccda zor [| ner | meas Werveorn eet | Whiter, ehaendt Ta ’ + Edm a oe Flaveélisasevs eas 822 Upham, Dyer A...... _ Whitmore fone Ts ee ir ser ||) “Mohont Wanily suse 183 | Whiton, Andrew ....../, Talcott, Horace W.............. 36 Utley Family occ. cceccsaseass. ” Whiton, David Bow... ce ee 34 Wee ee 43 Whiton, Edward F..) 000777277! Poe eee oe ea He eG Mee AS Whiton Family ..:.,. ee eee a Vaughn Family ..0...... é Whiton, Lucius Ho Talcott, Phineas ... amend ee Vee ee i Alexander H., 601 Theo sates E Flee, Hom Samuel Alc o20.212 gg | Viner Miss Eleanor oo oe | wut Sony alcott, , i ae ; nner aooaey © ee muaaune Per 1299 Wadsworth Family ..,.... Wiers, Willian ese ae Joe peeee TE32 Waite, Mrs. Ellen E. iehagan 129 Wilcox, Ephraint J.) Vakerny Benny ate ee: 460 White, Silas A, tcoutfeuntalas ane Wilcox Families... Pena a ace cess 4) | Walle, Charles Bo Sea Se | fileom: Willis S), Pena ook aera eacae eng: AZ ‘Waldo Fatnilies ~....4... a oe Wilkinson Families... 2. ag" To ee 47 Wales, Nathaniel, Jr... 0.0... ay ‘Willes,” Henty Biycis,. 4.0 oe an Walker Families ...........383, 425 Williams, Arthur’... 20:02. 0 renee eee es T0O4 Walker, Hon. Milo P. J’ pees O83 ellsins, ‘Charles G eis «Jesse. 935 4) Willams Families”. INDEX. Wilhams, Frank P Williams, George W. H., M. D.. Williams, Hardin Williams, John Williams, John C Williams, Nathaniel G Williams, Mrs. Ruby G Williams, Mrs. Susie E Williams, Thomas W Williams, William L Willis Family Willis, Frank E Wilson, Frank M Wilson, Mrs. Lucy Byles Winchell, Chauncey i , Chauncey, Jr Winchell, Cyrus Winchell, Revilo eee meee eee w eee eww ee ee eee PAGE Winchester, Loring ............ 1187 Winship, E. O., M. D........... 1259 Winsor Family ................ 9049 Witter Families ...... 249, 386, 1133 Witter, James H................ 386 Witter, John ......... cc cece ees 249 Witter, Riley B. ............... 1133 Woisard, Philip .............5. 1148 Wood Families ..544, 627, 760, 986 Wood, Gardner e. oD ra oi eee ate 986 Wood, Jonathan N cua titiudcae svete a6 Woodtord, Edwin H........... 1206 Woodward, Miss Elizabeth P.. 453 Woodward Families ....318, 452, 604 Woodward, Henry R............ 452 Woodward, Jerome M.......... 1275 Woodward, Sylvanus M........ 530 Woodward, Warren W......... 604 Worthington Family ........... 1248 xill PAGE Worthington, Merrick J........ 1248 Wright, Clifton H............... 596 Wright, Edward G.............. 1313 Wright Families ........... 329, 590 Wright, Hon. Fayette L........ 329 Wright, Leander .............. 506 Wylie) JOhtt. accenvsseseascenee< 1000 Yeomans Family .............. 364 Yeomans, William H........... 304 Young, Abner ..............45. 786 Young, Alfred Teaecsssscasvews 785 Young, Mrs. Annette C........ 280 Young, Chauncey C............ 674 Young, Clinton L.............. 674 Young, Judge Ebenezer ........ = Young, Ebenezer S...... Pes a danaits Young Families ........ 403, 674, 7s Young, Henry .............0005 403 BIOGRAPHICAL AXWELL, HON. GEORGE, deceased. For considerably more than a century and a half the Maxwells, from whom the late George Max- well was descended, were a prominent family of north- western Massachusetts. Hugh Maxwell, the founder of the family in America, a descendant of good old Scotch-Irish stock, came to this country in the summer of 1733, with his wife, Sarah (Corbett), and four children, the youngest of whom was Hugh, then only six weeks old. This Hugh Maxwell later became dis- tinguished in the Revolutionary war. In early youth his mother was his only teacher, but later he at- tended school, and made a specialty of the study of surveying. His first public service was in 1755, in the French and Indian war, when he voluntarily entered the ranks and served “five fatiguing and dangerous campaigns” under Gen. Johnson, with the ‘Militia of New England.” He was in action on the banks of Lake George, where Baron Dieskau was defeated and slain, and was also at Fort Will- iam Henry when the Marquis de Montcalm laid siege with nine thousand men, and was taken prison- er six days later, when the fort capitulated. The Indians caught him and stripped him of all his clothing except his trousers, when he slipped from their hands and escaped to Fort Edward. In 1759 Gov. Pownall of Massachusetts appointed him en- sign in Brig. Ruggles’s Regiment, which rank he held until the close of the war. At the beginning of the Revolutionary war, in 1775, Hugh Maxwell was appointed lieutenant of a company of minute-men which joined Col. Prescott’s Regiment at Cam- bridge. Soon after the battle of Lexington, and on the organization of the regular army, he was made senior captain of a company in Col. Prescott’s Regi- ment, his commission dating from May 26, 1775. Two vears before this he was one of a band under Capt. Hughes who threw the tea overboard in Bos- ton harbor. Before the battle of Bunker Hill Hugh 1 Maxwell, assisted by his brother Thompson, had charge of laying out the fortifications, and was slightly wounded in that battle. He remained with the army until peace was established, attaining to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He was one of the original thirteen members of the Massachusetts So ciety of the Cincinnati, which was formed at the close of the Revolutionary war. In 1759 he mar- tied Bridget Monroe, of Lexington, Mass., and they had seven children, the youngest of whom, Sylves- ter, was the father of the subject of our sketch. Sylvester Maxwell was born in the town of Heath, Mass., April 16, 1775. He graduated from Yale College twenty-two years later, and in 1801 _ settled in Charlemont, Mass., as a legal practitioner. On Dec. 25, 1806, he was married to Tirzah Taylor, of Buckland, and eight children were born to them. George Maxwell was the fifth child of Sylvester and Tirzah Maxwell, and was born July 30, 1817, in the town of Charlemont, Mass. His youth, un- til he was seventeen, was passed at home, at- tending school and in the performance of home duties. Later he attended Fellenberg Academy, at Greenfield, Mass., and for a short time was clerk in a store there. In 1847 he removed to Rockville, Conn., and for several years engaged in the mercantile business, in association with Stanley White, the store being located on the southwest corner of Main and Union streets. In the late forties he became identified with the New England Co., manufacturers of woolen goods, and later trans- ferred his business relations to the Hockanum Co., manufacturers of similar goods, in which firm he bought an interest. On the reorganization of the New England Co., in 1879, Mr. Maxwell was made president thereof, and on becoming identified with the Hockanum Co. was made treasurer, and sub- sequently president, relations which he sustained through life. On entering his career as a manufac- turer Mr. Maxwell speedily became an influential factor in the leading financial enterprises of Rock- ville, where his executive genius and sound business qualities caused him to be placed in many positions of trust. At the time of his death, which occurred =m COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD April 2, 1891, Mr. Maxwell was president and treas- urer of the Hockanum Co., president and treasurer of the Springville Co., president of the Rockville National Bank, the Rockville Gas Co., the Aque- duct Co., and the Rockville Railway Company, treasurer of the Water Power Co., and a director in various other enterprises, including the Society for Savings of Hartford, the Hartford Trust Co., and the National Fire Insurance Company. Always a stanch Republican in politics, Mr. Maxwell served as representative in the Legislature, in 1871, from the town of Vernon, and in 1872 represented his district in the Senate.. For years he was a deacon in the Second Congregational Church and later served (in the same capacity) in the Union Congregational Church, of Rockville, and was also a trustee of the Hartford Theological Seminary. In Benevolent causes, and ‘in all efforts to promote Christianity, he was a leading spirit. “Religion to him was not merely a creed and a profession, it was a life. A true church man of the best type, sweet, genial, attractive in his manner and spirit, he left behind him an unsullied record.” Mr. Maxwell was a successful business man, and during his nearly fifty years of life in Rockville was always actively engaged, by personal effort and generous pecun- tary aid, in the advancement of all public improve- ments and in the widest possible dissemination of Knowledge through the medium of the public schoals. fHe-.was also the founder of the Rockville Public Reading Room, and :the “Rockville Public Library. ee ec On Nov. 3, 1846, Mr. Maxwell was married to Harriet Kellogg, who was born May 2, 1824, daugh- ter of Hon. George Kellogg, of Rockville. . -. COL. FRANCIS TAYLOR MAXWELL is the son of the late Hon. George and Harriet (Kellogg) Maxwell, and was born in’ Rockville, Conn., Jan. 4, 361. «--Mr.-Maxwell was educated in the public schools of his native town, being a ‘member of the class of 1880-in: the Rockville high school. His first busi- ness position was with the Hockanum Co., in 1878, shortly after he became its secretary, and on the death of his father he became treasurer of the com- pany, a position: that he has held ever since. Mr. Maxwell is director in the Springville Manufactur- ing Co., the New England Co., the Rockville Na- tional Bank, the National Fire Insurance Co., the Aetna Indemnity Co., the Western Auto Machine Screw Co.. and is president of the Rockville Public Library, ete. - Col. Maxwell is a stanch Republican, and has taken an active interest in politics. In 1896 he was elected a member of the common council of the city of Rockville. In 1898 he was elected to represent his town in the Connecticut House of Representa- tives, and during the session was House chairman of the committee on Insurance. In 1900 he was elected to the Senate by the voters of the 23d District, and i served as chairman of the committees on Education and Engrossed Bills. For four generations Col. Maxwell and his ancestors have served in the Gen- eral Assembly of Connecticut. In 1892 Mr. Max- well was commissioned aid-de-camp, with the title of colonel, on Gov. Morgan G. Bulkeley’s staff. The marriage of Col. Maxwell occurred in Providence, R. I., on Nov. 18, 1896, to Florence Russell Parsons, who was born in Torrington, Conn., and 1s the youngest child of Phineas F. and Helen (Bronson) Parsons. Two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs.. Maxwell: Helen, born April 19, 1898,-and F'tiscilla, born April 13, 1899. “Col. Maxwell is a member of the Society of Colonial Wars and also of the Sons of the American F Revolution, while Mrs. Maxwell is a member of Sabra Trumbull Chapter, Daughters of the American. Revolution. Both are members.of the Union: Con? gregational Church, Rockville. 4 WILLIAM MAXWELL, the’ geéreta treasurer of the Springville Manufactitring: Rockville, is one of ‘the most substantial -basiness' men of the place. Though he is among the youtigéer. citizens, his worth entitles him to a position among‘ the best, as a representative of oné of the most, prom-.' inent families and the son of one of the noblest citi- ens the town ever had, one who placed the name of Maxwell in a position second to none. , oh William Maxwell was the youngest but one of the’ children of George and Harriet (Kellogg) Maxwell,’ who grew to maturity, and was born Dec. 7, 1862.’ He received his early schooling in his native town,’ graduating from the Rockville ‘high s¢hool’ in’ 1881, thence entered Yale, and graduated'from that. institution in the class of 1885. Taking great ‘in-' terest in all athletic sports, he was a member of the Mott Haven Athletic Team. It was in the days of’ the ordinary bicycle that he obtained: more than ‘or-’ dinary prominence as a rider, and in distances from’ two to ten miles scored quite up to the highest stand-' ard, and approached very nearly the United States’ amateur record. While at Yale he was a member of the Greek letter society, the Psi Upsilon. me College days being over, Mr. Maxwell spent a’ few months in North Dakota, coming East when he became identified with the Springville Manufactur- ing Co., and at its re-organization accepted the. posi-' tion of secretary and assistant treasurer, upon the death of his father becoming treasurer, | Always a Republican, Mr. Maxwell cast his first’ Presidential vote ror James G. Blaine, but politics’ have appealed to him only in the sense of public* spirit, he having no desire for party rewards. At present he is a member of the high school committee. ' and has served as city assessor. From his youth he’ has been a member of the Congregational Church, and he has served as clerk of the Union Ecclesiasti-' cal Soctety at Rockville. His business interests are large. and he is serving as director in the following companies: The Hockanum Co.: the New England’ ! ( Cy? NMAC Ce: ; ville National Bank ; the Rockville “Building & Loan Association; the Savings Bank of Rockville; and the Aqueduct: Co., of Rockville. He-is also secte- tary of the Rockville Public Library. Mr. Maxwell is‘a public-spirited, enterprising and liberal-minded man, noted: for his strict: integrity and the unosten- tatious manner“in which he carries the honors which have fallen upon his shoulders: He resides with his ation and sister at the Maxwell homestead. - HON. “HENRY HAMMOND: The many at- tainments, developed: through his own efforts, and the’ innumerable: public services’ which assured to Hon. Henry Hammond the lasting approbation of posterity, constituted’ a composite whole which maintained and fostered not only the glory of Con- necticut, but that of the’ United States. estimate -of ~himself -would undoubtedly center around his ‘appreciation of one of the most luminous opportunities of the’ century, a chance for action created when the first insistent wail of the Southern slave began to fret and annoy the receptive con- sciousness of the North. The ‘clear, strong, péne- trating intellect of the’ manipulator of forge and bellows, whose education had been ‘that of wintry leisure, of the candle and hearth light, and. whose sympathetic and humanitarian nature advocated the’ tights of all, irrespective of race, color or condition, | fonnd in that. mockery of freedom upon the cotton. plantations a field whereon to array his talents and marshal his forces. ~ Yet it is conceded that even the momentous ‘question of slavery hardly met the © requirements of so broad and forceful a ‘nature, and that had he enjoyed greater advantages in his . youth, he would have loomed abdve the horizon of his'time and place with splendid daring and orig- inality. Mr, Hammond was a native son of Wind- ham county, and was born at Pomfret Landing, Oct. 15, 1813, his death occurring at his home in Danielson, April 3, 1895: - The'ancestors of Mr. Hammond were prominent in the French and Indian wars and, whether as me- chanics or farmers, fulfilled their destiny as able and conscientious members of their respective com- munities. His father, Eleazer Waterman Ham- mond, was born in Johnston, R. I., May 12, 1772, and was reared in the family of Simon Carpenter, a relative living in North Killingly, now East Put- nam. After leaving the Carpenter farm he learned the trade of printing and thereafter found employ- ment in New York, Boston, and New London, many years being spent with Samuel Woodworth, famous as the author of ‘The Old Oaken Bucket.” Mr. Hammond taught Mr. Woodworth how to print with a press, and it was he who set up for the first time the now time-honored verses. In after years Mr. Hammond was wont to relate. how the sudden fame of the author made other and less successful printers enviots, and how from another office ema- nated a parody entitled “The Old Greasy Swill ; the Springville Manufacturing: Co.3; the Rock- | His own’ _COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD” = 3 Pail That Stood by the Door”: both the original , and parody were often recited by Mr. Hammond ., with telling effect. After’ leaving the printing, busi- , ness he semded at Pomfret Landing for a few years, | then at’ Webster, Mass. a returning eventually to the | Landing, where he died March 23, 1855. He was a man of sterling traits. of character, of sound judg-., ment and much natural enthusiasm, and he must. needs have made an impression upon any locality. He had a fair knowledge of law and its usages, and. | made out: ‘many legal papers and settled many dis- | putes.. For many years of his life he suffered from - rheumatism, but.this did not seem to impair his use- fulness or cloud his naturally clear intellect. At Thompson, Conn., he united with the Methodist . Episcopal C hurch, and afterward transferred his membership to the M: E. Church of Danielson. e ' On March 24, 1805, Eleazer W. Hammond mar-: - ried Ann M. Brown, born in Pomfret, Nov. 6, 1783, — who diéd June 21, 1847. Of this union there were | eight children. ‘Stephen W., born .Feb. 12, 1806, married Grace Walker, was in. early life a farmer - and blacksmith, and in later life a Methodist, preach- . er; he died in Danielson, June. 8, 1884, ‘leaving two - sons and three daughters.. Mary T., born April 18, 1808, died unmarried at the home ‘of. her brother ~ Henry, in Danielson, July 7, 1901. Simon, born . June 20, 1810, died Feb. 14, 1829. Henry was born: ; Oct. 15, 1813. Amos, born } May 25, 1816, married... Emily Kingsley, and is a. retired. wagon maker, liy- | ing in East Hartford, Conn. Ezra, born June 35: 1819, died April 27, 1807, married Mrs. Amanda,.: Nichols, and lived on his farm at Waterford, Da- , kota ‘Co., Minn., for thirty years. Mr. Hammond, later returned to Pomfret Landing, lived there for several years and died at the home of his brother, April 27, 1897. He was a botanic-physician, and. . had a very thorough knowledge of botany,. being | considered an authority on that subject. Lewis K., born April 29, 1822, died June. 6, 1887. Willian - Pool Hammond, the youngest of the. children born to Eleazer Hammond and his wife, was born May 6, 1827, and after receiving the usual academic edu- - cation, became a well known instructor of penman-. ship and bookkeeping. He conducted a commercial - school for many years at Providence, R. I., later becoming an instructor in his specialties in the boys’ . school at Media, Pa. He was afterward an instruc- - tor in Pasadena, Cal., in which city he eventually . retired, owing to poor health; he died there Sept. . 20, 1901. He was cremated and his ashes interred . in Westfield cemetery at Danielson. His first wife: - was Felicia Danforth, and his second, Anna S. Fry - At the age of seven, Henry Hammond was with- drawn from the influences of his home and placed in the family of a farmer, with whom he remained for several years. While there his opportunities ‘for acquiring an education were confined to a few weeks each winter, and he went from the farm to Brooklyn, Conn., where he worked at the black- ; smiths’ trade for very small wages but very long 4 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD hours, filling an apprenticeship of three years in the same place. The knowledge of the world, of which he had but an inkling, seemed from his earli- est youth the one desirable attainment toward which he ought to strive, and after his day’s labor in the shop he would sit before the hearth and pore over some book which added to his information and opened vistas of possibility. His tastes were truly remarkable even in those days, and he found enjoy- ment and profit in such classics as Homer, Virgil and kindred works. His propensity for study at- tracted the attention of Judge Robinson, of Brook- lyn, who gave him access to the treasures of his library, than which no more lasting or beneficent favor could have been granted. This unexpected opportunity bore rapid fruit, and Mr. Hammond sought to instill into the other youths of the neigh- borhood an appreciation for knowledge in all its phases. He thus established a lyceum among the young people, the effect of which was far reaching in its results. After leaving Brooklyn, Mr. Hammond lived for a time with his family in Dudley, Mass., and in 1840 opened a blacksmith shop in Pomfret Landing, continuing the same until 1851. The same year he removed to Danielson, his family com- ing two years later, and he was for two years em- ployed as a bookkeeper in the store of William Humes. This practically ended the business ca- reer of Mr. Hammond. He had been a successful and capable blacksmith for twenty years, but he possessed talents and capabilities not required at the forge, or appreciated in the counting-room, and a discerning fate beckoned to a less peaceful and more strenuous activity. While still in his teens, Mr. Hammond began to take upon his own shoulders the cause of the op- pressed Africans in the South, and he assisted in forming at Brooklyn, Conn., the first anti-slavery society in the State. After his removal to Dudley, Mass., he did not grow indifferent, but with his brother, Stephen W., founded another and very act- ive anti-slavery society, in connection with which was maintained the best anti-slavery library ob- tainable at that time. During his stay in Dudley, himself and Rev. Joseph D. Merrill were sent as del- egates to that memorable convention in Boston where was first agitated the question of a political anti-slavery plank; in this meeting all phases of the subject were exhaustively discussed, and such men as Rev. Mr. Phelps, who died in prison charged with assisting fugitive slaves to reach Canada, were among the forceful and impressive speakers. In 1840 Mr. Hammond organized the Windham Coun- ty Liberty Association, the effect of whose under- takings is still discernable to some extent in that section, for anti-slavery became so firmly entrenched there that to politicians it was known as the “Black Corner.” In 1847 the first general National Anti-Slavery Convention was called at Buffalo, N. Y., to which Mr. Hammond and Sherman M. Booth were sent as delegates from Connecticut. This convention, about to enter upon a political crusade against the spread of slavery and against its existence in the territories, was constitutionally controlled by Con- gress, and sought to secure for its committee on kesolutions the wisest councillors, to place before the American people its principles, plans, and pur- poses. Mr. Hammond was selected as one of the members of this committee, and was thus associated with Salmon P. Chase, of Ohio; Garrett Smith, of New York; Mr. Stevens, of Pennsylvania, and others who became prominent in the final struggle against the slave owner. The resolutions adopted by this convention became the memorable Buffalo Platform. In Pomfret, Mr. Hammond’s residence became known as one of the hotels on the line of the “underground railroad,” where the fleeing fugitives found aid and shelter. He often addressed public audiences in different parts of the State, and wrote stirring articles which found their way into the anti-slavery papers of the east. After the formation of the Liberty party, Mr. Hammond became very active in its affairs, and from the platform advocated its measures with rapt enthusiasm. As a debater he was cool and collected, methodical and argumentative, and convinced be- cause of his firmness and sincerity. He cast his first presidential vote for Hon, James G. Birney, of Michigan, the candidate for the Liberty party, and afterward for Hon. John P. Hale and Martin Van Buren, candidates respectively of the Free Soil and Free Democracy parties, both outgrowths of the original Liberty party. At the demise of the Whig party at its convention in Baltimore in 1852, the American party was born, and its Southern lead- ers and managers sought to make it tributary to the slavery system and expansion. Mr. Hammond and his political associates entered that organization for the purpose of controlling it in the interests of anti- slavery. The first State convention, held in Hart- ford, was attended by certain fraternal delegates from the South who attempted to resist the placing of an anti-slavery plank in the platform. Their vigorous protests came to naught at three o'clock in the morning, when the friends of freedom won their battle and placed the American party of Con- necticut upon a pronounced anti-slavery platform, nominated Hon. William T. Minor, of Stamford, for governor, and elected their whole ticket by an overwhelming majority. Mr. Hammond was un- usually active in bringing about this happy result and when the Free Soil and American parties were merged into the Republican party, with Gen. John C. Fremont as Presidential candidate, he began a. career of hard work for the infant party, and was afterward one of the most prominent leaders of the State. a ps Hammond was a member of the presentatives, and was appointed by Speaker Foster as chairman of the committee on COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 5 Federal Relations, filling a position requiring the most consunimate tact, judgment and firmness. In 1865 he was again a member of the House and served on the Railroad committee. Subsequently, for three successive terms, he was elected general railroad commissioner for Connecticut, and in 1862 his friends in and out of the State presented his name to President Lincoln for the office of United States Marshal for the district of Connecticut. When advised of these preliminary steps, Mr. Ham- mond hurried to Washington to prevent the con- summation of the plan, but he was eventually in- duced to re-consider his decision, his particular fit- ness, added to his unquestioned loyalty, making him an especially desirable candidate. During his incumbency of this responsible position his selection of deputies and his relations to the courts are best voiced in the following letter from Judge Shipman, of the District court of the United States, upon learning of the proposed resignation of Mr. Ham- mond: “Hartford, Sept. 29, 1864. My dear Sir: The more I think of your proposed step in resign- ing, the less I am reconciled to it. I shall be ex- tremely sorry to part with you officially, and shall regret to do so both on public and personal grounds. My anxieties fer our country are so constant and oppressive, that I am sensitive about every change. I have the utmost confidence in your capacity, dis- cretion, and thorough integrity, and only regret that the tenure of your office is not for life, without the power of resigning. Very truly your friend and servant, [Signed] William D. Shipman.” Mr. Hlammond represented the Sixteenth dis- trict in the Senate during 1881-2, and he held the office of county commissioner for some terms. He was appointed collector of internal revenue for the Third district of Connecticut, by President John- son, and held many other prominent positions of trust. While serving the State and country with great vigor and unquestioned devotion during the Civil war, his services were often in demand for extremely confidential and delicate duties in direct connection with Washington, all of which he en- nobled with his clear judgment, careful conservative methods and invariable allegiance to right and hon- or. In his own home district he fulfilled the great- est expectations of his townsmen, and was prom- inent as an active trustee of the Windham County Savings Bank, and he was for twenty-one years president of the First National Bank of Killingly. He was an active director of the Danielson Cotton Company, and was foremost in all attempts to im- prove the general tone of the community. In his morality, his business ability and his high personal character, he represented those attributes for which the leading citizens of Connecticut are distinguished both at home and abroad. He was a member of the Methodist Church, having joined that organiza- tion in Thompson when a young man. He was transferred by letter to the church at Danielson, where he was not only personally active, but by his generous contributions aided in the forwarding of the church interests of his town. April 8, 1840, in Brooklyn, Mr. Hammond mar- ried Emma Dorrance, who was born in Brooklyn, April 4, 1813, a daughter of Samuel and Amy (Kenyon) Dorrance, and who died, Nov. 14, 1890. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hammond were as follows: Charles Henry, born Dec. 12, 1841, who died Oct. 9, 1842; Harriet J., born Sept. 23, 1843, who cared for her parents with rare devotion up to the time of their deaths, and who lives in Danielson; and Ellen, born June 12, 1848, who died Jan. 28, 1875. The following estimate of Mr. Ham- mond, from the pen of his friend of many years’ standing. J. Q. A. Stone, editor of the Windham County Transcript, sheds a personal light upon characteristics known only to those who were hon- ored with his friendship and loyalty. “The long, varied and useful life of Hon. Henry Hammond, a distinguished citizen of this town and county, ended on Wednesday, April 3, 1895. It would, perhaps, have borne the ‘strain of toil and fret of care’ that fall to the lot of the best favored in this world, if Mr. Hammond, in early manhood, had not too severely taxed, by hard manual labor, an exceptionally strong, robust body. “In early life Mr. Hammond appreciated the value of a broad education, and improved every possible advantage within his reach, limited as.they were, indeed, to boys who had to earn their own livelihood, to secure the intellectual culture and in- formation that made him, in later years, a most interesting and instructive speaker and conversa- tionalist. The writer esteemed it almost a liberal education to enjoy frequent interviews with Mr. Hammond, so full was his well stored mind of gen- eral facts and reminiscences of a public and general character. In discussing the social, political and moral problems that confront the people of Amer- ica, and all other nationalities, his careful, well ma- tured ideas were full of suggestion and inspiration, always arousing deep and earnest thinking in the minds of thoughtful listeners. This was especially the case when he entered upon the history of the crusade against slavery in this country, in which he was an aggressive co-laborer with Garrison, Phillips, Whittier, May and others. “Had Mr. Hammond enjoyed the benefits af- forded to young men of today in our schools and colleges, he would have been well equipped, by large and broad mental gifts, to have filled any elec- tive office in this free country. Even with his lim- itations, all who knew him realized and conceded that he possessed special qualifications for much higher positions than he ever reached. Upon finan- cial questions he had unquestionably clear and sound ideas, and was one of the few public men who seem to be able, in all of our bewildering dif- ficulties, to grasp the situation and suggest wise and practical meastires that would probably solve a ques- tion still challenging the hardest kind of thinking 6 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD among the politicians and financiers of this great country. : “For half a century there has not been a wiser political manager in New England, if in the coun- try, than Mr. Hammond. We can call to mind. only one who could equal his generalship in conducting a political campaign. Reference is made to ex- Gov. Boutell of Massachusetts. It was our. pleas- ‘ure to listen to these two men, some twenty years ago, compare views about the best plans to com- pass victory for one’s party in a hard political bat- _tle, and both agreed that one word covered the. ‘ ground—ORGANIZATION, _ in town and’ city, “Mr. Hammond was courageous and true as steel in advocating and sacrificing for all moral re- forms. He was always at the post of duty in the war against the saloon, which he always looked upon as a great danger to the prosperity and even existence of this free Republic. He gave more ‘time, talent and money to compass the defeat of the merciless rum power in this State than even many of his nearest friends were aware of. In the darkest day he never displayed the white feather for retreat or surrender; but often deeply lamented the inex- cusable failure of too many moral Christian citi- zens to present a bold, aggressive front to the well organized and unscrupulous enemies of humanity. “There was one element in Mr. Hammond's strong character that is worthy of commendation and imitation. In all of his disagréements with his fellow citizens upon political, social, religious or local affairs, he never lost his temper, whatever ‘the provocation might be, or however severe, and every district, often unjust, were’ the criticisms made by persons. who differed from his opinions and actions. To a political opponent after a hard fought campaign, and to a fellow townsman after a sharp disagree- ment on local or State interests, he was ever the courteous, accommodating and helpful neighbor and friend.’ ‘Life is too short,’ was his decision, ‘to ‘permit differences of opinion upon even important matters to disturb the flow of kind fellowship be- tween the troubled and weary children of the one loving Father.’ “Mr. Hammond was an able writer; and though not possessing the graces and magnetism of an orator, he was an effective speaker, as all knew— he never spoke without having well-digested and important suggestions to offer to his hearers. He was a devoted lover of poetry, especially the best, and had the highest admiration for the beautiful in art and nature—elements in his character not generally known to others besides his family and: intimate friends. “Mr. Hammond has not been in good health for a dozen years, and since the death of his devoted and beloved wife, some five years ago, his gradual : decline has been apparent to his family and friends. | The home life of the deceased is too delicate and: tender a subject for public remark, but it may not. be inappropriate to say that after frequent absences his heart ever longed for the refreshing rest and devotion he found alone in his own home. A sacri- ficing daughter had the coveted privilege of minis- tering the last and. tenderest offices of love to a wise, thoughtful and helpful father. ; “We rejoice that our personal friendship has never been shaken or broken—and we say ‘hail and farewell’ with a sense of loss that is only bright- ened by the firm faith that in another land, and un- . der pleasanter skies, there will be a reunion and ac- quaintance that will know no interruption.” GEORGE SYKES. The life of George Sykes, a manufacturer of Rockville, and at this time the president of three large manufacturing corporations of a city in which he has dwelt for upward of a third of a century, and which he has aided very ma- terially in developing from a village into one of the busiest industrial centers in New England, fur- nishes to the ambitious youth of to-day an example _of what can be accomplished in the line of energy, industry and integrity. Born April 4, 1840, in Honley, near Hudders- field, Yorkshire, England, Mr. Sykes is a son of John Sykes (son of Joseph) and his wife Harriet Durrans (daughter of Thomas), who came to Amer- ica about 1851. In his youth and early manhood John Sykes had been taught woolen manufacture in all its branches, a business in which he was em- ployed, near Huddersfield, until he came to Amer- ica. After coming to the United States, he entered _the mills of E. S. Hall & Co., of Millville, Mass., a firm, which then and for many years afterward en- joyed the highest reputation as manufacturers of fancy cassimeres. After some years Mr. Sykes re- moved to North Adams, where he died at the age of eighty-seven years, his wife dying in that place at the age of seventy-six, both respected in the com- munity. Their family of boys became citizens of the type that few parents are permitted to take pride in. The mechanical skill of the father was inher- ited, the pious teaching of the mother also bore fruit, and New England profited by the presence of this little English family whose members would have been a credit to any community. While Mr. Sykes supported the Republican party, he took no active part in politics, although he was much in- terested, a constant reader of the New York Trib- une, and a great admirer of its noted editor, Horace Greeley, until the latter’s unfortunate candidacy for the Presidency. Although he was well qualified, he would never accept political office, but could argue a point and enjoyed doing so for what he considered right. He was a mechanic, and a superior one, and his intellect was such as, under other circumstances, would have made of him a leader of men. Socially he was connected with the order of Foresters, and both he and his wife were devoted members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Sykes had children as follows: ls COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD ¥ (1) George, whose name opens these lines, was the eldest. Of the others, (2) Thomas W. married ‘Miss Jennie Bond, of North Adams, and has three children, Carrie Bond, Bertha and Mattie (now Mrs. Herbert Lewis). (3) Elizabeth is a resident of North Adams, Mass. (4) James T., whose death occurred at Rockville on Nov. 19, 1894, at the early age of thirty-nine years. was from boyhood a resi- dent of Rockville, where he was well and favorably known. Born in 1855, at Millville, he came to ‘Rockville at the age of fourteen and entered the mill of the Hockanum Co., familiarizing himself with the work of every department until he was made superintendent, a position he had filled for ten years before his decease. His sturdy character and honesty of purpose in all things were greatly admired by the community. His widow, formerly Hattie L. Vibbert, and one son, Elmer H., survive. (5) David A. Receiving a common school education, George Sykes at an early age entered, as a carding boy, the mtll where his father was employed. Both his grandfathers had been skilled workmen, in the line of woolen manufacture, one in the weaving, the ‘other in the finishing department, and the knowl- edge of this, and of his father’s skill in the same -line, in addition ‘to the fact that his birth took ‘place in a great manufacturing center, may have been something of an inspiration to the fourteen-year- old lad, creating the ambition that led to his great success in after years. As he planned how best to use his first wages, $13 per month, he probably could never have dreamed of the changes the years would bring, nor of how many ciphers he could add to those first dollars as time passed by. : Possessing a natural aptitude for mechanical work, and giving his duties diligent attention, young Sykes passed from one branch of the industry to another, becoming a weaver, then loom-fixer, and ‘later overseer in the weave-room. Shortly after at- taining his majority he went to Cavendish, Vt., to take charge of the weaving in the woolen mill at that point belonging to Frederick Fullerton & Co., and a year later, in 1864, was advanced to the su- perintendency of the mill. This position he held until he came to Rockville, Conn., on Oct. 1, 1866. ‘Since that time Mr. Sykes has gradually widened his influence, steadily forging his way to the front rank of New England manufacturers and to a most enviable place among them. During all these years he has been closely identified with the growth of Reckville as a manufacturing center, and has been allied with some of’the largest corporations. On coming to the village, in 1866, he became manager of the Hockanum Mill, and though he was but a young man of twenty-six, under his able conduct of-the affairs of the company their goods became widely and favorably known. in the market, and the name of the Hockanum Co. second to none in prominence among the manufacturers of New Eng- land. What was known as the Saxony Mill, at Rockville, was bought and equipped by the Hock+ anum Co. Mr. Sykes, in association with the late most highly esteemed George Maxwell, purchased the mill of the New England Manufacturing Col, whose business was established in 1836 by the late Allen Hammond and George Kellogg, re-organized it, and made it a joint-stock company, of which Mr. Maxwell was president until his death, in 1891. Prosperity attended his efforts, and in 1886, oppor- tunity offering for the purchase of the stock of the Springville Manufacturing Co., Mr. Sykes and his associates became the owners, the mill now: being operated under the old charter. The old mill was removed and. on its site was erected a new one, which is considered one of the best equipped and most successful woolen mills of its kind in this country. ‘Of these three corporations Mr. Sykes is now president, having succeeded Mr. Maxwell as president of the New England Co. The products of all these mills are fancy cassimeres and worsted goods for men’s wear. , The mills of the Hockanum Co. are the most extensive of the kind in Rockville. With ten sets of cards and 152 broad looms the output is enor- mous. The business was established in 1838, with two sets of woolen machinery for the manufacture of satinets, which were its product until 1858, when the manufacture of all-woolen fancy cassimeres was commenced. and from that time on the aim of the company has been tc make high-grade cassimeres as regards material, style and finish, the finest to be produced, for this purpose selecting the very best native and imported wool. At the Vienna Exposi= tion, in 1873, the company was awarded a medal fot the superiority of its goods; in 1876, at the Cen- tennial Exposition, an award was given the com+ pany: and at the World’s Columbian Exposition at Chicago, in 1892, the product of these mills was greatly admired by foreign experts and others, and an award was given on fancy cassimeres “for beaut tiful, fine and even spinning, excellent designs and beauty of finish,” and on worsteds “for beautiful new designs, splendid colorings and excellent fin: ish.” Henry Latzko, the Imperial Commissioner of Austria,a successiul worsted manufacturer at Brunn, and one of the judges on textile exhibits, pro» nounced the goods of this company equal in every respect to the best made in Europe. In the Paris Exposition of 1900 the three mills of which Mr, Sykes is president received three gold medals. As a proof of the popularity of their superior goods it may be noted that the inaugural suit of President McKinley in 1897 was made exclusively and ex- pressly in their establishment. i The Hockanum Co. has a capital of $300,000 and gives employment to 400 hands. The New Eng+ land Co. has a capital of $250,000, operates nine sets of cards and 114 broad looms, and was estab* lished in 1836, under the firm name of Hammond 8 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD & Kellogg. In 1837 this company was incorporated with a capital stock of $31,000, for the manufacture of satinets, but in 1842 the product of the mill was changed to fancy cassimeres, for which Crompton looms were put in, and in 1879 the manufacture of worsted goods was commenced, these fabrics rank- ing among the best in the country. This company gives employment to 350 people, and the mill has a capacity of 300,000 yards of material annually. The Springville Company has a capital of $250,000, op- erates eight sets of cards and 135 broad looms, and employs 350 skilled operatives. This company fur- nished the cloth for the inaugural suit of President Harrison, in 18So. Mr. Sykes was married Sept. 2, 1864, to Sarah A. Fitton, a native of Northfield, Vt., born Nov. 6, 1844, daughter of James and Mary (Watson) Fitton, both of Lancashire, England, the former of whom was a manufacturer. Mr. Fitton’s death oc- curred in England, but his body was brought to the United States and was buried at Cavendish, where his wife had died. Children as follows have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sykes: Lizzie AL., born at Cavendish, Vt., graduated from the Rockville high school, married Charles Bond, and they re- side in Hartford. Eva L., born in Rockville, grad- uated from the Rockville high school, and spent two years at Mrs. Brown’s School in New York: she married Everett J. Lake, and resides in Hartford, with two children, Harold Sykes and Marjorie Svkes. Elsie E., born in Rockville, graduated from the Rockville high school, and in 1900 married Hon. Charles Phelps, of Rockville. Bertha died at the age of eleven. George Edmund is a member of the class of 1903, Yale University. Mr. Sykes is a director of the Rockville Nation- al and Savings Banks: the Rockville Aqueduct Water Co., the Rockville Railroad Co., and for years has been a member of the National Associa- tion of Wool Manufacturers, for an extended time having been one of the executive members of that organization, and in 1898 becoming its vice-presi- dent. In his pohtical views he is a Republican, was a Presidential elector in 1892, and a delegate to the Republican convention at St. Louis in 1896, but has never accepted public office. He was one of the commissioners from Connecticut at the World's Fair in Chicago, 1893. The family are all connected with the Union Congregational Church, where Mr. Sykes is most highly esteemed, and to the support of which he is a liberal contributor. In 1893 he built his elegant mansion on the corner of Ellington avenue and Prospect street, in Rockville, where hospitality is dispensed with good taste, and without ostentation. Socially Mr. Sykes is an interesting companion, his reading, expcrience and travel having given him a wide outlook over life. Nineteen times has he crossed the Atlantic, and foreign shores are almost as familiar to him as his own, and although busi- ness responsibilities press upon him at all times he is never too occupied to do a kind action or to ex- tend the helping hand to a worthy but less fortunate brother. JUDGE BENEZET HOUGH BILL, a prom- inent lawyer, of Rockville, Tolland county, of nearly fifty vears practice there, is a representative of one of the old and prominent families of New England. The Bill family is one of the oldest in all England, being directly traceable in a single county, that of Shropshire, for a period of about 500 years. The first of the family in America was John Bill, from whom Judge B. H. Bill is a descend- ant in the eighth generation, the line of descent be- ing as follows: John, Philip, John, John, Jona- than, Eleazer, Josiah Bissell, and Benezet Hough. John Bill, born in the parish of Much Wen- lock, appeared in London, England, in 1613, as a publisher to King James and as one of the firm of Bill & Barker, published the first London Gazette, in the time of Charles II. His first wife was Anne, the daughter of Thomas Mountford, D. D. Their son (I) John and his wife, Dorothy (Tuttle), ar- rived from England prior to 1635 and were the progenitors of the family in America. (II) Philip Bill, the son of John, born in Eng- land about 1620, was but a lad at the time of his arrival in America. His residence was at Pulling Point, then a part of Boston, and later at Ipswich, but about 1668 he settled in the town of New Lon. don, Conn., on the east side of the Thames river, in that portion of the town that in 1705 was incorpo- ratea as the town of Groton. The death of Philip occurred in 1689, and his widow, who married Sam- uel Bucknali, died in 1709. (iIT) John, son of Philip, born in 1667, in Mas- sachusetts, married first, Mercy Fowler, and sec- ond, in 1726, Hannah Rist. In early life he re- moved from Groton to the town of Lebanon, where he seems to have spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1739. (TV) John (3), son of John (2), born in New London in 1696, removed to Lebanon with his father in 1703, residing there the remainder of his life. In 1725 he was admitted to the church in Lebanon, his wife, Mary, in 1733, and all their children were there baptized. He died in 1746, his widow surviving almost half a century. (V) Jonathan Bill was born in Lebanon, Conn., Peb. G, 1725-26. He was an extensive farmer in Exeter Society. He was twice married; his first wife was Mary, and the second was Phebe. His family consisted of four children, Lucy, Joseph, Jonathan, and Eleazer, 7 (VT) Eleazer, son of Jonathan, was born Feb. 24, 1758, in Lebanon. On May 27, 1790, he mar- tied for his first wife Elizabeth Cole, of Lebanon, who was the mother of his children. His second wife was Betsey Fitch, also of that town. They COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 9 were married March 31, 1808. Eleazer Bill was a farmer, and always resided in Lebanon. He became a soldier in the Revolution, was wounded, and re- ceived a pension from the government, dying at the advanced age of ninety-two, his children be- ing: Chester, who was born in 1791, and died in Columbia, Conn., where he kept a noted tavern; Josiah Bissell, the father of our subject ; and David, born in 1797, who went to Snowville, Va., from Massachusetts, where he became a planter and ex- tensive slave owner. (VII) Josiah Bissell Bill, father of our subject, was bern May 13, 1793, in Lebanon, and on March 27, 1816, was married to Harriet Tracy Hough, of Bozrah, born May 3, 1794. [The sketch of the prominent Hough family appears in the records of Middlesex county.j Immediately after marriage, the young couple removed to New Milford, Sus- quehanna Co., Pa., where for twenty years the husband followed the occupation of teaching. In 1835, or at the end of this period, he returned to Connecticut, settling in the town of Lebanon, with the intention of taking care of his aged father. The trip back to Connecticut was made with a cov- ered wagon which carried their goods, while they drove the entire distance in a carriage, the magni- tude of such a trip, in these days of rapid progress, scarcely being appreciated. Mr. Bill had no other preparation for the profession of teaching than that offered in the incomplete schools of his time, but for twenty-three years he acceptably filled the peda-. gogic chair and was always regarded as an intel- lectual man. It was in 1863 that the ‘store-in ‘Chicago was’ col It-was at this time that Milo M. - opened, and not long afterward, in association with ‘ E. K. Rose, the brothers engaged, in.a small way,. ee ina rented building, in thé manufacture of silk at — Rockville, Conn., the Belding Brothers having: for : some time previously bought the product’ of Mr. Rose's mill. This partnership was dissolved in 1866. Alvah N. Belding, who had resided. in Chi- cago and later in New York when not-on‘the road, - in 1869 came to Rockville, to take charge of ‘the-' manufacturing business, which.was first established: : in the first floor of the Leeds mill, continuing there ° until the purchase of the present: mills, in 1871. ‘To : this purchase Mr. Belding afterward made several additions, giving the plant thrée tires the capacity” of the original mill. ~The mills at Rockville -are very substantial structures, the main building beitig « brick, four stories in height,-and 42 x-210 feet in. dimensions. nects’ t with another large building: ° About five hundred A bridge over the ‘street connects: this.” % 5s hands -are. employed in + the manufacture of «silk.’ thread. -°. > . In time Mr. Belding bought a large brick mill ‘ in Northampton, Mass., and also commenced at that point the production of: silk goods. - Additions have > also been made to this factory, which was originally * 118 x 40 feet, and four stories high."-The plant now consists’ of a main building’ 45x300 : feet, four : stories in height; an office 40x60, ‘three stories: high; an engine and boiler house, 42x60; and the dye house, 100x32—these strictures all erected by Belding brothers, since the purchase of the original © mill. and fabrics. ‘, 4 Early in the seventies the firm rented a mill in The product there is principally silk thread . Montreal, Canada, and their success at that point » induced ther to purchase’a mill there in 1880. Some idea of the growth of the business at that point may be had from a comparison of the size of the plant at that time with present dimensions. . The original mill was a structure 130x40, four stories high, which is yet in use, while the new mill is 300x 47, to which an L, 165x47, has been built, both four stories high. This plant is of strictly modern con- struction, and is one of the finest manufacturing plants in Montreal. There are manufactured the fa- mous ribbons of the firm, and also silk thread.: In 1877 Mr. Belding planned, built and equipped COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD £ 15: a silk mill at.Belding, Mich., which. was-sold to a syndicate in which he became one of the largest stockholders... Early in the eighties the firm built another large silk mill at Belding, and still later an- other, the ‘structures being 325. x 45; three stories high, and 404 x 47, four stories high, respectively. Both are built of brick, and conform in every way to the plan of coristruction advocated by the Manufac- turers Mutual Fire Insurance Company. The latter is one of the largest and finest. mills in Michigan. These mills for the manufacture of silk fabrics and - thread give employment to over one thousand peo- ° In the improvement and development of the — city of Belding this firm has taken.a keen interest, . ple. stimulated no doubt by family pride. . Numerous other industries, through their instrumentality and , substantial encouragement, have been induced to locate there. spirit and interest in Belding’s growth was the erec- tion of the “Hotel Belding,” a substantial and orna- mental structure of stone, with all modern improve- ments, the management of which has been under the firm's direction ever since it was opened... -.. Another plant of the firm, located at Petaluma, Cal., some thirty miles from San Francisco, is thor- oughly equipped for the manufacture of silk thread, its-only product. Several of the mills owned by the firm were planned and equipped under the personal - supervision and direction of Alvah N. ‘Belding. Thus at the present time Belding Brothers have six large manufacturing establishments, giving employ- ment to some three thousand hands, using more than a ton of raw silk daily, with an arinual product. valued at nearly $5,000,000. . In 1882 the entire business, in the East and in- the West, was incorporated under the laws of Con- necticut as Belding Bros. & Co., with a capital of : $666,000, which has since been increased to $1,000,- 000, with a surplus of over $1,000,000. The con- cetn has salesrooms in New York, Chicago, Phil- adelphia, Boston, Baltimore, Cincinnati, St. Louis,. St. Paul, San Francisco, and Montreal, Canada. The wonderful growth and development of this great industrv, and its success, are to no small ex- tent due-to. the untiring energy of Alvah N. Beld- ing, who has proven himself a man of unusual ca- pacity and rare business ability. To this brother, who is now vice-president and secretary of the com- pany, the entire supervision of the manufacturing of all. as well as the management of the Rockville mills, has been left. : In addition to his interest in this vast enterprise, Mr. Belding is a director of the American Mills Company, in Rockville; the Rockville National Bank ; the People’s Savings Bank ;.the Belding Paul Company, Limited, of Montreal, Canada; and the Carlson Courier Company, of San Francisco. is also president of the Belding Land & Improve- ment Company, of Belding, Mich., a town of con- siderable more than 4,000 inhabitants, the brothers . owning some six hundred acres of land in and ad-- One notable feature: of their public | He. joining that city, and being actively associated with its interests. Alvah N. Belding is vice-president of . the Belding Savings: Bank, and a director. of the Spencer Electric Light & Power Company, of the same city. In October, 1900, he sold a plot of ground to that city for $10,000 and made a standing ‘offer to duplicate any sum or sums given to beau- tify. this land for park purposes. The $10,000 he turned ‘over to the city, to be used to’ induce fac- tories to locate there. Mr. Belding has a large in- terest in. 75,000 acres of timber land in the South, and is the owner of a beautiful farm at Ellington, : Connecticut.: me a _ Alvah N.- Belding has made his -home in Rock-’- ville, Conn., continuously ‘since 1869, and’ he. has ever been ranked among the most enterprising, pub- ‘lic-spirited and popular citizens’ of that place: A | typical energetic New England: business: man, he ‘is - ‘systematic and prompt in whatever he does. .Tak- ing a great interest'in local affairs, he was ‘elected on the-Republican ticket to the Legislature in 1882, - ‘by the largest majority ever given in the city, and > | rendered valuable service on committees, but de- ‘clined a renomination owing to the pressure of pri- ‘vate business. this magnificent, home,, erected in. 1895, built of St. : One monument to his enterprise .is “ ‘Lawrence marble, which commands one of: the fin- : est views in the State, and is one of the finest pti- ‘vate residences in the State of Connecticut. It has been named ‘Castle Sunset.” |. ae att On Jan. 6, 1870, Mr. Belding was married to . Lizzie S.-Merrick, and-two children have been born to this union: “Florence May, who graduated from ; Miss Brown’s-School in New York; and Fred: Nor- ton, a student at St. Paul’s School, Concord, N: H. . Mrs, Belding was born in Orange, Mass., a daugh- . ‘ter of H. A. and Elizabeth F: (Snow) Merrick. ‘When she was but a child her parents removed to Shelburne Falls, Mass.,-where she was reared, . Mrs. Belding occupies a high social position with dig- - nity, and is prominent in-all social functions -and charitable work. In the D. A. R. organization she is a leading member, and her influence is continu-. ally felt in Sabra Trumbull Chapter. She is-also a member of -the National Society of New England, Women, and a member of the Mayflower Society of Boston, Mass., and vice-president of the State branch of the International Sunshine Society of New York City. : PECKHAM. For upward of two hundred and fiftv years this name has been identified with the annals of New England, and in the Old World it. reaches -back to the twelfth century. There were still in T9092 maintained in the beautiful and pic-. turesque region on Putnam Heights the residences —the homes of their ancestors in that jhistoric section - —of three of the daughters of the late Dr. Fenner- Harris Peckham, of Putnam, Conn.,and Providence, R. I. These daughters are: Miss Katherine Fen- - ner Peckham: Mrs. Rosa Frances Peckham Daniel- 16 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD .son, widow of the late George Whitman Danielson, a proniunent journalist and citizen of Providence, R. l.; and Mrs. Dr. Grace Peckham Murray, wife of Hon. Charles H. Murray, a well known lawyer and public official of New York. The name Peckham in England is applied to a large suburban hamlet of London, in the County of Surrey, four miles distant from the metropolis John de Peckham attended Richard I into Palestine in 1191, and from that period on for hundreds of years the name was a conspicuous one in English aunals. (1) John Peckham, the American ancestor of the family, was admitted an inhabitant of the island of Aquidneck (Rhode Island) March 20, 1638. He was made a freeman of Newport, March 16, 1641. He was one of the ten male members in full com- munion of the First Baptist Church in 1648, and one of its founders in 1644. He was a resident of that part of Newport which became Middletown, where he was made a freeman in 1655. Mr. Peckham was first married to Mary Clarke, who died in 1648 ; the given name of his second wife was Eleanor. He was the father of twelve children, namely; John, William, Stephen, thomas, James, Clement, Sarah, Rebecca, Deborah, Phebe, Elizabeth and Susannah. From this John Peckham of Newport and Middle- town, R. 1., the lineage of the late Dr. Fenner Har- ris Peckham, of Putnam and Providence, is through Stephen, Stephen (2), Stephen (3), Seth and Dr. Hazael Peckham. (IT) Stephen Peckham, son of John, was one of the earliest settlers of Dartmouth, Mass. He had a grant of land in Narragansett in 1679, but prob- ably never went there except to speculate. He also purchased land in Dartmouth in 1679, and was a substantial farmer in that part of Dartmouth now included in the city of New Bedford. He died April 23, 1724. His estate in round numbers amounted to £1,807. His wife’s name was Mary, and their children were: Stephen, born Feb. 23, 1683; Samuei, Aug. 17, 1684: Eleanor, Jan. 12, 1686; Williarn, Oct. 27, 1688: Mary, Aug. 17, 1690; Han- nah, Jan. 28, 1692; John, Jan. 15, 1697; Deborah, June, 1699, who married Jan. 19, 1727, Thomas Nye; Joseph, Feb. 2, 1701; Jean, Jan. 23, 1703, mar- ried April 4, 1729, to Thomas Delano; and Isaiah, Sept. 14, 1705, married April 19, 1736, to Ruth Morton. (iT) Stephen Peckham (2), born Feb. 23, 1683, was twice married. His father had left him in his will the northerly part of the homestead, which had been divided into four parts, one for each of his sons. The children of Stephen Peckham (2) and his wife Content were: James, born Oct. 4, 1716; Stephen, Sept. 14, 1718; Seth, Nov. 29, 1723, who probably died when young; Content, Feb. 16, 1729; and George, Oct. 25, 1732. The children by the second wife, Keturah Arthur, were: Elizabeth, bern July 5. 1741; Eunice, Dec. 6, 1742; and Rich- ard, Dec. 16, 1744. Mr. Peckham died in June, 1764. His estate in round numbers amounted to £512. ; (IV) Stephen Peckham (3), born Sept. 14, 1718, married (first) about 1739, Sarah Boss, born July 5, 1724; she died Dec. 12, 1768, aged forty- tour years. He married (second) Elizabeth White, born Dec. 22, 1740. Mr. Peckham inherited and bought from his father portions of the old home- stead, so that he possessed one-half of the entire farm, his brother Richard inheriting the other part. His wife Elizabeth died April 12, 1791, in the fifty- first year of her age. His children by the first mar- riage were: Elizabeth, born Dec. 22, 1740; Peleg, Sept. 27, 1744, who died Aug. 12, 1771; Mercy, Feb. 23, 1746; Stephen, April 6, 1748; Seth, Oct. 31, 1750; Jonathan, Feb. 8, 1753, who married Widow Hannah Soute, a daughter of Peleg White; James, May 11, 1756; Sarah, June 9, 1758; Lydia, Jan. 9, 1761; Amy, Feb. 18, 1763; Joseph, Jan. 27, 1766. Of these Stephen and Seth moved to the town of Gloucester, Providence Co., Rhode Island. (V) Seth Peckham, born Oct. 31, 1750, in Dart- mouth, married, Jan. 26, 1775, Mercy Smith, daugh- ter of Capt. John and Sarah (Hopkins) Smith, the latter a daughter of Thomas Hopkins, of a family quite famous in the history of Rhode Island. Mr. Peckham lived on a farm in Gloucester, and was probably occupied in agricultural pursuits. During the war of the Revolution, on one of the alarm calls (1777), he performed seven days’ service as a mem- ber of Capt. Joseph Kimball’s company, in which his (Mr. Peckham’s) brother-in-law was a lieu- tenant. Mr. Peckham died in 1826. His children were: Hazael, born Nov. 16, 1777; Thomas, Jan. 10, 1780, married to Anna Sweet; Sarah, June 20, 1782, who married Chad Taylor; Seth, October, 1784, who married Deborah Keach, and lived in Gloucester; Mercy, in 1787, married in 1807 to Josiah Wescott, of Scituate, R. I., a son of Rev. John Wescott; and John, 1793, married in 1820 to Hannah, daughter of Gideon Smith of Scituate. (VI) Dr. Hazael Peckham, son of Seth, born Nov. 16, 1777, married in 1797, Susannah Thorn- ton, born Oct. 8, 1770, daughter of Jeremiah Thorn- ton, of Burrillville, and his wife Esther Wright, of Providence. Their children were: Paris, born in 1798: Smith, r800, who died in 1878; Amey, 1801, who married William Day; Susan, 1809, who mar- ried Dr. Justin Hammond; Hazael, 1810, who died in 1888; Pamelia, 1816, who married Rhodes Hopkins and died in 1886; and Fenner Harris, Jan. 27, 1820. None are still living. (VIT) Dr. FENNeR Harris PeckuAm, son of Dr. Hazael, was born in the town of Killingly, Windham Co., Conn., Jan. 27, 1820. After pursuing a course of academic studies, he entered the office of Dr. Jus- tin Hammond, a widely known physician of Wind- ham county, where he studied medicine. He later continued his studies under Profs. Knight and Hooker of New Haven, and was graduated from Yale Medical College in 1842. He commenced the COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 17 Practice of his chosen profession in East Killingly, but soon removed to what is now known as Putnam eights, where he continued until 1852, building up a successful practice. In the year last named he removed with his family to Providence, R. I., where he continued practice, and where he remained up to the time of his death. He was one of the best known physicians in the State, and took a deep in- terest in his profession. While in Connecticut he was a member of the State Medical Society, and when he removed to Providence he became a mem- ber of the Rhode Island Medical Society and was its president twice. For a number of years he was -physician and surgeon of the Marine Hospital at Providence, and was a member of the medical board of the Economical Life Insurance Company. In addition to attending to his regular practice, he made reports and addresses on special subjects, and he also contributed to medical literature a mono- graph on ‘“Hydrophobia,” the first presented before the American Association, and on the “Topograph- ical Geological Condition of the Second District of Rhode Island,” found in the report of Dr. Baxter in “Statistics of Volunteer Service.” On the opening of the Civil war Dr. Peckham volunteered his services for the defense of the Union, and was commissioned Aug. 15, 1861, sur- geon of the 3¢ Rhode Island Heavy Artillery. He had first been assigned to duty with the 2d R. I. V. at Washington, and afterward had charge of the medical department of Camp Sprague, after the first battle of Bull Run. He joined the 3d regiment after the command had reached and taken possession of Port Royal, S. C., but the enervating character of the climate, and his arduous duties, compelled him to resign his commission in February, 1862. In April, 1863, he was appointed surgeon of the board of enrollment of the second district of Rhode Island, and at the request of Gov. J. Y. Smith, officially visited Fortress Monroe, continuing his efficient ser- vices with the board until the termination of the Re- bellion. He was noted for his upright character and gentlemanly demeanor, and was highly respected. He died Feb. 17, 1887, and was buried in Swan Point cemetery. Tr 1840 Dr. Peckham was married to Catherine Davis, daughter of Capt. William Torrey, and the marriage was blessed with children as follows: Katherine Fenner, born in February, 1841; Rosa Frances, Oct. 28, 1842: Fenner H., Feb. 11, 1844; Ella Lois Torrey, Sept. 12, 1846; Grace, Oct. 16, 1848: and Mary Davis, Feb. 10, 1853, who died Nov. 11, 1895. (VIII) Katherine Fenner Peckham graduated from Mt. Holyoke College, and from the Woman's Medical College, Philadelphia, with the degree of M.D. She practiced in Boston, but now makes her home at Putnam Heights. She is a member of Col. Timothy Bigelow Chapter, D. A. R., Worcester, Massachusetts. ; (VIII) Rosa Frances Peckham Danielson re- 2 ceived her elementary education in the schools of Providence, and was graduated in 1862 from the Providence high school. Subsequently she went abroad, and at Paris, France, passed ten years in the study of art and painting, in which line she became quite proficient. Her paintings have been exhibited in the Salon of the French capital, and called forth favorable comment. More recently she has worked in miniature painting. Her later years, however, have been chiefly given to the training of her chil- dren. On Jan. 25, 1881, she became the wife of George Whitman Danielson, of Providence, who died March 25, 1884. They had two children: Whitman, born Dec. 17, 1881, now a student at Har- vard: and Rosamond, born Nov. 6, 1884, now a stu- dent at Bryn Mawr College, Pa. Mrs. Danielson is one of the founders and a charter member of the Providence Art Club, and also a member of Col. Timothy Bigelow Chapter, D. A. R., of Worcester, Alassachusetts. (VIII) Dr. Fenner Harris Peckham, Jr., only son of Dr. Fenner H. Peckham, was born in East Killingly, Windham Co., Conn., Feb. 11, 1844. He was educated in the schools of Providence, and read medicine under his father. After fitting himself for college he entered the medical department of Yale, whence he was graduated in 1866. He became associated with his father in the medical profession, and after the death of the latter continued alone in the practice of his profession up to a few years ago, when he practically retired, relinquishing his prac- tice to his son, Charles F. Like his father, he served during the Rebellion, entering the service as hospital steward in December, 1861, upon leaving the high school: later he was lieutenant in the 12th R. I. V. The Doctor inherits his father’s literary tastes, and has written for the public press on matters of in- terest. On Oct. 29, 1867, in Providence, Dr. Peckham married Mary H. Olney, daughter of Elam and Helen (Fuller) Olney, and they have three children. Charles Fenner, the eldest, graduated from Colum- bia College, N. Y., in 1890, with the degree of M. D., and is now a popular young physician of Provi- dence, R. I., having succeeded to his father’s prac- tice; he was a surgeon of the Rhode Island Naval Reserves, in the Spanish-American war, with the rank of lieutenant. Alice, the second, is at home. William Torrey graduated from Brown University in 1897; he married Alice Hetherington Dike, Oct. 22, I9OI. Dr. Fenner H. Peckham is a Republican in po- litical faith. His religious connections, like those of his family, are with the Episcopal Church. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., affiliating with What- cheer Lodge, and also unites with the Loyal Legion, Massachusetts Commandery; Rodman Post, G. A. R.; the Squantum Club; the University Club; the West Side Club (former president); the Central Club: and the Agawam Hunt and Long Meadow Golf Clubs. He is State commissioner of birds 18 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD from Providence county, R. I., and chairman of the commission and member of the Anawan Club. In professional circles he holds membership in the Rhode Island Medical Society and the American Medical Association, and is United States pension examining surgeon. Dr. Peckham is also prom- inently connected with the mercantile and banking interests of Providence. He is president of the Hope Webbing Company, vice-president of the Providence Telephone Company, director of the Narragansett Electric Lighting Company, Mechan- ics National Bank, Free Masons Hall Company, Providence & Springfield Railroad Company, and Wood River Branch Railroad Company, and trus- tee of the Mechanics’ Savings Bank. (VIII) Dr. Grace Peckham Murray, another daughter of Dr. Fenner Harris Peckham, attended the private and public schools of Providence and was graduated from Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass., in 1867. In 1882 she graduated from the Women's Medical College of the New York Infirmary. After having obtained her degree she was interne and resident physician of the New York Infirmary for Women and Children for three years, after which she commenced her private prac- tice in New York City, in which she is at present engaged. For many years she was attending physi- cian to the hospital, and was engaged in the Col- lege and dispensary work for that institution. In 1902 she received the appointment of Professor of Women’s Diseases at the New York Post-graduate School, which position she now holds. For three years she was sent as a delegate to the New York State Medical Society by the New York County Medical Society, of which she is a member, which entitles her to life-membership in the State Medical Society. She also belongs to the New York Acad- emy of Medicine; the New York Neurological; and the Women’s Medical Association of New York, of which she was president for four years; she is vice-president of the National Social Science Asso- ciation. She has been on the editorial staff of the New York Medical Record and contributed many medical articles to the current medical literature of the day, most of which have been widely copied and some of which have been incorporated into med- ical text books of this country and Europe. She is associate editor of the Woman's Medical Journal. She has a reputation as writer of popular articles relating to medical and hygienic subjects and is a regular contributor to the well known secular mag- azines. She is alsa a member of many social and literary clubs, among which are the National Arts, the Wednesday Afternoon, the Barnard Club, N. E. Society, and the Manhattan Chapter of the D. A. R. In 1893 she was married to the Hon. Charles H. Murray, of New York, who is very prominent in legal and political circles of New York City and State. (VIIT) Ella Lois Torrey Peckham Baldwin, an- other daughter of Dr. Fenner Harris Peckham, like her sisters is a woman of broad culture and was ed- ucated in the public schools of Providence and in Mé. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass., where she was graduated in 1867. The following year she was married to Charles Clinton Baldwin, son of the late Hon. John D. and Lemira (Hathaway) Baldwin, who with his brother John was associated with his father as proprietor and conductor of the Worcester (Mass.) Spy. The children of this mar- riage were four in number. Katherine Torrey was educated in Worcester, studied art in Paris, France, and has exhibited her work in the Paris Salon; she married [.ynde Sullivan, a prominent lawyer of Bos- ton, and has a son, John Langdon Sullivan, born March 12, 1903. Edith Ella was also educated in Paris in art. Her work has been exhibited in the Champ de Mars Salon of Paris, and at the So- ciety of American Artists in New York. Grace Peckham was educated at Bryn Mawr College, Pa., and also graduated at Drexel Institute Library School, Philadelphia. Rosa Danielson died in 1893, at the age of eleven years. Mrs. Baldwin and her family are all members of All Saints Episcopal Church, and she is active in church matters. She was organizer of the Worcester County Mt. Holvoke Alumni Association, and filled the office of presi- dent for twelve vears; was the founder of the Fort- nightly Club of Worcester; and is a very active member of the Woman’s Club of that city, having been its president from 1896 to 1898; is also a mem- ber of the building committee of the club house, and a director of its corporation ; has been vice-president and an active member of the Massachusetts State Federation of Women’s Clubs, of the Worcester Art Society and Public School Art League, and has taken deep interest in club life; she has also shown an interest in the summer schools of Clark Uni- versity ‘is a prominent member of the D. A. R., be- ing a charter member of Col. Timothy Bigelow Chapter, Worcester, Mass., and in addition to her varied interests is a very devoted wife and mother. BALDWIN. Richard Baldwin, of Dunbridge Manor, the first of this line of whom we have rec- ord, died in 1553: he was a near relative of Sir John Baldwin. the famous judge of the time of Henry VIIL. The first of the family to leave the Olid World for the New was (I) Sylvester Baldwin, who died July 21, 1638, on the passage. He had sailed in the ship “Martin,” with his wife Sarah (Bryan) Baldwin, and their six living children, two sons and four daughters, among them, John Bald- win, who settled in Stonington. The eldest son, Richard, settled in Milford, Conn., and was the progenitor of a large number of descendants. John Baldwin, of Stonington, Conn., was born in Aston Clinton, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England, in 1635, and was the youngest child of Sylvester Bald- win. (JT) John Baldwin married Rebecca, daughter of Walter Palmer and widow of Elisha Chese- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 19 brough, July 24, 1672, and settled in Stonington, where he died in 1683. Of his children, Rebecca, born in 1673, married Deacon Manasseh Miner; Mary, born in 1675, married John Randall; Syl- vester, born in 1677, married Elizabeth Avery; and Theophilus, born in 1683, married Priscilla Mason. (III) Theophilus Baldwin, son of John mar- ried in 1710 Priscilla Mason, daughter of Capt. Daniel Mason, granddaughter of the famous Major John Mason, and great-granddaughter of Rev. Pe- ter Hobart, of Hingham. Theophilus Baldiwn set- tled in North Stonington, where he was the first deacon of the church organized in 1727, and was also a representative to the General Court. His chil- dren were: John, born in 1711, who married Eu- nice Spaulding; Priscilla, born in 1713, who mar- ried Daniel Caulkins ; Theophilus, born in 1716, who married Sarah Lamb; and Sylvester, born in 17109, who married Bridget Chesebrough. (IV) John Baldwin, born in 1711, son of Dea- con Theophilus, was of North Stonington, and had the title of captain. He married Eunice Spaulding, daughter of Thomas Spaulding, of Plainfield, and died in 1762, the father of five children: Mary, born in 1741, who married Stephen Frink; Priscilla, born in 1743, who married Hubbard Burroughs, Jr.; Elizabeth, born in 1745, married to Jesse Swan; John, born in 1752, married to Sarah Denison ;-and Ziba, born in 1755, who married Amy Brown, of Preston. (V) John Baldwin, born in 1752, son of Capt. John, was of North Stonington, a prominent and influential man, and gained the title of major. He married in 1772 Sarah Denison, daughter of John Denison, and a descendant of the famous Col. George Denison, of early Colonial times. He died in 1814, the father of the following family: John, born in 1772, who married Abigail Boardman; Eu- nice, born in 1775, who married Stephen Tucker ; Andrew, born in 1780, who married Mary Board- man; Daniel, born in 1783, who married Hannah Stanton; Polly, born in 1786, who married Stephen Frink ; George Washington, born in 1788, who mar- ried Mary C. Kinney; Sarah, born in 1790, who married Thomas Holmes, of Fall River. (VI) Daniel Baldwin, born in 1783, son of Ma- jor John, married in 1808 Hannah Stanton, daugh- ter of Capt. Nathaniel Stanton, of Groton .(who serve as a privateer in the Revolutionary war, and was imprisoned two years in Canada), a lineal de- scendant of the first Thomas Stanton, of Stoning- ton, the Indian interpreter, well known in Colonial times. Hannah Stanton’s mother was Amy Avery, descended from the first Capt. James Avery, of Gro- ton. Daniel Baldwin was a farmer of North Ston- ington, and died in 1855. His widow survived twenty-two years, dying in Worcester in 1877, aged ninety-one. Their children were: John Denison, born Sept. 28, 1809, mentioned below; Daniel Avery, born July 2, 1811, a shipmaster of New Lon- don, married (first) to Betsey Rogers, of Lyme, and (second) to Amanda Colgrove, of Voluntown; Nancy Adaline, born April 27, 1815, who married Frederick Frink, of Salisbury; Mary Ann, born May 18, 1818, who married Charles Dwight Smith, of Woodstock ; and Amy Avery, born Sept. 9, 1825, married to James Boardman. (VII) John Denison Baldwin, son of Daniel, born Sept. 28, 1809, in North Stonington, Conn., married April 3, 1832, Lemira Hathaway, daughter of Capt. Ebenezer and Betsey (Crane) Hathaway, of North Dighton, Mass. Capt. Hathaway was a son of Stephen and Hope (Pierce) Hathaway, and a de- scendant of the first John Hathaway, of Taunton. John D. Baldwin studied at New Haven, receiving the degree of A. M. from Yale College, and was graduated from the New Haven Theological Semi- nary (Yale Divinity School) in 1834. His first parish was that of West Woodstock, Conn., where he preached until July 25, 1837. Then he was settled at North Branford from January, 1838, to May, 1845, when he accepted a call to North Kil- lingly. There he remained from April, 1846, until September, 1849. While settled there he served a term in the State Legislature, as representative for Killingly, and was the chief factor in procuring a State Normal School at New Britain, and in the selection of Prof. David N. Camp as its first prin- cipal. It was also in 1847 that he published his first volume, “The Story of Raymond Hill and other Poems.” He now turned his attention to journal- ism, and conducted the Hartford Republican, as owner and editor, from 1849 to 1852, when he was called to Boston to assume control of the Daily and Weekly Commonwealth, an organ of the Free Soil party, continuing there five years; he was part owner of that journal. In 1859 he became the pro- prietor of the Worcester Spy, continuing as its man- ager until his death. For some years he was a citi- zen of Windham county, Conn. In 1862 he was elected to Congress, and continued a member through three terms, as representative from the Worcester District. In 1872 he published his work on archeological research. “Ancient America,” fol- lowing it with another volume, entitled “Prehistoric America,’ both successfully issued by Harper & Brothers. He was the author of several genealogi- cal works. He died in Worcester, July 8, 1883, in his seventy-fourth year. “Mr. Baldwin,” says one who knew him, “was aman of imposing stature, of large frame and great muscular strength. In early manhood his massive head, erect figure and stalwart proportions, indica- tive of power, gave him an aspect of uncommon force and dignity. He knew human’ nature well, and could foresee with just accuracy the political effect of any measure or event. As a writer Mr. Baldwin was direct, clear and forcible. His style had no ornament. It was sometimes rugged, but al- ways strong and sincere. His wide range of read- ing and retentive memory gave him a vast store of facts, and his knowledge of political history was as COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD ‘specially large and accurate.” It is stated that in he XXNiXth Congress Mr. Baldwin was the only me of its members, who could be called a literary nan, a somewhat remarkable fact. Mr. Baldwin's family consisted of four children: 2ilen Frances, born June 19, 1833, died March 10, (854: 11 she had lived she would have undoubtedly lave made a brilliant reputation in literature, one of ier poems, “The Old Sculptor and his Pupil,” being yublished in Putnam's Magazine after her death. John Stanton, born in New Haven, Jan. 6, 1834, narried Oct. 19, 1863, Emily Brown, daughter of Albert and Mary (Eaton) Brown, and had eight children; he served as captain of a Worcester com- yany in the Civil war, and has been connected as a ournalist with the Spy. Charles Clinton, born in West Woodstock, May 4, 1835, married Oct. 1, (868, Ella L. T. Peckham, daughter of Dr. Fenner 4d. Feckham and his wife, Catherine (Davis) Tor- ‘ey. He was for years connected with the Wor- cester Spy, and still lives in that city. Mary Jane, yorn in Woodstock, May 3, 1836, died in Hartford, Dec. 29, 1850, when a little more than fourteen years of age. GEORGE WHITMAN DANIELSON (de- ceased), editor and publisher of Danielsonville. Windham Co., Conn., and of Providence, R. I., was 1 distinguished representative of a worthy name. The Danielson family of Eastern Connecticut aas been one of the substantial and wealthy families of that locality for over 200 years; and many of the families allied or connected with it by marriage have seen those of position and influence, among them che Harrises, Peckhams, Whitmans and Torreys. (1) James Danielson, the ancestor of the Kil- lingly (Conn.) Danielsons, was among the early immigrants to what is now [lock Island, R. I, where, according to the memorial of the subject of this netice, he was married, March 11, 1685, to Abi- gail Rose, who died in about five years. Mr. Dan- ielson was again married Jan. 22, 1700, to Mary Ackers. Mr. Danielson purchased a number of tracts of land on Block Island between 1688 and 1705. At the May session of the General Assembly, 1696, he was admitted a freeman of the Colony of Rhode Island. In 1700 he was elected town ser- geant of New Shoreham; in 1704-5 he was a mem- ber of its town council; and in August, 1705, he was chosen a deputy to the General Assembly. The family tradition is that he was of Scottish descent. In his youth and early manhood he fought in the wars against the Indians, and subsequently, at the time of the distribution of the land in eastern Con- necticut, he received his share of the territory of the town of Voluntown, by grant from the General Court. At what particular time Mr. Danielson left the island for a permanent residence upon the main- land is not known. In the course of his campaign- ing he had been attracted by the aspect of the coun- try and in 1706, then in his nfty-eighth year, he bought a tract of Soo acres of Jand on the Quine- baug river, with a mansion-house and barn, in what was afterward the town of Pomfret. In 1707 he purchased of Major Fitch, who seems to have been before hand with him in trading with the Indians, the neck of land between the Quinebaug and As- sawauea rivers, including about 2,000 acres. He is stated to have been the first settler south of Lake Mashapaug (now Alexander’s) and it is said he “built a garrison-house at the southern extremity of his purchase and was soon known as one of the most prominent men in the new settlement,” not long afterwards named Killingly. That he was a man of means is proved by the fact that for the former pur- chase he paid the stm of £155; for the latter, the sum of £170. He had a residence in each settle- ment. A portion of the property which he held in Killingly still remains in the possession of his de- scendants. He died Jan. 22, 1728, in the 80th year of his age. In his declining years he “laid out a burial ground between the rivers for the use of the inhabitants, and was the first to be interred in it.” The headstone of his grave bore the inscription, “In memory of the well beloved Mr. James Daniel- son, who after he had served God and his generation faithfully many years in this life, sweetly fell asleep in the cradle of death.” Mr. Danielson had a son James born to his wife Abigail, May 15, 1687, who afterward lived in Lebanon, Conn., but according to. one tradition removed to western Massachusetts and according to another, returned to Block Island. Two sons born to the second marriage, Samuel and Will- iam, the first inheriting the homestead and much of the landed property, succeeded to the good name and carried it forward unblemished to subsequent. years. The family thus founded furnished representa- tives in all the stirring movements of colonial and national history. Samuel Danielson was modera- tor of Killingly in 1760 and selectman in 1785. William Danielson was constable, collector of taxes, and heutenant in 1760; first major of Col. Williams’ .Eleventh Regiment in 1774; took 146 men from Killingly to Cambridge in 1775: became colonel in 1776, and, after the Revolution, general of militia ; and in 1788 was a member of the State convention: called to ratify the national constitution. (II) Samuel Danielson, son of James of Block Island, R. I., and of Killingly, Conn., born in 1701, married March 26, 1725, Sarah Douglas, and lived in Killingly, Conn. He inherited, as stated in the foregoing, much of the estate accumulated by his jather, and became an active and useful citizen of the town. The water power of Killingly was so good that in time manufactories sprang up along the banks of the Quinebaug river and so large a share belonged to the Danielson family that a por- tion of the town was incorporated as Danielsonville, where there are still busy mills employing many hands. Mr. and Mrs. Danielson had ten children, all born in hillingly between 1726 and 1745. Mr. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 21 Danielson died in 1786, in his eighty-fifth year, and Mrs. Danielson passed’ away in 1774, in her sev- : entieth year. (IIL) Capt. Samuel Danielson, son of Samuel, born in 1741, married May 6, 1770, Hannah Whit- man, born in Providence, R. I., Oct. 10, 1751, daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Hartshorn) Whit- man, and a descendant of John Whitman, who came from England to Weymouth, Mass., before Decem- ber, 1638, her line being through Zachariah, John and Jacob Whitman. Capt. Danielson was one of those men who marched to the relief of Boston at the Lexington alarm in April, 1775. He died June 13, 1817, and his wife passed away Oct. 3, 1787. Four children were born to their marriage, Elizabeth, Samuel, Martha and Susanna. (IV) Samuel Danielson (3), born Dec. 30, 1772, married Sarah Beg, born June 13, 1773, daughter of Adam and Sarah (Robinson) Beg, and resided in Killingly, where he died July 24, 1845; his wife passed away Sept. 9, 1852. Their children were Adam B., Jacob Whitman, Jane and Samuel Sanford. (V) Jacob Whitman Danielson, son of Samuel (3) born May 9, 1799, married Sept. 18, 1827, Lucy Maria Prince, born March 13, 1805, daughter of Abel and Lucy (Cady) Prince, and resided at Dan- ielsonville. Mr. Danielson died Nov. 15, 1856 and Mrs. Danielson passed away April 19, 1847. Their five children were: George Whitman; Edward Prince, born Feb. 21, 1831, who married Jan. 24, 1861, Mary Etta Johnson, a native of Putnam, lived in Killingly and died July 8, 1902; Eliza M., born Aug. 26, 1833, who married Feb. 15, 1871, Dr. John Vedder ; Lucy Jane, born March 26, 1838, un- married and residing in Danielsonville; William J., born May 1, 1843, who married Nov. 1, 1871, Anna Russell Saunders, born May 9, 1843, and is a resi- dent of Providence, Rhode Island. (VI) George Whitman Danielson, son of Jacob W., and whose life work it is especially the design of this article to set forth, was born at Danielson- ville, Conn., April 26, 1829. He attended the dis- trict school of the neighborhood and worked on his father's farm, doing’ a good share of the farm labor for a boy, while giving close attention to his les- sons. From an early age he took a decided leaning to the printer’s trade and, not liking the farm, left it at fourteen years of age, and in his fifteenth year entered the office of E. B. Carter, the village print- er, at Danielson, there remaining for one year. During the first six months his compensation was $3 a month and board, and during the second six months, $10 a month and board. He rendered very efficient service, and, from being only an apprentice when he went into the office, soon proved himself capable of conducting the business, much of the burden of which fell upon him. In 1845 he went to Providence, R. I., where he worked as a journey- man printer. He also visited New York about that time, and set type on one of the morning papers there, and notwithstanding the temptations which surrounded printers on a morning newspaper he steadily adhered to his mother’s parting injunction against the use of stimulants. After a brief period in New York Mr. Danielson, still a youth but full of ambition and energy, returned to Providence, where he readily obtained employment, and while still under twenty years of age published the Daily Sentinel, a paper which, though of brief existence, gave promise for the future. From the first the earnestness of the young man, and his determination to push forward to success attracted attention and aroused the jealousy of some, while enlisting the good will and friendly offices of others. He was for a time editor of the Daily Transcript, which he con- ducted with an ability that commanded the respect of older journals. On July 26, 1848, he became editor and publisher of the New England Arena, at West Killingly. The Salutatory was signed “G. Whitman Danielson” and the lines which headed the paper were indicative of the spirit of the man. Thy spirit, Independence, let me share, Lord of the lion heart and eagle eye; Thy steps I'll follow with my bosom bare, Nor heed the storm that howls along the sky. The Arena continued in existence for more than a year, when George Whitman Danielson, now ar- rived at man’s estate, went back to Providence to etiter the ranks of journalism where he was already favorably known. In May, 1851, he occupied the position of reporter of marine news for the Daily Post of that city, and continued his connection with that paper for several years, acting also as foreman of the composing room and as assistant editor. He displayed on the Daily Post remarkable industry and journalistic capacity, and thoughtful men began to look toward him as one of who was eertain to make his impress in journalism and in the State. On March 14, 1859, in company with Albert R. Cooke, he established the Evening Press. The new paper grew in value and in influence until it had achieved a prominent and honorable position, besides afford- ing assurance of being largely profitable at no dis- tant date. In September, 1862, Mr. Danielson sold his interest in the Press to Mr. Cooke, and in Janu- ary, 1863, at the request of Senator Anthony and Joseph Knowles, entered the Journal office as busi- ness manager and managing editor. He soon gave a quickening impulse to the paper which sent its circulation upward, and the establishment of the Evening Bulletin, January 26, 1863, brought the news and editorial opinions of the Journal to the doors of the masses in the form of a cheap evening newspaper. which from a circulation of a few hun- dreds to begin with, had achieved in 1884 an aver- age circulation of more than 22,000 daily, its cir- culation, combined with that of the Journal, making a total, as Mr. Danielson stated with just pride some months before his death, surpassed by but few 22 COMMEXIORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD newspapers in the world. The profits of the busi- ness, it needed hardly be said, increased proportion- ately, and the great establishment which he then built up is a more glorious monument than any that can be erected to his memory. But all this was not achieved without increasing and vigilant effort. For a number of years Mr. Danielson went to the Jour- na! office about ten or half-past ten in the morning, and remained antil after the Evening Bulletin went to press about 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Then he would go home to dine, and return to the office about seven o'clock in the evening, remaining until frem half-past two to three o'clock in the morning. He controlled every detail of the establishment, whose employes numbered not less than 200. As an employer Mr. Danielson was most gen- erous and considerate, and he attracted to himself the loyal devotion of all who were around him. He was qttick to respond to the appeal of distress and many a dollar was sent by him for the relief of cases of poverty called to his attention by the reporters, but this relief was given in such a way that none knew but the messenger of mercy. No man had a warmer heart for the afflicted, and he had a true Rhode Island sympathy for the downtrodden. Though tenacious in his opinions and principles, he was far from being irreconcilable to those who had treated him wrongfully. He was a true gentleman in his deportment, and would not permit anyone, however hostile to him personally, to be treated otherwise than with courtesy while under the roof of the Journal office, and he rarely appeared to dis- play impatience even under the most annoying and irritating circumstances. Mr. Danielson took a deep interest in the pro- gress and welfare of his ancestral city, and was identified with many of its business enterprises. He was vice-president and director of the Oakland Beach Association, a director of the Phenix Nation- al Bank, of the Richmond Paper Company, of the Equitable Mutual Insurance Company and of the Rhode Island Telephone & Electric Co., and held stock in various other corporations. He was also for a number of vears president of the New England Press Association. He was a_char- ter member of What Cheer Lodge, F. & A. M. He was also up to the time of his death, a member of the Westfield Congregational Church in Danielsonville, which he joined in early youth, and was a generous contributor to Congregational churches in Providence. On Jan. 25, 1881, Mr. Danielson was married to Rosa Frances Peckham, a native of Killingly, Conn., and daughter of Dr. Fenner Harris and Catherine Davis (Torrey) Peckham, and to the marriage came two children: Whitman, born Dec. 17, 1881; and Rosamond, born Nov. 6, 1884. George Whitman Danielson died March 25, 1884. On the day following the funeral the Provi- dence Journal had an appreciative notice of the oc- casion, closing with the following words: “The assemblage of the public was large and not- able, representing the weightiest influences in the State in public service and private life, and all the interests which contribute to its greatness and wel- fare. It was touching alike to see the citizens, ven- erable with grey hair and of honored names, taking a last farewell of the face and form of their asso- ciate in labor for the public welfare, and young men receiving a stimulus to it by the impression of the honor it brings. The feeling of respect and honor was universal, including all classes, friends and for- mer opponents, associates and rivals in business, all uniting in paying the deserved tribute. Of the feel- ings of his employes and those most intimately as- sociated with him, it is unnecessary to speak, and it was deeply manifest in their countenances and mien. In accordance with his wishes, the ship which he commanded was not checked in its course, but there was a pause in the full activity of the machinery for the hour of the solemn ceremonies of the burial of the dead captain. And when the time came to Free the fettered engine And speed the hurrying shaft, and for all the stress of strenuous and unceasing labor to be renewed, the officers and crew, in per- forming their duties through the long night, were compelled by irresistible feeling, as they will be for many nights and days to come, to pause often in their work, however engrossing, to wipe away the unbidden tears, starting at the countless familiar touches recalling his voice and hand, or emanations of his vanished spirit, intensifying the poignant grief and sense of irreparable loss. Many high tributes were paid to the life and worth of Mr. Danielson by the journals of Rhode Island and neighboring States, by the General As- sembly of Rhode Island, by various societies, clubs, etc., as well as personal tributes of friends and dis- tinguished citizens. lt is not within the province of this article to give these; however, brief extracts of some follow: “The spontaneous and unanimous tribute of the General Assembly to his worth as a citizen only voiced the sentiment of the people of Rhode Island, to whom his name was a hotisehold word, and to whom he has for so many years daily sent, not merely the news of the world, but the utterances of reason, philanthropy and religion, whatever was best in current thought or highest in the realm of spiritual hope, promise, or attainment. Mr, Dan- ielson possessed certain characteristics which were patent to evervbody with whom he came in con- tact; his keen sagacity, his grasp of mind, his vigor of will, and his almost ever unerring judgment im- pressed the least capable observer.’—The Prov- idence Journal, March 28, 1884. “The most eminent journalist of our State has departed. Heaven designated him for a journalist. With an acute intellect and sagacious judgment he noted the improvements that were making in jour- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 23 nalism. It was his ambition to avail himself of every agency that promised to expedite the attain- ment of news, and of every invention which facil- itated its publication. “—The Pawtucket Gazette and Chronicle of March 28, 1884. “Is it saying too much to assert that, by the death of Mr. Danielson, the State has lost its most influential citizen? I think not. Partly by virtue of his commanding position as conductor of a jour- nal long recognized as a power in the community, partly because of rare union of innate common- sense qualities with that resolute courage which holds all considerations of self-interest in perpetual subordination, and somewhat doubtless, because joined to a pure patriotic, and lofty aim, there was in him a well defined sense of enjoyment in the possession of power, and a manly.instinct of lead- ership—he had attained to an influence commanding in degree and surprisingly diverse and wide in its relations. I have known him more or less intimate- ly for upwards of thirty years.”’—Hon. -Henry Howard. “¥’cannot leave the altar without expressing re- gret for the death of George W. Danielson. I utter these words of regret, not only for myself, but I speak for the 50,000 Catholics in the diocese. Mr. Danielson was amiong the first to introduce into his paper a department in which the interests and serv- ices of Catholics were especially considered, a fea- ture which all the leading journals have since adopted. He never took any advantage in matters regarding the church or displayed any measures in his dealings with it. Though never personally ac- quainted with Mr. Danielson, I have received many favors from him for myself and for the Church. When the corner-stone of the Cathedral was laid, Mr. Danielson sent the generous contribution of $100. Many other churches have been the recipient of his generosity. He was exceptionally an able man. He was most gentlemanly in the use of his pen, from which no vulgar expression has ever been seen. He was above everything mean, just, as far as he could see, as far as he could be. As a man I hold a deep respect and regard for him, and in his death, the Journal, the city, and even the State sus- tain a great loss.”—Right Rev. Thomas F. Hen- dricken, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rhode Island, March 30, 1884. CHARLES D. MORSE, deceased. In every community there dwells some one man whose in- terests are identical with those of the town, whose philanthropy endears him to all classes, whose gen- iality is so infectious that every man is his friend. Not necessarily wealthy, but with the broad charity that sees in every human being a brother, he finds some way to aid his fellowmen, materially or spir- itually, and he goes on his way modest and unas- suming, hardly cognizant of his own worth. On Feb. 12, 1895, i in Millbury, there entered into rest Charles D. Morse, prominent as a manufac- turer, public-spirited as a citizen, loyal as a friend, loving as a husband and father, honest and upright as aman. When the sad news was heralded about the town each one felt a personal loss in the death of this citizen-friend, and in the days that followed it was more fully realized to what a great extent he had been the leader and counsellor of all. No task had been too great, no service too trifling, to meet with a hearty response from him who had an al- most miraculous way of finding ample time to do many things and to do all things well. Whether for himself or for others, he cheerfully labored with a diligence that masters, and with the care for de- tail that brings success. Charles D. Morse was born in Woodstock, Windham county, Nov. 1, 1827, son of Leonard and Remember Morse, and was educated in the public schools and the academy there. Soon after attaining his majority, he came to Millbury, where he entered the employ of J. Coombs & Co., manu- facturers of sash and blinds, beginning in humble capacity in a shop where now stand the glazing shops of his own immense concern. His industry and application won him favor at the factory, and his economy and right living enabled him to save a Jarge part of his earnings, so that in 1852, when the company was reorganized, he was able to buy an interest, and the new firm of Fullom, Morse & Co. was launched on the sea of prosperity. Later the firm became Armsby & Morse, and so continued until 1871, when Mr. Morse purchased his partner’s interest and the firm name became C. D. Morse & Co., so continuing to the end. On July 24, 1874, the shops were destroyed by fire, but in two months were rebuilt and running. Again in July, 1881, a disas- trous fire partially destroyed them, but they were soon rebuilt and enlarged, with the added facilities of modern improvements. In 1893, a new depart- ment for the manufacture of street cars was added. In 1894 another addition was rendered necessary by the increased business of building cars. About seventy-five men were emploved, and 2,000,000 feet of lumber were used annually. At the time of Mr. Morse’s death, the shops were running full time on contract, and so continued under the management of Charles H. Morse, who had acted as manager for his father. To all this rapidly growing busi- ness Mr. Morse gave his personal supervision, and up to three weeks before his death he was giving it the same attention he had been for nearly two score years. While attending to his own affairs carefully, Mr. Morse early entered public life and always aft- erward took a working interest in all things tend- ing to the progress or well being of his town, coun- ty, State or nation. In 1861 he was a member of a special war committee, appointed May 7 of that year, to provide for the families of enlisted sol- diers. In 1864 he was chairman of the board of selectmen, and through his efforts Millbury sent a fuil quota of soldiers to the front. In the service 24 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD of his town he had filled many offices, elective and appointive, and whatever he attempted was ably done. He did especially difficult work on the board of assessors and board of fire engineers. As a stanch Republican he was active in his party’s work and in the session of the Legislature in 1874 was the representative of his town. For years he served on the town committee, and he was many times sent as a delegate to conventions. In all measures for the advancement of Millbury, he took a keen inter- est. In 1878 when, after a long and heated con- troversy, it was decided to build a new town hall, he became chairman of the building committee. He was a member of the committee that brought about the legislation necessary to compel Worcester properly to treat its sewage before letting it pass into the Blackstone river. After months of hard work, without compensation, the committee was suc- cessful. At the time of his death Mr. Morse was con- nected with inany public institutions. He was, and had been for sixteen vears, president of the Mill- bury National Bank; director in the Millbury Sav- ings Bank: member and ex-president of the Wor- cester Builders’ Exchange; president and founder of the Millbury Business Union; a member of the Millbury Social Union; a member of the Prospect Land Company; a member of the Home Market Club of Boston; a member of the Worcester Board of Trade; a director of the Millbury Water Com- pany; director of the Worcester & Millbury Di- vision, Worcester & Suburban Street Railway; a member of the standing committee of the Society of Mutual Aid in Detecting Thieves, of Millbury; and a member of the Millbury Temperance Union. He had been a leader in the water works scheme, and served as the first president of the Millbury Water Company. Fraternally he was a Mason, and was affiliated with Olive Branch Lodge, A. F. & A. M.; Tyrian Chapter, kK. A. M.; and Worcester County Commandery, K. T.; he also belonged to the Mill- bury Y. M. C. A. In his religious views he was a Congregationalist, holding membership in the Sec- ond Church. His generosity was unstinted, and he assisted many an unfortunate one over the thorns on the path to success. The confidence re- posed in Mr. Morse was never betrayed. To the performance of his duty he brought wisdom and judgment, coupled with rare executive ability, keen perception, indefatigable perseverance and _ persist- ence. Mr. Morse was twice married. His first wife, whom he married May 22, 1855, was Lydia Ann Sawyer, of Millbury, who died Feb. 19, 1863. On Oct. 27, 1864, he married Anna Elizabeth Willard, daughter of Fitzroy and Frances G. (Blake) Will- ard, of Worcester, who survives him. Four chil- dren also survive. (1) Frances Willard, born in Millbury, Dec. 11, 1865, married Dec. 5, 1889, Dr. Jacob Read Lincoln, a leading physician of Mill- burv. and a son of Dr. William H. Lincoln. (2) Charles Henry, born Jan. 5, 1868, continued his fa- ther’s business for some time, and is now general correspondent for the //orcester Telegram. He married, Oct. 24, 1889, Miss Amy Mattoon, of Mill- bury, Mass., and has two children: Robert Mat- toon, born Nov. 23, 1892, and Mildred, born July 16, 1896. (3) Anna Louise, born Aug. 22, 1870, is now librarian of the Free Public Library, .at Youngstown, Ohio, after a service of three years as assistant librarian in the New York Library at Albany. (4) Marv Lincoln, born Jan. 17, 1873, is a director of kindergarten, also treasurer of the Kindergarten Institute of Chicago. A Mr. Morse was the last of a little group of men that made of Millbury a manufacturing center, and he was known the country over. When it became known that the end was near, messages of sympathy poured in from every side, and many tears were shed for the absent wife, who, accompanied by her daughter Mary, was seeking a restoration of her own frail health in the Bermudas, and was unable to reach home until too late to see the beloved hus- band and father in life. True to every trust, con- scious of a duty well done, Charles D. Morse quiet- ly passed away in the “glory of a life well spent.” HON. DAVID GREENSLIT. In every com- munity, large or small, there are a few men, who, by their force of character, are intuitively .recog- nized as leaders—-men, who are successful in their business undertakings, generous and fair in their relations with others, and who warmly advocate all measures for the public well being; men, whose private lives are clean and pure, and whose public virtues give added lustre to their town, county and State. In the town of Hampton, Windham county, there is no one better known than the venerable gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. Possessed of a limited common school education, David Greenslit has, by energy and enterprise, di- rected by sound judgment, acquired a wide knowl- edge of men and affairs, and risen high from “the foot of the ladder” to an honored place in the legis- lative halls of his State, and to a high standing in the financial world. Mr. Greenslit is a grandson of John Greenslit, a farmer and hotel keeper, who re- sided in the south part of Hampton. Five children were born to John Greenslit, as follows: (1) Da- vid, father of our subject; (2) Elijah, a farmer and sheep raiser, who resided in Hampton, and there died; (3) Ebenezer, a farmer in Hampton; (4) Harry. a farmer and local preacher of the Chris- tian Church. who died in Windham; and (5) Mary, who married Hezekiah Hammond, a wealthy and prominent resident of Hampton. David Greenslit, Sr., the father of our subject, was born Feb. 26, 1778, in Hampton. He resided there, engaged at farming his entire life, and died of typhoid fever Oct. 15, 1834. He was a hard- working and highly esteemed and respected man, COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 25 and of strict integrity. Professing the faith of the Christian Church, he endeavored to follow its teach- ings in his daily life, and to live in charity with all men. On Dec. 29, 1803, David Greenslit, Sr., was married to Nancy D. Foster, who was born in Can- terbury, Jan. 29, 1783, a daughter of William Fos- ter, a Revolutionary soldier, of whom our subject has a very distinct recollection. Mrs. Nancy (Fos- ter) Greenslit died July 26, 1853, aged seventy years. She was the mother of nine children, of whom three lived to mature years: (1) Lucius, born April 21, 1806, became a farmer in Hampton, and married Catherine Thom. (2) William F. was born Jan. 25, i813. (3) David is mentioned below. Hon. David Greenslit was born in the town of Hampton June 2, 1817, and received such education as was afforded by the common schools. His sum- mers were spent in assisting his father on the home farm. At the age of sixteen he taught one term of school at Clark’s Corners, but the death of his father and the illness of his brother necessitated his return to the home farm. For two years he as- sumed its management, and then, his brother hav- ing recovered, he realized that the farm had no need for the services of both, and he resolved to secure an education, and fit himself for life’s battles. With a grim determination to accomplish something, he went to Brooklyn Center to take a course in a select school. He was in attendance at this institution but three weeks when he was examined, and hired to teach a school there for one term, at $17 per month and board around—good wages for those times— and was so successful that he was retained for three terms. From there he went to Norwich, Conn., and was employed as a clerk in a grocery store at $12 per month. In this he remained but six months, as he did not like the idea of selling rum, which was a regular commodity in grocery stores in those days. After leaving Norwich, Mr. Greenslit engaged in teaching in the North Bigelow District, in Hamp- ton, for one term, and soon after purchased a farm, and followed the occupation of farmer until 1844, when he was appointed deputy sheriff by Sheriff Septimus Davison, of Brooklyn. This position he held for nine years, when he was appointed by the Legislature to fill the un-expired term of Sheriff Childs (deceased), of Woodstock, and he dis- charged his duties with such marked ability, that he was elected to the same office for two terms (six years). At the close of his term as sheriff, his services were procured by Provost Marshal Brom- ley, at Norwich, as assistant manager and United States Recruiting Agent for a period of two years or more during the Civil war. By this time he was an accepted authority on public questions, and had become so well known that he was, in 1866, chosen State Senator from the Thirteenth District, and be- came chairman of the Senate committee on State Prisons. The same year he was appointed by the Legislature a member of the Board of Equalization for the Thirteenth Senatorial District. In 1878 he was sent to the Connecticut House of Representa- tives, and made chairman of the committee on Pris- ons. He served several years on the Republican State Central committee, and had a wide experience in town, county and State political matters. In town matters Mr. Greenslit was selectman ten years, agent of the town many years, treasurer of the town deposit fund forty-four years, an active member of the board of education forty years or more, and visitor of schools for many years; and occupied many other positions. Mr. Greenslit now is, and has been for about thirty years, a director of the Windham County Bank, formerly at Brooklyn, now at Danielson; and vice-president of Brooklyn Savings Bank, for a number of years. He has for about twenty years been president of the Windham County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and has been the adjuster of all losses for that’ company, for said period of twenty vears, in which capacity he has rendered material assistance in many important cases. ~ Although not a professional man, Mr. Green- slit has given much attention to the study of law, his interests requiring him to be well versed in legal rules and practice. His services have been, and are now, much sought in the settlement of estates, and in kindred affairs, involving great responsi- bility and well balanced judgment. Mr. Green- slit seems to be possessed of a natural le- gal mind. In his management of public and private affairs he has been confronted with legal questions on which he had formed opinions, but had desired advice from a lawyer before acting. On very numerous occasions when he was advised ad- versely to his opinions and ideas, he was so confi- dent that he was right, that he has carried the ques- ticns through court, and has been sustained oft- times in spite of opinions of noted lawyers. His legal knowledge has been entirely acquired in the school of experience, but as he was a close student and observer, he has become extremely well posted. He is careful and slow in making up his mind, but what he undertakes he does with all his might. During Mr. Greenslit’s term of sheriff he met the duties of the office, handled the perplexing legal questions, and conducted the affairs in such a man- ner that he was never the defendant in a law. suit for mismanagement, or mistakes, made liable by such a position. Mr. Greenslit has been sent on sev- eral occasions as an agent, to different parts of the West to look after the holdings for some parties. Several times he had but little information regard- ing same when he started, and he brought back more money than was expected, and the satisfac- tion of his constituents is easily imagined. Some of the estates he has settled were large. On May 26, 1840, David Greenslit was married to Elizabeth, daughter of John Searl, of Brooklyn. Mrs. Greenslit passed away on March 2, 1808, leav- ing desolate the home she had graced for so many years. Their only daughter Charlotte E., the one 26 COMMEMORATIVE RIOGRAPHICAL RECORD precious jewel of a happy home, entered into rest in 1866, at the age of twenty-two. Although past four score years, Mr. Greenslit has an elastic step, a clear mind and a vigorous body, He vet manages his extensive business inter- ests in the prompt, systematic and methodical man- ner that characterized his methods a half century ago. Quiet and unostentatious, he pursues his course. The visitor finds in him a cultured gentle- man, with a vast fund of information, and an en- gaging conversationalist with a kindly wit. His re- ligion is best expressed in that broad charity that finds good in all. Alany of his kind and generous acts have been hidden from the public, and those that did become known, have been told of by the recipient. Mr. Greenslit is very public-spirited and philanthropic, and, well-remembering the kindness shown him when he was in adversity, has found many occasions when he has, in turn, assisted the worthy. He has ever been a strict temperance man, and no man could hand down to posterity a clean- er and better record as a useful man, and one whose influence has always been for good. He is the last of a number of prominent men which Hampton has produced. In past years he has wielded a very pow- erful influence in town and county matters. He has ever had the good interests of Hampton at heart, and was ever watchful that the affairs of the town were properly managed. Liberal and_ public-spir- ited, he is Hampton's foremost citizen, and as an acquaintance once remarked, ‘When David Green- slit goes, there is none to take his place.” GEN. NATHANIEL LYON, soldier, and brigadier-general of volunteers in the Civil war, 1861-65, was born July 14, 1818, in the town of Ashford, Windham Co., Conn., a son of Amasa and Keziah (Kuowlton) Lyon, and on both paternal and maternal sides descended from honorable line- age. From a brave and patriotic ancestry, the Knowlton brothers, Lieut. Daniel and Col. Thomas, of Revolutionary fame and conspicuous in the earlier Colonial wars, were his kinsmen, Daniel Knowlton being his grandfather and Thomas Knowlton his grand uncle. Both were residents of Ashford. The General's grandfather, Ephraim Ly- on, was a soldier of the Revolution and afterward became a successful farmer and lawyer in Ashford, Conn. Amasa Lyon, the General’s father, was a -substantial farmer of Ashford. The school teachers of General [von in his boyhood recalled and testified to the amiable and generous qualities, which even then made him a general favorite, and to his early proficiency, which gave abundant promise of success and honor for the inan. When very young he formed the plan of going to West Point, and from that time worked with steady and unfaltering purpose. General Lyon was graduated in 1841 at the Uni- ted States Military Academy and was assigned to the 2d Infantry, and served in the Seminole war. He was engaged in the Siege of Vera Cruz. He was promoted a Ist lieutenant while on the march to Mexico, and commanded his company through- out the subsequent campaign. He was breveted captain for gallantry at Contreras and Churubusco. He was wounded in the assault on the City of Mex- ico, at the Belan Gate. On the close of the Mexican war, Lieut. Lyon was ordered to California and in 1850 conducted a successful expedition against the Indians of Clear Lake and Russian River in North California. He was promoted captain June 11, 1851, and in 1853 returned with his regiment to the East. He was sent to Fort Riley in 1854. Previously he had been a Democrat, but on hearing the debates over the Kansas and Nebraska Bill his sympathies were en- listed in behalf of the negro. In the height of the contest for possession of Kansas he manifested sym- pathy with the Free-State party and gave it his aid and support. Subsequently Capt. Lyon was ordered to the Dakota frontier, but not long thereafter, in 1859, he was again on duty in Kansas. He was with Gen. William S. Harney in December, 1860, at the time the Governor of Missouri sent a brigade of militia to co-operate with the national troops in ar- resting James Montgomery. In February, 1861, Captain Lyon was ordered to St. Louis and was soon in close accord with Francis P. Blair, Jr., and the Unionist leaders. He had the entire charge of the arsenal, arms and stores in April, 1861. Before the bombardment of Fort Snider he had strength- ened the fortifications and mounted heavy siege guns and mortars that commanded the city and its river approaches. He became commander of the department, was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, May 17, 1861, was appointed to com- mand a brigade of German troops and relieved Gen- eral Harney of the command of the Department of the West. Gen. Lyon was killed at the battle of Wilson's Creek, Mo., his horse was shot from under him and he himself was wounded, but soon on an- other he dashed to the front and was shot through the breast, expiring almost instantly, August 9, 1861, ‘ JOHN WESLEY SUMNER (deceased). In contemplating the record of a life complete, it is difficult in a brief sketch to point out the salient events and characteristics that marked and con- trolled the whole. Especially is this true when we have been in daily contact with the man, and so by fainiliarity with his habits and his virtues, overlook and underestimate the possessor. In every com- munity, large or smali, there are a few men who by their force of character are intuitively recognized as leaders, en who are successful in their business undertakings, generous and fair in their relations with others, and who perceive and warmly advocate those measures which insure the public well being. In the town of Bolton there was no name better COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 27 known than that of John Wesley Sumner, who was a distinguished representative of an honored family. For two centuries in Bolton, Tolland county, have lived the direct line of his Sumner ancestors. Through Rev. Henry Peterson, Reuben, William, Clement, William (2) and William (1) he traces his lineage to (1) Roger Sumner, of Bicester, Ox- fordshire, England, who married Nov. 2, 1601, Joane Franklin, and died Dec. 3, 1608. Their only child was (11) Wiliam Sumner, born at Bicester in 1605, who married Oct. 22, 1625, Mary West. In 1636, he came to Dorchester, Mass. He was selectman for more than twenty vears, and was deputy to the General Court in 1058-G6-70-72-78-81-83-86. His wife died June 7, 1676, and he on Dec. 9, 1688. They were the parents of six children: Williain, Joane, Rogers, George, Samuel and Increase. (f1T) William Sumner (2), son of William, was born at Bicester, and married Elizabeth, daughter of Augustine Clement, of Dorchester, Mass. He was a mariner, and moved to Boston, where he died in February, 1675. His wife died before 1687. (IV) Clement Sumner, the next youngest in a family of ten children, was born at Boston Sept. 6, 1671, and married May 18, 1698, Margaret Harris. He lived at Boston. * (V) William Sumner, the eldest of seven chil- dren, born March 18, 1699, at Boston, Mass., mar- ried Oct. 11, 1721, Hannah, daughter of Thomas Hunt, of Lebanon, Conn. He was a physician and lived at Hebron, Conn. In 1767 he moved to Clare- mont, N. H., where he died March 4, 1778. His widow passed away April 2, 1781. (VI) Reuben Sumner, the third of nine chil- dren, was born at Hebron, Conn., May 29, 1727, and married March 6, 1754, at Hebron, Elizabeth Mack. He died April 2, 1807, and she on July Io, 1805. iy Il) Rev. Henry Peterson Sumner, a Method- ist preacher, the ninth in a family of eleven children, was born June Io, 1773, and married Oct. 11, 1796, Jerusha, daughter of Solomon Perrin, of Hebron, Conn. She died Feb. 4, 1798, and he married (sec- ond) Sept. 11, 1798, Mary S., daughter of Timothy Goslee, of Glastonbury, Conn. He died Jan. 18, 1838, and his widow died at Bolton, Conn., July , 1875. : ( vi IIT) John Wesley Sumner, the eighth in a family of twelve children, was born at Hebron, Conn., Sept. 16, 1812. He resided at Bolton, of which town he was a representative in 1877-78. On Nov. 23, 1836, he married Mary, daughter of George Gleason. She was born Jan. 12, 1814, and still survives. To them were born three sons and two daughters: (1) Henry Peterson, born at Hebron, Jan. 25, 1838, died at Bolton, Aug. 29, 1873. (2) Mary Elizabeth, born May 23, 1839, died May 23, 1839. (3) George Gleason was born Jan. 14, 1841, in Hebron, Conn. (4) Ella Mary, born at Canton, Conn., April 24, 1848, married Feb. 8, 1871, Jabez L. White, of Bolton, and died Oct. 6, 1876. (5) Frank Chester, born at Canton, Conn., June 8, 1850, received his education at the public schools of Bolton, Conn., and the Hartford high school. At the age of seventeen years he entered the employ of the Hartford Trust Co., as messenger, and rose by degrees until reaching his present re- sponsible position, that of secretary and treasurer. He is a director of the State prison, of the Pratt & Whitney Co., and of the Gray Telephone Pay Sta- tion; a trustee of the Mechanics Savings Bank; and has served as a jury commissioner; was a member of the board of health twelve years, up to 1900; and is now upon the Bridge commission. On June 17, 1896, he was married to Mary L., daughter of George S. and Adelaide L. (Catlin) Catlin, and a granddaughter of Hon. George S. Catlin. Under date of Feb. 8, 1892, the Hartford Times says: “Mr. John W. Sumner, a well known citi- zen of the State, died at his home in Bolton, this morning, in the eightieth year of his age. Mr. Sumner had enjoyed exceptional health always, un- til about three years since, when it became impaired by heart trouble. Three weeks ago he was attacked very severely with the grip, resulting in his death. Mr. Sumner was cast in an unusually rugged mould, mentally and bodily. He was clearsighted and posi- tive in his ideas of right action, and in the advocacy of them as well, as in all relations of life he scarce- ly knew the feeling of fear. He was active and ef- fective in the affairs of his town and section, and in politics. He represented Bolton in the Legisla- ture in 1876. He will be missed in the community where he lived.” At the funeral of Mr. Sumner, Rev. Luther H. Barber, former pastor of the Congregational Church at Bolton, gave the following summing up of his life: ‘Mr. John W. Sumner had lived to fill up a full and useful life. His life covered a period of almost four-score years, a life longer than but few, compared to the whole, are permitted to spend here. The vears of his life have been eventful ones in the history of our country. His birth was in 1812, in the year of the last war with Great Britain, and what scenes our country has passed through since that time! In the passing events during Mr. Summer's life he has taken a deep and lively inter- est. He has occupied a prominent position in this community through a period of some forty years or more. The regard in which he has been held by his feliow townsmen is shown in the responsible posi- tions of public trust in which he has been placed by them. From all we have known and learned of him we believe you who have known him would testify he had been faithfui to trusts committed to him, that he has endeavored to act conscientiously in all matters intrusted to him. Were I to speak of the marked characteristics in our deceased friend, among these I should mention: “First, his earnest convictions. Descending as he did from those who were possessed of the Puri- 28 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD tan principles of character, we should have expected to find in him such fixedness of opinion that when his mind was once made up, in any direction, it would not be an easy matter to turn him from it. He meant there should be just grounds for his opinions, and, once formed, he would adhere to them. What he was one day, he was found to be the next. “Second, he was one who might be called a wise counselor. I doubt whether there was a man in this town whose counsel was sought by so many as was his. Holding the office of magistrate as he did, it was natural his advice should be sought many times, but beyond and outside of this many took counsel with him. When those came to him with griev- ances such that they were inclined to resort to the civil law for redress, he would do all he could to dissuade from this, and use all his influence to have their grievances settled in some other way; and just here, in this connection, we might speak of him as a peace-maker. “Third, he was a peace-maker. When there came up that which tended to mar the peace be- tween neighbors, instead of saying or doing any- thing to widen the breach, he would do what he could to bring the parties together. Sometimes, when troubles arose between members of the same family, and aggrieved ones came to him, he would counsel for those things making peace, and many tintes his counsel, ‘Re at peace among yourselves,’ was so followed that harmony was restored when otherwise lasting alienation would have been the result. “Fourth, he was emphatically a lover of good or- der. He would frown upon anything and every- thing that tended to destroy this or work against it. He carnestly desired to see propriety of con- duct on the part of the young. He seemed greatly interested in the welfare of the young. He would have them take such courses as to render them valu- able and useful members of society. He would have them avoid associates and places from which there would be danger, their morals would be corrupted or in any way suffer. Rarely do we find one in advanced life more interested in the young than he was, and he wanted they should be prepared to act well their part in life. “rifth, he had great kindness of heart. You who have known him longest and best have known him as-a kind neighbor. Those kind, neighborly acts, which do so much to render neighborhoods what they should be, he was ready and wont to per- form. Who, when they wanted some kind and neighborly act done, was not likely to think of Mr. Sumner, and who went to him for a favor who did not expect to get it, if in his power to grant it? When he knew there was want in a family, where poverty had entered, he would bestow unasked re- lief. How many of the poor and hungry have had food and shelter under his hospitable roof! I doubt if he ever turned a poor tramp away without food, when he asked for it, or shelter, when it was evi- dent he needed it. Has it not been true in the com- munity, when some poor waytarer has sought a shelter on some cold, stormy night, when he had called at our dwellings for shelter he has been di- rected to Mr. Sumner with a feeling that he would be sure to care for him? When I speak of the kindness of heart of our departed friend I feel sure you will all agree with me. But, may I not here, in this presence, speak of his kindness as manifested to me and mine? When I came to be the pastor of the people thirteen years ago last June, coming up the hill east of us, Mr. Summer was in his field just by the wail. As J halted for a moment, Mr. Sumner said, ‘l have always been the friend of the minister and I shall always be your friend, as long as you are minister here.’ That promise he re- deemed all along in the eleven years of my minis- try here, and it has not failed since I have been from you. In multitudes of instances have the kind acts of this friend been manifested to me and mine. I think of him to-day as I was wont to meet him in his home and elsewhere, the warm, kind grasp of his hand [ seem to feel. I think of him as he was wont to sit in the seat just down there. I think of him as the attentive listener, never drowsy—hearing every word uttered.” GEORGE GLEASON SUMNER attended the district schools of his native town until fourteen years of age, and was then sent to the Bartlett high school, at New London. After studying there a year and a half, he became teacher of the district school in Andover, after which he went to Williston Sem- inary, there to fit himself for a college course. Ill health, however, caused him to relinquish his plans for securing a university education, and the next four years he spent upon the farm in Bolton, work- ing in the suinmer time and teaching in the winter. During this period he was town clerk for three years. probate clerk, and acting school visitor. In 18604 Mr. Sumner began the study of law with Hon. David S. Calhoun, in Manchester, afterward remov- ing to Hartford, and entering the law office of Waldo & Hyde, and in 1866, he was admitted to the Bar. In 1867 he was elected a representative from the town of Bolton to the General Assembly. The same year he removed his residence to Hartford, and in 1868 was elected an alderman from the Fifth ward, and served four years. He was city attorney for one term, associate judge of the city court, po- lice commissioner for three years, and recorder of the city court for four years. In 1873-74 he was chairman of the Democratic State Central Commit- tee. In 1877 he was a candidate for the State Sen- ate from the First District, and received a certifi- cate of election, but was compelled to relinquish the position after a contest. In 1878 Mr. Sumner was elected mayor of Hartford. In 1883 he was elected lieutenant governor of the State. In 1887-88, he served as State Senator from the First district. In October, 1870, Mr. Sumner married Julia E., COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 29 daughter of Hon. David Gallup, of Plainfield, and two children came of this union: William Gallup, born Dec. 5, 1871, who died in January, 1873; and Ella Gallup, born in March, 1875, who died young. Mrs. Sumner was called from earth March 2, 1875. HON. CHARLES PHELPS, of Rockville, Tolland county, a lawyer of prominence, the first Attorney General of Connecticut, and ex-Secretary of State, is of a sturdy ancestry, whose emigration to the rockbound coast of New England reaches back to within a decade of the landing of the Pil- grim Fathers. George Phelps, son of William, of Tewkesbury, England, born about 1605, emigrated to New Eng- land with his brother William and family in 1630. He came from Dorchester, Mass., to Windsor, Conn., probably with the first company in the fall of 1635. He married (first) at Windsor, in 1637, Phillury, daughter of Philip Randall.’ She died in 1648, and he married (second) Widow Frances Dewey. [n about 1670 he moved to Westfield, Mass. He died in 1687. Charles Phelps, of Rockville, is a descendant in the eighth generation from George Phelps, the line of his descent being through Jacob, Benjamin, Ben- jamin (2), Benjamin (3), Levi and Rev. Benjamin C. Phelps. (II) Jacob Phelps, son of George, born in 1649, in Windsor, married, in 1672, Dorothy Ingersoll, and settled in Westtield, Mass., where he died in 1689. (III) Benjamin Phelps, son of Jacob, born in 1683, in Westfield, married (first), in 1708, De- borah Temple, who died in 1719. He first settled in Lebanon, Conn., and in 1710 removed to Mans- field, Conn., where he died in 1731. (IV) Benjamin Phelps (2), son of Benjamin, born in 1718, in Mansfield, Conn., married in 1747 Ruth Horton. Mr. Phelps resided in Mansfeld, Conn., Westfield, Mass., and Somers, Conn., where he died in 1781. (V}) Benjamin Phelps (3), son of Benjamin (2), born in 1750, in Mansfield, married (first) Sarah Cook, of Andover, Conn., settled in, Somers, Conn., and lived to an advanced age. He was for a long time a justice of the peace. In 1818 he was a delegate from Somers to the convention that adopted the Constitution of Connecticut. (VI) Levi Phelps, son of Benjamin (3), born in 1786, in Somers, Conn., married in 1809, Fanny, daughter of Joseph Hall. Mr. Phelps settled at Sand Lake, N. Y., where he was in business with his father. Later in life he resided in Wethersfield, Conn., with his son, Benjamin C. He lived to the ripe old age of eighty-four years. (VII) Rev. Benjamin C. Phelps, son of Levi, and the father of Hon. Charles Phelps, of Rockville, was born Dec. 4, 1810, at Sand Lake, N. Y., and on June 18, 1838. was married to Sarah Parker Humphrey, of Pelham, Mass., daughter of a farm- er. She was a native of Littleton, Mass., and when twelve years of age went to Northfield, Mass., to live in the family of Mr. Moody, the latter an uncle of the noted Dwight L. Moody. To this marriage came children as follows: (1) George N., born Sept. 12, 1839, at Warehouse Point, Conn., was graduated from Wesleyan College in 1864, was in the chemical manufacturing business for a time in New York, and is now living retired at the old homestead at Vernon. He is married. (2) Sarah E., born Dec. 23, 1840, at Warehouse Point, Conn., married Prof. A. Williams, of Brown University, Providence, R. I., and died Nov. 15, 1891, in Leip- sic, Germany, where she was buried. She left two children, Alonzo Roger (who is of the eighth gen- eration in lineal descent from Roger Williams) and Helen Sarah. (3) John H., born July 16, 1842, at Mystic, Conn., enlisted at the first call for soldiers in the Civil war, in the r4th U. S. Regulars, and served three years; he was wounded at Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg. He is now a resi- dent of Wethersfield, Conn., is married and has one daughter. (4) Mary B., born Aug. 29, 1844, at Thompson, Conn., died at Stafford, Conn., Feb. 24, 1876. She became the wife of Edwin S. Wolcott, and left two daughters, May E. and Gertrude. (5) Henry E., born Aug. 17, 1846, at Brooklyn, Conn., is a resident of Hartford, where for eighteen years he has been connected with the postal service. He is married and has one daughter; a son, Charles P., died at the age of twenty years. (6) William, born Nov. 2, 1848, at Manchester, Conn., died in 1849, at East Hartford. (7) Charles is referred to far- ther on. Rev. Benjamin C. Phelps was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his active minis- terial life covered a period of nearly forty years— from 1833 to 1871. During the greater part of this time he was in Connecticut. Among his appoint- ments were the churches at South Hadley, Ludlow, and Chicopee, Mass., and Franklin, Mystic, Tol- land, Warehouse Point, Manchester, East Hart- ford and Vernon, Conn. In 1836-37 he was mis- sionary to whalemen in the South Atlantic and In- dian Oceans, and from 1859 to 1869 he was chap- lain at the Connecticut State Prison. Rev. Mr. Phelps died Oct. 1, 1896, and his widow, who was born Oct. 23, 1812, passed away the same week; the aged couple were buried at Rockville. Rev. Mr. Phelps was a stanch Republican, attended elections always, and also the caucuses, but never aspired to office. Charles Phelps, son of the late Rev. Benjamin C. Phelps, was born Aug. I0, 1852, in that section of East Hartford known as Hockanum. When five years of age his parents removed to Wethersfield, and in the north brick school house of that town he received his first schooling, his first teacher being a Miss Andrews; another of his early teachers there was a Miss. Woodward. He next attended a pri- vate school in Wethersfield conducted by Miss Sarah 30 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Woodhouse, and later the East Greenwich Acad- emy, subsequently entering Wesleyan College, at Middletown, from which he was graduated in 1875. During his last year in college he pursued studies which Jed up to the law. In college he was a mem- ber of the Psi Upsilon Fraternity. He studied law under the direction of the present Judge Benezet N. Bill, of Rockville, and was admitted to the Bar in Tolland county in 1877. Since that year, with the exception of a year’s practice at Tolland after his admission, Mr. Phelps has been a resident and prac- titioner of Rockville, save when absent in his pub- lic official relations. He has been engaged in the conduct of some of the most important causes that have come up in court since his appearance at the Bar. He followed to a successful termination the Utah Copper Belt Mining Claim suits, and the suit of J. J. Regan against the New York & New Eng- Jand Railroad Company, in which he won the largest verdict granted by a Tolland court in twenty years. Among the cases in which he has successfully fig- ured may be mentioned the celebrated Gleason case, and the Winderman litigation, in which latter he represented Jordan Marsh & Co. In 1902, while serving as Attorney-General of the State, he repre- seuted and won for the State before the United States Supreme Court, the noted case of Connect- icut vs. the Travelers Insurance Company, of Hart- ford, conducting and arguing this case alone. Mr. Phelps, through his force and ability, hav- ing received thorough early training, has come to the front among the lawyers and public men of the State. His public career has been somewhat varied, and most clean and successful. Ror years he has represented Tolland county on the State Board of Examiners of applicants for admission to the Bar, having received his appointment from the judges of the Superior and Supreme Courts. He has served as county coroner since the creation of that office in 1883, and was city attorney from the organization of Rockville as a municipality to 1891. He was prosecuting attorney from 1890 to 1896. In 1885 he was sent to the General Assembly from Vernon and mace a good record, serving as a member of the Judiciary committee and as chairman of the Contested Elections committee. In 1892 he was elected to the State Senate, representing the Twen- ty-third district, was chairman of the Insurance committee, and there became one of the leaders of his party, being one of the only two lawyers of his party in that body, which was at that time evenly divided between the two parties. In November, 1896, Mr. Phelps was elected Secretary of the State, and served the people of Connecticut in the able and efficient manner that had previously characterized his official relations. His term of office as secretary of State expired on Jan. 4, 1899, at which time he was Attorney-General elect, and he was the first in- cumbent of that office. Mr. Phelps was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1902, represent- ing the town of Vernon. As previously noted his great-grandfather, Benjamin Phelps, was a member of the First Constitutional convention in 1818, rep- resenting the town of Somers, Conn. In his politi- cal affiliations Mr. Phelps has always been a Repub- lican. Mr. Phelps is a genial and social gentleman, widely and popularly known throughout the State. Socially he is a member of the Psi Upsilon Club, of New York, and is identified with the I. O. O. F., holding membership in Rising Star Lodge, No. 49, at Rockville, and Midian Encampment, at Hartford. He is a director of the Rockville National Bank. On Oct. 10, 1881, Mr. Phelps was married to Leila Loomis, daughter of Judge Benezet H. Bill, of Rockville, and a niece of Judge Dwight Loomis. Mrs. Phelps died Sept. 30, 1888, and on March 28, 1g00, Mr. Phelps was again married, his second wife being Miss Flsie Edith Sykes, daughter of George Sykes, president of the Hockanum Company at Rockville. HON. THOMAS O. ELLIOTT, whose long Civil war service and political achievements have proved him an able advocate of human liberties, has inherited his assertive powers through a long line of ancestors. Anciently the numerous Elliott (sometimes spelled Eliot and Elet) family on the borders of England and Scotland were notable fighters; their crest was a right arm with dart in hand ahout to be thrown, the Latin motto underneath signifying “There is no need of a bow to throw this dart ;’ in other words “I need no assistance. I am thoroughly competent to take care of myself.” (1) Francis Elliott, an ancestor of the Wind- ham county Elliotts, and his brother Thomas, un- doubted scions of this ancient stock, appear as mar- iners in the vicinity of Salem, Mass., about 1686. That they were industrious and thrifty is evident from their possessions. Thomas, who died childless in 1695, left to his widow and his brother a large estate, including coined money, several pounds worth of plate, and other valuables. Francis owned several farms in the towns joining Salem. He was a highly respected Christian, and was elected deacon in his church in 1653. On June 6, 1686, he married Abigail Nichols, daughter of John Nichols. (11) Thomas Elliott, fourth son of Francis, mar- ried July 20, 1723, Lucy Flint, daughter of John and Elizabeth Flint, and resided in Middleton, Essex Co., Mass. Of this union there were three sons: Francis, born Feb. 14, 1724, who married May 26, 1749, Phebe Bary (or Bury) ; Thomas; and Joseph. In 1749 Mr. Elliott purchased a large tract along the French river, in Thompson parish, Conn., gave a farm to each of his two married sons, Francis and Joseph, and moved with them to that region. He was prominent in social functions, and his name appears in society records as “Old Mr. Elliott.” (III) Joseph Elliott, son of Thomas, born in 1729, lived through the stirring times preceding the Revolutionary struggle, for which he gave his COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 31 life. When about twenty years old he settled on the farm which his father gave him, in Thompson parish, Conn., now occupied by Elliott Shumway, and there he spent the rest of his life. Possessing to a marked degree the self-reliant Elliott spirit, he was a man bound to come to the front in public af- fairs. When the question of laying out regular school districts was agitated in Thompson, he was the spokesman, and he took a strong hand with the committee in the accomplishment of that work. For many years he belonged to the Seventh Company, Eleventh Connecticut Regiment, was made its en- sign in 1761, and in 1775, when it came to actual ‘war, its captain. After the Lexington alarm, he with his company was placed at the head of the reginient on its march to Cambridge; and as this place by courtesy and custom belonged to a man of the town of Thompson instead of the parish, Capt. Elliott in receiving it was especially honored. Soon after an eleven days service, he was mustered in Captain of the Killingly Company, of the Connec- ticut Third, Putnam’s famous body guard in the Cambridge engagement. With many of his regi- ment, Capt. Elliott served in the battle of Bunker Hill, where, for his valor, he was asked to perform the hazardous task of covering the retreat after the ammunition was exhausted. The excessive exer- tion, however, required in the performance of this deed, threw him into a fever, from which he never recovered. He died Aug. 12, 1775. In 1749, shortly after he settled in Thompson parish, he married Jerusha Bary, a sister of Mrs. Francis Elliott. Mrs. Joseph Elliott died March 15, 1815. By her Mr. Elliott had nine children, the first three being married as follows: Rachel, born in 1751, to David Converse; Roger, born Feb. 18, 1752, to Betsey Prince; and Jerusha, born Jan. 20, 1754, to Alpheus Converse. Joseph, born Jan. 19, 1755, died voung, and Thomas is mentioned below. Sarah, born May 9, 1761, was married to Capt. William Dwight; and Samuel, born July 4, 1762, married Esther Holmes. Keziah was born June 3, 1764. David was born in 1766. (IV) Thomas Elliott, grandfather of Hon. Thomas O., born 4n Thompson, May 20, 1757, was a farmer in that town throughout his mature life. He was a man of ability and marked social powers. For a number of years he served in a mili- tary company organized near New York, of which Pain Converse was lieutenant. He was keenly inter- ested in all good work and was a member of the Congregational Church. His death occurred in Thompson in 1843, in his eighty-fifth year. He was married thrice. His first wife, Sarah Holmes, of Pomfret, died Aug. 6, 1792, and his second wife, ‘Chloe Bates, daughter of Issachar Bates, in 1815. By his first marriage there were four children: Aaron, born June 2, 1782, who married Betsey Car- roll, and lived in West Thompson; Lucy, born Jan. ‘9, 1785, who died Jan. 9, 1802; Ebenezer H., born April 1, 7787. who married Esther Clough, and after her death, Harriet Kelly; Elijah, born Feb. 15, 1789, who married Molly Clough and settled in the West. By his second wife Mr. Elliott had five children: Thomas, born in 1793, who married Polly Jacobs, and after her death, Polly Dexter, and re- sided in Thompson; Issachar, who died in 1815; Sarah Holmes, who married S. E. Tefft; Chloe, married to Richard Chappell, of New London; Ira, mentioned below. By his third marriage, to Mrs. Eleanor Fiske, there were no children. (V) Ira Elliott, a man of considerable attain- ments, who was never reluctant to take the initia- tive in any public work, was born in Thompson, Conn., in February, 1805. In the public schools of his town and in Dudley Academy, at Dudley, Mass., he acquired a sufficiently thorough education to start him in the various pursuits of life. Possessed, however, of a proper respect for agriculture, he re- turned to the home place, where he was at first as- sistant manager; after the death of his father he carried on the place alone for several years. In early manhood he married Elizabeth Scott, of Thompson, who died in young womanhood, soon after the birth of her only child, Reuben S., who was born March 28, 1826. Mr. Elliott afterward married Susannah Osgood, who was born in Pom- fret, April 28, 1811, daughter of William and Per- sis (Hyde) Osgood; she died April 5, 1879. Of this tion there were five children. (1) Susan E., born Aug. 24, 1838, now a resident of Pawtucket, R. I., married Jan. 8, 1862, George E. Young, a carpenter, and they have had three children, Freddie E., deceased, Alice E. and Evelyn M. (2) Maria L., born Aug. 18, 1840, now a resident of Marengo, Iil., married Jan. 8, 1862, Charles Averill, and they have ten children: Ida; Edward, who married Miss ‘Emeley, and lives in Wisner, Neb.; Annie, who married Sylvester Emeley, and also lives in Wisner ; Charles: William; Frederick, who served in the Spanish-American war; Mary, deceased; Maud; Howard; and Grace, deceased. (3) Thomas O. is mentioned later. (4) Catherine C., born Nov. 3, 1849, married April 6, 1882, Charles Martin, a mer- chant, now deceased, and they had two children, Clara E. and Abbie S. (5) Clarence S., a grocer at Neponset, Mass., born Dec. 9, 1859, married (first) Amelia Horton, and (second) Mrs. May Harvey. Wise management of the homestead and frugal- ity finally enabled Mr. Elliott to enlarge his agri- cultural business ; in the spring of 1852 he purchased of his father-in-law, William Osgood, the magni- ficent 230 acre farm, in Pomfret, now owned by his son, Thomas ©. There as an exceedingly well-to-do farmer he spent the rest of his life. In 1860 he erected the house which is now intact. He died Nov. 7, 1871. in his sixty-seventh year, and he is buried at Abington. Mr. Elliott was widely known as a public-spir- ited man. In getting the railroad through the town of Pomfret he brought such a strong influence to bear, even giving land for the right of way and for a station in that town, that the Railway Company .32 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD named a place along their line, Elliott Station, in his honor. He belonged to the State Militia. Re- ligiously he was a member and regular attendant of the Congregational Church at Abington, and in politics affiliated first with the Whig and later with the Republican party. The prosperity which he enjoyed through life was largely due to his ex- cellent business Judgment and to his unlimited ca- pacity for work. (V1) Hon. Thomas O. Elliott, born in Thomp- son, Conn., July 26, 1842, when about ten years old moved with his parents to Pomfret, where he has since made his home. Beginning school at Thompson, continuing at Pomfret, and finishing, at the age of sixteen, in a select school at Abington taught by college students, he acquired a thorough fundamental education, after which he assisted his father for three years on the farm. Then the guns were fired upon Fort Sumter, and Sept. 12, 1861, he enlisted in Windham cuunty, Co. K, 7th C. V. L, for three years’ service in the Civil war. His com- pany was commanded by Capt. Jerome Tourtellotte, of Putnam: and his regiment was in charge of Col. Alfred Terry, and Lieut. Col. Joseph R. Hawley, who succeeded Col. Terry, Jan. 20, 1862, and who is now United States Senator from Connecticut. This regiment went South in the Port Royal expe- dition, and, being one of the few armed with the effective Spencer breech-loading rifles, was especial- ly singled out through the war for hard fights. After the capture of the forts near Port Royal, S. C., it was sent ashore and assigned to garrison duty. ater it fought in the seven months’ siege of Fort Pulaski, upon the surrender of which it again did garrison duty. In 1863, after fighting at James Island and Pocotaligo, it went in Bran- nan’s expedition to Fernandina, Fla., where it was stationed until April. Then it returned North, and from Morris Island, courageously did its best— though unsuccessfully—to help force Charleston into a surrender, four companies, including Co. K, leading the charge on Fort Wagner. Out of the 180 men in these four companies, I11 were killed. Its next battlefield was Florida again. There, in Febru- ary, 1864, it fought nobly in the disastrous battle of Olustee, where the Union forces lost thirty-eight per cent of their men. In the following April it was sent to Virginia, and there, in Terry’s division, Tenth Corps of the Army of the James, fought in the battles of Drury’s Bluff, Deep Run, and Derby- town road, in skirmishes near Bermuda Hundred, and Deep Bottom, and finally in the battles at Cold Harbor, and the siege of Petersburg. With the ex- ception of five months spent in the hospital at Hilton Head, Mr. Elliott remained with his regiment throughout its service. His absence was the result of a broken leg, received by a shot in the ankle, July 11, 1863, during the heavy charge on Fort Wagner, near Charleston. After returning to his regiment, however, being unable to march, he was detailed exclusively to driving the ambulance wag- on. During the siege of Petersburg his term of enlistment expired, and he, with his regiment was mustered out at New Haven. About a year later, Dec. 7, 1865, he married Mary L. Averill, of Pomfret, who was born Nov. 17, 1842, daughter of Lewis and Hannah (Burton) Averill. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott had four children. Hannah A., born Sept. 29, 1868, now a resident of Pomfret, mar- ried April 8, 1891, Edward Peal, and they have one child, John E., who was born Feb. 17, 1892. lary, born Feb. 20, 1870, died March 10, 1870. Robert T., born June 16, 1874, graduated from the Putnam high school in 1893, and from Amherst College in 1897, and is now a teacher. His engagements have been in the Latin and Greek departments of the West Jersey Academy, at Bridgeton, N. J., (1897- gg), and later, in the Latin and English departments of the Burkeley School at New London, where he still remains. As a college student he was exceed- ingly popular, being a member of the Delta Upsilon Society, and captain of the track team. Like most of the Elhott family he is a Republican in politics. Joseph H., born June 21, 1877, who assists his fa- ther at home, is a member of the Republican town committee, is serving as representative in the State Legislature this year (1903), and is master of Wolf Den Grange. For the first six years after his marriage Mr. Elliott assisted in the management of the home farm. Then, upon the death of his father, he pur- chased the other heirs’ interests in this large place, and has since carried it on by himself with success. Another profitable business which he has engaged in for some time is lumbering. As a disabled sol- dicr he deservedly draws a pension. The social status of Mr. Elliott and his fam- ily is very high in Pomfret. He is a member of A. G. Warner Post, No. 54, G. A. R., at Putnam; and as a charter member of the Wolf Den Grange, No. 61, of Pomfret, he has served as master. Of this lodge his wife is also a member. In local poli- tics he has been exceedingly active. Besides hold- ing many minor town offices he has represented Pomfret in the State Legislature four times, in 1881 and 1882, in succession, again in 1891, the year of the obstinate deadlock, and finally in 1893, serving with marked efficiency. In I901 he was elected on the Independent ticket as a representative to the constitutional convention for 1902. The hon- ors bestowed upon him have been the merited result of a forceful character, broad culture and marked integrity. : TALCOTT. The family bearing this name in New England is one whose history reaches back in Colonial days to within only a little more than a de- cade of the coming of the Pilgrim Fathers them- selves, and among its numerous representatives have been many men and women conspicuous in the so- cial, religious and business life of our country. It is designed here, however, to treat briefly of that branch of the family only whose members have linked its name so indelibly with the great manu- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 33 facturing interests of the vicinity of Hartford and Rockville, and who, through their force of char- acter, strong personalities and liberality, have made their influence for good felt in the community which has so long borne their name—Talcottville. Chief among these, of the deceased, were the Talcott Brothers, Horace Wells and Charles Denison. In the southwest corner of the town of Vernon, Tolland county, ten miles east of Hartford, on the line of the New England railway, lies tne village of Talcottville. Here a valuable water-power on the ‘Tankeroosen, near its entry into the Hockanum, was brought into use early in the nineteenth century. John Warburton, a millwright by trade, came from England to America in 1792. Just ten years later, in company with Daniel Fuller, of Bolton, Conn., he purchased the privilege of which he became sole owner in 1804. From lack of means he progressed slowly in bringing it into use. Having at length put into operation two small mills and a woolen card on a separate fall about forty rods below, and built two brick houses, he sold the entire property in De- cember. 1809, for $10,200 to Irad Fuller, Lebbeus P. Tinker, Alexander \f{cLean and Francis McLean, all of Vernon. They developed the enterprise to such a degree that just after the close of the second war with Great Britain, when the country was suf- fering from severe financial depression, Thomas Bull, of Hartford, in July, 1816, bought their entire interests for $18,000. After operating the mill for five vears, he sold to various parties 125-14oths of the plant. Henry Hudson, by purchase at different dates, became sole owner in January, 1833, when he in turn sold the property to the brothers George and Nathaniel Kellogg, George having bought the wool- carding mill in 18:6. For the next twenty years the village was known as Kelloggsville. The pur- chasers put in new machinery and pushed the manu- facture of satinets. with which they were already familiar. In 1835, on the site of the old cotton fac- tory a new mill, 90x34 feet, and three stories high, was built. Meanwhile Nathaniel O. Kellogg had become sole proprietor. He conducted the business with marked success until he passed away May 13, 1854, in the fifty-ninth year of his age. The executors of his estate now entrusted the management of the factory to the brothers, Horace Wells Talcott and Charles Denison Talcott, who had been intimately associated with Mr. Kellogg for a number of years in the conduct of the enterprise. In July. 1856, they bought the property for $20,090, formed the firm since known as Talcott Brothers, and later changed the namie of the village to Talcott- ville. With vigor, foresight and success the new owncrs continued to pursue the policy with which they had been identified as agents and employes. Little ocevrred for the next thirteen years to disturb the onward flow of prosperity. Then two calami- ties fell spon the enterprise in quick succession. On Sept. 20, 1869, the lower mill was burned to the ground, and on the 4th of the following month, a 3 destructive flood having carried away a dam half a mile above, brought down a flood which also swept ort the dam and part of the mill at the upper privil- ege. The firm now rebuilt on a new location about midway between the former sites, and so re-arranged the trench as to use at this point the entire fall of twenty-one feet. The structure with subsequent ad- ditions consists of a central part 160x34 feet, three stories high, flanked by two extensions of two stor- ies each, one &o feet, and the other go feet in length, with a picker room of 40 feet, giving a total front- age of 370 feet. New machinery embracing the latest 1mprovements was introduced at the same time. In the main the mill produces union Cassi- meres, and employs about one hundred hands. The Talcott family of Connecticut, including the Vernon branch, sprang from John, the emigrant an- cestor, who was born in Braintree, County of Essex, England, was married there to Dorothy, daughter of Mark Mott, and came in the ship “Lion” in 1632 with others of Rev. Thomas Hooker's company to Newtown, now Cambridge, Mass. Mr. Talcott, in 16360, moved to Hartford, having the previous year sent forward a carpenter to build a house for him, This was one of the first houses built in Harttord, and stood on the corner where the church made famous by the preaching of Rev. Horace Bushnell, D. D., was afterward erected. John Talcott was the grandfather of Joseph Talcott, governor of Con- necticut from 1724 until 1741, and the first governor born on the soil of the Colony. John, the emigrant, was deputy to the General Court. continuously from its formation tiil 1654, when he was chosen assist- ant and also treasurer of the Colony. Both in pub- lic and private aftairs his descendants have borne a conspicucus and honorable part during the Colonial period and onward. From this immigrant ancestor, John Talcott, the lineage of the late Horace Wells and Charles Deni- son Talcott was through Capt. Samuel, Deacon Ben- jamin, Benjamin (2), Deacon Benjamin (3), Deacon Elijah and Elijah Talcott (2). (II) Capt. Samuel Talcott was born probably in Newtown about 1634-35, married Hannah Holy- oke, Nov. 7, 1661, and was settled by his father in Wethersfield. A graduate of Harvard in the class ot 1658, he was a cultured and useful citizen, and took a prominent part in public affairs. (IIL) Deacon Benjamin Talcott, son of Capt. Samuel, was borm in Wethersfield, March 1, 1674, was married to Sarah Hollister, Jan. 5, 1699, and settled the year of his marriage in Glastonbury, where he died in 1727. (IV) Benjamin Talcott (2), son of Deacon Benjamin, was born on June 27, 1702, and Aug. 26, 1724. was married to Esther, daughter of John Ly- man, of Northampton, Mass. They were farming people, and fived on land inherited from his father in Bolton, Conn. There he died in 1785. (V) Deacon Benjamin Talcott (3), son of Ben- jamin (2), was horn in Bolton June 10, 1725, and 34 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD March 15, 1753, was married to Elizabetn, daughter of John Lyman, of Coventry. Farming was Deacon Talcott’s life occupation, and he settled on land given him by his father near the quarry, where he died in 1811, (VI) Deacon Elijah Talcott, son of Deacon Benjamin (3), was born June 22, 1755, in Bolton, and on Nov. 17, 1779, married Rebecca, daughter of Nathaniel Olmsted; she died in 180r. In 1803, he was again married, this time to Wealthy, a daughter of David Strong, of Columbia. He died in Bolton in 1826, leaving his family in very comfort- able circumstances. (VII) Elijah Talcott, son of Deacon Elijah, was born May 5, 1784, and was married May 25, 1813, to Anna, daughter of Nathaniel Hubbard, who died Feb. 24, 1814, and the same year he was married to Florilla Hubbard. Mr. Talcott was a farmer, and a very successful school teacher. He led a long and useful life. and died Sept. 13, 1859. His children were: Martha, Elijah Hart, Florilla M., Horace Wells, Charles Denison, George S., Lyman P.. Wealthy A., Martha J., Emerette Rebecca. Horace WELLS AND CHARLES DENISON TAL- cotT, sons of Elijah, were born in Manchester, Conn., June 10, 1821, and Sept. 11, 1823, respect- ively. Horace Wells Talcott entered the Kellogg mill referred to in the foregoing in April, 1838, and step by step acquired thorough mastery of all the details of the manufacturing department of which he had full charge several years before he became a pur- chaser. He died June 16, 1871, having spent two- thirds of an eminently busy and useful life in the care and development of this property. Charles Denison Talcott received a common school education in his native town, and remained at home helping his parents and teaching school until twenty-seven years of age. He entered the Kellogg mill in 1850, and, after becoming familiar with the manufacturing department, it having been found that he had superior mercantile endowments, was transferred to the office. From the death of Mr. Kellogg he had charge of the finances and corre- spondence, and his brother of the manufacturing in- terests until 1856, when the firm of Talcott Broth- ers took the property from the heirs. At this time he threw his whole soul into the business, and did much tu make it an assured success. When his brother Horace died in 1871, much responsibility was thrown upon him, and his faithful performance of every task and duty made a record almost un- equalled in the history of the manufacturing inter- ests of the State. Quick in thought, prompt in con- clusions, and a man of much self-reliance, he was singularly powerful in execution, and the amount of business he could accomplish within a brief period was almost incredible. Plain and outspoken in his speech, there were times he towered above common men like a mighty rock. His career is a noble illus- tration of high moral and Christian character as a fructifying agent of life, and power in the business world. He was a deacon in the Congregational Church at Talcottville, and as an exemplary Chris- tian, he inclined to what is termed the Old School in his theology. He was exceedingly powerful in prayer and conference meetings. He was a temper- ance man, both by precept and example. Believing strongly in the sanctity of the Sabbath, he felt that people in his service should neither work nor play on that day, but should wait on God in His house. From the beginning of the firm he had been its mercantile member, and his keen business sense and intuitive judgment had often guided its affairs.suc- cessfully through troubled waters. The reconstruc- tion of the mills in 1869 consequent on their prac- tical destruction by fire and flood, that year, was very largely done under his direction, and the thorough- ness of the work attested his skiil and foresight. He survived his brother thirteen years, and died July 17, 1882. Epithets of praise or blame can be easily multiplied and are often misplaced. These men may best be judged by what they did, for be- tween them during life there existed close unanimity of sympathy and aim, and they left behind an in- fluence for good which has broadened with the pass- ing years. In 1866, for the use of the village and vicinity, at a cost of over $30,000, they built a brick church for the Congregational denomination. It seats easily about 450. Under the same roof are parlors for meetings of the ladies and an ample lecture-room. A part of the lower floor is used for the office of the company. In church and Sunday-school, both brothers were ardent workers. In r88o the firm built a brick school house suffi- ciently large to meet all local needs and sufficiently ornate to make it attractive. Charles D. projected a public library, but died before its completion. The firm at its own expense carried out the plans fully. Like the other buildings for general use, it is of brick and designed to unite utility with artistic effects. Its shelves now contain about 1,600 vol- umes. Thus, out of a moderate business, the pro- prietors have from time to time erected at their ex- clusive expense, at a cost of about $45,000, a church, a school house, and a library, and have given them to the public. By inheritance and conviction the brothers were Puritans, unsparing of themselves and uncompromising in the pursuit of what they be- lieved to be a duty. It was their steadfast aim to make the little community a model of sobriety, thrift and morality. No intoxicants were allowed to be sold on the premises. Men whose habits or ex- ample were likely to prove injurious to others could not find employment here. “These brothers were of one mind and heart, and during their fifteen years of labor together, by their harmony of plans and their exhausting exer- tions, and their careful management, and the favor- ing smile of God, accomplished what few men are permitted to achieve. In the consecration to such an COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 35 extent of the fruits of their labors to the interest of religion here, increasing the sanctuary and support- ing the means of grace, these two brothers were al- ways agreed.” ©f Deacon Horace Wells Talcott one has writ- ten: “He was everybody’s friend, was not hasty in judgment, took time for reflection in respect to almost everything that engaged his atten- tion, was almost always serene, while his resolution and will to do his part made him a man of wonder- ful energy and perseverance. He was chosen deacon of Vernon Centre Church Oct. 31, 1848, when only ‘twenty-seven years of age, and for several years stood at the head of the Centre Sunday-school, and in the organization of the Sunday-school at Talcott- ville was without a dissenting voice placed at its head, and he remained until he died.” __. The following references to Deacon Horace Wells Talcott are extracts from the sermon preached at his funeral: “Deacon Talcott was in very many respects a remarkable man, a remarkable Christian. As a Sabbath-school superintendent he had few equals and still fewer superiors. He was the chil- ‘dren’s man, understanding them, winning their love and confidence, while he had a singular power for their spiritual good over the youth of mature years. ‘The school under his guidance was deeply interested in its pursuits and largely prosperous. As superin- tendent of the Sabbath-school he was completely master of the situation, yet never making many words and never resorting to anything strange and out of the way to accomplish his end.” “Deacon Talcott, by his consistent Christian life, his deep Christian sympathy, his large liberality— giving to the objects of benevolence according to his abilitvy—his singular prudence and gentleness as a peace maker, and his eminent power in prayer, was peculiarly fitted in the estimation of every body, inside and outside the church, to serve his Master in the office to which his brethren called him. In this office he served continually for twenty-three years, almost one-half of his life on earth, and as a «deacon was loved and honored by the pastors and churches throughout the county.” . “Deacon Talcott was a remarkable man among the sick. He sympathized with them so deevly, did so many things for their comfort, and pointed them so surely to the cross of Jesus for succor. He al- ways knew what to say to the sick, the dying, and the mourner. and what he said came from his heart filled with’ the love of the Savior and the Holy ‘Ghost. In his business he was a great worker, was severely just and honorable, and presented an integ- rity of character that was ever above suspicion, that -was never called in question. His success in busi- ‘ness never made him proud, never made him over- ‘bearing, never spoiled him as a humble true man and Christian.” On Oct. 9, 1842, Horace Wells Talcott, was amarried to Jane M., daughter of Albert Gardner and Tacy (Greene), and to them were born: Rosa J., now the widow of Samuel A. Talcott; and Horace G. ms, fd Charles Denison Talcott was married May 7, 1851, to Harriet, a daughter of Col. Francis and Roxey (McKinney) McLean, of Vernon. She died ‘Sept. 25, 1874; and Nov. 15, 1876, he was married to H. Maria, daughter of Isaac D. Freeman, of Mansfield, Conn. To this second union was born a ‘son, Charles Denison. Intermarried with the Talcotts, and related to them, are many of the old families of Connecticut, among them the Freeman and Turner families. Edmund Freeman, the grandfather of Mrs. Charles D. Talcott, inherited the old homestead in Mans- field, where his life was spent. He owned some three hundred acres of land, and, besides being a thorough farmer, was a practical surveyor, and de- voted considerable time to this work. An active man in local politics, he represented his. fown three times in the General Assembly, and his district in the State Senate one term. With his wife he be- longed to the Congregational Church,:. where their interest was known. and. noted.in.the town. For forty years he led the choir. Isaac D. Freeman, his son, and the father of Mrs. Talcott, was born in Mansfield, where he acquired a very good education. In 1835 he married Amanda J. Turner, who was born in 1811, and died Sept. 10, 1880. She was a daughter of Jesse and Sally (Agard) Turner, and a granddaughter of Elijah Turner. Mr. Freeman was much esteemed in the community where his life was mainly spent, and was known as “Young Squire Freeman,” to distinguish him from his fa- ther, who was called “Squire Freeman.” He rep- resented his town in the General Assembly two terms, and held several local positions. To him were born the following children: (1) Edmund, born in 1838, married Lydia Aurelia Noble, of Will- ington, by whom he had two children, who died in infancy, and three who lived to years of maturity. He died June 10, 1900. (2) H. Maria married Charles D. Talcott. Mrs. Talcott’s great-grandfa- ther, Elijah Turner, was born Oct. 28, 1754, and died in 1826. He married Hannah Dimmick (born in 1756, died in 1831), and their children were: Rachel, Achsah, Elijah, Jesse, Rufus and Huldah. Jesse Turner, the grandfather of Mrs. Talcott, mar- ried Sally Agard, and had the following children: Vilura; Achsah: Amanda Jane, the mother of Mrs. Talcott, who was born Dec. 22, 1811, and died Sept. 10, 1880. With the exception of small legacies to collateral members of the family, the entire property is owned by the heirs of the two Talcott brothers. To the present representatives of the family have descended the firm name, management, traditions and policy with few changes, except, perhaps, that the latter generation has been more tolerant toward the frail- ties of the erring. Like the fathers, the present managers are closely identified with the financial, educational and religious movements of the vicinity. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD As one of the fruits of local influences they have seen many boys and girls go out from the village to fill with credit important positions in a wider sphere. On an eminence overlooking the village and the vailey to the westward, Horace W. and Charles D., built two homes, which in exact resemblance to each other typify the strong fraternal bonds which united them. Here dwell their families in an Arcadia of peace, plenty and happiness, near to and vet remote from the turmoil of a world of strife. On the death of Charles D. Talcott, the charge of the Mills fell on Horace Gardner Talcott, son of Horace Wells Talcott, who was well aualified from the experience gained while assisting his uncle dur- ing a period of thirteen years, to manage the busi- ness on account of the heirs of the two brothers. The firm interests have remained unchanged to the present time. The personnel of the management is as follows: Horace G. Talcott, the general man- ager, has the aid af Morris H. Talcott, associate general manager; John G. Talcott, grandson of Horace W.; and Lyman P. Talcott, the youngest brother of Horace W. and C. D. Talcott, who has charge of the farm belonging to the mill. Con- nected with the various departments of the mills are many who have long been in the service of the firm, and are counted among its oldest and most trust- worthy employes. There are few, if anv, manufac- turing villages in New England that may with reason more truly be called a model manufacturing village than Talcottville. Hon. Horace G. Tarcorr, son of the late Horace Wells Talcott, was born Nov. 14, 1847, in Vernon, Conn., and is the type of a citizen to main- tain for the name of Talcott the same high standard set by his father, uncles, etc. On his maternal side he is a descendant of the Gardners, Greenes, and Hardings, all of whom are old New England famil- ies of repute. and a representative of the last named family, Capt. Stephen Harding, served with honor in the Revolutionary war. Horace G. Talcott received his elementary and high school education in Rockville. In 1867 he was graduated from vhillips Academy at Andover, Mass., then under the administration of Dr. S. Tav- lor, and for a time he was connected with the class of 1871, at Yale, but ill-health compelled him to abandon his college work, and take up an active business life. At his father’s death in 1871, he be- came the superintendent of the mill, and on the death of his uncle in 1882, he came into the general man- agement of the business. By his unwearied indus- try, energy and ability, Mr. Talcott has carried the business forward successfully, and made it to-day one of the prominent mills of New England, engaged in making woolens and union cassimeres. Faithful to the morals of the family, Mr. Taleott has suc- ceeded his uncle as superintendent of the Sunday- school, is a director of the Connecticut Home Mis- sionary Society, is a member of the National So- ciety in that work, and is president of the Tolland County Foreign Missionary Society. His sym- pathies are large and his impulses generous. In his. political views Mr. Talcott isa Republican, and he represented \'ernon in the General Assembly of 1895, where he served on the Banking committee. As a director in the First National Bank of Rock- ville, of the National Machine Co. of Hartford, also trustee of various funds, his name is familiar in commercial and financial circles. Hon. Samuet A. Tatcott (deceased) was in his. lifetime a worthy representative of the Talcott fam- ily, being descended from John Talcott, the emigrant, through Capt. Samuel, Deacon Benjamin, Capt. Samuel, Gad and Samuel Talcott. Samuel A. Talcott was born Aug. 30, 1838, at Gilead, in the town of Hebron, a son of Samuel and Asenath (Morgan) Talcott. His education was ob-- tained in the Monson ( Mass.) Academy, and in the New Britain Normal School. For a time he was oc- cupied in teaching, and then engaged in mercantile business in Hartford. On the death of his mother. he returned to the old homestead, and from 1871 to the time of his death in 1899, he was the post- master at Talcottville, where he was also associated with ‘the Talcott Brothers, having charge of the company store, and being otherwise interested in the firm's affairs. In his religion he was devoted member of the Congregational Church, and from Jan. 2, 1887, was a deacon of the church. In 1866 he was elected as a Republican to represent the town of Hebron in the State Legislature. Mr. Talcott was married Oct. 1, 1871, to Rosa J.. the only daughter of Horace Wells Talcott, and to them were born two children: John G., born Jan. 27, 1873. mention of whom is made later; and Ruth M.. born Aug. 28. 1880. Mr. Talcott, like all the others of that name, was an honored and useful member of the community. Fle was a man of public spirit. and intensely interested in everything that promis to improve the moral and intellectual conditions cf tlie community. JoHN G, Tarcorr, the only son of Hon. Samuel A and Rosa J. (Talcott) Talcott, as well as the only grandson of Horace Wells Talcott, is of the third generation that has been connected with the firm of Talcott Gros. He was born Jan. 27, 1873, at Tal- cottville, where he was reared and first atten led school. He fitted for college at the Collins Stre:t Classical School in Hartford, attending under Rov. Marcellas Bowen, Prof. Chas. C. Stearns, and Dr. Lewis F. Reid; entered Yale and graduated with honors in the class of 1895. Following gradution he spent one year at Talcottville, getting practic7l knowledge of the mill business, preparatory te eii- tering the Philadelphia Textile School, where he was the recipient of the first year prize. He left tne Philadelphia Textile School after one year, and re- turned to Taleottville, where at once he took a pron-- inent part in the affairs of Talcott Bros., with whe- management he has ever since been closely iden*’- ‘fied. He succeeded his father as postmaster at T3i- Ah > << ‘\ AX ~ SK SAK ~ \ KK WAC . XA SAK ABRRAAR}R . CS CAKK — CAC < < AK A COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 37 ‘cottville, being appointed postmaster April 1, 1899, anl has since served. A Republican in politics, he however, takes only a voter’s interest, not seeking honors. He is a member of the Congregational Church, in which work he takes no little interest, an | at present is clerk of the church. He is regarded as one of the superior young men of his town, and a credit to even such honorable ancestors as are his. Most competent in business affairs and skilled in mechanical lines, he is a valuable adjunct to Talcott Bros. His high moral character, exemplary habits and excellent influence render him valuable to the community, Morris Hatnaway TaLcort, at the present time assistant manager of Talcott Brothers, was born in Monroe county, N. Y., in 1853, a son of Elijah Hart Talcott, who was born in Manchester, Conn., April 10, 1817, and died Nov. 11, 1866. In early life Elijah H. Talcott was employed in the Kellogg Mills, and in 1847, removed himself and family to Monroe county, N. Y., where he purchased a farm of one hundred acres, and there he spent his last years. As a farmer he was quite successful, and died leaving his family a very fair estate. In political views he was a stanch Republican, and was a liberal and broad minded man. In his religious convictions he took strong ground in the Presby- terian Church, and while in New York was very | active in the affairs of that communion. Mr. Tal- cott was married (first) April 27, 1841, to Ninetta West; (second) May 27, 1852, to Clarissa Hath- away, the mother of Morris H.; and (third) to Elizabeth Hitchcock. He was the father of the fol- lowing children: Samuel H.; Mary N., who died young; Elijah H., born in 1847, who married Sarah A. Linkletter, and on her death, Phoebe Alvord; Alfred W., who died young; and Morris Hathaway. Morris Hathaway Talcott came to Vernon in 1869, to make his home in the family of his uncle, Horace W., who was his guardian, as both his par- ents were clead. his schooling, though he attended Williston Acad- emy, Easthampton, Mass., for a short time. On the death of his uncle he entered the office as assistant bookkeeper, and very soon came into the entire charge of the books. From time to time he assumed additional responsibilities, until for some years he has been the assistant manager. Mr. Talcott was married Apri] 16, 1878, to Alice Louisa, daughter of George W. and Harriet Jerusha (Gear) Sparks, for many years farming people at Hebron. The Sparks family came from Scotland, and has given some of the best citizens it has had to this part of the State. Lucy (Parker) Sparks, grandmother of Mrs. Talcott, was a daughter of Ephraiun Parker, a native of Mansfield, who came into Vernon in 1822. In early life he was a gold- smith, and on coming to Vernon engaged in farm- ing, keeping for a time a hotel and teaching singing school. He died in 1835, and was the father of ten children. Mr. and Mrs. Talcott were the parents of In Talcottville he had the most of | the following family: (1) Louis Hart, born March 27, 1879, graduated as the valedictorian of his class from the Rockville high school in 1898, was a mem- ber of Yale class of 1902, and is now learning the manufacturing part of the business. (2) Morris Gardner, born July 20, 1880, graduated as saluta- torian from the Rockville high school, and took a course at Yale with the class of 1902, and is now taking post-graduate course in the same University. (3) Faith Harriet, born Jan. 1, 1882, graduated from the Rockville high school as valedictorian in 1goo, and attends Wellesley as a member of the class of 1904. 4 Mr. Talcott is a stanch Republican, and takes an active interest in the affairs of his community, es- pecially as regards its educational interests and activities, for the past dozen years serving on the board of education. The family are all members of the Talcottville Congregational Church, and on the death of Samuel A. Talcott, Mr. Talcott was made a deacon, and is still serving in the position. In 1868 he united with the church, and has always been an active worker in its various organizations. Mr. Talcott is in the ninth generation of his family on American soil, and takes a justifiable pride in his ancestral history. Few can show a clearer line of honest and indus- trious people than this Talcott family, many of whom have been men of note, and all thoroughly up- right and respectable. It is one of enlightenment and progress, its members all having been men and women of intelligent lives, large views and strong moral sense. The present wearers of the name feel the obligation of duty and honor, and are walking in the footsteps of their progenitors. RICHARD HALE ROSE, who, in his lifetime, whether in the fields as an agriculturist, in the leg- islative halls as a representative of the people, or in the home as a loving husband and father, proved himself worthy of all honor and respect, was de- scended from long lines of honorable ancestry. (1) Josiah Rose, an early progenitor of the fam- ily in paternal lines, was the father of five sons, all of whom became eminent physicians and orna- ments to the medical profession. (II) Dr. Samuel Rose, one of these five sons of Josiah, was born March 17, 1748, in Coventry, in what is now Tolland county, where he was reared to manhood, and where, Dec. 30, 1773, he was mar- ried to Elizabeth, daughter of Deacon Richard Hale, and sister of Capt. Nathan Hale, the hero and mar- tyr of the Revolution. Dr. Rose practiced in his native town, and died while still a young man. His widow afterward became the wife of a Dr. Taylor. Dr. Rose and his wife were the parents of the fol- lowing familv: Nathan Hale; Joseph, who mar- ried Millie Sweetland; Fannie, who married San- ford Hunt, their son becoming Governor of New York, (TIT) Nathan Hale Rose, son of Dr. Samuel, 38 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD was born Nov. 18, 1776, and was reared in Cov- entry, where he engaged in farming, owning two hundred acres, and he exercised a large influence in the social, religious and political life of the com- munity. In 1802 he was appointed lieutenant; in 1807 he was made lieutenant-colonel by Governor Trumbull; and in 1811 he was named as major by Gov. Roger Griswold. A man of much judgment and character, he held many offices of trust and responsibility in the town. On Dec. 9, 1830, he was chosen a deacon of the First Congregational Church of Coventry; Jan. 31, 1849, his son, Richard H., was named for a similar position in the same church, and also became deacon of the consolidated (First and Village) churches, Jan. 17, 1869. It has been said of these men, “that they were not only of the first families, but of the very first fam- ilies of the town.”” Nathan Hale Rose married for his. first wife, Eunice, daughter of Deacon Talcott, of North Coventry. For his second wife he wedded Mrs. Lydia F. Perkins, of Lisbon, by whom he had the following children: Samuel, who married Abi- gail Kellogg, and lived and died in Rockville; Levi Perkins, who married Ann R. Manning, and died at the age of thirty in Coventry; Richard Hale, the gentleman whose name begins this article; and Lucy, who married William. Dorman, of Coventry, by whom she had two children, Lydia, deceased, and Joseph, living in Brooklyn, New York. : _. (IV) Richard Hale Rose, son of Nathan Hale Rose, was born.in Coventry, Feb. 3, 1812, and he died April 17, 1878. He grew up on his father’s farm, and in time became a farmer. Endowed by nature with unusual strength of mind and charac- ter, much of his knowledge was the result of ob- servation and study through a long and useful life, and he was able to make his influence strongly felt in the community in which he lived. His earlier political associations were with the Whig party, but on the disintegration of that organization he be- came a Republican, and was actively interested in all movements to promote the public welfare. He was a representative in the General Assembly, and he served one term in the State Senate. In. local aftairs he was county commissioner two. ternis, judge of probate, selectman and town clerk. It may be said of him that the honors of senator and rep- resentative were secured by him without his spending a single penny for political favors. The old home- stead of two hundred acres had come to him, . but for some years prior to his death his home had been made on the Royal Manning place, which was origin- ally owned by Dr. Frederick Rose, who built the house now standing. ‘Mr. Rose was active in church affairs, and long served as deacon, his peaceful and beautiful life well illustrating the faith that ruled his heart. Mr. Rose was twice married. On Oct. 28, 1839, he married Mary Amelia Dimock. He married, second, Sept. 12, 1849, Sarah Manning, daughter of Royal and Sally (Rose) Manning, and grand- daughter of Dr. Frederick Rose, one of the five sons of Josiah who became physicians. Mrs. Sarah (Manning) Rose still survives, retaining her facul- ties to a remarkable degree. To Richard Hale Rose. and his wife, Mary Amelia Dimock, were born two children: Richard Dimock, now deceased; and Mary Sophia, also deceased. By his marriage with Sarah Manning, Mr. Rose became the father of: Frederick Perkins, who died at twenty-seven years of age; Royal Manning, who is unmarried, and now engaged in the cultivation of the home farm; and Fanny Hale. The Mannings, to which family Mrs. Rose be- longs, have long been established in this country. (1) William Manning, of Cambridge, Mass., is on record as early as 1638. The Christian name of his wife was Susanna. (11), William Manning (2) was born in 1614, and died in Cambridge, in 1691; his wife Dorothy died 1692, at the age of eighty years. (IIL) Samuel Manning, son of William (2), born July 21, 1644, married April 13, 1664, Eliza- beth Stearns, daughter of Isaac Stearns. On her death he was married May 6, 1673, to Abiah Wright. (IV) Samuel Manning (2), the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Manning, removed from Billerica, where his father had settled, to Cambridge about 1692, going from there to Windham, Conn., where his wife Deborah died Aug. 8, 1727, and where he passed away Feb. 20, 1755. In 1714 he had pur- chased 240 acres of land-between Merricks and Beaver Brook. (V) Samuel Manning (3) son of Samuel (2), was born in Billerica, Jan. 14, 1691, married Irene Ripley, daughter of Joshua Ripley, and both hus- band and wife died in 1727, he on June 3, and she on Jan..20th. oar (V1) Hezekiah Manning, son of Samuel (3), was born Aug. 8, 1721, and Sept. 22, 1745, he was married to Mary Webb. (VII) Calvin Manning, son of Hezekiah, was. born May 4, 1746, and married Sept. 22, 1774, Ly- dia Robertson.. They became the parents of Royal Manning, father of Mrs. Rose. (VIII) Royal Manning lived where Mrs. Rose now resides, and there he kept hotel, and had a gen- eral store across the street. A thrifty and ener- getic man, he attained a substantial success. The Green in front of his home was used.as a training ground in the old militia days. At his death he was seventy years old. On March 21, 1820, Royal Man- ning was married to Sally Rose, daughter of Dr. Frederick Rose, and their children were: Sarah, born June 14, 1821, who became Mrs. Richard Hale Rose; Eliza, who died young; Charlotte G., de- ceased; Frederick R., who married first Fannie Arnold, and second, Sarah Atwater; Mary Jane, the wife of Van R. Bennett, of Coventry; Frances A., who married James P. Foster, and is now deceased ; Emily R., deceased; Lydia Meacham, who died COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 39 when four years old; and Augusta M., Hartford, C onnecticut. Dr. Frederick Rose, father of Mrs. Royal Man- ning, was twice married. His first wife, Sarah Post, who died in Coventry, was a member of the Hebron family of that name, whose ancestor came from England to Saybrook at the first opening of that settlement. Their children were: John and Josiah, who never married; Sally, born in January, 1795, who was the mother of Mrs. Richard Hale Rose; Eunice, the wife of James P. Foster, of Hart- ford: and Joseph, who died young. Dr. Rose es- poused for his second wife Mrs. Elizabeth Lathrop. The Hale family was early planted on American soil. (I) Robert Hale came from Kent, England, to Charlestown, Mass., in 1632, and was one of those set off from the Church in Boston to form the First Church of Charlestown, of which he was a deacon. He was a blacksmith by trade, and was appointed by the General Court as a surveyor of the New Plantation. He died July 19, 1659. The Christian name of his wife was Jane. living in (II) Rev. John Hale, son of Robert, was born June 3, 1636, and was graduated from Harvard in. 1657, becoming the first minister at Beverly, Mass. Sarah Noyes, of Newberry, Mass., was his second wife: (111) Samuel Hale, son of Rev. John, was born Aug. 13, 1687, married Apphia Moody, lived in Newburvport, Mass., and died in Portsmouth, about 1724. (IV) Deacon Richard Hale, son of Samuel, was born in Newburyport, Feb. 28, 1717. He was mar- ried May 27, 1746, to Elizabeth Strong, who was born Feb. 2, 1728, and was a descendant in the fifth generation. form Elder John Strong, who came to the Colony of Massachusetts Bay in 1630, and in 1659 was of Northampton. Deacon Hale was a farmer of Coventry, and was a man of sterling worth, sound principles and marked industry. He served as a deacon in the church, a justice of the peace, and was sent to the General Assembly sev- eral terms. His death occurred June 1, 1802. His wife, who died Aprii 21, 1767, was a lady of high moral worth and of strong Puritan faith, and out of such a home as theirs it was fitting that Nathan Hale should come. (V) Elizabeth Hale, daughter of Deacon Rich- ard, and sister of Capt. Nathan Hale, the martyr spy of the Revolution, was born Jan. 1, 1753, and Dec. 30, 1773, she became the bride of Dr. Samuel Rose, who was a surgeon in the Continental army in the war of the Revolution. HON. EDGAR MORRIS WARNER, lawyer and former judge of the city court of Putnam, a substantial man himself, comes through several lines from a sturdy New England ancestry of the Co- lovial period and of the first comers to the old and historic county of Windham. Born June 16, 1850, in Worcester, Mass., Judge Joseph, Mo., unmarried; Adaline E., Warner is a son of Earl and Adaline (Lester) Warner, and on his paternal side is a descendant in the seventh generation from Andrew Warner, through Isaac, Ichabod, John, Ichabod (2), and Earl Warner. (I) Andrew Warner, the American ancestor of the family, is of record at Cambridge, Mass., in 1632, and was admitted a freeman of the colony, May 14, 1634. He removed to Hartford with the body of original proprietors of that town, and thence with a new wife, Esther, widow of Thomas Selden, - to Hadley, Mass., in the first settling of that point. - Mr. Warner died Dec. 18, 1684, aged nearly ninety- three years and his widow, Esther, died in 1693. ° His nine children, all born to a former marriage, ' were’ Andrew, Robert, Jacob, Daniel, Isaac, Ruth, ' a daughter whose name is not given, Mary and. John. Of these Andrew and Robert died in Mid-° dletown, Conn., and John also resided in that town, (II) Isaac Warner, born about 1645, married, May 31, 1666, Sarah, daughter of Robert Boltwood. In about 1686 Mr. Warner removed from Hadley ; to Northfield, and thence to Deerfield, where he died ' in 1601. His widow married in 1696 Deacon John Loomis, of Windsor, Conn. Mr. Warner’s four- teen children were: Sarah, Isaac, Mary, Andrew (settled at Saybrook), Hannah, Ebenezer, Daniel, . Samuel, Ruth, Mercy, Ichabod, Lydia, Thankful, and Mehitable. (III) Ichabod Warner, born about 1687, mar-' ried, March 15, 1712, Mary Metcalf, and seems to have lived in Lebanon, where the births of his chil- dren are recorded. The names and dates of birth: of his children are: Ichabod, Dec. 10, 1712; Dan-' iel, July 10, 1714; Isaac, Jan. 4, 1717; Ebenezer, March 20, 1719; Nathaniel, Feb. 18, 1722; Timo-' thy, Dec. 21, 1724; Samuel, Aug. 21, 1726; Mary: and Hannah (twins), Sept. 13, 1730; Ruth, Oct.! 17. 1732; and John, May 22, 1734. An Ichabod Warner, of Lebanon, bought land in Windham of. James Babcock, June 29, 1721, and there is re+ corded in Windham the death of Mary Warner (wife), April 26, 1747, and of Ensign Ichabod Warner, Jan. 18, 1767; there is likewise filed the in- ventory of Ichabod Warner, March 23, 1767; also a record of the deaths of children of Ichabod and Mary Warner, viz: Mary, died Jan. 29, 1747; Sam- uel, June 21, 1747; and Hannah, Sept. 28, 1750. (IV) John Warner, born May 22, 1734, mar- ried, Feb. 28, 1762, Priscilla Wood. The inventory of John Warner was recorded Jan. 2, 1775. (V) Ichabod Warner married Hannah Collins. (VI) Earl Warner married first, Harriet Gil- bert and second, Adaline Lester. His children by. the second marriage were: Earl, of New London, who married Hattie Champlin, and had two chil-: dren, Jewell and Harry; Louis B. Warner, of St. of Norwich, unmarried; Frances 1.., widow of George A. Rob- inson, now assistant librarian of Otis Library, Nor-' wich, Conn., whose children are: Juliet W. and 40 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Frank T.; and Edgar M., the subject of this re- view. By the first marriage there was a daughter, Juliet, who married Edmond Perkins, now deceased ; her own death occurred at Norwich. They had two children, Robert and Donald G. (VII) Edgar Morris Warner, son of Earl, at- tended the common schools of the neighborhood in which his youth was passed, and the Bartlett high school, at New London, Conn. He taught school for several years and also sold books for a time, and for some two years clerked in a store at New Lon- don. He had a taste for the law and began its study in the office of Judge Hiram Willey, of New London, with whom he remained a couple of years, when for a time he again taught school to aid in the furtherance of his legal studies. Subsequently he entered the office of Hon. George Pratt, a lead- ing lawyer of Norwich, Conn., and with him con- tinued his law studies until June, 1871. He then entered Harvard Law School, from which insti- tution he was graduated in June, 1872, after which he was in Mr. George Pratt’s law office in Norwich. He was admitted to the Bar in New London county in September of that year and began the practice of the law at Norwich, remaining there for three years, then removing to Central Village, Plainfield, Conn. In 1885, ten years later, he opened an office in Putnam, his present place of residence, removing thither in 1887. During the decade between 1875 and 1885 it may be remarked that Mr. Warner passed one year, 1881-82, at Littleton, N. H., but the climate not agreeing with him he returned to Connecticut. Mr. Warner was clerk of the Connecticut Gen- eral Assembly in 1877-78-79, and clerk of the Sen- ate in 1880. He represented the town of Putnam in the Legislature of 1895, and although serving his first term as a legislator, was a prominent candidate for speaker. However, he withdrew in favor of Samuel Fessenden. He served as chairman of the committee on Incorporations, and his legislative rec- ord was one of distinguished value. Early in the session he became prominent by introducing the res- olutions, which were promptly passed, protesting against the course of the national administration to- ward Hawaii. He assisted in securing an appro- priation of $50,000 for a State Reformatory, ob- tained the legal adoption of the State ‘‘three-vine flag” upon petition of the Daughters of the Amer- ican Revolution, and introduced a resolution to buy the “Wolf Den,” made famous by Gen. Israel Put- nam. He also favored the bill removing the ap- pointment of the prosecuting attorneys from the county commissioner, defended the rights of West Hartford water consumers and initiated the move- ment to have no flag but the American ever raised on the Capitol or any other public buildings. One of his chief achievements was the passage of the Law and Order League bill. He also conducted the bill giving certain powers to the reorganization committee of the New England Railroad, secured the appropriation for the Day-Kimball Hospital, located at Putnam, and was a valiant supporter of the Good Roads bill and the Anti-Pool bill. He originated the idea of regulating the Italian padrone system. Mr. Warner was frequently called to the chair during the absence of the speaker and in his capacity as presiding officer gave a fitting address of welcome upon the occasion of the visit of Gov. William McKinley, of Ohio. Yet perhaps the great- est service ever rendered to the public by Judge Warner occurred in 1895-96, during the prosecu- tion of the Putnam liquor cases. He then acted as attorney for the Law and Order League of Connec- ticut, before the lower courts, and assisted States- Attorney Hunter in the Superior court, and though opposed by some of the brightest counsel in the State the prosecution succeeded in obtaining the conviction and imprisonment of the liquor dealers who had been selling without license. The severity of the sentence imposed, and the conviction for perjury of a leading witness, marked a distinct epoch in the trial of liquor cases in the county and has had a most beneficial influence throughout the State. Mr. Warner took an active part in the incor- poration of Putnam as a city, and was a member of the committee which framed a charter for presenta- tion to the Legislature, and was appointed by the Legislature of 1895, to the position of first judge of the city court of Putnam, which position he held from Jan. 1, 1896, until September, I901, resign- ing to assume the clerkship of the Supreme and Superior courts, to which office he was appointed June 4, 1901. Judge Warner also served for a num- ber of years on the school board of Putnam, during which time he was acting school visitor. The Judge and his wife arc members of the Second Congrega- tional Church at Putnam, and the Judge for sev- eral years served as superintendent of the Sunday- school of the church. He is a member of a num- ber of orders and societies, among them the Quine- bang; is past master of Moosup Lodge, No. 113, of Plainfield, Conn.; a member of Gen. Israel Put- nam Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Putnam: of Put- nam Council, Royal Arcanum, and of the Connec- ticut Sons of the American Revolution. Judge Warner is frequently called upon to de- liver public speeches. In 1898 he delivered an ad- dress at the State convention of the Christian En- deavor Society on the subject of prison reform; to this he has given much time and study, and has agitated throughout the State reformatory work and the treatment of drunkenness in such a way as ab- solutely to prevent the offender from being at large. He was appointed superintendent of prison and jail work, and also by the Connecticut Temperance Union to appear before the Legislature in behalf of the cause of temperance. The Judge's influence for good is felt in all of the social and religious life of his adopted town. It may be added here that he was admitted to practice in the United States COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 41 Supreme Court of Errors at the national capital on motion ot Hon. Jeremiah Halsey, of Norwich, Conn., in January, 1891. On Aug. 3, 1887, Judge Warner was married to Jane Elizabeth Carpenter, eldest daughter of Judge John A. Carpenter and Marcia (Chandler), both of old and prominent New England families, and the union has been blessed with children as follows, all born in Putnam: Frances Lester, born July 19, 1888; Gertrude Chandler, April 6, 1890; and John A. C., Julv.12, 1893. Judge Warner justly takes pride in his ancestry and family connections. John Warner Barber, the Connecticut historian, was a member of this fam- ily. On his mother’s side the Judge descends from Capt. John Avery of Groton, a patriot of the Revo- lution. HON. CALVIN L. HARWOOD, ex-mayor of Norwich, New London county, and senior member of the frm of Harwood, Bishop & Bidwell, who do the largest wholesale grocery business in eastern Connecticut, has been prominent in that section of the State from early manhood, and comes from a family which has been established in New England from its earliest history. The name Harwood was well represented in all the early English settlements in America; several settled in Virginia, beginning as early as 1621; the family, too, was early in Mary- land and in New England. One, George Harwood, was the first treasurer of the Massachusetts Com- pany but did not himself come to New England. The name of Harwood is of Saxon origin, and was anciently spelled Herward, Horwade and Whorwood. According to the Domesday Book, Hereward had lands in the counties of Lincoln and Warwick, previous to the Conquest. He was a son of Leofric, Earl of Mercia, and Lord of Bourne, in Lincolnshire and the marshes adjoining, and was chosen by the prelates and nobility who retired to the Isle of Ely after the Conqueror’s invasion, to be the general of their forces. He was the last Earl of Mercia who resided at Bourne, and was buried in the Abbey there. Sir Robert Herward is mentioned as bearing arms “‘d’azure a une fesse gabonne de goules et de vert iij hewtes de argent.” This family continued in the county of Lincoln, and in the immediate vi- cinity of Bourne for many centuries. One of the last of this line was George Harwood, a merchant of London, who entered his pedigree in the visita- tion for Cornhill in 1634. He was a son of William Harwood of Thurlby, near Bourne, in the county of Lincoln, and was a brother of Sir Edward Har- wood, Knight, of whom Fuller says—“His birth was gentle and from a root fit to engraft his future education and excellency.” In the visitation of London in 1634, this George Harwood is recorded as bearing the same arms as were borne by the above Sir Robert Herward. Families of this line were settled in the counties of Stafford and Oxford, spelling their names, Hare- wade, Whorwood and Harwood, and bore for their arms “arg. a chevron between three stags’ heads cabashed sa.,” and were of Compton, Sandwell and Stourton castle, in the former county, and of Holton in the latter. Of the Staftordshire family was Sir William Whorwood, Knight Attorney General to King Henrv VIII. |For continuous and full infor- mation see burke. | Hon. Calvin L. Harwood is descended from (1) Henry Harwood, who came hither in the company of Gov. Winthrop in 1630, and for a short time was located in Boston, the following year making his home in Charlestown, where he died in 1635. (IT) John Harwood, son of Henry, was born in 1630, and soon after his father’s death went to live in that part of Salem, Mass., now known as Pea- body. He married, July 11, 1659, and he and his wife, Emma, also of Salem, had four children, John, Jonathan, Jonathan (2) and John (2). Nothing more is known of the father until Nov. 10, 1690, when his estate was inventoried. (111) Jonathan Harwood, son of John, was born in Salem, June 18, 16066, and married Rebecca Twiss. On May 31, 1722, he sold his house and ten acres to his son Jonathan for £100, and removed to Sutton. On Jan. 28, 1723, he made a deed of gift to the same son, of a “corner-right™ of land which his father had formerly owned. (1V.) Jonathan Harwood, great-grandfather of Calvin L., was born Sept. 19, 1748, in Sutton, Mass., and in 1785 removed from Sturbridge, Mass., to West Stafford, Conn., being the founder of the family in this State. He was a farmer by occupa- tion and lived and died in West Stafford, and the house in which he lived is still standing. Jonathan Harwood married Mary Witt, and they had a fam- ily of thirteen children, the first seven born in Stur- bridge, Mass., and the others in West Stafford, Conn. Of them we have the following record. (1) David, born Aug. 28, 1772, was a shoemaker by trade. He came to Connecticut very likely with his parents,.about 1796 married Margaret Morse, and in about 1800 removed to Cazenovia, N. Y., and still later to Plainfield, N. J. He served in the war of 1812, and died in Sackett’s Harbor in 1815. (2) Betsy, born Sept. 10, 1774, was married at Stafford to Amos Chaffee, and they went West. (3) Jon- athan, born Sept. 4, 1776, died in childhood. (4) Henry, born Aug. 21, 1780, was a shoemaker by trade, married Lita Morse about 1800, and settled in Marcellus, N. Y. (5) Mary, born Sept. 1, 1781, was married April 1, 1804, in Stafford, to Francis Brown, and thev settled in East Long Meadow, Mass., where their posterity is now to be found. (6) Asa, born March 11, 1783, was a shoemaker. On Jan. to, 1805, he married Amanda Parsons. (7) Crispus, born Dec. 7, 1784, was a shoemaker, went West, settling in what was called the “Hol- land Purchase,’ and died about 1814. In 1808 at Stafford, he married Salina Morse. (8) Keziah, 42 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD born Sept. 4, 1786, was married in West Stafford, Oct. 6, 1814, to Emory Chaffee, of Hampden, Mass. (9) Orrin, born Aug. 8, 1788, is mentioned below. (10) Samuel, born Nov. 20, 1791, married Miss Love Dimock. (11) Lura, born July 28, 1793, was married Dec. 6, 1821, to Emory Chaffee. (12) Margery, born Aug. 12, 1795, died in childhood. (13) Ebenezer, born June 7, 1797, was married about 1818 to Minerva Dimock ; their daughter Ad- eline married Col. Thomas F. Burpee, and was the mother of Judge Lucien F. Burpee, of Waterbury, Conn. The father of this family was a member of the Methodist Church, and took a deep interest in religion and church work. (V) Orrin Harwood, grandfather of Calvin L., was born Aug. 8, 1788, in West Stafford, and, though never robust, he almost reached the cent- ury mark. By trade he was a shoemaker, and he also carried on farming, but his poor health kept him back from attaining anything more than mod- erate success. When he was fifty years old a physi- cian he called in told him that his end was not far off. Like his father he was a devout Methodist and a zealous church worker, was one of the found- ers of the church in Stafford, and was widely known in that connection, his house being the stopping place of the circuit riders, who spent only a short time in each location. Therefore the success of the work in a new neighborhood depended largely upon the efficiency of the class leader, who, to a great extent, did a pastor’s work. Orrin Harwood was a class leader of great character and power, and as such his home was the center of Methodist influ- ence in West Stafford, where his descendants have continued to be identified with the interests of that church to the present time. In 1811 Orrin Har- wood married Charlotte Spellman, who was the grandmother of Calvin L. For his second wife he married, on Dec. 8, 1852, Mrs. Polly B. Bart- lett, whom he survived for many years. (VI) Francis Asbury Harwood, son of Orrin and Charlotte, was born May 12, 1817, in Ludlow, Mass., and died Jan. 24, 1884, in Stafford Springs, Conn. On April 7, 1841, he married Clarissa Lu- ther, who was born Sept. 9, 1821, daughter of Cal- vin and Polly Belinda (Hutchinson) Luther, and died Dec. 13, 1898, in Stafford Springs. Two chil- dren blessed this union: Calvin L. and Charles Francis. The last named, born June 25, 1849, in West Stafford, is now treasurer of the Stafford Savings Bank, and a prominent citizen of that town. He married Ella L. Pember, of Stafford, and they have one daughter, Grace Emma. For a number of years Francis A. Harwood was engaged in farming in West Stafford, but in 1842 he became a resident of Stafford Springs, and soon after began his mercantile career. At first he found but one competitor, L. W. Crane, who owned and conducted a store which was originally established by the Granite Mill Company, and stood near the site of the present “Central House.” Mr. Har- wood’s place of business was at the upper end of Main street, and both firms attracted a large trade. During the war of the Rebellion Mr. Harwood held the verv onerous and responsible position of first selectman of the town, and upon him devolved largely the duty of providing for the extraordinary requirements of the time, in so far as they affected Stafford. It required a man of most excellent judgment and signal ability to carry the necessary measures through successfully to the satisfaction of evervone. In his political belief, like his father, he adhered to the principles of the Republican party. Several vears prior to his death he sold his mer- cantile business, and lived retired. His devotion, not only to his mercantile interests, but to all lines of activity which promised progress and benefit to his town, was well known, and he enjoyed the con- fidence and esteem of his fellow citizens to a high degree. The Methodist Church was very dear to him, and he was an active worker in‘the same,. and was one of its trustees at the time of his death. (VII) Calvin L. Harwood was born in Stafford, June 24, 1844, and after attaining his primary edu- cation in the public schools of his native town, at- tended the academies at East Greenwich, R. I., and Wilbraham, Mass. At the age of twenty-four he came to Norwich, and after serving as bookkeeper for the wholesale boot and shoe house of Gurdon A. Jones, Jr., for two years, engaged in the whole- sale grocery business for himself as a member of the firm of Lippett & Harwood. After ten years of successful business this firm was dissolved, and was immediately succeeded by that of Harwood & Co. Twelve years later, Jan. 1, 1893, the firm was again changed, taking the present style of Har- wood, Bishop and Bidwell. This house is recog- nized as the largest wholesale grocery firm in east- ern Connecticut, doing a prosperous business in supplying the trade in that section of the State. They occupy the whole building of three floors and a basement at No. 58 Water street. Mr. Harwood has from the outset demonstrated his eminent fit- ness for a business career, and his abundant suc- cess is the most practical evidence of his efficiency and ability. His standing has been won by the fair- est methods, and his position is therefore unques- tioned, for the greater part of his active life has been passed in the community: in which he still makes his home. Mr. Harwood is a staunch Republican, and in 1891 he was elected alderman; during his term he served as chairman of the committee on Public Grounds. In 1893 he was elected mayor of the city, served two terms--four years—overcoming a Democratic majority and receiving a gratifying plurality. He gave the city a good, business-like adininistration, in keeping with his personal char- acceristics and his success in his own affairs, and in- creasing the esteem in which his fellow citizens held him. Mr. Harwood is a thirty-second degree Mason, and is a member of Sphinx Temple, Mystic COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 43 Shrine, at Hartford. He 1s also a member of the A, O. W., and belongs to the Arcanum Club. On Sept. ‘26, 1865, Mr. Harwood married Nellie A. White, of Hinsdale, N. Y., daughter of John C. and Sarah B. ( Potter) White, the former a native of Northfield, Mass. This union has been blessed with the following children: Clara E., born March 16, 1870, who married G. B. Dolbeare, a book- keeper in the emplo} of the Norwich Savings Soe- _ciety, and has one child, Harwood Burrows, born May 11, died at the age of fourteen months; Francis C. and Alice W., twins, born Aug. 27, 1879, of whom the former, a bookkeeper in the employ of the firm with which his father is connected, married Mary I. Griswold, of Norwich, and has one child, Percival Francis, born March 21, 1902; while the latter, Alice W., died at the age of fourteen months. JOHN KINGSBURY UTLEY (deceased) was one of the most highly respected citizens of Chaplin, Windham county, where he spent his hon- orable life from his birth until his untimely death, and left behind him many friends and relatives to mourn his loss. Thomas Utley, grandfather of John K., born April 20, 1754, was a farmer of Hampton, Conn., residing in the upper part of the town, where he farmed very successfully. He died July 28, 1822. On May 25, 1780, he was married to Abigail Hodg- kins, of Hampton, who was born June 21, 1758, and died Aug. 2, 1844. Their family was as fol- lows: James, the father of John Kingsbury, born Sept. 2, 1781; Thomas, Jr., born July 30, 1783,.a farmer, who married (first) Dec. 5, 1815, Lydia Parish, and (second) April 5, 1826, Mary, a sister of his first wife, and who resided on the homestead in Hampton, where he died Aug. 26, 1826; Asenith, born July 2, 1785, deceased Dec. 12, 1813, who mar- ried, April 18, 1811, Isaac Bennett, a farmer who moved to New York State, married a second time, and there died; Sarah, born Feb. 27, 1787, who died April 30, 1820 : Mary, born Jan. 30, 1789, who mar- ried April 2, 1807, Beriah Davidson, a blacksmith, residing in Brooklyn, Conn., and who died Jan. 31, 1879. James Utley was born in Hampton, Conn., and was brought up to arm work, attending only the common district schools. When a young man he tanght school in several towns, among which was a school in Ashford, Conn., and it was while teach- ing there that he met the lady who later became his wife. After his marriage he remained upon the home farm for several years, and then removed to what is now Chaplin, and purchased the “Elisha Martin” farni, and in 1826 erected the house which is still standing, owned by. W. H. Phillips, of Chap- lin. By calling he was a farmer and pursued his occupation actively and successfully until a few years previous to his death, when he was succeeded by his son, James R. Utley. On March 2, 1862, 1899; Mary -E., born May 29, 1877, who | after an unusually long life, he died of cancer, leaving his family in comfortable circumstances. Early in life he was a Whig, but later became a Re- publican and held many of the town offices, and during the time he was selectman, the town’s affairs were mostly ably managed and placed upon a solid basis. Mr. Utley was a very regular attendant of the Chaplin Congregational Church, of which he was a member and very liberal supporter, as were also his family. In April, 1808, James Utley married Phoebe Clark, who was born in Ashford,.Conn., a daughter | of John and Phoebe (Russell) Clark; she died Oct. I, 1852, aged sixty-eight years and six months. They were the parents of nine children, Lucius CG. / born April 20, 1809, married Sarah Marcy, was a | farmer and lived upon the homestead in Hampton | for many years, but later came to Chaplin and died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Jane M. Storrs, Sept. | 16,1893. Jaames Russell, born April 3, 1811, mar- ried (first) Elniira Holt, and (second) Mary Cole- man, was a farmer and resided in Chaplin for many years, but. later removed to Willimantic, where he lived retired and died Aug. 9, 1896; during his residence in Chaplin he was very active and prom- | inent in town affairs, and held many offices of trust. Asenith. born July 1, 1813, married Daniel Griggs, who was a farmer and resided in Chaplin and Ash- ford; she died Aug. 30, 1842. John Kingsbury, our subject, was born Sept. 13, 1815. Sarah Ann, born June 26, 1817, married Enoch Pond, Jr., a | cabinet-maker, who resided in Brooklyn, Conn., where they both died, her demise occurring Feb. II, 1903. William, born March 19, 1819, married Christiana Foster, was a farmer and lived in Hamp- | ton, where he died Sept. 9, 1894. Mary Eliza, born March 1, 1823, died at the age of nineteen. | Maria, born Dec. 25, 1826, is mentioned below. Jane Thomas, born in March, 1829, was killed at the age of three years by a cart body falling upon him. Mrs. JANE Maria Storrs, of the above men- tioned family, was married May 2, 1849, to Henry C. Storrs, who was born in August, 1825, a native of Chaplin, and a son of Frederick and Eliza (Chesebrough) Storrs. Henry C. Storrs as a young man learned the trade of bootmaker, and followed that occupation until his death, which occurred in Chaplin July 5, 1850, in his twenty-fifth year. Mr. Storrs was a member of the Congregational Church. To himself and wife one child was born, Henry Cheseborough, born Jan. 17, 1851, who attended the common schools of Chaplin and Brooklyn, Conn. When a boy of seventeen he went to Hart- ford and entered the employ of Pratt & Whitney, to learn the trade of machinist, which he followed until a few years ago, when he was placed in charge of the electrical department of that large factory. He now resides at No. lor Oak street, Hartford, Henry Chesebrough Storrs married Harriet Rus- sell, of Hartford, Dec. 25, 1877, and two children have been born of this marriage: Harry Utley, a 44 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD graduate of Morse Business College and now a bookkeeper at the Pratt & Cady Co.; Howard Rus- sell, a graduate of Huntsinger’s Business College, and now a bookkeeper for a large business house. Mrs. Jane M. Storrs died in Chaplin, Dec. 19, 1902, the last but one of a large family. John Kingsbury Utley was born in Chaplin on the home farm, and attended only the common schools of his native town. Before he had attained his majority, he began to learn the trade of boot- maker in Chaplin, and followed that trade the great- er part of his life, always making his home in that town. For many years he was in company with Ephraim. Day, engaged in bootmaking, but when machine made goods were placed on the market, the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Utley retired from active business life about a dozen years prior to his death, although he devoted his attention to conducting a small farm, always having a deep in- terest in agricultural pursuits. His death occurred Sept. 1, 1899, and he is buried at Chaplin. During his long life he was a hard working man, and by industry, frugality and thrift, he amassed a consid- erable fortune. In politics he was a staunch Repub- lican, and represented Chaplin in the State Legis- lature in 1863 and also held many of the town of- fices. While serving on the board of selectmen, his administration was marked by the careful and eco- nomical way in which the aftairs of the town were managed. [arlv in life he joined the Congrega- tional Church, of which he continued a consistent member: he served on the church committee for many years, and also brought into play his econom- ical ideas with regard to its conduct. For many years he served voluntarily as janitor, in order to save the church the expense of hiring one. Being a man of the highest integrity and honor, when he felt he was in the right nothing could ever move him from his purpose, and he gained the highest respect of all who knew him. In May, 1843, he was married to Caroline Burn- ham, of Chaplin, who died Dec. 9, 1879, aged fifty- seven years. One child was born of this marriage, but it died in infancy. The later years of his life he spent with his beloved sister, Mrs. Jane M. Storrs, and died at her home. HON. JULIUS CONVERSE. The Converse family of the town of Stafford, Tolland county, in which town several generations have figured conspic- uously from the very dawn of its settlement in the early part of the eighteenth century, is one of the old- est of New England families, and one of prominence. For the past one hundred years such men as Asa, Solvin, Capt. Solva, Capt. Parley, Eliab A., and Hon. Julius and others of the name, have been among the foremost citizens of Stafford, largely instrumental in founding, fostering and developing her great industries and building up her trade centers, Away back in the misty past of bygone cent- uries, the titled family of De Coigniries held a dis- tinguished place among the Norman nobles of that day, and were in possession of large estates around the Chateau of Coignir. Roger de Coigniries, a member of this family, who was born in Waverly, France, in 1010, accompanied William the Con- queror in his invasion of England in 1066, and was one of his trusted and able chieftains, and sca dis- tinguished himself at the battle of Hastings that his name was entered upon the roll of Battle Abbey. After the Conquest, the family name was changed to Coniers or Conyers, and tracing the line on down to the present day, we find: Roger de Coniers, son of Roger; Roger (3), son of Roger (2), born in 1134, and died in 1174; Galfrid, son of Roger (3); John Conyers, son of Galfrid Con- yers; Sir Humphrey, son of John; Sir John, son of Sir Humphrey; Roger, son of Sir John; Sir John, son of Roger: Robert, son of Sir John; John, son of Robert ; Sir Christopher, son of John; Sir John, son of Sir Christopher; Sir John, son of Sir John; Sir Reginal, son of Sir John; Richard, son of Reginal ; Christopher, son of Richard; Deacon Edward, son of Christopher, born in England in 1590, came to Woburn in 1630, where he died in 1663; Sergeant Samuel, son of Deacon Edward Convers, was born in Woburn. Mass., in 1637, and died in 1669; Sam- uel, son of Sergeant Samuel, was born in Woburn, Mass.. in 1662, and later settled in Thompson, Conn., where he died in 1732; Henry Converse, son of Samuel, was born in Woburn, Mass., in 1696, settled in Thompson, Conn., and died in 1784; Asa, son of Henry, was born in Thompson, Conn., in 1720, and came to Stafford; Solvin, son of Asa; Solva, son of Solvin; and Julius, son of Solva. Edward Convers, given in the ancestral line as Deacon Edward, was the first American ancestor of the Stafford branch of the Converse family, the name changing from Conyers to Convers, and later to Converse, in this county. This Edward was horn in 1590, and in 1630 he came with Winthrop to America, and with him settled in Charlestown, near Boston, where he was a man of considerable prominence, and was one of the founders of the first church, now known as the First Church of Boston, and alse as the First Church of Charles- town. The town of Woburn, Mass., was incorpo- rated in 1642, and he was one of the first settlers and became one of the founders of the first church in that town. With him from his English home, came his wife Sarah, after whose death he mar- ried Joanna Sprague, and died at Woburn, in 1663. His children were: Josiah, James, Samuel and Mary, from some of whom descended the Thomp- son, Conn., Converses. (The History of Wind- ham County says that Samuel Converse, son of Samuel and Judith (Carter) Converse, and a grandson of Edward, the emigrant, settled in 1710, in Thompson Parish, town of Killingly, in which he was among the very first settlers). From this JULIUS CONVERSE COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 45 town came Asa Converse, the son of Henry, the head of the Converse family under consideration, in the town of Stafford. Asa Converse, son of Henry Converse, of Thompson, Conn., married, and his children were: Solvin, James, Darius, Asa, Alpheus and Sybil. Capt. Solvin Converse, son of Asa, was born in 1758, in Statford, and in 1780 was married to Sarah, daughter of Josiah Holmes and granddaugh- ter of Deacon David Holmes, who was a son of John Holmes, one of the first settlers of Wood- stock, Conn, Deacon David Holmes was the great- grandfather of the famous Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes. The children born to Capt. Solvin and Sarah (Holmes) Converse were: Josiah; Sally, who married Olney Brown, of Union; Lucy, who married David Brown, of Union; Solva, who mar- ried Esther Blodgett: Parley, who married Sally Alden: Washington, who died Dec. 29, 1814, at the age of thirteen years; John, who married Wealthy Dimock and died July 5, 1845, at the age of thirty- one years ; George, whose wife’s Christian name was Mary; and Freeman, who married Emily Miller. Two of this family, Capt. Solva and Capt. Parley, became especially conspicuous characters in Staf- ford. Capt. Selvin died in Stafford May 13, 1813, at the age of fifty-five years, and his widow sur- vived until July 5, 1845, when she had reached her eightv-fifth vear. Capt. Solva Converse, son of Capt. Solvin, was born on April 1, 1790, in Stafford, and received only limited educational advantages. Reared on a farm, he followed agricultural life only for a period as he saw a larger field of operation. In his young days there were no railroads, and freight of all kinds was brought to and from Hartford or other points, by teams, and in this business, in connection with his brother Parley, he engaged largely. For thirty or more vears he was also extensively interested in the lumber business, and conducted a most success- ful meat business also, supplying the whole sur- rounding country with fresh meats. Mr. Converse was one of the founders, and one of the largest holders of stock in, the Mineral Springs Manufacturing Company's first woolen mill, erected in the village of Stafford Springs, in 1839, and he became the company’s first agent, a position he held for some time, later succeeding to the presidency of the company, holding that posi- tion for some years, and under his guidance a great and prosperous business was developed. Beginning life with very little, Mr. Converse through his great industry and good management, coupled with rare judgment and fine abilitv, forged his way to posi- tion and wealth, leaving at his death a good name, and probably the largest estate ever accumulated in this town. Mr. Converse possessed good sense, was far-seeing in business matters, and his counsel was often sought and his advice followed, as it was cecnsidered safe. In public matters in his town, he frequently served as selectman, and about 1840 he represented the town in the State Legislature. Al- ways public-spirited, he did much for the town, and a large portion of the borough of Stafford Springs stands today as monuments to the name of Converse —to the names of Solva, Parley and Julius Con- verse, whose memory will long be cherished by those of the borough who are on the stage of action today, and by those who follow after them. Capt. Converse, a title also acquired by his father, and two of his sons, from their service as com- manders of companies in the old militia, was a member and a liberal supporter of the Methodist Church of Stafford Springs, and he was among the first to contribute to the building of the first edi- fice of that denomination in 1832, and again to the erection of the building in 1866, which replaced the former one. In 1812 Capt. Solva Converse was married to Esther Blodgett, who was born Oct. 12, 1790, and died July 5, 1880. She was a daughter of Deacon Alden Blodgett, and a granddaughter of Joshua Blodgett, said to be the first white child born in Stafford. whose father and his brother were among the first settlers of the town, coming from Woburn, Mass. To this marriage were born: Adeline, who. died in childhood; Almeda, who married L. H. Whiton; Alden S., who died in young manhood; Orrin; Josiah; Julius, who married Mira C. Lord: Hannah B., who married M. H. Washburn: and Francis E., Henry S., Washington and Welcome, all died in infancy. Capt. Solva Converse, the fa- ther of these children, died Nov. 22, 1877, and the mother passed away in 1880. Capt. Parley Converse, son of Capt. Solvin, and brother to Capt. Solva, was born May 6, 1792, in Stafford, and was reared among agricultural pur- suits, receiving only such education as the neigh- borhood common schools aftorded, and as was cus- tomary to the general farmers’ sons. Like his brother, he was ambitious and saw a wider field of operation, and one that seemed more profitable than the farm, so he joined Capt. Solva in the business of teaming, and in the other enterprises, as previ- ously noted, and he, too, was one of the founders and promoters of the Mineral Springs Manufactur- ing Company, soon after coming into possession of a iarge amount of the company’s stock. It was but a short time after the company’s organization, until the entire property passed into the hands of these two Converse brothers. In 1854 Capt. Parley sold his interest to bis brother, and in association with his son-in-law, Ikenjamin Wells Patten, built what was known as the Converseville mill, in Stafford Springs, and in it was actively interested the re- mainder of his life. Capt. Parley Converse was also a stockholder in various other enterprises, and was ever keeniy alive to the interests of his native town, and did much to further its advancement. Public-spirited and enterprising, he left many monuments to his ' memory, not only in Stafford Springs, but at other- 46 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD points in the town. Like his brother, he began life poor, but with a good constitution, and an indom- itable will power and energy that overcame all obstacles, rose to wealth and to the first rank of citizenship, and became a keen, sagacious and far- seeing business man. Industry was a watchword with him as a boy and man, and he worked hard and long even after he had progressed far beyond any necessity for it. Probably no larger estates were ever accumulated in the town than those left by Capt. Solva and Capt. Parley Converse. Each was a strictly self-made man. Parley was averse to holding public office, yet often served his town in the capacity of selectman, represented it in the General Assembly, and also his district in the State Senate. In any and every capacity he was faithful to duty, and his acts were characteristic of the man, performed with wisdom, judgment, and ability. In Teiigious belief, he was a Methodist, ever steadfast and faithful, and he gave liberally to the Church and to all good causes. In 18606, he was made pres- ident of the Stafford National Bank, and he re- mained as such until the time of his death, in 1869. For many years he was president of the Stafford Springs Savings Bank, organized in 1855, and served as its first official in that position. Gn Oct. 3, 1816, Capt. Parley Converse was married to Sally Alden, and to them were born these children: Judith B., deceased, married Henry Gay; Orrin is inentioned elsewhere; Emeline mar- ried Henry Thrall, and died in 1860; Washington died in 1830; Laura A. married Benjamin Wells; Phronema married Dwight Clark, now deceased; Louisa married Robbins Patten; Amanda died in 1860; Minerva married Henry Thrall; and Jennett D. died in 1834. Capt. Parley Converse died on Nov. 25, 1860. Hon. Julius Converse, son of Capt. Solva Con- verse, was Lorn March 1, 1827, in Stafford, in which town he was reared, and in its local schools received his elementary education, attending later the Ellington high school, and a private school in Brimfield, Mass. After his schooldays were over, he became identified with the Mineral Springs Man- ufacturing Company, in Stafford, entering the man- ufacturing department, and there obtained a prac- tical knowledge of that branch of the business. Later he was taken into the office, where he soon became acquainted with the accounts and the finan- cial affairs of the company. As the years passed, young Converse rose step by step, through his force and usefulness, until he became the company’s treas- urer, and in 1866 its agent also. Inheriting many of the characteristics of his father, and through his own good judgment, he was successful in managing the business and it continued to grow to large pro- portions with increasing success. Mr. Converse be- came a large stockholder, and finally, in 1885, the sole proprietor of the concern, continuing as the same until the time of his death, June 7, 1892. In other corporations he was largely interested also, aniong these being the woolen mills of Ellis & Con- verse, at Orcuttville, while in a number he was the controlling spirit. Mr. Converse was one of the incorporators of the Savings Bank of Statford Springs, and in 1872 became its first president, a position he held until 1874, in which year he succeeded Moses B. Harvey as president of the Stafford National Bank, serv- ing until 1878, for many years having been a di- rector in these banks. Mr. Converse was most act- ive all his life, in advancing the town’s interests, aiding all good measures, and he was zealous in his efforts in the upbuilding and beautifying of the borough of Stafford Springs. In 1886 Mr. Converse purchased the Mineral Springs and the hotel property, which today is one of the attractive features of the borough, the hotel being modern, commodious and beautiful, and the pride of the town. To all worthy benevolences he had given freely of his wealth, his charities were large, and at the time of his death he had become one of the most popular citizens of this section of the country. An earnest and active Republican, Mr. Converse was a number of times elected by his fel- low-citizens to fill public offices where his ability was always recognized, and his efficiency com- mended. In 1865-66, he represented the town of Stafford in the State Legislature; in 1872, he was a Presidential elector on the Republican National ticket, and cast his vote for Grant and Wilson. In 1877, he was elected from his district to the State Senate, and in that body served on the committee on Finance. In 1888, Mr. Converse was chosen a delegate to the Republican National Convention, at Chicago. Upon the incorporation of Stafford Springs as a borough, by the General Assembly, in May, 1873, in which Mr. Converse took a leading part, he was made the first warden of the borough. Although a verv busy man, with many absorbing problems always demanding his attention, he was ever ready to assist in his town’s welfare, although often. by doing so, he interfered with his personal interests. For a number of years Mr. Converse was also a director in the Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company. On June 11, 1854, Julius Converse married Miss Mira Clark Lord, who was born April 13, 1835, a daughter of John Knight and Sally (Spellman) Lord, of Stafford, and to them were born eight chil- dren: Lilla Adelaide, born Dec. 15, 1856, married Oct. 13, 1880, William Lee, superintendent of a mill neat Auburn, N. Y., and their children are, Eugenia Converse (born on Dec. 23, 1882, a stu- dent in the Poughkeepsie Female Preparatory school), Ralph William (born July 8, 1885), James Howard (born May 15, 1887), Arthur Julius (born July 3, 1890), Marian Susan (born Jan. 10, 1892), Jesse Edward (born Dec. 26, 1893) and Hattie Mira (born Sept. 30, 1895); Freeman, born Sept. 2, 1858, died Nov. 1g, 1858; Byron Lord, born Feb. 23, 1860, died Oct. 12, 1863; Eugenia Hovey, born COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 47 Jan. 25: 1861, married Alva Mathews, who is en- gaged in the real estate business in Chicago, and they have one child, Louise Mathews; Julius Carl, sketch elsewhere; Louis Seymour, born June 4, 1868, was formerly connected with his father’s busi- ness, but now resides in Salem, Ohio, and is en- gaged in the mercantile business, as the head of the Converse Dry Goods Co. (he married Jean Russell, of Stafford, and has three children, Margaret R., Dorothy R. and Julius) ; Willie Worth, born June I, 1870, died in September of the same year; and Eddie Gibbs, born Feb. 7, 1873, died April 20, 1873. Ii may be stated that as a public-spirited man, Julius Converse had no superior and few equals. In all of the affairs of the town he was active and took a prominent position in every project for the betterment of either town or county. No other cit- izen of Stafford has contributed so much of influ- ence, time and means to improve and beutify this locality. The spacious grounds leading to his late residence, ‘“Woodlawn,”’ which is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in Connecticut, have been transformed from an unsightly alder swamp, and the elevated site of the residence, itself, was formerly covered with a heavy growth of wood. Woodlawn Terrace, an attractive street, was laid out and largely built by Mr. Converse. The ecclesiastical societies, especially the Meth- odist; owe much to Mr. Converse’s unbounded lib- erality. His death removed from the community one whose life had been spent, to a great extent, in helping others. To him selfishness was unknown ; he delighted in benefactions, and many of those who were in the hahit of benefiting by his quiet and un- ostentatious charity, have missed the generous hand and the friendly spirit. Hon. Julius Converse, not only so in name but in very truth honorable, passed to the Great Beyond June 7, 1892, survived by his bereaved widow and four children, who lost a lov- ing husband and devoted father, a wise friend and counselor, and a worthy example. HON. JAMES B. TATEM, the distinguished woodwork manufacturer of Putnam, who has risen to his present enviable position entirely through his own efforts, comes of notable and successful an- cestors. His paternal grandfather, a native of Sa- lem, Mass., was a noted shipbuilder and rigging manufacturer of that town. His wife was an eye- witness of thrilling historical scenes; so closely was she brought into contact with the depredations of English soldiers of the war of 1812 that she con- sidered it necessary to bury her silverware in the back yard. She was a witness at the Crowninshield and White murder case (concerning which Daniel Webster made his famous plea), being the first wo- man in the house after the atrocious deed was com- mitted. A woman of remarkable constitution, she lived to be nearly one hundred years old. Rev. Henry Tatem, the father of James B., was born in Salem, Mass., Jan. 14, 1793, was a well- known Universalist minister and a prominent Ab- olitionist lecturer. As a boy he had not the best opportunities for education, but being naturally stu- dious he improved every chance, and in time became very well informed and entered the ministry. On Aug. 18, 1816, he married Abbie Ann King, who was born in Evanston, R. I., Nov. 15, 1796, daugh- ter of foseph and Alice C. King, of old Rhode Island families. Mrs. Tatem died April 1, 1856, in Southbridge, Mass. By this union there were the following named children: Alice Ann, Sarah W., Mary King, Eliza Potter, Almira Waterman, Abby Frances, John Henry, James B. and Harriet B. Of these seven are now living, one having died in youth. The youngest of the other eight was over sixty years old when the eldest died. After entering the ministry Mr. Tatem preached at Providence, R. I., and other places in the vicin- ity, at Charlton, Spencer, and Southbridge, Mass., and later made a tour through Ohio. Deeply re- ligious and gifted with great oratorical powers, he was exceedingly popular. Whenever he preached at Cranston, R. I., Brown University students at- tended his services, and for dedicatory sermons he was greatly in demand. In belief he was even more liberal than the majority of preachers of the pres- ent day. During the Abolition movement he de- livered a great many anti-slavery lectures. So forcible and thrilling were his arguments that, in the face of the great opposition with which he had to contend, he was often obliged to drive home from his lectures in a closed carriage. Near the close of his life he retired to a farm which he purchased ‘in Ashford, Conn., and there after one year’s resi- dence he died, Aug. 31, 1852, at the age of fifty- nine years. Personally a fearless, outspoken man, Mr. Tatem possessed the quiet dignity of Wendell Phillips. Highly respected, he numbered among his warmest friends some of the greatest anti-slavery leaders, among them James G. Birney, the first Abolitionist candidate for President. After this famous man Mr. Latem named the son who is men- tioned below. Alice C. (Matthewson) King, mother of Mrs. Henry Tatem, was a daughter of Nicholas Mat- thewson, who served as a Revolutionary soldier from the time of the Lexington alarm continuously until the close of the struggle. In recognition of these services his widow, Abigail, received a pen- sion. His home was at Cranston, R. I. His wife was a daughter of Silas Cooke, whose wife was a daughter of Joseph Crawford, an eminent merchant of Providence, for whom a street in Providence is named. Joseph Crawford’s wife was a daughter of Gabriel Bernon, by his second wife. Bernon was a Frenchman of high station in Rochelle, a zeal- ous Protestant, who fled to this country at the time of the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. He founded the first three Episcopal Churches in Rhode Island, and is buried beneath St. John’s Church, in Providence, where a tablet is placed in 48 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD his memory. [rom Bernon the genealogy is traced back to the vear 1300. The family in La Rochelle claim descent from the Dukes of Burgundy, thus connecting with the royal line of France. James Birney Tatem, born April 9, 1836, in Phoenix. R. I.. when six years of age moved with his parents to Charlton, Mass., and later to Brook- field in that State. In these places, and in South- bridge, Mass., he gained a thorough education, at- tending select as well as common schools. Though very young while at Phoenix, he remembers that schocl distinctly, it being impressed upon his mind by a vaccination visit from the local doctor. When he was sixteen vears old his father died, and two years later the son was obliged to leave school. He learned shoemaking, a trade then much in vogue among farming people, and worked at this craft, also carrying on the Ashford homestead, until 1850, when he moved to Woodstock, Conn., and there engaged in the same occupations for a while. On Oct. 18. 1858, he married Mary Catherine Allen, daughter of Silas P. and Mary (Leonard) Allen, of Woodstock. After her death, which occurred in Weodstock, Jan. 13, 18608, Mr. Tatem married for his second wite, Jan. 1, 1873, Angie Sarah Ken- yon, daughter of Eli and Sarah (Armitage) Ken- yon, of Woodstock. By the first marriage there were two children. (1) John Melvin, the elder, born Jan. 17, 1860, in Woodstock, is a business man of Eastford, Conn., where he is now judge of probate. He married Minnie, daughter of Charles Deane, of an old Woodstock family. (2) Henry Allen, of the firm of J. B. Tatem & Sons, is mentioned below. By the second marriage there were also two children. (1) Mary Eden, who is a member of the faculty of the Emerson College of Oratory, Boston, graduated with honors from that institution, and later took a post-gradvate course, when she became class orator. (2) James B., Jr., is associated with his father in business. At the age of thirty Mr. Tatem started a new and profitable line of business, handle making. So successful was he that two years later, in 1868, he rented a factory and began woodturning, produc- iny in addition to handles such articles as carriage poles and whipple-trees. T’'rom that time his ad- vancement was rapid. He found ready sale for his articles, and was soon enabled to erect a factory of his own. located at Woodstock Valley. Each year hrought larger demands for goods, and in 1884 he admitted his son, John Melvin, as partner, adopting the firm name of J. B. Tateni & Son. In 1887 the building burned, but, undismayed, they immediately purchased the Fastford mill, where they continued their business. So greatiy in demand were their goods that, in 1897, they decided to conduct two separate establishments. The son purchased his father’s share of the Eastford mill and began run- ning it by himself. Afr. Tatem rented the West Thempson null, admitted his sons, Henry A. and James b., Jr., as partners, and continued a similar business under the firm name of J. B. Tatem & Sons. Thev have all the latest machinery, and man- ufacture leather-capped chisel handles of every de- scription, and other useful articles. Employing fif- teen men, they are enabled to do a good business, and find a large and increasing sale for their goods throughout the West and South. Their office is new, and has been since 1886, in Putnam, where Mr. Tatem moved in the year last named, and where he now owns a handsome residence. In addition to his regular business, Mr. Tatem has invested large- ly in real estate, and has purchased stock in many paving concerns in Putnam, materially increasing his income. Henry A. Tatem continued with this branch until 1G02, when he established a similar business at Winston, N. C., in the conduct of which he is at present engaged. A Republican, Mr. Tatem has been exceedingly prominent in politics. While living at Woodstock he filled many town offices and was deputy sheriff for ten years. During this time he had dealings with many desperate criminals, among them a North Ashford horse thief, the capture of whom redounded to Mr. Tatem’s lasting credit. He fol- lowed the criminal through Massachusetts and New York to Buffalo, thence through the oil regions of Pennsylvania, a distance of nineteen hundred miles, and finally captured him and his partner with the horse, in the face of loaded revolvers, in a timber land, at eleven o'clock at night. The thief had trav- eled over eight hundred and fifty miles. He was brought to-trial, and sentenced to five years in State’s prison. For his capture Mr. Tatem re- ceived $250 irom the State Legislature and several other large rewards. So notorious was the deed that a judge of the Supreine court wrote to a Wood- stock man desiring specific information concerning the deputy, saying he was the most remarkable officer who had ever served in that section. Alr. Tatem still has this letter in his possession. In 1878 he represented his town in the State Legisla- ture, serving on the Judiciary committee, and in 1885 and 1886 he served the sixteenth district in the State Senate. Recognized as a man of marked executive ability, he was, while a member of that body, appointed chairman of the committees on Cities and Boroughs, and on Forfeited Rights. In May, 1886, the ofhce of State dairy commissioner was created, and to this place Gov. Henry B. Har- rison appointed Mr. Tatem. Two years later he re- ceived a second appointment to the same _ office,. through Gov. Phineas Lounsburg, serving alto- gether four vears. (thers have since filled the posi- tion, but Mr. Tatem is the only one who has made it pay. By a hard fight he secured the passage of the oleomargarine law, which he vigorously en- forced. He brought to trial over one hundred cases of selling oleomargarine unlawfully, each of which he won. He also enforced the law concerning adul- terated vinegar. The fines which he collected more than paid the expenses of his office. Since moving: COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD | 49 to Putnam, Mr. Tatem has withdrawn from poli- tics, and in 1901 refused the nomination for mayor. He has setved as president of the Putnam Light & Power Co. for a number of years, was first presi- dent of the Fair grounds and superintended the con- struction of the buildings; and he is now director and vice-president of the Putnam Water Company. He was chairman of the Building committee for the Israel Putnam school, which is a magnificent struc- ture, costing about $40,000. Mr. Tatem is a natural moneymaker ; though starting in life as a poor boy, he has amassed considerable wealth; and this with- out the slightest assistance from others, not having had, as he vigorously asserts, a single dollar given him in the world. He is a regular attendant and liberal supporter of the Congregational Church, and fraternally affiliates with the Royal Arcanum of Putnam. Henry ALLEN TATEM, junior member of the manufacturing firm of J. B. Tatem & Sons, was born in the town of West Woodstock, Windham county, April 24, 1864, son of James B. and Mary C. (Allen) Tatem. He received his preparatory education in the public schools of Woodstock and in the Academy, and taught school in his native county for two seasons, in Pomfret and Eastford. w\t the age of eighteen years he went to South- bridge, Mass., and entered the Southbridge Optical Works, spending three years in that employ. Re- turning to Connecticut, he was engaged for a short time as bookkeeper at Putnam, and then took up the study of civil engineering under Wheeler & Parks, of Boston. Thence he went to New Hampshire, where he was connected with the Boston and Maine Railway Company, for a short time, after which he went to Iowa, locating at Creston. There he became an engineer on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy road, with which he remained eight years. At the end of that period he came back East and took up his residence in New Haven, where he obtained a posi- tion on the Northampton division of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, continuing with the same until his return to West Thompson in 1898. There he was connected with the business established by his father, and successfully conducted the branch at West Thompson until 1902. He is now operating a handle mill at Winston, N. C. Mr. Tatem has proved himself to be a worthy son of his father in that he has displayed business ability of a high order in this responsible connection, the business of the West Thompson mill under his management showing no shrinkage. His genial manners and pleasant address have won him many friends, and his uprightness and genuine worth as a man have gained for him the good-will and es- teem of his business associates everywhere. Mr. Tatem joined Montgomery Lodge, No. 270, A. F. & A. M., at Villisca, Iowa; Montgomery Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M., of Red Oak, Iowa; and Bruce Commandery, No. 34, K. T., of Red Oak. In 1889 Mr. Tatem was married at Villisca, 4 Iowa. to Bertha L. Moore, who was born in Sid- ney, Iowa, daughter of Elwood and Mary (Rich- ards) Moore. Two children have blessed this union: Melvin Elwood, born Aug. 9, 1890, in Red Oak, Iowa; and Donald Moore, born March 20, 1&99, in Eastford, Conn. Mrs. Tatem is a lady of many sterling and pleasing qualities, a devoted wife and mother. Both are members of the Presbyterian Church and Mr. Tatem is very liberal in religious matters; he considers the Golden Rule a sufficient guide. Politically he is a Republican. : GALLUP. One of the oldest and most numer- ous of the distinguished families of New England bears the name of Gallup. John Gallup, ancestor of the greater number of the families of the name in America, came hither from the parish of Mosterne, Dorsetshire, England, in 1630. He was a son of John Gallup, who married into a family by the name of Crabbe, and John was a son of Thomas and Agnes (Watkins) Gallup, of North Bowood and Strode, and whose descendants still own and occupy the manors of Strode. At the time of the Visitation of Dorset, in 1623, John Gallup (the ancestor in America) was thirty-three years of age. John Gallup sailed from Plymouth, England, March 20, 1630, in the ship “Mary and John,” ar- riving at Nantasket, now Hull, May 30, 1630, his wife and children following in 1633. First he went to Dorchester, but soon after became a resident of Boston, Mass., and was admitted to the First Church Jan. 6, 1634. He was made a freeman in the same year. His wife joined the church the same year. John Gallup owned Gallup’s Island, where he had a snug farm, owned also other lands, and had a house in Boston. He was a skillful mariner, well acquainted with the harbor around Boston and after the settlement of Rhode Island and Connecticut his vessels furnished about the only means, of communication between the two colonies. In September, 1633, he achieved great distinction by piloting the ship “Griffin,” of 300 tons, through a newly-found channel, having on board at the time those distinguished citizens of New England, Rev. John Cotton, Rev. John Hooker, Rev. Mr. Stone, among some two hundred passen- gers. The death of Capt. Gallup occurred in Bos- ton, Mass., Jan. 11, 1650. His wife, Christobel, also died in Boston, Sept. 27, 1655. John and Christobel Gallup had children: John, Joan, Sam- uel and Nathaniel, all born in England. John Gallup (2), son of John, came with his mother from England to America in 1633, and ten vears later, in Boston, Mass., was married to Han- nah Lake, a daughter of John and Margaret Lake. In early life he gave evidence of the brave and courageous spirit which afterward distinguished him as an Indian warrior. With the Massachusetts forces, he, with his father, was engaged in the Pequot war, and bore himself so bravely that the General Court of Connecticut, in 1651, gave him a 5o COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD grant of 100 acres of land, and he located at New London, Conn., in 1650-51. In 1654, with his fam- ily, he removed to the east side of the Muvstic river, now Stonington, where he had taken up the land granted him, and he was one of the early settlers of that town. Mr. Gallup represented the town at the General Court in 1665 and 1667, and although he was over sixty years old when King Philip’s war broke out, age had not quenched his valor. New London county having contributed seventy men un- der Capt. John Mason, of Norwich, Capt. Gallup joined with him as the head of the Mohegans. These troops, forming a junction with those of the other colonies, were engaged in the fearful Swamp Fight. at Narragansett, Dec. 19, 1675. In storm- ing this fort Capt. Gallup led his men bravely for- ward, and he was one of the six noted captains that fell on that memorable dav. Capt. Gallup was valued as a brave and intrepid officer and was loved and respected by his men, and his death was a great blow to the colonists. His children were: Hannah, born at Boston, Sept. 14, 1644, who married Stephen Gifford, of Norwich, Conn., June 18, 1672; John; Esther, born in New London, Conn., March 24, 24, 1653, who married Henry Hodges, of Taunton, Mass., Dec. 17. 1674: Benadam, born in Stoning- ton in 1055; Wilham, born in 1658: Samuel; Chris- tobel, who married Peter Crary, of Groton, Dec. 31, 1677; Elizabeth, who married Henry Stevens, of Stonington; Mary, who married John Cole: and Margaret. who married Joseph Culver, of Groton. John Gallup (3), son of John (2), was born in 1646, and married Elizabeth Harris, of Ipswich, Mass., in 1675. John settled in Stonington, where his father had large grants of land from the Gen- eral Court, in consideration of his services to the country in the Indian wars. John became promi- nent and represented his town in the General Court in 1685, 1696, 1697 and 1698, served with his father in Kine Philip’s war, and was probably at Narragan- sett. However, he became friendly with the In- dians and often acted as their interpreter. In 1701 a committee was appointed to find out and renew the bounds of the Winthrop land purchase at Plain- field, Conn., consisting of prominent men of the town anc a large number of Indians, who acted as guides, and on this occasion John Gallup acted as interpreter. Although he became possessed of lands in Plainfield, he never removed thither, but died at his old home April 14, 1735. The children born to John and Elizabeth (Harris) Gallup were: John, born in 1676, married Elizabeth Wheeler ; Thomas, born in 1682, married Hannah French; Martha, born April 2, TO83, married John Gifford, of Norwich, Conn.; Samuel, born Oct. 9, 1687, married Mehitable Blount; Elizabeth was baptized July 14, 1689: Nathaniel is mentioned below ; Will- jam, baptized May 26, 1695, died at Voluntown in August, 1735: and Benjamin, born Nov. 1, 1696, married Theody Parke. Nathaniel Gallup, son of John (3), was born at Stonington, Conn., in 1692, and was married June 4, 1717, to Margaret Gallup, who was a daughter of Benadam and Esther (Prentice) Gallup, and both he and his wife were admitted to the First Church at Stonington July 20, 1718. He died April 3. 1739, and his wife died March 2, 176. Their children were: Nathaniel, born April 20, 1718, married Hannah G. Burrows; John is the next in the line of descent; Thomas, born April 19, 1722, died voung; Mercy, born April 7, 1725, mar- ried William Whipple; Thomas, born Aug. 26, 1727, married Hannah Dean; Margaret, born Oct. 12, 1730, married Isaac Gallup; Martha was born July 30, 1733; Benjamin, born July 26, 1736, married Amy Kinne. John Gallup (4), known as Capt. Gallup, son of Nathaniel, was born at Stonington, Conn., Jan. 20, 1720, and was married Nov. 5, 1747. to Bridget Palmer, who was born April 8, 1721. Bv occupa- tion he was a farmer, and he settled in Plainfield, Conn., where he died Noy. 1, 1801, his widow sur- viving until Sept. 2, 1809. Their children were: Jerusha, born in 1748, died in 1841: John, born in 1750, married Lydia Clark, and died in Plainfield, in 1835: Jonathan, born in 1752, married Elizabeth Dow, and died in Plainfield, in 1828; David was born in 1754; Margaret married Samuel Frink; and Esther died young. David Gallup, son of Capt. John and Bridget (Palmer) Gallup, was born in 1754, in Plainfield, Conn., where he was reared to manhood. Several years prior to his marriage he located on a farm in Sterling, Conn., where he became an extensive farmer and grew prominent and prosperous. His death, on July 14, 182T, was very sudden. His polit- ical opinions were in sympathy with the Whig party, and his religious membership was with the Congregational Church. David Gallup married Nancy Jacques, a native of Coventry, R. I., a daugh- ter of Amos Jacques, of that place, and their credit- able family numbered five members, all of whom deserve more than a passing notice. The eldest, John Gallup, the fifth of that name in the family, was born April 9, t807. and resided in Sterling, Conn., until the age of twenty-one years. His education was obtained in the district schools. Coming to Brooklyn upon reaching his majority, he purchased a farm upon which he resided throughout life, his death occurring Dec. 16, 1881. In politics he was very active in the ranks of the Republican party, and soon after his location in Brocklvn he was appointed a deputy sheriff by Hieh Sheriff Roger Coit, of Plainfield, and served under him four years, being re-appointed by Coit’s successor and serving four vears more. Then he was elected to the office of high sheriff of Windham county, serv- ing efficiently for two terms. Mr. Gallup held many of the town offices, was judge of probate for several years, represented Brooklyn in the: Legis- lature, and was also constantly engaged in the settlement of estates. For a long period he was COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD SI president of the Windham County National Bank, and he was one of the trustees of the Brooklyn Savings Bank, of which latter he was also cashier for some time. He married Maria C. Tyler, who was a lineal descendant of Gen. Israel Putnam ; she died March 1, 1882, David Gallup, the second son, is mentioned below. Esther, the first daughter of David and Nancy (Jacques) Gallup, was born June 27, 1811, and married Dr. Henry Campbell, of Sterling, Conn., Sept. 6, 1831: she died in Providence, R. I., July 24, 1865. Amos J. Gallup, the third son, was born Feb. 24, 1812, and was married to Martha Gallup, Nov. 26, 1838. She was a daughter of Joseph and Han- nah (Smith) Gallup. Amos became a farmer, and settled on the homestead in Sterling, Conn., but he also was led into public life. An active and influ- ential Republican, he was made a member of the State Senate in 1858, and again in 1867, and also served one term in the House of Representatives. For a period of fifteen years he was judge of pro- bate in Sterling, Conn. the age limit curtailing his service. Ir. Gallup became a man of means. His death occurred Feb. 24, 1887, and he is buried in Moosup. His wife died Nov. 17, 1890. Ruby, the second daughter, and the youngest and onlv surviving child of David’and Nanev (Jac- ques) Gallup, was born Jan. 1, 1822. On: Sept. 3, 1850, she married Dr. Horace Burgess, of Plain- field, Conn., who died Sept. 25, 1854, at the age of thirty years. On Nov. 15, 1865, she married (sec- ond) Charles G. Williams, of Brooklyn, whose death took place Jan. 22, 1896. Mrs. Williams is a resident of Brooklyn, where she is well known and highly esteemed socially. Hon, Davin Gattup, the second son, was born July rr, 1808, in Sterling, Conn. He was quite voung when his father died, and his youth and early manhooc were spent in a manner typical of the suc- cessful young New Englander, in agricultural pur- suits and school teaching. After his marriage he settled down to an agricultural life in Plainfield, where he resided continuously until 1865, after which, with his family, he spent a portion of each vear in Hartford, though retaining his legal resi- dence in Plainfield. His aptitude for public affairs and general business ability led to his being early called from the field to serve the public in various capacities. He served successivelv in almost every local office in the town. Largely through his sound and frm management the town of Plainfield kept clear of debt and vexatious entanglements. Never during the period of the war did it allow a debt to accumulate, although every requirement of the town was promptly and abundantly furnished, and at all times, every public interest, the welfare of the schools, internal improvements, and the common prosperity were carefully guarded and cherished. For twenty-three years he was judge of probate for the Plainfield district, and administered with great fairness and justice the business of the office, and, being entirely familiar with the circumstances of the various estates which he settled, he rendered very valuable aid to all concerned. Judge Gallup also rendered valuable services to his county and State. He represented Plainfield in’ the Lower House of the General Assembly in the years 1841, 1850, 1862, 1862, 1864, 1865, 1866 and 1867; was speaker of the House in 1866; and was chosen senator in 1869. In 1880 he was elected lieutenant governor, and for two years was presi- dent of the Senate, his nomination to that position coming as a partial recognition of his worth as a man, and his services in the ranks of his party. Throughout his long and active life he was an un- swerving Whig and Republican, taking part in nominating conventions times without number. The five consecutive vears of Judge Gallup's Legislative service were during the war period, and the vear fol- lowing, and during this time he served prominent- lv on the Finance committee, being conspicuously the author of the financial system which furnished means to carry Connecticut successfully through the war crisis. This service was exceedingly valuable. It was to him also that credit was largelv due for legislation in 1877 giving equai protection to the propetty rights of married women. For these serv- ices, in connection with his strong help in Eastern Connecticut in supplying pecuniary aid to equip soldiers during the war by advancing money in their behalf for their families, as well as supplying money to towns, he is entitled to honorable remem- brance. His legislative action was highly useful to the State, as it was influential in the highest degree. Judge Gallup was prudent in business affairs, and -was successful in his many enterprises. He made no publication of his benefactions, yet he was exceedingly kina to deserving men who needed as- sistance, and nis generosities were far greater than was ever known. He was interested in many of the largest business concerns in the State, in bank- ing and in other affairs, and left a large property. For many vears he was connected with banking interests at Norwich, Conn., for some twenty years being a director in the Norwich Savings Bank, of which he was vice-president. For several years he was president of the Quinebaug Bank. retiring when the National svstem was inaugurated. During the later vears of his life he had considerable interests in Hartford, obliging him to spend much time at the capital, and his stately form became familiar to many of its inhabitants. This distinguished states- man died at the “United States Hotel,” in Hartford, Ang, 18, 1883, his wife surviving him until Nov. 3, 1884. In 1834 Mr. Gallup married Julia Ann Wood- ward, daughter of Capt. Lemuel Woodward, a lead- ing citizen of Plainfield, and their children were: Julia Ella, born Jan. 5, 1847, married Hon. George 52 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD G. Sumner, and died March 2, 1875. William Woodward, born Oct. 14, 1849, died Nov. 29, 1869. All of this family are buried in Cedar Hill cemetery, Hartford. FRANK MORTIMER MESSENGER, of Thompson, Windham county, who for many years has been agent for the mills of the Grosvenor Dale Company, and who is an active worker and minister in the Holiness Church, is one of the substantial men and useful citizens of his community. Born April 3, 1852, in Stoddard, N. H., Mr. Messenger is a son of Silas and grandson of Sam- uel Messenger, of Stoddard, N. H., and the vicinity of Wrentham, Mass., respectively. Samuel Mes- senger married Lavina Blake, of Wrentham, and to them came ten children—five sons and five daugh- ters. Of these Silas, born in Stoddard, married Arvilla, daughter of Isaac Copeland, of the same town, and was engaged in farming and as a house carpenter in Stoddard, where he held the respect, confidence and esteem of his fellow townsmen. The children born to this marriage were: Mary, Alma, Erskine, Addison, Edson Winslow, Henry E., George B., Alice C., Frank M. and Heien A. Of these, Addison died while in the service of his country during the Civil war; George B. died in childhood; and Helen A. passed away at the age of nine. The Messengers of the early Colonial period of Boston and Wrentham, Mass., descended from Hen- ry and Sarah Messenger, who resided in Boston prior to 1640. Henry, a joiner by trade, was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company there in 1659, a freeman in 1665, and died probably in 168r. (II) Thomas Messenger, born March 22, 1661, married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Martha Mellows. Thomas was one of the fourteen men selected in 1693 from seven military companies, he from Major Savage’s company. (111) Henry Messenger, born Feb. 28, 1695, in Boston, married Jan. 5, 1720, Esther, daughter of Israel and Bridget Cheevers, of Cambridge. Mr. Messenger was graduated from Harvard Col- lege in 1717 or 1719, and was ordained minister of the First Congregational Church in Wrentham, Mass., Dec. 5, 1710, and so continued until his death, March 30, 1750, when in the thirty-second year of his ministry. ‘He was a gentleman of un- blemished reputation, and was highly esteemed for his piety and virtue. He had the character of a plain, faithful, affable and profitable preacher.’”’ His twelve children were: Thomas, born in 1721, died the same year; Mary, born Aug. 28, 1722, mar- ried Rev. Elias Haven, who was settled over the church in what is now Franklin, Mass.; Esther, born Jan. 15, 1724, married Rev. Amariah Frost, of Mendon, Mass.; Sarah, born Nov. 27, 1725, mar- ried (first) Dr. Cornelius Kolluck, of Wrentham, and (second)’ Rev. Benjamin Caryl, of Dover, Mass.; Henry, born Nov. 18, 1727, died in 1729; Elizabeth, born Feb. 3, 1729, married Rev. Joseph Bean, of Wrentham; John, born Oct. 30, 1731, mar- ried (first) Marv Messenger, (second) Melatiah Corbet, and (third) Phebe Guild; Samuel, born Jan. 29, 1733, married and settled in Holliston, Mass.; Jerusha, born in September, 1734, married Ebenezer Fisher, Jr., of Wrentham; Daniel, born Oct. 11, 1735, married Mary Brostow and settled in Wrentham (parents of the late Col. Daniel, of Boston); James, born Dec. 4, 1737 (Harvard, 1762), married Elizabeth Fisher, and was the first minister of Ashford, Conn., in 1769; William, born March 2, 1739, died March 5, 1741. (IV) Daniel Messenger, born Oct. 11, 1735, married Mary Brostow, and settled in Wrentham as a farmer. He died Jan. 11, 1812, and his widow passed away in February, 1836, aged ninety-four. Their twelve children were: lary, born March 9, 1764; James, born Sept. 20, 1765, died in 1768; Daniel, born June 17, 1768, married May 26, 1793, Susanna Hincklev: Sally, born March 25, 1770, married Timothy Dexter: one born in 1771, died unnamed; Henry, born March 23, 1773, married (first) Frances Bowen, and (second) Esther Gould ; William, born Feb. 24, 1775, married Diraxa Fales, of Wrentham; Repsima, born March 9, 1777, mar- ried Daniel Woodbury, of New London, N. H.; Esther, born April 19. 1779, married Capt. Robert Hinckley, of Milton; Horace, born Sept. 19, 1781, married Olive Hancock, of Wrentham: Elizabeth, born July 29, 1783, married Erasmus J. Purce, of Philadelphia; and Sampson, born in September, 1785, died unmarried, May 22, 1821. Another of the Wrentham settlers was Ebenezer Messenger, of the third generation, a son of Thom- as, born June 2, 1697. He married (first) Jan. 26, 1719, Rebecca Sweetser, and (second) Nov. 3, 1766, Hannah Metcalf. He had eight children by his first wife, one of whom, Sweetser, had a son Samuel, born May 12, 1761. Frank M. Messenger remained upon his father’s farm until fourteen years of age, meanwhile attend- ing the neighboring school for two terms each vear. Removing with his parents to Munsonville, N. H., he sought employment in a chair factory, and there continued until the age of sixteen, meanwhile pur- suing his studies during intervals of leisure. He next found employment in a cotton factory, and later spent a year as clerk in Norway, Maine. After a second period of work in the chair factory he at nineteen accepted an engagement as card grinder in a cotton factory at Winchendon, Mass., and was soon promoted to second overseer in the same de- partment. Mr. Messenger next removed to Man- chester, N. H., in the employ of the Amoskeag Company, and on leaving the latter place returned to Munsonville in the capacity of overseer. He then located successively in Shirley, Waltham and New- ton, Mass., as overseer, and finally settled in Man- chaug, in the same State, remaining four years and COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 53 TeCEiVving f ; ; Oversee? a Fiabe while there to the position of t the ie carding and spinning department. as superintendon of this time he returned to Shirley In all of les cul Of the Phoenix & Fredonia mills. knew, for a Bats he was building better than he accepted the oe 1883. he was tendered and venor Dale a ion superintendent of the Gros- and in oe a iS town of Thompson, Conn., mills of that < es7, Was made the agent of all the gloss sitifiesie Coe This was the reward for tion to duty ce fo his daily tasks—a true devo- contlniied - . _ responsible position he has since at ines nold, ae the mills under his suecess- J esement have been enlarged and_ their SE renee some seventy per cent. eee elas hae Alr, Messenger isa stanch affairs eprnettad vith ee gd eo oe With both State and county, he L med all tenders of office. He was at one time one of the board of directors of the Thompson National Bank of Putnam. He is secretary of the Portsmouth Campmeeting Association. His re- ligious connections are with the Peniel Holiness Church, in which he is an ordained minister and a leader in its activities, and in this his wife is an active co-worker with him. Mfr, Messenger is a forceful expounder of the Gospel, and his services are sought far and near. His work for the Master seems but history repeating itself, for it may be observed from the foregoing that a number of the Messenger family before him were devout workers in the vineyard. He is one of the greatly esteemed citizens of Thompson. On Feb. 3, 1874, Mr. Messenger was married to Eliza J., daughter of John and Sarah Smith, of Winchendon, Mass. She died the following year, and he was married, second, May 13, 1879, to Mary A., daughter of John and Mary Young, of Newton, Mass. Thev have had children as follows: Frank M., Mabel W., Don E., Harry M., Marion and Helen. On June 22, 1902, Mr. and Mrs. Mes- senger were sadly bereaved in the death of their eldest son, a young man of great promise, of un- usual intellect and high moral character. He was born May 7, 1881, at Manchaug, Mass., attended the village school, and, after his parents removed to Grosvenor Dale had the advantage of the local public schools, completing the course at the Webster high school. Wishing to further his studies, he entered the Worcester Academy, but was obliged to leave during the second year because of ill health. After recuperating he decided to take up the busi- ness his father had so long successfully followed, and asked permission to be allowed to work in, the mills a few years, so that he might become familiar with the work in all its details. Almost two years were spent thus, and he then entered the Lowell Textile school, at Lowell, Mass., where he studied the technicalities of design. There, as elsewhere, his ambition exceeded his strength, and he was ob- liged to give up study and return home, where he passed away after a lingering illness. At the time of his death a local paper said: “In the death of Frank M. Messenger, Jr., the community loses a young man of exceptionally good character. He possessed a quiet even disposition, which won for him the friendship of all, and his untimely death cast a gloom of sadness over the entire community.” HON. ALFRED R. GOODRICH, Al. D., of Vernon, Tolland county, ex-comptroller and State treasurer, who for fifty-five years has been actively engaged in the practice of medicine in and around Vernon, comes of Puritan stock and has a New England ancestry of which he and his posterity may be justly proud. / (I) Ensign William Goodrich, the first American ancestor of Dr. Goodrich, was born in the county of Suffolk, England, near Bury St. Edmunds, and was married Oct. 4, 1648, in Connecticut to Sarah Mar- vin. In 1656 he was made a freeman, and was deputy to the General Court in 1662. He was one of the grand jury, and ensign in the train band. William Goodrich died in 1676; his widow, who survived till 1702, married Capt. William Curtis. William and Sarah Goodrich had nine children: William, born Aug. 8, 1649, who died at birth ; John, May 20, 1653; Elizabeth, 1658; William (2), Feb. 8, 1661; Ephraim, June 2, 1663; David, May 4, 1667: Sarah; Mary; Abigail. Dr. Goodrich is in the sixth generation, the line of descent from En- ‘sign William Goodrich being through Ephraim, David, George and Alfred Goodrich. (II) Ephraim Goodrich, son of Ensign William, married Sarah Treat, May 20, 1684, who died June 26, 1712. His second marriage, to Jerusha, the widow of Josiah Nettles, occurred Dec. 25, 1712. They made their home at Rocky Hill, where he died, Feb. 27, 1739. His wife died Jan. 15, 1754. The children of the first marriage were: Richard, born Feb. 27, 1685 ; Sarah, 1698; Ephraim, who married Hannah Steel, July 19, 1715; William, born in 1701, who married Rachel Savage, April 4, 1728: David; Thornas, who married Hannah Reynolds, Nov. 26, 1719; Gideon, who was married in 1718. By the second wife there were two children: Oliver, born Dec. 27, 1714, who married Temper- ance Wright June 26, 1740; Gideon, born Dec. 29, 1717. who married Abigail Baldwin, June 7, 1739. (IHL) David Goodrich, born in 1705, married Sarah, daughter of John Edwards, Feb. 13, 17209. Their home was in Glastonbury, where he died June 7, 1779, and she, May 11, 1799. They had eleven children: John, born June 16, 1730; David, May 23, 1732) Wait, Feb. &, 1736¢ Lucy, Feb, 24. ayahs Rhoda, Dec. 17, 1739; Grace, May 2, 1743; Elizur, Aug. 8, 17454 Sarah, June 20, 17472 Honor, April 8, 1749; George, Aug. 13, 1751; Prudence, April T4, 1754. (I\") George Goodrich married Lucinda Wells, March 9, 1782. [Eleven children were born to them: George, Jr., born May 28, 1784, who died in the 54 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD South in 1&15; David, born Sept. 11, 1785, died March 22, 1857; Alfred, born April 27, 1787; Charles C. P., born Feb. 10, 1789, who died about 1812; John Taintor, William, born Feb. 29, 1793, died March 25, 1814; Lucinda Wells, born March 17, 1795, cied Dec. 10, 1881; Laura W., born Feb. 18, 17y7, died April 2, 1876; Mary W., born Jan. 23, 1740, died April 28, 1876; Ralph, born March 26, 1801, died Oct. 241, 1802; Ralph E., born Feb. 2, 1805, died March 30, 1814. Lucinda (Wells) Goodrich died April 14, 1814. and two years later Mr. Goodrich married Honor Wells. George Goodrich served in the war of the Revolution, and was in the battle at Saratoga when Gen. Burgoyne and his army surrendered to Gen. Gates, Oct. 17, 1777. He made his home after the conclusion of that siruggle in Gill, Mass., where he died Aug. 16, 1843. (V) Alfred Goodrich, the father of Dr. Good- rich, and the son of George Goodrich, was born ‘April 27, 1787. Abigail Howland, his first wife, died Oct. 11, 1821, and in October, 1822, he was married to Lora Stebbins Day. The children were: Charles C. P., born Oct. 27, 1812, married to Sarah N. Porter, who died March 175 1883 ; William E., born Feb. 27, 1816, who married Laura A. Smalley, and died Feb. 27, 1867; Alfred R., MI. D.; Abigail J., the oldest child of the second marriage ; Sarah E.; George: James E.; Ralph; Lora J. The father of this family resided at Gill, Mass., where he was an esteemed and respected citizen. In various official: relations he served his town very acceptably. His death occurred Alarch 29, 1866. Abigail (How- land) Goodrich, his first wife, was the daughter of Salmon and Wealthy (Wise) Howland, and a de- scendant in the seventh generation of John How- land, who came to these shores i in the ‘‘\layflower,” the line of her descent being through, John (2), John (3), George G., and Sal mon “Howland, the latter being a resident of A\lontague, Massachusetts. (V1) Dr. Alfred R. Goodrich, third son of Alfred and Abigail (Howland) Goodrich, was born Sept. 29, 1818, in Gill, Mass., where he spent his boyhood days. His academic education was received in Deerfield, Mass., and subsequently he was associate teacher, and still later principal of the academy from which he was graduated. He began the study of medicine in 1843 under the direction of Alden Skin- ner, \I. D., and in 1846 was graduated with honor from the Terkshire Medical College. For a time he practiced medicine in the city of New York, where he passed through the terrible epidemic of ship fever, with w hich he himself was prostrated. When his health had regained its wonted tone, Dr. Good- rich removed to \ernon, and from that time to this he has been associated with the professional, social and commercial interests of that community. With the development of Rockville as a manufacturing center of much importance, he has been closely iden- tified. Outside of his professional duties Dr. Good- rich has heen of service in public affairs. Although a Democrat, and hence of a party much in the munority in his county, Dr. Goodrich was elected to the General Assembly from Vernon in 1870, receiv- ing a flattering vote from his political opponents and being the ‘first Democrat elected from Vernon to the Legislature. In 1871 he was a candidate for Congress, but was unsuccessful in the election. For Bag successive elections, beginning with that im 1873, he was chosen State comptroller and per- for aed the duties of that position in an-able manner, the expenditures of the State being much reduced through his administration. In 1882 Dr. Goodrich was elected as State treasurer, serving two terms. His administration of his high position was char- acterized by fidelity and honor, Dr. Goodrich has frequently been elected president of the County Medical Society and in 1879 was elected president of the State Medical Society; he declined a second term. Since 1874 he has been president of the Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Hartford, and previously its vice president. He was one of the committee of five who built the beautiful \lemorial Town Hall, and Rockville high school building, which occupy conspicuous places in Rockville, and are a credit to the town. The Doctor has been a member of the State Board of Agriculture, and a director of the Rockville Savings Bank, and has filled various orfices in the gift of the town. In his profession Dr. Goodrich has kept abreast of the times, and has led a long and useful life in Vernon. Dr. Goodrich was married Oct. 28, 1847, to Charlotte, the voungest daughter of Hon. Peter Dobson, by whom he had a son, George Dobson. This son was born Aug. 4, 1850, and was married Alay 24, 1876, to Marie .\. Talcott, by whom he had the following children: Charlotte D., born Jan. 14. 1878, married Nov. 3, 1900, to Frank J. Follans- bee, Jr.: George T., born Dec. 13, 1882; Emline Strong, born July 16, 1887. Eon. Peter Dobson, the father of Mrs. Charlotte Goodrich, came from Preston, England, in 1809, to introduce cotton manufacturing in Vernon. He was a man of scientific taste and attainment. In Prof. Siliman’s ‘Journal of Art and Science,” July, 1842, page 200, he is spoken of in the highest terms by Sir Robert Impay Alurchison, president of the Geo- logical Society of London, as the first proposer of the present universally accepted theory of the “wear of rocks and boulders by being suspended in ice, and carried over rocks and earth under water, and American science is congratulated in having pos- sessed in him the original author of the best glacial theery yet known to the world.” In: business and commercial relations, Mr. Dob- son was a man of strict integrity and honor. He re- ceived from his neighbors many evidences of their esteem and trust. In political days he began as a Democrat, but supported Henry Clay. In many re- spects he was an uncommon man. Of an unusual mental endowment, he had also a physique of large COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 55 and powerful proportions. A deep and_ original thinker, a close and independent reasoner, with a talent for practical mathematics and mechanics, he was a man of many parts. Mr. Dobson was married to Betsy Chapman, of Ellington, and to this union were born William and Marvy. The mother of these children died in 1816, and in March of the following year the father mar- ried Sophia, the daughter of John and Lydia (Sum- ner) Strong, of Windsor, Conn. To this union were born John, and Charlotte, Mrs. A. R. Goodrich, of Vernon, who died Jan. 20, 1902. Peter Dobson died March 18, 1878. in the ninety-fourth year of his age. His wife died Oct. 3, 1875. John Dobson, mentioned above, was a prominent man, a leading representative of the Democratic party and known throughout the State. In 1852 he was elected State Senator, in 1876 was a presi- dential elector, and in 1877 was made State auditor of public institutions. Wherever he was found he showed himself a man of power. Ir. Dobson was married. Jan. 21, 1841, to Julia Woodbridge White, by whom he had one daughter, Emma 5., the wife of R. B. Parker, and the mother of two sons and two daughters, John Dobson, Annie B., Lucius Rienzi and Julia White. Ir. Dobson died Dec. 16, 1882. Dr. Goodrich was a post-graduate of the: Col- lege of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, in 1847, and has maintained an intimate association with that celebrated institution to the present time. When Dr. Goodrich was a member of the State Legislature in 1870, he served on the Educational committee and the committee on Women’s Rights, and his casting vote gave the ladies a favorable re- port on the subject of Women Suffrage. At the present tine Dr. Goodrich is pension ex- aminer for Tolland county, and in the city of Rock- ville has been president of the School Board for over thirty years, serving on the High School committee. In 1858 he was made a member of Fayette Lodge, F. & A. M., at Rockville. He is a member of the Board of Health, and one of the trustees of the pub- lic library. In 1864 and 1868 he was a presidential elector. At the dedication of the Rockville high school he gave the historical address. Dr. Goodrich attends the Congregational Church. JOSEPH HENRY FULLER descends from Dr. Samuel Fuller of “A\LayHower™ fame, who land- ed here in 1620 and later settled at Ipswich, Mass. He had a son John, who continued the line of de- scent of which this sketch treats. (II) John Fuller, born in Ipswich, Mass., in 1634, died June 4, 1666. By his wife Elizabeth (Emerson), he was the father of eight children: John, William, Thomas, Nathan, Joseph, Susannah, Sarah, and Elizabeth. (JIT) Joseph Fuller, of the children just men- tioned, was born at Ipswich, Mass., in 1660. In October, 1685, he married Mary Haywood, and of this union also there were eight children: Joseph, Thomas, William, John, the next in this line of de- scent, Daniel, Benjamin, Ebenezer, and Jacob. (IV) John Fuller was born in Ipswich, Mass., April 22, 1701; and Jan. 1, 1727, he married Mary Howard, who died in November, 1728. He then married, Jan. 7, 1730, Hannah Lord. At an early date he settled in Hampton, and it was in that town that his children were born. They*were Joseph, born Noy. 28, 1728; John, the great-grandfather of Joseph H. Fuller; Samuel, born Jan. 20, 1733, who - married, Oct. 22, 1761, Sarah Reed; Daniel, born June 13, 1736; William, Jan. 25, 1740; and Hannah, June 12, 1743, who married, April 17, 1766, Elijah Fiich. (V) John Fuller, born in Hampton, May 7, 1731, was a large landowner and wielded a wide in- fluence in his vicinity. For some time he lived in the eastern part of Hampton near the Brooklyn line, but later moved to the farm now occupied by Abel Burdick, and there, in old age, he died. On Dec. 24, 1755, he married Hannah Kimball and they had nine children; John, Benjamin, Ebenezer, Daniel, Jesse, William, Mary, Hannah and Eliza. (VI) Benjamin fuller, the grandfather of Jo- seph Henry, was born June 16, 1758, and resided in Hampton, where he died in 1840, at the age of eighty-two. Agriculture was the business of his life. He was married (first) to Johanna Trowbridge, of Pomfret, who died Aug. 19, 1822; and (second) April 16, 1823, to Clarissa Utley, by whom he had eight children: Benjamin, a farmer, who married Lucy Hodgkins, and after her death, Sarah God- dard, and died in Hampton; Elisha, mentioned later ; Daniel, a carpenter and later a hotel keeper at Mansfield Four Corners, who married Jeriah Hall, after her death, Betsey Neff, and later Lvdia Jones, and who died in his hotel, at the age of ninety-seven ; James, a farmer, who died in Hampton, married to Parmelia Warner; Florence, who died young; Thomas, also a farmer who died in Hampton, mar- ried to Peggy Preston; Lester, a physician at Ver- non, Conn., where he died, unmarried; Lewis, a farmer and carpenter, who married Eliza Holt, and after her death, Anna Holt, and died in Hampton. Mr. Fuller was a great hunter, a wit, and a joker. No one in Hampton could tell a better story than he, and his tales were listened to far and near. His townsmen called hint “Lying Ben.” (VII) Elisha Fuller, father of Joseph Henry, was born in Hampton, Jan. 26, 1783. Being reared to farm work, he naturally turned to agriculture for a living. He followed his, vocation in Hampton and later in Ashford, Westford, Brooklyn, and Lisbon, where he resided for short periods. Finally return- ing to Hampton, he settled on a farm where he re- mained the rest of his life. Mr. Fuller was married twice. His first wife, Mary Spencer, daughter of Silas and Mary (Farnham) Spencer, was born in Hampton and died June 15, 1815, at the age of thirty-two. His second wife, whom he married in 56 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 1815, was [rene Francis, who was born in Mansfield, Conn., in 1798, daughter of Manning Francis; she died July 11, 1888, at the age of ninety. By his first wite Alr. Fuller had six children. The first ones were twins who died in infancy. Phylander, a farmer, wha died in Mansfield, married Frances Church. Elisha S., a cooper, who is now in his ninety-first year, the oldest resident in Hampton, married Fsther Eliza Chester. Edwin T., a car- penter and wagon maker, who died in Plainfield, Conn., married Louisa Snow, and after her death, Sarah Parsons. Lucien H., a marble cutter, who died in Mansfield, Conn., married a woman from St. Louis, Mo., and after her death, his cousin, Har- riet Fuller. Elisha and his second wife, Irene (Francis) Fuller, had eleven children, whose record is as follows: lary C. married John Cocking, a day-laborer, and Maria never married. Samuel C. died young. Francis D., a shoemaker, who died in Madison, Wis., married Fanny Clark. Theodore, a mechanic, who died in Hampton, was married twice; his second wife was Abbie Down- ing. Joseph Henry is mentioned later. Payson G. died young. Henrietta C. and Harriet C. were twins; the first never married, the second married Edwin Tanner, and after his death, Asher Hazen; she now resides at Montville, Conn. Alexander, a carpenter, who died in New London, Conn., mar- ried Susan Adams, the sister of Mrs. Joseph Henry Fuller. Leander was killed in early manhood by falling from a window of a building in St. Louis, Missourt. As a farmer Mr. Fuller was thoroughly success- ful, and in spite of having to provide for a large family, he was always comfortably well off. He worked up to the last minute and died in Hampton, May 25. 1837, from the effects of an accident re- ceived while blasting a log. A forceful man, with marked disciplinary powers, he was made first leu- tenant of a military company to which he belonged, composed of men from Ashford, Hampton, Mans- field, Windham, and Chaplin; and he held the honor for many years. In religious sentiment he was a Congregationalist, and he belonged to that church in Hampton. Though cut short in the midst of his career, he had shown by his works that he was a man possessed of great wisdom, frugality, and of exceptionally winning traits. (VILI) Joseph Henry Fuller, the oldest active blacksmith in Hampton, has won the esteem of his townsmen entirely by his own efforts. Born Feb. 23. 1827, in Ashford, Conn., and when one month old taken by his parents to Hampton, he grew up in that town. At the tender age of nine he was ruthlessly taken from the district school and set to work in a cotton factory, which was located in the southern part of Hampton, employed about fifty hands, and was operated by Mr. Loderick Walcott. The bov’s work was piecing ends of the cotton cloth. Though his wages were small, he dutifully gave them to his parents for the support of the fami- ly. After several years he left the factory and went to work on a farm. Early realizing the necessity of settling upon some trade for life,-at the age of fifteen he hired out for three years as an apprentice for Harvey Smith, a blacksmith in Hampton. Though the inducement was not very attractive— his board, twenty-five dollars a year, and half of the month of July to himselfi—he unflinchingly ful- filled his contract, and at the end secured a position as journeyman with Roger S. Williams, also a black- smith in Hampton. Proving a thoroughly com- petent workman, he remained there twenty years. In 1850 he married in her native town, Canterbury, Conn., Julia Adams, who was born in 1828, daugh- ter of Moses Adams. She died Dec. 29, 1892, hav- ing been an efficient helpmate for forty-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller had no children of their own, but reared from infancy Abbie E. Weeks, who has never married and still lives with her foster father. Having finally left the blacksmith shop of Mr. Williams, Mr. Fuller erected a building of his own, on credit, and hung out his horseshoe in Hampton. His competitors boasted they would soon “nail him,” but he continued to swing his hammer, and fire his furnace, and one by one they closed out. For thirty- five years he has been the leading blacksmith in Hampton, and so large has been his patronage that he has been obliged to employ a great deal of help, sometimes five men at a time. At present he only works himself when he feels like it. He often re- lates interesting experiences connected with his business, such incidents as his having shod one hun- dred and seventy-three oxen in one winter. Be- sides attending to his blacksmith’s business, Mr. Fuller has engaged in general farming and dairy- ing. For four years he carried the mail from the Hampton post office to the station, a distance of two miles. Altogether he has made a great deal of money, and he now owns a beautiful home and a good farm of sixty acres. Mr. Fuller has an exceptionally strong consti- tution ; though now in his seventy-seventh year, he is remarkably well-preserved and active. One day when he was seventy-three years old he shod thir- teen horses; eight is a good day’s work. In man- ner he is plain and outspoken, in religious sentiment a free thinker, and, though usually affiliating with the Republicans in politics, he always votes for the best man. The remarkable success of his career is mainly due to his salient characteristics, his indus- try, deterinination, ambition and sound judgment. HON. ABIEL CONVERSE, a retired lawyer of Thompson, Windham county, venerable in years and full of honors, comes of an historic family, one ancient in the history of this as well as the Old World. The Converse family of America dates back hundreds of vears to Normandy, France, where it held a distinguished place among the Norman no- bles of the day in the possession of large estates > \ . Y \ ‘ COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 57 around the Chateau Coignir. Roger De Coigniries accompanied William the Conqueror in his invasion of England in 1066, was one of his trusted captains, and so distinguished himself at the battle of Hast- ings that his name was entered upon the roll of honor in the record of Battle Abbey. The name after the conquest was changed to Coniers or Con- vers, and was transmitted with vast estates by lords and barons and nobles for more than five hundred years, as the records show. In that line was born in 1590 Edward Convers, who came to America in the fleet with Winthrop in 1630, his wife Sarah accompanying him. Mr. Conyers, Convers or Con- verse, as the name is variously spelled, settled first in Charlestown, where he was made a freeman in 1631, served as selectman in 1635 to 1640, was one of the founders of the church there (First Church, Boston) in 1630, and was dismissed in 1632 to form the First Church of Charlestown. He became one of the first settlers of Woburn, Mass., and one of the founders of the church there, being chosen one of the first deacons and continuing in office until his death in 1662. He was long a selectman of Wo- burn, from 1644 until his death. From this emigrant settler Abiel Converse’s lineage is through Samuel, Samuel (2), Ensign Edward, Jonathan, Elijah and Riel Converse. (IT) Samuel Converse, born in Charlestown (baptized March 12, 1637), married in 1660 Judith, daughter of Rev. Thomas Carter. He settled in Woburn, and was there made a freeman in 1666. (III) Sergt. Samuel Converse (2) was born April 4, 1662. In 1710 he located in Thompson parish, in Killingly, Connecticut. (IV) Ensign Edward Converse, born Septem- ber 25. 1696, in Woburn, Mass., came to Thomp- son, with his parents when fourteen years old. On Aug. 6, 1717, married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Elizabeth Cooper. She died Feb. 19, 1774, and he died July 9, 1784. (V) Jonathan Converse, born in Thompson, bap- tized April 28, 1723, married June 19, 1743, Keziah Hughes, daughter of Jonathan Hughes. (VI) Elijah Converse, born June 20, 1745, died June 14, 1820. In 1790 he built a house in Wilson- ville, where Albert Converse, his grandson, now re- sides. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. On Jan. 25, 1770, he married Experience Hibbard, who was born Sept. 5, 1746, daughter of Jonathan and Experience Hibbard. Their children: Sarah, born April 26, 1772, married Daniel Barrett; Lois was born March 4, 1775; Elijah, born April 10, 1777, died April 22, 1846; Riel was born February 24, 1782. (VII) Riel Converse married (first) Ada Barnes, of Dudlev, and for his second wife married Alice Bixby, daughter of Jacob and Eunice (Leav- ens) Bixby. His third wife was Sarah Pierce. By trade Mr. Converse was a house carpenter and joiner, which he followed throughout life in connec- tion with farming. He was a well-known and well- liked citizen, doing what he thought right in every relation of life, and his death, which occurred Oct. 26, 1874, was deeply mourned; he is buried in Wil- sonville cemetery. He was by his second wife the father of two children, Abiel and Albert, who now reside on the old homestead. Mr. Converse was a Demorrat in politics. (VITI) Abiel Converse, son of Riel, born Dec. 73. 1815, in Thompson, Conn., married Nov. 17, 1842, Matilda Sly, daughter of Nathan and Cynthia (Corbin) Slv, of Dudley, Mass., and to the mar- riage came two children, as follows: Mary Ellen, born July 17, 1847, died Nov. 19, 1884. Martha Anna, born Oct. 28, 1848, married Dec. 26, 1871, Major Charles C. McConnell, U. S. A.; she died at Fort Adams, Newport, R. I., Jan. 9, 1874. Mr. Converse spent his early life and received his education among the primitive people, amid pri- mitive scenes and in the most primitive schools. From childhood to manhood, in keeping with the conditions about him, and the circumstances of the times, he was subjected to exacting labor upon a tugged New England farm. The vigor of such a life, however, was not without its good side, for it strengthened his constitution and made it possible to live these nearly four score and ten years in the possession of good health and unimpaired faculties. During his later youth Mr. Converse was ac- customed to teach school through the winter months, but continued his work upon the farm through the rest of the year. At about nineteen years of age, he entered the Wesleyan Academy, at Wilbraham, Mass., where he was prepared for Col- lege. He next matriculated at Weslevan Universi- ty, Middletown, Conn., from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1839. At intervals during his college course he taught school to aid in defraving his expenses. He commenced the study of law soon after his graduation, in the office and under the direction of Hon. Peter C. Bacon, at Worcester, Mass., pursuing his studies with this gentleman some two vears, after which he became a student of Hon. L. F. S. Foster, of Norwich, Conn. In February, 1842, he was admitted to the Bar in New London county, Conn., and began the practice of law at Danielson, Conn. There he re- mained until 1854, in which year he located in New London, continuing some twenty years in active practice, when he retired and removed to the town of Thompson, his birthplace. There he has since lived, in the enjoyment of the fruits of a well-spent life. Mr. Converse was born and bred a Democrat of the old school, and has been a party worker and leader through much of his active career. Of studi- ous and industrious habits, he possessed the neces- sary ability and qualifications for useful citizenship, all of wnich mace him a valued member of the com- munitv. A man of integrity and honor, he won and held the confidence of his fellow citizens. In 1844 he received the appointment of the court as 58 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD attorney for the State and for Windham county, and by appointment held the office for a number of years. In 1845 he represented the town of Killing- ly in the General Assembly. He was appointed in 1848, and again in 1849, by the General Assembly, as judge of probate for the {Killingly District, and after his removal to New London was clerk of the court of probate for that district, judge of the city police court and also of the city civil court. He was also city attorney for several years. Directly after the Civil war \lr. Converse was his party's can- didate for Congress in his district, and though not elected polled the full party vote. lr. Converse has also been active and ever deeply interested in educational matters, and has served on school boards in all of the places in which his lot has been cast. He is still quite active in public affairs, and is in full possession of his faculties. ALBERT CONVERSE, retired farmer of Wil- sonville, and one of the oldest citizens of that place, was born at Wilsonville, Feb. 15, 1818. His edu- cation was obtained in the district school, and he grew up on his father’s ferm, where he remained until young manhood. He then went to Oxford, Mass., and learned the shoe trade, at which he worked both at Oxford and Webster, until 1842, when he received the appointment of station agent at Fisherville, near North Grosvenor Dale, from the Norwich & Worcester Railway Company. There he remained for many years, later settling on the homestead farm with his father, and for a year and a half engaging in the grain business at Webster. Since then he has carried on farming and lumber- ing, having a tract of one hundred acres of land. In spite of his vears he is still active. Like his brother he is a stanch Democrat, but no office seek- er. Thrifty and industrious by nature, domestic in his tastes, temperate in his habits, and consider- ate in his conduct toward all, Mr. Converse is a citizen who may well be held up for the emulation of the rising generation. He and his brother have both carried the family name through their lives with honor. On Feb. to, 1840, Mr. Converse married, in Thompson, for his first wife, Rebecca T. Kelley, a native of Thompson, daughter of John Kelley, and six children have been born to them: Noel E., of Worcester, \fass.; Helen A\l., who married C. F. May, of Norwich, Conn.: Alice A., who married William Jack, of Wilsonville; Ann R., widow of R. E. Beville, of Willimantic, Conn.; Etta, Mrs. I. G. Bixby; and Ada B. The mother died on the farm in 1876, and the father married, for his second wife, in June, 1880, in Oxford, Ruth Ann Battey, who was born in Scituate, Mass., daughter of John and ‘Sarah (Blackmore) Battey, and widow of Jonthan Randall, of Foster, R. I. She had one child by her first marriage, Jonathan, who is de- ceased. No children have been born to her union with Mr. Converse. She is a very active woman for one of her vears, has no need for glasses, being able to sew with the finest needle, which she threads without difficulty. She is a woman of high char- acter. CHARLES D. TORREY. To be able to trace a direct line of ancestry as far back as the days of Queen Elizabeth, farther than the date of the settle- ment of St. Augustine, the oldest city in the New \Vorld, is not a possibility with very many persons, even after years in the study of genealogy. How- ever, \[r. Charles D. Torrey, of Putnam, Windham Co., Conn., can follow his forefathers through one generation after the other until he reaches (I) \William Torrey, a man of substance and authority, who passed out of life in June, 1557. His home was in Combe, St. Nicholas, Somersetshire, Eng- land. His will provides for his wife Thomasyne and unnamed children. This far-away grandfather left all too few de- tails of either occupation or family, but it is known that he was succeeded by a son Philip. (II) Philip appears also to have been a man of means and one careful for the welfare of his family, and his will is dated in 1604, mention being made in it of wife Jane, son William and daughter Dorothie. (111) William, son of Philip Torrey and Jane, his wife, was known to be living in 1639, when his wife, Alice, died. (IV) Philip, son of William Torrey, died in June, 1621, leaving a will dated April 21, of the year previous. He had four sons, all of whom came to America. (V) Capt. Wiliam Torrey, son of Philip, was born in the old ancestral home at Combe, St. Nicho- las, England, in 1008, and the church records show that he was baptized on Dec. 21, of that vear. On March 17, 1629, he married Agnes Combe and she cied in her native land. It can probably never be determined whether it was grief over her loss, religious persecution or love of adventure, that induced Capt. \WVilliam to join his three brothers, James, Philip, and Joseph, in their immigration to America in 1040. It is possible that his second wife accompanied him from England, but it is certain that he brought his two sons, Sam- uei, born in 1632, and William, born in 1638, and that they settled and made their home at Weymouth, Mass. Six more children were born to Capt. Will- iam at this place, namely: Naomi, Mary, Micajah, Josiah, Judith and Angel. Capt. William became a magistrate and Captain of the train band of the colony. For a number of years he was the repre- sentative for Weymouth in the General Court, and it is saidl of him that he was called upon to act as clerk and secretary on account of his excellent pen- manship. It is evident that he was a man of intelli- gence and a deep thinker, a work from his pen still existing which treated of a ‘Discourse Concerning Futurities. ete.” (VI) Wiliam Torrey, son of Capt. William, COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 59 was born in 1638, in England, and as noted, came to America with his father in 1640. _ (WIT) Joseph Torrey, son of William, was born in Weymouth, where the family continued to make their home, and his business was that of trader, probably often negotiating with the Indians. (VIII) Rev. Dr. Joseph Torrey, son of Joseph, was bern in Weymouth, Mass., Oct. 8, 1707, and died Nov. 23, 1702, in Kingston, R. I. He was a physi- cian, graduated from Harvard in 1728, and was or- dained a minister Mav 17, 1732, taking charge of the church at Tower Hill, Kingston, R. I., in which pastorate he remained through life. He married Elizabeth Wilson for his first wife and they had seven children. Deacon Joseph, born Feb. 22, 1733, married in December, 1757, Hannah Fisk, born Sept. 12, 1728. Fle died Feb. 19, 1804, and she died Sept. 25, 1805. Dr. Saniuel Holden, born in 1738, died Dec. 1, 1786. He married Anne Gould, a wealthy and fashionable lady of Boston, who as a part of her patrimony, brought her slaves to Killingly and when she went for an airing in her chaise, they trotted by its side. Oliver, died young. Elizabeth married Edward Adams of Killingly. Ann, born May 4, 1737, at Kingston, R. L, married Thomas Hawkins, who was born in 1738. Mary married A. B. Pol- lock of South Kingston, R. 1. Lucy married Rev. Osgood, of Boston. In 1748 Rev. Dr. Joseph Torrey contracted a second marriage, his wife being Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. John Fisk, who was the first pastor of the Killingly Congregational Church. He owned a large estate, containing 1,000 acres of land in that neigh- borhood. The children born to this second marriage were: John F., born in 1750, who died unmarried, July 1, 1816, Oliver; William, who married first Hannah Plank, and (second) Zilpah Davison, and who was the grandfather of William T. Harris, the present commissioner of Education; Abigail; Sarah; Elizabeth; and two children who died in infancy. (IX) Oliver Torrey was born March 24, 1756, in South Kingston, R. I, and died March 7, 1843, in Putnam (then Killingly), Conn. On Sept. 23, 1784, he married Tama, daughter of Daniel Davis, who was one of the pioneers of Ohio, going thither in 1788, from Killingly, Conn. He was a captain in the State militia, and a deacon in the Congrega- tional Church. The children of Oliver Torrey and his wife were: Elizabeth, born Aug. 10, 1785, in Killingly, who married Rufus Davison in 1813 and died in Putnam; Daniel D.: Sarah, born May 26, 1790, in Killingly, who married Asa Cutler of Kill- ingly, in 1813, and died in Putnam; Luey, born Aug. 30, 1792, in Killingly, who died unmarried, May 2, T814; Susan, born Aug. 22, 1794, in Nillingly, who married Jeremiah Dana, of Oxford, \ass., and died June 17, 1859, her husband dying in Killingly, Oct. 31, 1851; George, born Oct. 25, 1796, in Killingly, who died May 20, 1859, in Putnam, unmarried ; Sophia, born Feb. 25, 1799, in Killingly, who died in Putnam, unmarried: Hannah Bishop, born Alarch 30, 1801, died in Putnam unmarried; Mary, born Feb, 21, 1803, in Nillingly, who married James Howe, of Killingly and died in Putnam; Elvira, born Feb. 11, 1805, in Nillingly, who died unmar- ried; Almira, born Sept. 29, 1807, in Killingly, who married Benjamin Brayton, of Putnam, where she died; and Abigail, born March 29, 1811, in Nilling- lv, who married Aloses B. H. Bishop, of \[edfield, Aass., where she died Noy. 28, 1852. Oliver Tor- rey was known as an excellent farmer and a man of Christian character. (X) Daniel Davis Torrey was born Feb. 20, 1788, in Killingly and died Oct. 17, 1860, in Eau- Claire, Wis. On Sept. 29, 1813, he married Olive Cutler, born May 14, 1791, in Killingly, who died Aug. 19, 1829, daughter of Benjamin and grand- daughter of Asa Cutler, the latter a blacksmith of note, in WNillingly. Their children were five in number. Erastus is mentioned at length later. Joseph Wilson, born Dec. 4, 1816, in WNillingly, died in Putnam. On July 4, 1841, he married Isabella Perry and they had two children: Henry Davis, born April 17, 1842, in Oxford, Mass.; and Caroline Amelia, born July 5, 1844, at the same place. Joseph W. Torrey was a dresser tender, but later conducted a grocery business in Putnam. Rebecca Larned, the third child, born May 16, 1819, in Killingly, died there in 1830. Mary Cutler, born Nov. 3, 1821, in Killingly, died there Sept. 26, 1829. \Valter Davis, born Oct. 27, 1825, in Killingly, died Oct. 20, 1851, in Man- chester, Conn. In October, 1848, he married Marv Augusta Truesdell, of Killingly, and they had one child, George Burritt, who was born in 1850, and died Dec. 2, of the same vear, in Nillingly. Daniel D. Torrey married for his second wife Susan Torrey Bishop, born March 4, 1790, in Nill- ingly, daughter of Dr. Jonathan P. and Hannah (Torrey) Bishop, of Nillingly, now Putnam. One son was born to this union, Daniel Davis, Jr., born March 27, 1832, who died in Killingly Sept. 27, 1849, aged seventeen vears. Mrs. Torrey died May 16, 1850, and Daniel D. Torrey married for his third wife AIrs. Aliza A. (Bent) Davis, born in 1811. Daniel Davis Torrey was a man of unusual stature, standing six feet, two inches in height and robust in proportion, an ideal farmer and_ black- smith, which occupations he followed. He was a Whig in his early political life, and later became a Republican. In his community he was a man of re- liability and was elected a justice of the peace, al- though he did not care enough for the office to qualify. For twenty years he was a deacon in the Congregational Church on Putnam Heights, and in every way was a worthy man. It is mentioned of him that although quiet and unassuming in manner, he dearly loved a good joke when it did not create any ill feeling. (XT) Erastus Torrey, son of Daniel Davis, was born June 28, 1814, in Nillingly, and died Dec. 23, 60 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 1885, in Putnam. On March 3, 1839, he married Sybil Allton, born May 29, 1812, in Pomfret, Conn., who died in Putnam, Oct. 29, 1886, daughter of Charles and Sybil (Wheaton) Allton. Their chil- dren were: Charles Davis; George Louis, born Sept. 21, 1843, in Putnam, who died Dec. 4, 1845, in Woodstock; and Olive Elizabeth, born June 5, 1847, in Putnam, who married June 3, 1866, Silas L. Babbitt, a carpenter at Putnam. Of this union there were two children: Eva Elizabeth who mar- ried Frank Blackmar and died in Danielson; and Silas Newton who married Mabel Rand, now de- ceased, and follows the trade of stone mason in Putnarn. Erastus Torrey in his early years of activity, worked in the cotton mills and became skilled in all the departments, adopting the trade of mule spin- ner. Endowed with good health and a robust con- stitution, he was capable of accomplishing a vast amount of work. In his latter years he confined his attention to the management of his land on Putnam Heights, where he was born, this property having come into the family in 1713, Mr. Torrey was a man in whom his neighbors placed confidence, and for twenty-five years he served as grand juror and for several years as assessor. In his early years he united with the Baptist Church and so continued, although his estimable wife was as closely attached to the Methodist faith. Those who knew him well could hear witness to his faithfulness to his com- munity, church, friends and family, and his friendly and geniai spirit made him many friends. In po- litical sympathy he was identified with the Repub- lican party. (NII) Charles Davis Torrey, who is one of Put- nam’s leading farmers and representative citizens, was born in Pomfret, Conn., March 8, 1840, and for many years was closely identified with the edu- cational interests of that vicinity. His early oppor- tunities were superior to those of many others in the same rank of life. His parents secured his at- tendance at school in Putnam until he was prepared for an academic course, which he enjoyed during three years at Nichol’s Academy, at Dudley, Mass. Thoroughly qualified, although only twenty years of age, Mr. Torrey then began teaching, following this profession both in Puptnam and in Thompson, and he has never lost his interest in the work. For three years Mr. Torrey then operated the large home farm for his father, leaving there to enter upon a clerkship with S. M. Fenner, in Woodstock. One year later he returned to the farm, but the next year found him again in a clerical position with the firm of Wood & Thomas, at Dayville, with whom he con- tinued a year. The four years succeeding 1867 were spent in agricultural life, and then he began a four years’ engagement with M. & A. Wood, in a general store, going from this firm to the woolen manufacturing firm of S. L. & T. D. Sayles, where he continued for three and one-half years as book- keeper. In 1879 Mr. Torrey returned to his valuable and attractive farm where he can easily enter into al- most any competition in his locality, either in the amount and value of his products or in the excel- lence of his dairy output. His fine property com- prises 250 acres of valuable Connecticut soil, the sane farm which has belonged to the family since 1713. One of his yields during the past year was goo bushels of potatoes. His dairy is supported by from fifteen to twenty cows, and his milk is shipped to Boston. Mr. Torrey has long been a zealous and useful member of the Republican party. His convictions come to him both by will and inheritance, his fore- fathers believing in the same principles. As a public citizen, his services have been in demand upon many occasions. lor three years he was first select- man, and was a reliable and valued member of the board for ten years, and clerk of the same for three years. During five years he was assessor, and for a number of years was on the old high school board. During 1886-7 Mr. ‘Torrey was the honorable rep- resentative of his town in the General Assembly, his committee membership being very justly on Edu- cation and also Woman Suffrage, and he was clerk of the committee. In 1887 he served as chairman of the committee on Revision of Rules, and as clerk of the committee on Insurance, performing the duties incident to these positions with the thoroughness which has always marked his official life. Fraternally Mr. Torrey is well known and popu- lar in a number of organizations ; is a charter member of Guinebaug Lodge, No. 106, A. F. & A. ML, of Putnam of which he has served as senior deacon; of Warren Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M., of Danielson, and has served as Captain of the Hosts for three years; and of General Putnam Commandery, No. 348, United Oraer of the Golden Cross. For forty years he has been connected with the Masonic fra- ternity. In Grange work, Mr. Torrey has also been deeply interested and was a charter member of the Putnam Grange, was its first Master, and subse- quently secretary and lecturer. At present since the disbanding of the order in Putnam, his membership is with the Quinatisset Grange of Thompson. Since October, 18G2, he has been a deacon in the First Congregational Church of Putnam Heights. On Sept. 8, 1861, Mr. Torrey was united in mar- riage to Martha Westcott Warren, born Aug. 22, 1840, in Nillingly, daughter of William S. and Free- love U. (Page) Warren. To this union has been born a fainily of five children: (1) Charles Louis, the first, receives mention below. (2) Martha Louise, born Sept. 20, 1864, in Woodstock, Conn., married March 9, 1887, Irving P. Spencer, of. Kill- ingly. She married (second) Albert Wheelock, a farmer of Hardwick, Mass., and her two children were: Fred Warren Spencer, born Jan. 28, 1888; and Charles Albert Wheelock, born Dec, 22, 1899. (3) Ernest Ellsworth, born May 15, 1867, in Put- nam, married Dec. 22, 1892, Bertha Hessie Jordan, COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 61 of Killingly, and is a farmer in Putnam. His chil- dren number four, as follows: Harry Ellsworth, born Oct. 14, 1893; Robert Jordan, Dec. 19, 1894; Hessie Marguerite, Jan. 22, 1897; and Mildred Sybil, June 19, 1899. (4) Olin Westcott, born May 2, 1868, resides at home, unmarried. (5) The youngest of the family, Corinna Josepha, born Feb. 13, 1870, died in Putnam, June 30, 1872. (XTID) Charles Louis Torrey, the eldest son of Charles D. and Martha W. (Warren) Torrey, was born in Putnam, Dec. 14, 1862. His early education was acquired in the public schools of Putnam, Kill- ingly, and Sprague, Conn., where he fitted himself for admission to the high school in his native town, encouraged by both parents who, themselves, were persons of educational acquirements. The young scion of the family possessed unusual intellectual ability which enabled him to fit himself for entrance into Yale College in three years and a half, instead of the four years usually required. His class con- sisted of two gentlemen and two ladies, which grad- uated in 1883. Mr. Torrey immediately took his examination for Yale, entering the historic old in- stitution as one in a class of 250 pupils, and was graduated in 1887. The succeeding year he spent in teaching school in Putnam, in the meantime begin- ning the reading of law with Judge Edgar M. War- ner. Three years later he was admitted to the Bar. In January, 1891, upon his admission to the Windham county Bar, Mr. Torrey opened an office for the practice of his profession in the Court House block, in Putnam. His ability has brought him rapidly to the front and already his name is identified with public life in that locality. In poli- tics a stanch Republican, he is now serving as a justice of the peace and has most efficiently held a number of other local offices; he was tax collector for three years, performing the duties of this office before his admission to the Bar; he has served as a member of the school board and acting school visitor for several years, also performing the duties of secretary of the board. For about the same time he served as a member of the high school board. In fraternal circles Mr. Torrey has been con- nected with Gen. Putnam Commandery, No. 348, United Ordér Golden Cross; he is a charter mem- ber of Putnam Grange and officiated as assistant secretary of the State Grange at its annual meet- ings; is one of the charter members of Israel Put- nam Lodge, No. 33, 1. O. O. F.; and a member of Putnam Council, No. 340, Royal Arcanum, of Putnam. On Oct. 23, 1897, Mr. Torrey was married to Miss Helen Martha Porter, daughter of George W. and Mary (Washburn) Porter, of Hebron, Con- necticut. JOHN PALMER. During the sixty-one years _ of his uninterrupted residence in Brooklyn, John Palmer has been recognized as a leader in mercan- tile, industrial and civic affairs, all of which have ® been dignified and ennobled by his rugged honesty, his intrepid courage and his broad and wholesome activity. He was born in Ashford, Windham Co., Conn., April 24, 1820, and upon the foundation of an average country experience erected the structure of a useful and unusually meritorious life. The Palmers of the region of Stonington are descended from one Walter Palmer, who emigrated to New England with his brother, Abraham, a merchant of London, and nine associates, in 1628. With others in search of large opportunities they founded the town of Charlestown, Mass., in 1629, in which town Mr. Palmer engaged in farming and stock raising until his removal to the Plymouth colony in 1643. He was admitted a freeman of Massachusetts in 1631, and not only held several offices in the colony, but with others aided in the founding of the town of Rehoboth, of which settle- ment he was the first representative to the General Court. He was subsequently re-elected to the same responsibility, and was prominently connected with all of the important undertakings within the colony. In 1653 he became a property owner and resident of Stonington, Conn. His birth in England oc- curred in 1585, and he was first married long be- fore coming to America, although the name of his wife is not known. He married Rebecca Short in 1633, and his death occurred in 1661. Samuel and Jonah Palmer, sons of Jonah, and grandsons of Walter, the emigrant, removed from Rehoboth, Mass., to Windham, Conn., where the former purchased land in 1701, in what is now the town of Scotland. Samuel married Elizabeth Kings- bury and Jonah married Elizabeth Kendrick. Benjamin and Esther Palmer, the great-grand- parents of John Palmer, of Brooklyn, were probably residents of Ashford, and the births of their chil- dren were as follows: John, March 12, 1761 ; Eliza, Feb. 16, 1763; Nathan, Nov. 28, 1766; Elihu, Aug. 14, 1768; Ruth, May 17, 1770; and James, May 28, 1777. Nathan Palmer, son of Benjamin, followed the occupation of farming during his active life in Ash- ford. He was a man of modest means and quiet demeanor, and though thoroughly unostentatious filled many prominent positions in the community. He was a staunch advocate of Methodism, as was also his wife, Mary (Brown) Palmer, whom he married Nov. 10, 1790. Of this union there were four children: James B., the father of John Palmer ; Nathan, who married Miss Anthony, and removed from Providence to Pawtucket, R. I., where both died; Mary, the wife of Israel Lewis, a farmer, who died in Ashford; and Virgil, who married Harriet James and died at Pomfret Landing. James B. Palmer, the father of John, of Brook- lyn, was born in Ashford im 1796, and in his youth had but a limited education. While yet in his ’teens he went to Middletown, Conn. and learned the trade of watch making, and a few years later established himself in the watch making and gun repairing 62 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD business in Ashford. In 1839 he removed his fami- ly and business to Brooklyn, where he retired from business a few years before his death, May 15, 1876. He was originally a Whig and later a Republican, and was very prominent and active in town affairs. He was judge of the probate court, and served a term in the Legislature, besides holding nearly all of the other town offices, including that of post- master for several vears. He possessed a strong and upright character, which elicited praise and appreciation from all classes of people with whom he had to do. March 26, 1817, he married Sally Lummis, born in Hampton, Jan. 5, 1794, a daugh- ter of Jonathan Lummis, who had a large family. Mrs. Palmer, who died May 18, 1847, had two chil- dren, of whom James C., the youngest, was born Feb. 28, 1833, and is mentioned elsewhere in this work. for his second wife Mr. Palmer married Sept. 13, 1852, Rhoda Lummis, a sister of his first wife, born May 11, 1807, who died June 26, 1884. Of this last union there was no issue. John Palmer attended the public schools of his native town and received further instruction at that famous seat of learning known as Wilbraham Acad- emy, from whose halls went forth so many distin- guished men. During his minority he was em- ployed as a clerk in an Eastford store for about a year, and in 1839 removed with the rest of the fami- ly to Brooklyn, where he clerked for Daniel C. Robinson. When Mr. Robinson sold out to his brother Edwin, Mr. Palmer remained in the employ of the latter for a couple of vears, after which he purchased the interest of Mr. Robinson, going into debt therefor. He then engaged in the mercantile business with great success, and was soon able to discharge his indebtedness and build up a constantly increasing trade. In 1854 he disposed of his busi- ness to his successors, having for fifteen years catered to the most intelligent and exacting needs of his fellow townsmen. During a portion of that time he was postmaster of Brooklyn, under the ad- ministration of Postmaster-General Collamer. Many of the foremost financial institutions in Brooklyn have profited by the executive and finan- cial ability of Mr. Palmer, chief among these being the Windham County Mutual Fire Insurance Com- pany, of which he was secretary and treasurer from 1857 until 1893, and from which responsibility he resigned because of poor health. From 1880 until 1893 he was president of the Windham County National Bank, and he was a trustee of the Brook- lyn Savings Bank from its establishment in 1873 until his resignation in 1893, in favor of a younger man. He has been one of the staunch supporters of the Republican party in that part of the county, and was town clerk and treasurer of Brooklyn for five years. His entire career has been devoted to high and substantial undertakings, all of which have reflected credit upon Mr. Palmer and maintained the prestige of the town which has benefited by their proximity. He is a member of the Episcopal Church of Brooklyn, one of the very old religious societies, the membership roll of which contains many names distinguished in different walks of life. On Sept. 15, 1850, Mr. Palmer married Frances M. Davison, born in Brooklyn, Aug. 22, 1828, a daughter of Septimus and Margaret (Holbrook) Davison. Of this union there have been born five children: Frances L., Charlotte H. and Helen MI., all living with their parents; Charles Alfred, edu- cated at the Norwich Free School, and Hannum’s Business College, Hartford, in which latter institu- tion he learned to be an expert stenographer, and practiced the saine until his death at the age of twenty-four years; and John H., who died at the age of nine months. Mr. Palmer has led a very abstemious life, has been regular and systematic in his habits and work, and in consequence retains an alertness and activity unusual for one of his years. As becomes one of such diverse substantial interests he has accumulated large wealth, and is one of the reliable, conservative and humane influ- ences of Brooklyn. (1) Nicholas Davison, the father of the pro- genitor of the family in America, was born in the town of Dingwall, Scotland, in 1580, and removed to England where his son, (II) Nicholas, was born in 1611. The younger Nicholas came to America in 1630 as an agent for Governor Craddock. and settled in Charlestown, Mass., in 1639. He had two children. (IIT) Daniel, son of the emigrant, was born in Charlestown, Mass.. April 8, 1639, and April 8, 1657. married Margaret Law. He died in 1695. (IV) Peter, son of Daniel, married Ann Morgan. (V) Joseph, son of Peter, was born Jan. 20, 1703, and died July 21,1757. Feb. 21, 1720, he mar- ried Marv Warner or Warren. In 1725, in company with two others, he purchased a tract of land com- prising twelve hundred acres, in Pomfret Landing. He was a deacon in the church. (VT) Joseph, son of Joseph, born Dec. 26, 1730, died Aug. 31, 1808. He was married, Jan. 5, 1757, to Lydia Goodell, and practiced his trade of joiner at Pomfret Landing, Conn. To him and his wife were born six children, the order of their birth be- ing as follows: Joseph, born Sept. 3. 1757, who married Lydia Clark; Lydia, born July 16, 1760, who became the wife of Daniel Clark; Aaron, born October, 1764; Lucey, born April 16, 1767; Mehet- able, born May 2, 1769: and Samuel, born July 27, 1774, who died Oct. 13, 1861. (VIT) Deacon Aaron Davison, grandfather of AIrs. Palmer, was born in Brooklyn, in October, 1764-5, and was a farmer residing in the northern part of the town. A few years before his death he removed to Brooklyn Center, where his death oc- curred in January, 1846. He was a member of the Unitarian Church, in which he was a deacon for many years. His wife was formerly Lodicy Mor- ton, and bore him two children, Septimus and COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 63 Clarissa, the latter born Oct. 11, 1795, who died un- married in Brooklyn. (VIII) Septimus Davison, the father of Mrs. Palmer, was born in Brooklyn, March 20, 1794, and was educated in the district schools of his native town. Further education was contemplated when he entered Plainfield Academy, his intentions, how- ever, being interfered with by the breaking out of the war of 1812. He proved a gallant soldier all through the campaign, and as a private was at the defense of New London. After the war he located on his father’s farm and for several winters taught school in Brooklyn, Abington and Pomfret, in the latter place meeting the woman who later became his wife. Immediately after his marriage he began housekeeping in the old hotel adjoining the court house at Brooklyn, which he ran for several years, or until his removal to a hotel in Coventry. After two years in Coventry he went to the ‘Mortlake House” in Brooklyn, which place remained under his management for nineteen years. -\iter leaving the hotel business he took in boarders for the rest of his life, or until -his death in Brooklyn, Jan. 10, 1877. He was a Republican in politics, and took a keen interest in the affairs of his party, fill- , ing many important offices. He was high sheriff of Windham county for two terms, or six years, was judge of probate until age exempted him from the office, and served several terms in the Legisla- ture; for many years he was captain of the local militia, and he was very prominent in all town undertakings. He attended the Unitarian Church at 3rooklyn. Mr. Davison married Margaret, daugh- ter of Judge John Holbrook, of Abington, who was born Dec. 16, 1799, and died Dec. 14. 1886, leaving three children: Frances \M., born Aug. 23, 1828, and now the wife of John Palmer; Lucy, born June 3, _ 1820, living unmarried in Brooklyn: and Henry H., born Dec. 19, 1835. Henry H. Davison was a brill- jant man, and w “a engaged in the mercantile busi- ness in both Brooklyn “and Wauregan. During the Civil war he served in the commissary department of the First Connecticut Artillery, and after the service settled in Brooklyn. At the death of his father he took charge of the latter’s small farm, and engaged ina market business, in addition to holding numerous political offices. He was probate judge and town clerk for a number of years. and died while discharging these combined duties, July 17, 1891, at the age of sixty-three years. He possessed great business ability, and his many admirable traits of character drew to him not only large responsibili- ties, but many distinguished friends. DWIGHT CARY, one of the highly respected men of Scotland, Windham county, who has spent his entire life on the old homestead in the Pudding Hill District, and tilled soil that has been in the family for a number of generations, is a descendant of Lieut. Joseph Cary. (1) Lieut. Joseph Cary, also styled Deacon Jos- ' eph, the first of the family of which we have record, married for a second time about 1692; his wiie, Mercy, came from Windham, Conn., and their first child was born March 7, 1693. Lieut. Cary died Jan. 10, 1722, and Mercy died Jan. 23, 1741, aged about eighty- -four years. Says Hinman, ‘AMlr. Cary must have been a man of reputation, for he could not have held such offices in Connecticut in the early settlement of Windham unless of high standing in the colony.” (II) John Cary, son of Lieut. Joseph and Mercy, born June 25, 1695, married, May 15, 1716, Hannah Thurston. He died Jan. 11, 1776. (III) Benajah Cary, son of John, born May 7, 1719, married Feb. 11, 1742, Deborah Perkins, ‘and Lad only one son, Tames, and five daughters. Bene- jah Cary came to Scotland (then Windham), Conn., and purchased a large tract of land lying in the present towns of Hampton, Canterbury and Scot- land, and engaged in lumbering and farming. There he died, and he is buried in the Scotland cemetery. In person he was a very large man, weighing over three hundred pounds, and it was a difficult matter to carry the body lying on a bier, as was the custom in those days, from the home to the cemetery, a dis- tance of nearlv three miles. (IV) James Cary, grandfather of Dwight, was born on the home place, was a very successful farm- er, and died possessed of considerable property, in- cluding neariv Soo acres of land. On Aug. 12, 1773, he married Abigail Kingsbury, a native of Pomfret. .\fter her death he married Anna Brad- ford. To James and Abigail Cary came children as follows: Abigail, born Jan. 28, 1775, who mar- ried Parker Moss, of Canterbury : James (the grand- father of F. A. Cary, of Plainfield, Conn.), born Dec. 9. 1777, who was given a part of the homestead located in Canterbury, where he engaged in farm- ing; Benajah, born Jan. 4, 1780, who died, aged twenty-two; .Anna, born Feb: 21, 1782, who died in 1790; Sally, born Sept. 7, 1786, who married Thomas Moss, and lived in Woodstock, Conn. ; San- ford, born July 14, 1784. Of this family Benajah Cary, though he died when but twenty-two years ot age, gained considerable notoriety. For some time the timid folk of Scotland were frightened by the appearance of a ghost, and so many saw the white object flitting about that the subject became town talk, and caused considerable excitement. Sev- e:al attempted to solve the mystery, but not until young Cary captured the ghost and proved him to be a town resident, was the affair cleared up. The evil doer was pub licly whipped before the Scot- land Hotel. (\) Sanford Cary, father of Dwight, engaged principally in farming on the home place, and when the call came to defend New London from the Brit- ish, he went to the front and served bravely. On May 16, 1811, he married Caroline Tracy, a native of Windham, and a daughter of Jabez and Hannah Tracy. Jabez Tracy was S born Oct. 1, 1765, and died 64 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD June 6, 1814, while his wife, Hannah, was born June II, 1767, and died Sept. 5, 1855. Their children were: Caroline, wife of Sanford Cary, born March 19, 1787, who died May 3, 1861; Sylvester, born Feb. 22, 1792, who died Oct. 16, 1835; Lucretia, born Oct. 18, 1796, who married John F. Williams, of Woodstock, Conn., and died March 5, 1828. In politics Sanford Cary was an uncompromising Whig, and took an active interest in town affairs. Both he and his wife were members of the Scot- land Congregational Church. To Sanford Cary and his wife were born: Henry Hudson, born July 2, 1814, who followed farming in the town of Scotland, where he died, having served as select- man in 1857, when the town was organized ; Dwight, our subject, born Feb. 24, 1817; Wolcott (men- tioned elsewhere), born June 29, 1819, a resident of Hampten Hill, who married Lucy Ann Burnham, Jane, born Sept. 8, 1824, deceased, who married Nel- son \loss, of Woodstock, Connecticut. Dwight Cary was born on the old homestead, and attended the Pudding Hill District schools, and later had the advantage of two or three fall terms at the Hampton high school. All of his life Mr. Cary has rived upon the homestead, and successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. At the time when ship- building was extensively carried on along the Sound, Mr. Cary, together with J. B. Ensworth, operated a sawmill, turning out ship timber of all kinds, and his venture proved very successful. Alt another time sheep raising was one of the leading branches of farming, and Mr. Cary’s flocks were among the best in the neighborhood. The present industry that is engaging the attention of the farmers in connection with the cultivation of the soil is that of dairying, and Mr. Cary has a fine herd, of from twenty to thirty cows. The entire farm is in first class condition; the buildings are well kept and the prosperity of the owner is written on every side. ‘ In early life, Mr. Cary was a Whig, but when the Republican party came into existence in 1856, he united with it, and has been its stanch sup- porter ever since. Recognizing his worth to the party and community at large, his fellow townsmen have conferred upon him almost every honor within their gift, and he has held the offices of. selectman and member of the board of relief, as well the minor ones, and represented the town in the legis- lature in 1868. In 1857, when the town was or- ganized, Mr. Cary was a member of the board of relief, and rendered very efficient service. Mr. Cary and his entire family are consistent members of the Congregational Church of Scotland. On Nov. 15, 1843, Mr. Cary was married to Susan Bass, a daughter of John and Susan Bass. John Bass had three wives, the first one being Eunice Tracy, the second Susan Smith and the third Maria (Safford) Tracey. To Mr. and Mrs. Cary have been born the following interesting family: Sarah Rocella, born Sept. 9, 1849, wife of Deacon Joseph W. Congdon, of Hampton; twin daughters, Marthy- ette and Margarette, born Jan. 9, 1846, of whom Marthyette died March 18, 1848, and Margarette, March 21, 1848; Ann, born Feb. 24, 1848, married George E. Wood, resided at Centerville, R. I, and died June 9, 1890; Frank Winslow, born June 9, 1850, a successful coal and wood dealer of North- ampton, Mass., who married Effie Fuller, and had three sons, Irwin, connected with the “tna Insur- ance Company of Hartford, Edwin T. (died April 18, 1901, aged twenty-two) and Fred; Sanford, born July 13, 1853, who died Sept. 16, 1858; Jane Lucretia, born’ Dec. 22, 1856, who married Arthur M. Clark, of the town of Scotland, and they have a family, George (now—1902—aged twenty-two), Edna (nineteen), Lila (eighteen), Carrie (four- teen), Flora (twelve), Anna (ten) and Lucretia (eight) ; George Sanford, born May 16, 1860, who married Kate B. Cook, of Windham, although a native of West Cornwall, Litchfield county; Susan Bass, born Aug. 16, 1864, who married Charles L. Willis, a native and present resident of the town of Scotland and who has no children. George Sanford carries on the home farm, and is a young man active in the affairs of the town, has served as selectman, grand juror, and registrar ‘ of voters and represented the town in the Legislature in 1899, serving on the committee of Capitol and Grounds. He has one son, Dwight E., born Sept. 4, 1896. GEORGE W. HOLT. The tracing of an an- cestral line from a brave and worthy ancestor, through generations on down to an honored de- scendant, brings pleasure to the biographer and im- presses upon the general reader the elements of character which have been instrumental in the pro- gress and development of a section of country. One of the early settlers in New England, the head of a numerous and respected line, was Nicholas Holt, whose present representative is found in George W. Holt, one of the most prominent business men and esteemed citizens of Putnam, Connecticut. The ancestral line of Mr. Holt is traced back through: George W., Josiah, Jonathan, Zebediah, George, Henry and Nicholas. The name of Holt has a meaning of its own, and is defined by an authority, Halliwell, as ‘a grove or small forest,” while on the South Downs of England the name 1s applied to a kind of hanging bit of woodland, cor- responding to the German word of: “holz,” while still another authority tells that the name is given to “a peaked hill, covered with wood.” Nicholas Holt, the founder of the family in America, as nearly as can be discovered, came from Romsey, England, where he was a tanner, and where he was probably born in 1602. The first definite information of this far-away fore-father was when he became a passenger on the ship “James,” of London, William Cooper, Master, and sailed from the port of Southampton, England, rs COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 65 April 6, 1635. After a voyage of fifty-eight days the “James” reached Boston, Mass., June 3d, of the same year. The names of fifty-three male per- sons were on the ship roll, “besides the wives and children of dyvers of them.” On this list is found the name of Nicholas Holt, and he was undoubtedly accompanied by his family, consisting of a wife, Elizabeth, and at least one child. Nicholas pro- ceeded the same year to Newbury, Mass., as one of the first settlers, where he remained for ten vears, becoming then a resident for the rest of his life, at Andover, Mass. His name appears on the New- bury records in various ways, one of these being the note that both he and wife belonged to the Church there. The first marriage of Nicholas, the settler, was to his wife Elizabeth, in England; she died at Andover, Mass., Nov. 9, 1656. On June 20, 1658, he married Hannah, widow of Daniel Rolfe, and daughter of Humphrey Bradstreet, and she died at Andover, June 20, 1665. His third marriage was on May 21, 1666, to Martha Preston, who lived to be eighty years old, dying March 21, 1703. His children were: Hannah, born in Eng- land; Elizabeth, Mary and Samuel, born in New- bury, Mass.; and Henry, Nicholas, James and Pris- cilla, born in Andover, Mass. Nicholas Holt lived to the age of eighty-three years, dying Jan. 30, 1685. It was given him to see his children grow to maturity, eight of whom married and had issue, one probably died single, and one other died in in- fancy. In early years he engaged in business as a tanner, later he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, but it is probable that in his advanced age he satisfied his bodily activity with wood-work- ing, as he mentions himself as a “dish-turner.’’ He had accumulated property, and although he made no will, prior to his death he distributed his possessions among his children, who promised to give comfortable maintenance to his wife, should she survive him, which she did. It is quite probable that the same motive which induced many of the other early settlers of Ameri- ca to leave their homes in other lands, had its in- fluence in the case of Nicholas Holt. Religious persecution drove many a brave and conscientious man to dare the perils of an unknown land in order to have freedom of thought, and what makes this very probable is that Mr. Holt not only was con- nected prominently with the Church in Newbury, but that he was-one of the original members in the Andover Church. That he took an active interest in the affairs of the growing town is proven by his appointment on important committees, which were given charge of the making of roads and other necessary improvements, foundations upon which Andover has risen to its present importance. Henry Holt, son of Nicholas, the settler, was born in 1644, in Andover, Mass., and Feb. 24, 1669, he married Sarah, daughter of William Ballard. She died at Andover, Nov. 25, 1733, and he died ‘Jan. 17, 1719, aged seventy-five years. On June 3, 5 1716, they united with the Andover Church. Their children were: Elizabeth, Oliver, Henry, James, George, Sarah, Josiah, Dinah, Paul, William, Zer- viah, Keturah, Humphrey and Benjamin. Henry Holt was a prominent man in the town, and his name is frequently found on the records. In 1686 he received permission to erect a mill on Ladle Brook, his father having deeded him a portion of the estate in TO8I. George Holt, son of Henry, was born March 17, 1677, at Andover, Mass., and married (first) May 10, 1698, Elizabeth Farnum, who died Sept. 28, 1714. He married (second) Feb. 22, 1715, Priscilla Preston, who died Jan. 29, 1716. His third marriage was on June 7, 1717, to Mary Bix- bee. The children of his first wife were: Zebe- diah; Elizabeth, who died in infancy; Elizabeth (2), Dinah and George. Elias, who died in in- fancy, was born to his second marriage. The chil- dren of his third union were: Mary, Jonathan, Josiah, Nehemiah, Priscilla, Hannah, Sarah and Nahtaniel. Mr. Holt died in Windham, Conn., in 1748, and left a will proved June 29, 1748. On Feb. 22, 1726, with his brother Paul, he removed from Andover, Mass., and settled in Canada So- cietv, Windham, Conn., where he purchased a farm of Ebenezer Abbee. His land, deed dated Feb. 22, 1726, laid across Little River, south-east of the Meeting House. Zebediah Holt, son of George, was born Jan. 25, 1700, at Andover, Mass., and in 1726 he re- moved with his parents to Windham. On Aug. 14, 1732, he married Sarah, daughter of Joshua and Deborah (Ingalls) Flint, born June 21, 1716. Their children, all born in Windham, Conn., were: Eunice, Zebediah, Sarah, Elizabeth, Mercy, Josiah, Jonathan and Abigail. Zebediah Holt died in 1754. Both he and wife belonged to the Hampton Church. Jonathan Holt, son of Zebediah, was born fan. 3, 1758, in Windham, Conn., and was married Oct. 19, 1780, to Anna Faulkner, who was born Nov. 23, 1761, and who died Aug. 31, 1842, aged eighty-one years. They had a family of eleven children, name- ly: (1) Nathaniel, born April 24, 1782, in Wind- ham, Conn., about 1800, married Mary Farnham, and removed, in 1803, te St. Lawrence county, N. Y., where she died March 7, 1845; he died Sept. 23, 1860, aged seventy-eight years. (2) Josiah, born April ro, 1784, became the grandfather of George W. Holt of Putnam. (3) James, born Feb. 17, 1786, in Hampton, Conn., married Nov. 28, 1809, Nabby Ashley. In his latter days he became a helpless paralytic, and died Dec. 23, 1864. (4) Lucy, born April 17, 1788, in Hampton, Conn., married Mason Kingsbury, and died Dec. 31, 1864. (5) Samuel, born April 26, 1790, in Hampton, Conn., married Clarissa Jennings, and removed to Springfield, Mass., where he died Jan. 31, 1855. (6) Anna, born April 26, 1790, twin sister to Sam- uel, died on the day of birth. (7) Mary (or Poily) born Dec. 4, 1792, in Hampton, Conn., married 66 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Caleb Faulkner, and died Oct. 23, 1878. (8) Dilly, born April 29, 1795, died Aug. 14, 1795, in Hamp- ton. (9) Maximille, born Feb. 11, 1797, in Hamp- ton, became the wife of Ezra Darius Beers, and dicd Nov. to, t868. (10) Caleb Faulkner, born Jan. 7, 1801, died in Hampton, Aug. 22, 1806. (11) Julia, born Jan. 8, 1803, in Hampton, married Jedediah W. Morse, and died Dec. 17, 1889. Jona- than Holt died Aug. 10, 1833, aged seventy-tive years. He served loyally in the Revolutionary war and drew a pension. In his childhood he was adopted by his uncle, Jonathan Holt. Josiah Holt, son of Jonathan, was born April 10, 1784, in Hampton, Conn., and, died Nov. 14, 1846, in Plainfield, Conn. On March 11, 1804, he was married, by Rev. Joel Benedict, to Mary Prior, of Plainfield, Conn., and their children, born in Hampton, were as follows: (1) Eunice P., born Nov. 8, 1804, died Dec. 22, 1813. (2) Betsey Maria, born March 15, 1806, became Mrs. Stephen A. Northrup, and died June 15, 1827. (3) Will- iam Leavens, born Oct. 3, 1807, in Hampton, Conn., died March 17, 1885, in Manchester, Va., where he had been engaged for a period of thirty-seven years as agent for the James River Manufacturing Co., having. built and started their mills and continued in their management until within a few years of his death, when he retired. He was well known as a mill manager for over forty years, in his native State, in Rhode Island and Virginia. He was among the first in this country to start self-operat- ing heads attached. to hand mules, in. 1830-31, at Natick, R. I. About 1842, the original Masonville (now Grosvenor Dale) mill was doubled in capaci- tv under his direction. In 1843 Mr. Holt went to Slatersville, R. I.. and rebuilt and started the No. 3 mill, which had been burned early that vear. From there, about 1845, he went to Jewett City, Conn., where a new mill was built and started under his direction. It was at both these mills of the Messrs. Slater that Mr. Holt arranged the machinery upon a different plan than had formerly been followed, namely, to take the cotton in at one end of the mill, and have the different kinds of machinery arranged in sections across the mill, so that the stock in going through the different machines also passed to the other end of the mill. By the old plan the stock was taken in at the back of the mill, and the ma- chines for each process were placed in rows the whole length of the building, so that in passing through them the cotton went from the back to the front of the mill. The late John F. Slater of Nor- wich, gave Mr. Holt the credit of originating the new plan. Mr. Holt married (first) Rosanna, a daughter of Capt. Edward Studley, of Valley Falls, R. I, and (second) Miss Clarissa, daughter of Edward Burleson, of Plainfield, Conn. (4) Joseph Hutchins, born Feb. 5, 1809, married Nancy Hara- don, and died May 13, 1887. (5) Susan Porter, born Dec. 10, t810, married James Madison Webb, of Waterbury, and died Jan. 5, 1889. (6) Fred- erick Faulkner, born Oct. 29, 1812, married Pa- tience Ardelia West. (7) Mary married John Humes, and died in February, 1827. (8) George Washington was born March 15, 1816, in Plainfield, Conn. (9) Jared Fuller, born March 24, 1818, is supposed to have been lost at sea about 1836. (10) Lucy Ann, born Feb. 3, 1820, married Albert Mow- ry, and died Sept. 23, 1842. During his active life Josiah Holt followed the trade of a machinist. In 1821 the family removed to Natick, R. I., lived in Valley Falls from 1823 to 7830, and in 1831 removed to Slatersville. In his old age Mr. Holt made his home with his sisters in Plainfield, Connecticut. George Washington Holt was born March 15, 1816, in Plainfield, Conn., where his education was acquired. In 1831, he went with the family to Slatersville. R. I, where his father was employed as a machinist. Here the youth entered the same mill and passed through the successive stages, from the lowest position to the manager. For a num- ber of vears Mr. Holt was the valued manager of the mill for Amos D. Lockwood & Co., at Siaters- ville. After 1853, in the reorganization of the mills in this vicinity, he became the superintendent for J. & W. Slater until 1860, when, in company with that firm, also with Henry S. Mansfield and Estus Lamb, he became a partner in the original Forest- dale Manufacturing Co., of which he was the last one to survive. The Forestdale mill was built and planned under Mr. Holt’s direction; he managed same until 1870, when he disposed of his interest and removed to Providence, R. I. Then next year, with Estus Lamh, he formed a co-partnership which was after- ward incorporated as the Monohansett Manufactur- ing Co., at Putnam, Conn., of which he became the president (succeeding Mr. Lamb), and holding this honorable position until his death. In 1878 Gov. Van Zandt, of Rhode Island, appointed Mr. Holt a member of a commission to examine and report upon the Reservoirs and Mill Dams on the Woona- squatucket river, then considered a possible source of danger to the city of Providence, but on account of his advancing years the appointment was de- clined. Few men took a deeper interest in everything which contributed to the making of a good citizen than did Mr. Holt. He was held in universal esteem wherever he lived, and was regarded as an expert mill man in all its branches, thoroughly reliable and the soul of integrity. In his religious life he was a member of and devoted to the Congregational Church, and one of its liberal supporters. He be- lieved its influence for good of the greatest value, and for him it was alwavs both a duty and a plea- sure to assist in the church enterprises. One of the last and most satisfactory acts of his life in Slaters- ville was to assist in the organization of the Slaters- ville Cemetery Association, and to provide a fund for the future care and beautifying of the grounds. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 67 In this beautiful spot he was laid to rest, near the scene of his labors of nearly forty years. His resi- dence in Providence, R. i., was of twenty-three vears’ duration during which time he was promi- nently identified with Republican politics. He served in the State Legislature in 1864-66, repre- senting North Smithfield. In 1887 he accepted the ofhce of president of the Monohansett Manufactur- ing Co., although otherwise retired from connection with business affairs. His death occurred at Provi- dence, R. I., Nov. 16, 1892. On Sept. 3. 1839, Mr. Holt was united in mar- riage with Miss Lucy Dodge, born Jan. 14, 1815, in North Smithfield, R. I., who died Oct. 21, 1880. She was a daughter of Barney and Mary (Mann) Dodge, of Smithfield. Two children were born to this union, namelv:' George W., of Putnam: and Miss Ellen Porter, who still resides in Providence. George W. Holt was born July 21, 1840, in Slatersville, R. I., where his early education was obtained in the village school. In 1857 the admir- able advantages of Phillips Academy, at Andover, AMass., were offered him, and one year iater he en- tered the Scientific Department of Brown University, where he completed a two-years’ course of study. At that time his father was manager of the Slaters- ville mills, and was engaged also in the great enter- prise of starting the Forestdale mills, and then vounge Gecrge became assistant superintendent of the latter, his thorough education peculiarly fitting him for his position, which he retained for ten years. After one year spent in Providence, on Oct. 30, 1871. Mr. Holt came to Putnam, as superinten- dent of the Monohansett Manufacturing Co., which had become lessee of certain manufacturing prop- erty and water power at this point. This business had been a partnership concern under his father and Estus Lamb, of Providence, and in 1&82 had been incorporated under the title above named. When Mr. Holt came.to Putnam he assumed entire charge of the property, placed the macinery, and acted as superintendent until 1888. Since the date of incorporation he has had an interest in the business, and in 1888 became agent. continuing in that capacity until the time of his father’s death, when he succeeded him as president of the com- pany. He still, however, acted as superintendent until 1899, when his son, William F.. became sup- erintendent. The Monohansett Manufacturing Co. has gained name and fame far beyond New Eng- land limits, the plain sheetings and shirtings finding a ready market in New York City. It employs about 135 hands, and the annual output is more than two and three-fourths million yards. Since 1873 Mr. Holt has been a member of the board of trustees of the Putnam Savings Bank. In 1896 he was made president of the Bank, and his wise and conservative course in this position has met with universal approval. Since becoming a resident of Putnam he has identified himself closely with various enterprises tending to advance the growth and importance of the place. Through his efforts as chairman of a committee the town enjoys its fine system of electric lighting. In politics Mr. Holt is a very active Republican, and in 1889 he represented his town in the General Assembly and served as House Chairman of the important com- mittee on Manufactures. He has been prominent in educational and business associations, serving for more than ten years as secretary of the high school board, and is a member of the Putnam Busi- ness Men's Association, of which he was one of its first vice-presidents, and has consented to serve in that capacity since. He was the efficient chairman of the town’s Electric Light Committee in 1886, and served several vears until the town was made a citv. Mr. Holt was also active in the formation of “The Putnam Library .\ssociation.’ and has served since as one of the directors. As might be inferred, he was one ot the original incorporators, in 1894, of the Dav-Kimball Hospital, located at Putnam, and has ever since served as a director and one of the executive committee. For two years he served the city as alderman at large, and in every way, through every avenue, has done his best to promote the prosperity of Putnam. He is a mem- ber of the Ecclesiastical Society of the Second Con- gregational Church of Putnam. and at various times has been a member of the Society's committee. Mr. Holt was married (first) Noy. 6, 1865, to Marion Augusta, daughter of Estes and Abby (Warfield) Burdon, of Blackstone.” Mass. She died Noy. 30th, of the same vear, in Blackstone (Chestnut Hill). The second marriage of \Ir. Holt, on Apri! 27, 1872. was to Rosalie F., daughter of Samuel F. and Sally (Austin) Dyer, of North Kingstown, R. I. Two children were born to this union, namely: William Franklin, born Oct. 4, 1873, in Putnam, Conn., passed through the Put- nam high school, and took an acadennc course at Greenwich, Conn., immediately after which he worked a few years in “going through the mill” to get the details of cotton manufacturing, and then became his father’s superintendent in 1899. He also served as the quartermaster sergeant of the 2d Conn. Vol. Inf. through its nine months’ service in the Spanish-American war. lary Florence, born Feb. 25, 1875. in Putnam, Conn., attended the Put- nam high school and Woodside Seminary, at Hart- ford, where she graduated in 1894. Possessing great musical talent, she became a pupil under Dr. Jedliczka, in Berlin, Germany, who had received his instruction from the great Rubenstein. Miss Holt devotes herself to her profession of instrumental music teaching. She is not only a lady of rare talent, but also of education and culture. In business life Mr. Holt ‘has been a very 1m- portant factor in Putnam, while in private life his influence has been no less felt. A contributor to every refining influence, a social magnate if desired, Mr. Holt has chosen the quiet, unassuming way that has best brought out the admirable traits of his 68 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD character. His charities are without ostentation, and it may be truly said that he has not only helped to make Putnam, but has quietly helped to make many who have thus been able to carry out various enterprises. In every relation of life Mr. Holt is regarded by those who know him best as a truly representative citizen. TROWBRIDGE. The Trowbridge family is one of the oldest in America. (1) Thomas Trow- bridge, the progenitor, came from Taunton, Eng- land, with two sons, Thomas, born 1632, and Will- iam, born 1634, and located in Dorchester, Mass., where a son (II) James, was born in 1636, and baptized in 1638. From these have sprung all by that name in America, while in England the line is traced as far back as William the Conqueror. Lieutenant, or Deacon, James Trowbridge had a son (III) James Jr., whose son (IV) Daniel came to Pomfret when quite young, with his stepfather, Joseph Bowman. After a time he purchased a tract of land. On Oct. 8, 1733, Daniel Trowbridge married (first) Hannah Spring, daughter of Ensign John Spring of Newton, Mass., by whom he had eleven children. He married (second) Mrs. Jer- usha Bowen, of Newton, Mass., April 16, 1767. They had no children. Some of the children died in infancy and early life, while the five following sons married and left families: (V) Daniel, who died in Revolutionary service; (Vj James, who settled in Eastford; and (V) John, William and Caleb, who located in Pomfret. William lived and died on the homestead. He was in the war of the Revolution. (VI) Dr. Amasa Trowbridge, of Watertown, N. Y., a distinguished. surgeon in the war of 1812, at Lake Erie, was a son of William. Caleb had three sons and two daughters, all of whom lived to advanced ages, and all of the sons left families; (VII) Artemus and George settled in Camden, New York: (VII) Charles, in Kewanee, Illinois ; one daughter, Maria, staved on the home farm in Pomfret, and married Jerome Pike. She left no children. Susanna died at the age of eleven years. (VIIT) Cirartes Epwarp TrowpripceE, of Whit- insville, Mass., a noted machinist and inventor, is a son of George. Other children of George were Julia, Henry, Elizabeth and Frederick, who died in 1871. John Trowbridge, mentioned above as a son of Daniel, married Anne Kinne, of Preston, Conn., a daughter of Lieut. Amos and Sarah (Palmer) Kinne. He was a man of great good sense and judgment, of strong will and firm and decided opin- ions. In politics he was a Democrat. At the age of eighty years he was baptized and received into the Baptist Church in Hampton. Of his four chil- dren, the only son died in infancy; Sarah married Samuel Hartshorn; Hannah married Abishi Sharp; and Chloe married Benjamin H. Grosvenor, of Pomfret, and their daughter, Emily Adaline, mar- ried Col. Horace Sabin. SABIN. This family, of which the late Col. Horace Sabin was a distinguished member, is one of the oldest in Pomfret, Windham county. William Sabin, the progenitor in America, ap- peared in the town of Rehoboth, Mass., at its or- ganization, in 1643. When he came to America is not known, but tradition says he came from Wales or the south of England, where he had found refuge in flight from France. He was a Huguenot, a man of considerable culture, and possessed wealth, as is shown in the account of his estate and gifts for the relief of the wants of those who suffered from the ravages of the Indians. He was one of the lead- ing spirits of Rehoboth in school and church mat- ters and in the affairs at Plymouth. The name of his first wife, who died shortly after 1660, is not known. For his second, he married, on Dec. 22, 1663, Martha Allen, born Dec. 11, 1641 (twin sister to Mary), daughter of James and Anna Allen, of Medfield. Martha Allen was a sister of Nathaniel and Joseph Allen, who married daughters of Will- iam Sabin by his former wife. Mr. Sabin died about 1687. His will was made June 4, 1685, and probated in Boston July 17, 1687. during the ad- ministration of Goy. Andros. In the original will, on file in Boston, are mentioned sixteen of his twenty children. His children by the first wife, all born in Rehoboth except the two eldest, whose place of birth is unknown, were as follows: The date of birth of the oldest, Samuel, is not known. Eliza- beth, born in 1642, married (first) Robert Millard (Nov. 24, 1663), and (second) Samuel Howard; she died Feb. 7, 1717. Joseph was born May 24, 1645. Benjamin, born May 3, 1646, is mentioned below. Nehemiah, born May 28, 1647, was slain by the Indians in June, 1776. Experience, born June 8, 1648, married Samuel Bullin Aug. 20, 1672, and died without issue, June 14, 1728. - Mary (or Mercy), born May 23, 1652, married Nathaniel Allen, and died Feb. 27, .1674, leaving a son Samuel. Abigail, born Sept. 8, 1653, married Joseph Bullin March 15, 1675, and died without issue, May 1, 1721. Hannah, born Oct. 22, 1654, married Joseph Allen, of Medfield, Mass., Nov. to, 1673, and re- moved to Pomfret, Conn.; she was the mother of twelve children. Patience was born in December, 1655. Jeremiah was born Jan. 24, 1657; per- haps this name should be Jonathan, as a Jonathan is mentioned as being in the Narragansett expedi- tion of 1676 [Bliss’ History of Rehoboth, page 117]. Sarah was born July 27, 1660. Children by the second wife: James, born January 1, 1665; John, Aug. 27, 1666; Hezekiah, April 3, 1669 (died in 1693); Noah, March 1, 1671 (died in 1694; Mchitable, May 15, 1673 (married Joseph Bucklin, July 30, 1691, and died Sept. 27, 1751; he died July 28, 1729); Mary, Sept. 8, 1675 (married Na- thaniel Cooper Dec. 8, 1696) ; Sarah, Feb. 16, 1677- 78; Margaret, April 30, 1680 (died July 10, 1697). (IT) Benjamin Sabin, son of William, resided in Rehoboth until 1675, when he removed to Rox- oe Ce COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 69 bury, Alass., and in 1686 he was one of the thirteen pioneers who settled Woodstock, Conn. He joined the same year in purchasing a large tract of land lying just south of Woodstock, Mashamoquoit, the present town of Pomfret. He lived in Woodstock until 1705, when he removed to his new purchase. The town of Pomfret was not incorporated until 1713, nor the church organized until 1715, which accounts for his continuing his church relations in Woodstock after his removal. He died in Pom- fret July 21, 1725, in his eightieth year. He mar- ried first Sarah, daughter of John and Rebecca Pol- ly.of Roxbury, who was born June 2, 1650 (a twin of Mary). He married (second), July 5, 1678, Sarah Parker who died Jan. 22, 1717-18. The will of John Polly provides that the four motherless children of his daughter Sarah are to have their mother’s part of his estate. Benjamin Sabin’s chil- dren by his first wife were: (1) Josiah, born in Rehoboth Oct. 11, 1669, married Rebecca Cheney, of Roxbury, Mass., June 18, 1706. They resided in Roxbury in 1730, and had two daughters. He died in Pomfret Feb. 22, 1745. (2) Ebenezer was born in Rehoboth Dec. to, 1671. (3) Benjamin was born in Rehoboth Dec. 2, 1673. (4) Mehit- able was born in Roxbury Sept. 7. 16077. Children by second wife: Sarah, born in Roxbury Aug. 1, 1679 (married Samuel Adams Jan. 6, 1705) ; Nehe- miah, born in Roxbury Jan. 10, 1681; Patience, born in Roxbury May 3, 1682; Jeremiah, born in Rox- bury March 11, 1684; Experience, born in Roxbury in February, 1686 (married David Morse, of Med- field, Aug. 22, 1705); Stephen, born in Woodstock May 30, 1689; and Timothy, born in Woodstock in 1694. PCI) Ebenezer Sabin, son of Benjamin, lived in Woodstock in early life but moved to Pomfret. His wife’s name was Susanna. A Susanna Sabin was admitted to “full communion” in Roxbury in June, 1696 [Rec. Com. Rep. Roxbury Records, page 102]. Ebenezer Sabin was ensign in 1700 in the expedi- tion against Canada. He died Sept. 18, 1739. His children were: Ebenezer, born July 8, 1696; Jo- seph, Jan. 23, 1701; Susanna, April 5, 1704; Joshua, May 26, 1706; Mehitable, July 21, 1711 (died May 19, 1739); and Seth, Oct. 21, 1714. (TV) Joshua Sabin, son of Ebenezer, resided in Pomfret, and there married Mary Sabin (his cousin), Jan. 22, 1734. She was the mother of his ten children: Abishai, a clergyman, was born Sept. 10, 1735, and died Feb. 4, 1782. Susanna was born Aug. 25, 1737. Joshua, born June 6, 1740, married Ruth Wiswall. daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Franklin) Wiswall, and niece of Benjamin Frank- lin. Mary, born May 6, 1742, died. Oct. 24, 1754. Sylvanus, born Jan. 14, 1744, married Lucy Wis- wall, sister of Ruth. Phethena, born Jan. 6, 1747, died May 12, 1754. Lucy, born Aug. 9, 1749, died March 17, 1752. Walter, born Feb. 12, 1752, died Sept. 28, 1774. Alice. born April 20, 1754, died Oct. 13, 1754. Elizabeth was born Sept. 6, 1756. (V) Joshua Sabin (2), son of Joshua, served in the Revolution. On June 3, 1766, he married Ruth Wiswall, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Frank- lin) Wiswall, the latter a sister of Benjamin Frank- lin. Joshua Sabin died in March, 1825, and his wife died eb. 1, 1813. Children: Joshua, born Jan. 4, 1768, died April 27, 1770; Erepta, July 18, 1769, July 5, 1848; Clarissa, May 15, 1771, Dec. 25, 1825: Joshua, July 15, 1773, Sept. 20, 1778; Lu- cinda, March 15. 1776, Aug. 27, 1777: Horatio, April 25, 1778, March 19, 1835; Mary, Sept. 16, 1781, Feb. 7, 1844. (VI) Horatio Sabin, son of Joshua, married Elizabeth, daughter of Stephen and Judith (Paine) Williams, Jan. 4, 1809. She was born Jan. 4, 1777. They had two children: Horace, born March 11, 1810, and William Henry, born Nov. 29, 1812. (VII) Cort. Horace Sasin was born at Pom- fret, and received the education afforded by the dis- trict schools of his day and generation. He grew up on his father’s farm, and was a lifelong tiller of the soil, largely interested in dairying in addition to farming, and also engaged in the lumber business. He was a man of very generous disposition, well liked, and was frequently called upon to serve the public in various capacities. He was justice of the peace, postmaster, and member of the school board of Pomfret; represented the town in the State Legislature, and was for many years prominent in the militia of the State; he was offered a commis- sion in the Mexican war. In politics he was a Democrat of the old school. Fraternally he was a member of Putnam Lodge, No. 46, F. & A. M. On March 24, 1836, Col. Sabin married Emily A., daughter of Benjamin and Chloe (Trowbridge) Grosvenor, and eight children were born of this union: Mary Ann, born Jan. 6, 1837, died March 11, 1854. Harriet Ely, born Julv 29, 1838, lives on the homestead. Henry, born Oct. 9, 1839, died March 31, 1896. A son, born Aug. 18, 1841, died the following day, Aug. 19, 1841. Ralph James, born Sept. 9, 1842, served in the Civil war as a sol- dier of the 43d Mass. Regt., known as the “Tiger Regiment ;” he is now a civil engineer, and resides on the home farm; he is a member of Putnam Lodge, F. & A. M., of which he has been master five years, and is a Royal Arch Mason. Horatio, born June 24, 1844, also lives on the farm. Chloe Grosvenor, born Nov. 6, 1846, died Jan. 12, 1871. Emily Adaline, born April 28, 1850, is at home. The Misses Sabin are ladies of education and refine- ment, and highly respected, and during the lives of their parents were much devoted to them. Refer- ring to the death of Miss Chloe G. Sabin, which oc- curred Jan. 12, 1871, it was said: “In the death of this lovely voung lady society, as well as kindred, has sustained a heavy loss. ‘Death loves a shining mark,’ and here he has taken the brightest and best. She early chose the ways of wisdom, and they have been to her paths of pleasantness and peace, but she has gone from us leaving her childhood’s hearth 70 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD and home desolate. Yet will her rare beauty, her gentle nature, her unconscious purity of character, remain in our memory with a fragrance which time cannot destroy.” Col. Sabin died in his eighty-fifth vear, and the Putnam Patriot of Nov. 16, 1894, spoke of him as follows: “The familiar face and stalwart form of Col. Horace Sabin, who died at his home in Pomfret Oct. 30, will be missed by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. He was a man of great mental and physical energy. He has long been identified with many of the prominent enterprises of his time and State. “As an agriculturist he was perhaps most wide- ly known, and upon branches of this calling, especi- ally in dairving, he was competent authority. For over fifty years he was a member of the board of education, where he made his influence for good felt in the public schools. “When he was eighteen years of age he en- tered the State militia, rising gradually from one command to another until he attained the rank of colonel, the title by which he has been affectionately known to the people with whom he has so heartily mingled. He was chief marshal at the burial of Gen. Nathaniel Lyon, in September, 1861. He came within one vote of being chosen general of the State troops. “Col. Sabin will be widely missed. He was in the eighty-fifth year of his age, and until within a year of his death he had always been a very active mian in business and society.” In the resolutions of Putnam Lodge, F. & A. M., of South Woodstock, passed at the time of Col. Sabin’s death, it was said that he was with one ex- ception the oldest member of Putnam Lodge. “He has been an active and consistent member of this lodge for thirty-three years, a man of exceptionally good judgment, whose wise counsels were often sought, and we shall miss his genial face. “Resolved, That while we humbly submit to our loss, his family mourn the departure of a kind hus- band and indulgent father, and in their hour of grief and sorrow they have the sympathy of Put- nam Lodge.” Mrs. Sabin died at her residence Feb. 21, 1808, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years. She had lived in Pomfret all her life, having been born on the place where she lived and died, and was for years one of Pomfret’s most prominent ladies. Henry Sabin, previously mentioned as third in the family of Col. Horace Sabin, enlisted during the Civil war in the rst Conn. Cavalry, and was dis- charged on account of ill health. Like his father, he was a member of Putnam Lodge, F & A. M. On Jan. 9, 1864, he married Mary E. Burton, who died Dec. 17, 1870, the mother of three children: Harry Burton, who died in infanev, Feb. 21, 1865; John Grosvenor, born Dec. 1, 1865, who is now married and resides in Worcester, Mass.; and Everett Chandler, born Sept. 9, 1867, who is mar- ried and lives in Aver, Mass. For his second wife Henry Sabin married, Nov. 19, 1873, \Ivra Leavens Harvey, and they had two children: Ralph Har- ey, born in Meriden, Conn., June 19, 1877, and another son, born Nov. 27, 1878, who died Nov. 20th, same vear. The former is a graduate of Woodstock Academy, studied civil engineering at Maine University, and has been engaged in Mexico and the West; his home is at Pomfret, Conn. \Irs. Myra L. Sabin died Dec. 2, 1878, and in 1886 Mr. Sabin married Bertha I. Ely, who survives him. EDWARD DEXTER, one of the highly re- spected citizens and retired merchants of Danielson, . Windham Co., Conn., descends’ from one of the oldest families of New England. (I) Rev. Gregory Dexter was born in 1601 in Olney, in the county of Northampton, England, and while still a young man went to London where he became a printer, and in connection with a man named Coleman, carried on a stationer’s business. Mr. Dexter was connected with the Baptist ministry in London. He was also the friend and _trans- atlantic correspondent of Roger Williams, this friendship being responsible for Mr. Dexter's im- migration to America and his later association with Roger Williams. He became a distinguished char- acter in the colony. Mr. Dexter was one of the parties named in the charter in 1663, and for a num- ber of years was one of the town clerks of Provi- dence and was useful on account of his excellent edu- cation. He was the fourth pastor of the First Bap- tist Church in Providence, having been called to succeed Rev. Mr. Wickenden about 1650. Rev. Gregory Dexter lived to be about ninety years old. He married Abigail Fuller and their children were; Stephen, James, John, Abigail and Peleg. (IL) Stephen Dexter, son of Rev. Gregory, born in 1647, married Mary Arnold and had. one son, John. Stephen lived in Smithfield; R. I., and died in 1676. (IT) John Dexter, only son of Stephen, was born in 1670, married } Mary Field, and they had these children; Naomi, Mary, John, Stephen, Jere- miah, Sarah, Lydia, William, Jonathan and Abigail. (IV) John Dexter (2), son of John, was born in 1701 and married Mary Browne, their children being; Anna, Andrew, Gideon, Mary, Lydia, Will- iam, Phoebe, Waitstill, Jonathan and Sarah. (Vv) Jonathan Dexter, son of John (2), was born in 1739, in Smithfield, R. I., and married Alice, daughter of Col. Stephen Lowe, ‘of Warwick, R. L., and their children were: Marv, Joseph, Philip, Eli- zabeth, Christopher, Abigail, Alice, Sarah, Lydia, John and Anna. Joseph ‘and Philip Dexter located in Nillingly, Conn. The latter was born in 1766 in Smithfeld, R. I, and married (first) Catherine Greene, and (second) Judith Williams, of Pom- fret: he had two sons, George, born in 1802, and William, born in 1806. George married Cynthia COAITEMOBRATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 71 Aldrich, had one son, Benjamin G., lived in Nill- ingly and was a farmer. William married Eunice Park, of Thompson, Conn., and lived in Danielson and Pomfret. His children were Charles and John, the former a resident of Gilbertville, Mass.: the latter deceased, leaving two sons, William C., of Middletown, Conn., and Dr. Fred F., of Spring- field, Massachusetts. (VI) Joseph Dexter, grandfather of Edward Dexter, was born April 5, 1764, in Smithfield, R. I., and Nov. 3, 1785, he married Mary Allen, born April 18, 1763, a native of Cumberland, R. I., who died July 8, 1832. About 1785 Joseph and his brother came to Killingly, the first of the family. although his father in that year had purchased a tract of land there. This land is described in the deed which is still in the possession of Mr. Dexter of Danielson, and was located in the neighborhood familiarly known as Elmville; it consisted of two portions, one of 135 acres and the other of 22 acres. Both the brothers located on these lands, and the house of Joseph Dexter stood opposite In 1802 he built a large house and in addition to being a thrifty farmer kept The sign for this public house was placed on a shed directly across the street, and on one side of it was depicted a well-dressed man on horse- the present brick mill. a tavern. back, with the inscription, “I’m going to Law;” on the opposite of the sign appeared the picture of an old man in rags, under which was explained, No explana- tion is given as to the attitude of the legal profes- sion, on its horse-back journeyings, when this sign “T’ve been to law and got my case.” made its appearance. Joseph Dexter discontinued 7, 1845, his wife having passed away July 8, 1832. Both are buried in the Westfield cemetery. In poli- .tics he was a Whig. The children born to them were nine in number. (1) Celia, born March 10, 1787, died Feb. 11, 1871: she married Ezekiel Spaulding, of Killingly, and had five children, Elvira, Joseph, Adeline, Eliza and Celia. (2) Abigail, born April 2, 1789, who died Julv 26, 1862, married Leban Fisher and lived in Killingly; their children were; Waterman, Erastus, Emily and Abbie, all deceased. (3) Alce, born July 19, 1791, who died Dec. 19, 7880, married (first) James Bates and had a son Joseph, deceased, and marriéd (second) Seth Chase. Her son, Joseph, had a son, George, of Hartford, and a daughter, Mrs. Fl'a Champlain, of Hartford. (4) Sarah A., who was born Oct. 18, 1793, and died March 14, 1848, married John Day, after whose father the village of Dayville was named. Their children, all deceased, were; Willard, Albert, Eliza, Herbert and Ann. (5) Mary, who was born Sept. 7, 1795, and died Jan. 11, 1866, married Thomas Elliott, of Thompson and their children were; Hor- ace, Sally, Marvin D., Henry and Jane. (6) Jona- than, born June 16, 1797, died Oct. 18, 1872. (7) Eliza, born May 18, 1799, who died April 20, 1861, tavern-keeping many years prior to his death, which occurred April married David B. Carroll and in the latter vears of their lives lived in Colchester, Conn. Their chil- dren, both deceased, were Jane and George. (8) Hasty, born March 26, 1802, who died Oct. 20, 18So, married George Danielson, after whose father the borough was named. Their two children died young. (9) Marvin, born Oct. 26, 1805, died June 1, 1879; he married Mary Ann Allen and their two children were: Abbie, who married Martin Crosby of Brooklyn, and had Henry and Mary; and John, married to Mary A. Clark, whose daughter Clara married Abner Young. (VII) Jonathan Dexter, the father of Edward Dexter, of Danielson, grew up on the home place, as did his brother and sisters. His education was such as was altorded by the schools of that dav. His house, built a little north of the one in which he was born, was on a part of the original purchase, and there he engaged in farming until within about ten years of his death, when he moved to the bor- ough. About 1841 Jonathan Dexter, in company with his brother Marvin, built the first cotton mill at Elmville. It was located on Whitstone Brook. Various parties engaged in manufacturing there, cotton twine was manufactured, the plant was in time enlarged by an addition of thirty-two feet and a widening of fifteen feet, and for a time woolen goods were made also. In 1874 the mill was burned. It was then nominally owned by others, but as no money had been paid, the insurance was turned over to the original owners. In politics Jonathan Dexter was originally a Whig and later a Repub- lican and served the town of Nillingly as clerk. He was highly esteemed as a man of strong Chris- tian character, upright and honest in the best sense of the term. Jonathan Dexter was married Jan. 13, 1827, to Sophia Foote, a native of Glastonbury, Conn., born Nov. 9, 1800, who died March 6, 1875. Both be- longed to the Westfield Congregational Church. To this union were born two children, namelv: Mary, born Sept. 9, 1828, a resident of Danielson ; and Edward, born Aug. 22, 1831. (VIII) Edward Dexter, only son of Jonathan Dexter, was born on the home place at Elmville. His earlv education was acquired in the district school, and later he spent five years at Westtield Academy, at a time when at least seventy pupils were in attendance. Until he was eighteen vears old Mr. Dexter passed every winter in school, but after that time he entered upon the regular opera- tion of the farm, continuing until he was thirty- seven vears of age. In 1869 he came to Danielson ‘and engaged in teaming for two vears, during the first vear erecting the first residence on Reynolds street. In April, 1871, Mr. Dexter bought the furniture and house furnishing business of George D. Bates; in 1873 the furniture business of H. M. Danielson & Co.; in 1876 he added undertaking, at that time 72 . COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD buying out Oliver W. Bowen. The store first oc- cupied was Jocated near the depot and there he remained for five years. In the spring of 1877 he moved into the Music Hall building where he re- mained five years, but in 1881 he erected the hand- some and substantial ‘Dexter Block,” with dimen- sions 56x85 feet, two stories and basement, and up- on its completion, the Library Association gave such a “house-warming” that the sum of $312 was added to that fund. In the spring of 1882 Mr. Dexter moved into his new quarters, occupying the ground floor and basement, two-thirds of the second and all of the third floor. Mr. Dexter latterly added a carpet department, and continued successfully in business until Dec. 5, 1896. Deciding at this time to linut his activity, he sold the business to Walter H. Twitchell, who ten months later disposed of it to its present proprietor, John F. Bennett. During his twenty-seven years of business life in Danielson, Mr. Dexter has met with well de- served success, for his methods were those of an upright dealer and his judgment such as to recog- nize and cater to the demands of his trade. In the esteem of his fellow-citizens he stands very high and his services have been in demand as administrator of a large number of estates and at the present time he is trustee and conservator of several persons. Since 1886 he has been president of the Westfield Cemetery Association, and was the first president of the Daniel- son branch of the Co-operative Savings Society of Connecticut. In politics he is a Republican, but has never mingled in political work. He served as one of the directors of the Davis Park Association be- fore it was turned over to the borough. For the past three years he has been a director of the public library and is now secretary of the building commit- tee of the Edwin H. Bugbee Memorial Building, that gentleman having bequeathed $15,000 in his will, which was to be used for a memorial building for a public library, and the structure is now in course of erection. In 1864 Mr. Dexter married Margaret Clark, of Colchester, daughter of George and Sophia (Tavlor) Clark, the former of whom was a son of Ezra Clark. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dexter are mem- bers of the Westfield Congregation! Church, and for a number of years he belonged to the Society committee. Mr. Dexter has been public-spirited and ever anxious for the progress and advancement of his community. In addition to his other business in- terests he has been active in the sale of real estate, and has done much attractive building in his locali- ty, serving to enhance the value of much property. ATWOOD. John Atwood, the -great-great- grandfather of J. Arthur Atwood and J. Walter At- wood, of Wauregan, Windham county, Conn., was a resident of Scituate, R. I., where is recorded his marriage to Roby Kimball, of Scituate. John At- wood served as sergeant in Capt. Joseph Kimball's Company, his name appearing on the rolls of that company, dated March 8, 1777. This company marched from Scituate Feb. 7, 1777, and was in ser- vice thirty days. Later John Atwood was sergeant in Capt. Perk’s Company, of the First Division, Col. John Matthewson’s Regiment, in the expedi- tion against Rhode Island. [See Rev. Rolls of R. L, Vol. III, page 82.] John Atwood died in Oc- tober, 1802. His children were as follows: Kim- ball, born Dec. 5, 1781; Lydia, who married George B. Hutchins; Dorcas, who married Waterman Field; Abigail, who married Joseph Butler; Rho- da, who married a Randall; Roby, who married James Andrews; and Levina, who married Wilbur Fisk. Kimball Atwood, son of John, was through life a resident of Scituate, R. I., and both he and his wife were buried in a family graveyard in that place. On April 4, 1802. he married Salinda Colgrove, born April 20, 1786, and they had a family of seven children, as follows: Dorcas, born June Io, 1803, ‘who died young: John, born Feb. 16, 1805; Wili- iam C., born March 19, 1807, who died Sept. 20, 1895, (he married Juliana Andrews, born Nov. 5, 1806, who died March 24, 1861); Sally, born June 22, 1809, who died young; Sylindia, born Sept. 25, T8t1, who died young; Kimball T., born Dec. 2, 1819; and Joanna Fisk, born Aug. 24, 1826. John Atwood, son of Kimball, and grandfather of J. Arthur and J. Walter Atwood, of Wauregan, was born Feb. 16, 1805, and died July 31, 1865, aged sixty vears, five months. His wife was Julia A. Battey, born Feb. 24, 1805, who died Aug. 31, 1872, aged sixty-seven years. six months, seven days. Their children were: James S., born March 17, 1832, who died Feb. 20, 1885; William Allen, born Aug. 4, 1833, who died June 26, r881; Henry C., who died Oct. 11, 1836, aged fifteen months: and Mary Elizabeth, who died June 25, 1843, aged five vears. Grandfather John Atwood came to Killingly, Conn., shortly after his marriage, and entered the Williamsville mill, which was then owned by Caleb Williams, who had erected it in 1827. This mill afterward came into the possession of S. and W. Foster. In 1849 John Atwood, who had been identi- fied with the business ever since locating in Killing- ly, became a part owner, and continued active in the same until his death. His grandchildren, Henry C. Atwood, W. E. Atwood (of Williamsville) and J. Arthur Atwood and J. Walter Atwood (of Waure- gan). are still the owners of this mill. JAmes S. Atwoop, son of John, and father of J. Arthur and J. Walter, was born in Scituate, R. | I, March 17, 1832, and died Feb. 20, 1885, at Wautregan, Conn. After receiving a liberal educa- tion, at Smithville Seminary, in Scituate, and Wood- stock Academy, in Woodstock, he entered his fa- ther’s cotton mill in Williamsville, town of Killingly, and there mastered every detail of cotton manufac- turing, serving in the various positions from bobbin- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 73 boy to general manager, and thus making himself perfectly familiar with the construction and work- ing of every machine in the mill. On Sept. 17, 1855, Mr. Atwood married Julia A. M. Haskell, of Cumberland, R. I., a daughter of Willard Haskell, extended mention of whose family is made below: The family born to this marriage consisted of three sons, namely: William Hamilton, who was born Noy. 8, 1859, and died Jan. 18, 1862; and James Arthur and John Walter, twins, born May 18, 1864. In 183 3 James S. Atwood became connected with the ill interests at Wauregan, Conn. The mill privilege at this point was purchased by A. D. Lockwood and others, and in 1853-54 a struc- ture 253 feet in length and 49 feet in width, three stories in height, was erected for the manufacture of plain and fanev cotton cloth. Business became so prosperous that in 1858-59 the length of the build- ing was doubled, and in 1866-67 a new building, 500 feet in length, and four stories high, was built on the other side of the trench, and the two par- allel buildings were connected in the middle by a building 167 feet long, extending across from one to the other. This made a total length in three parts of about 1,250 feet. This great factory is built of rough stone, quarried in the vicinity. Water from the Quinebaug is carried through five turbine wheels, giving what is estimated as “equal to 1,050 horse-power. In addition the building contains two steam engines of 750 horse-power, which are made use of as occasion requires. At the opening of the mills Mr. Lockwood was agent, but he soon afterward disposed of his inter- ests, and Mr. Atwood, who had been superintendent from the start, was made agent, and remained in that position until his death. The financial success of this great industry can be directly traced to the supervision of James S. Atwood, who was there when the first machine was put in place, and wit- nessed the business expand to its present magnitude. Although Mr. Atwood was financially interested in milfs at Williamsville and at Taftville, he always made his home in Wauregan. He took great pride in the village which he saw, under the fostering care and ownership of the company, develop into one of the model hamlets of the vicinity, where the em- ployes could find attractive and comfortable homes near their daily tasks, and lived to see the newly planted trees expand their limbs and foliage until they almost screened the great mill from sight. The large concern known as the Ponemah Mills, at Taftville, Conn., was an enterprise in which he also took pride, and in which his managing hand was very evident. It was built after his own plan and under his direct supervision, and, like the ‘business at Wauregan, enjoyed phenomenal success. At this time the manufacture of the fine goods turned out by these mills was in the nature of an experi- ment, and it was largely owing to Mr. Atwood’s good judgment, careful oversight and ability to adapt means to the desired ends that success crowned the work. Of these mills he was agent from the beginning until his death. His judgment was reliable, and he was not one to risk the money of the corporations he represented in any foolish experiments. During one of the changes which are liable to occur in business enterprises in this coun- try, it became necessary for him to assume control of the mills at Williamsville, in which he and his brother William A. were largely interested, and his financial credit and wise judgment carried, them through difficulties that might have proven’ disas- trous in less careful hands, Few men have the ability wisely to direct so many large and separate interests. In political life Mr. Atwood was identified with the Republican party, and he was a useful member of the State Legislature in 1862 and again in 1868, and a Presidential elector (on the Republican ticket) in the campaign of 1884. While Mr. Atwood was acknowledged to be the peer of practical manufac- turers and the possessor of large means, he was a man of most simple tastes, without the shadow of a desire for display, on the other hand always hid- ing his ability, with a modesty which was as rare as it was commendable. While he despised shams and hollow pretense, he was kind in judgment, tolerant of the imperfections of others, ready to overlook mistakes, and ever ready to see in everv man a friend and brother. Upon his open counte- nance he bore the stamp of true worth, and no one feared. to trust him implicitly. The poorest and humblest member of the community could always approach James S. Atwood with the assurance that he would receive the same respectful attention which would be accorded one possessing high posi- tion or great wealth. His heart throbbed in sym- pathy with the sorrowing and the suffering, and his hand was ever open in relief. No one “will ever know the extent of his benevolences. Irreproachable in character, gentlemanly in bearing toward every individual, it was no wonder that every one with whom he came into contact felt that he could say, “He is my friend.” Even prior to his confession of religious faith he took the deepest interest in all that pertained to the moral and spiritual welfare of the community, and was foremost in sustaining the in- stitutions of the Gospel at home and abroad. It was through Mr. Atwood's efforts that the Congregational Church in Wauregan was erected, a structure which is a gem of architectural beauty and a fitting memorial of one who sought not alone his own but also his neighbor's welfare and happiness. Tn his ripe manhood. with the simplicity and faith of a little child, he laid all his varied endowments; his honors, his possessions, at the feet of the Savior of mankind, and putting his hand into that of the Divine Leader said, “I will follow thee wherever thou goest.” In this work he found joy and con- tentment. It was in January, 1878, that he came into the church by open confession of faith, and 74 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD from that time to the end he gave to its spiritual interests his thoughtful svmpathy and unstinted help. Such a life—so pure, so genial, so intensely loyal to truth and dutv—is a benediction every- where, and the world is poorer when it departs. JAmes ARTHUR Arwoop, son of James S., was born Alay 18, 1864, at Wauregan, Conn., and began his educational life in the village schools. As a student later at Phillips Academy, Andover, he dis- played unusual ability, and graduated from that famous institution in 1881, at the head of his class. His next scholastic experience was a course in the Sheffield Scientific School, New Haven, from which he graduated in 1885, prepared with trained faculties to become a valuable assistant to his father. Like the latter, he familiarized himself with the practical working of the mill, and then entered the office, taking charge. In 1889 he was appointed agent, and still occupies that responsible position, having since March, 1897, held the same relation to the Quinebaug Mills, an institution which employs 700 hands. The two mills (the latter at Danielson), located, as they are, within a few miles of each other, are given his personal supervision, the re- sults of which may be seen in the continued pros- perity of both great industries. Mr. Atwood has been identified with various other important con- cerns: The Williamsville Mfg. Co., of which he has been president; the Wauregan Co., of Wauregan, Conn., of which he has been a director since 1889; the Samoset Co., of Valley Falls, R. I, of which he is a director; the Ponemah Mills at Taftville, of which he was a director for many years; and the Sterling Dyeing & Finishing Co., of Sterling, of which he was also a director, and which in Igor was sold to the United States Finishing Co. While Mr. Atwood is fitted, by natural gifts, education and social and business prominence, not only to adorn high public oftice but to also become a very useful member of a legislative body, he pre- fers a business life free from politieal cares. He is a stanch Republican, and interested in local affairs, but not to the extent of holding office. The only secret order to which he is attached is his col- lege fraternity, Delta Psi. On Dec. 11, 1888, Mr. Atwood was married to Miss Helen Louise, daughter of Philip and Helen (Fenner) Mathewson. To this union have come two children, namely: J. Arthur, Jr., born May 5, 1890; and Dorothy, born March 27, 1893. GEN, Joun WatreER Atwoop, son of James S. Atwood, was born at Wauregan, Conn., May 18, 1864. Completing the public school course at Wauregan, he entered Phillips Academy at Andover, Mass., and later the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale College. Like his twin brother, he then en- tered the Wauregan Mills, in order to thoroughly learn the details of cotton manufacturing. In 1888 he was made superintendent of the mills, which position he efhciently fills at the present time. Mr. Atwood also owns other large manufacturing inter- ests and has done much toward making Wauregan one of the most. prosperous and attractive manu- facturing villages in the State. Prior to his election to the State Legislature, in 1899, Gen. Atwood, although an active Republican, and a leader in the councils of his party, had always declined office, choosing to be known as a great manufacturer rather than a public official, How- ever, he was a valuable member of the important committee on Appropriations while in the Legisla- ture, and won a large circle of firm friends at the Capitol. He was commissioned commissary gen- eral on the staff of Gov. Lounsbury until Julv 1, 1899, when, on the resigriation of H. O. Averill, he was made paymaster general, to which office he was re-appointed by Gov. McLean. Gen. Atwood is one of the most popular citizens of his section of the State, his high personal character, pure statesman- ship and business ability commanding the confidence and esteem of all who know him. On June 1, 1887, Gen. Atwood was united in marriage with Miss Ethel Alexander, daughter of Luther D. and Amelia (Young) Alexander. The two children born to Gen. and Mrs, Atwood are: Helen Estelle and Beatrice. Tuer Hasxert Famity. The maternal line of J. Arthur and Gen. J. Walter Atwood, of Plainfield, reaches far back in the settlement of New England. Roger and William Haskell, brothers, were among the early immigrants to these shores. Roger, born about 1613, was of Salem, Mass., coming as early as 1637, and was later a resident in what became Beverly, where he died in 1667. (1) William Haskell, born about 1617, was at Gloucester, Mass., in 1642. On Nov. 16, 1643, he married Mary, daughter of Walter Tvbbot, and both of them died in August, 1693. William Haskell was a distinguished citizen of Gloucester, Mass., and left a numerous posterity in that town. He was a selectman several years, and representative in the General Assembly six times in the course of twenty years, and also held military office, being lieutenant and captain. He was also a deacon in the church. (11) William Haskell (2), son of William, born Aug. 26, 1644, married, July 3, 1667, Mary Brown Walker, daughter of William Brown: she took the name of her stepfather, Henry Walker. Mr. Has- kel! died June 5, 1708, aud his widow passed away in 1715. Of Mr. Haskell's twelve children, four sons, William, Joseph, Henry and Jacob, survived the father. (IIL) Jacob’ Haskell, son of William (2), born Jan. 15, 1691, married, Dec. 31, 1716, Abigail Marey. He became a deacon in the Second Church at Gloucester, and died Aug. 6, 1756, his wife dying April to, 1778. Six sons survived the father, namely: Jacob, Abner, Alexander, Israel and Amos, twins, and Zebulon, all of whom, with the exception of Abner, married in Gloucester. Of these, Alexander and his wife were dismissed to Attleboro Church in 1756. COMMEMORATIVE. BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 75 _ (IV) Abner Haskell, son of Jacob, was born in Gloucester, Mass., but evidently did not remain in his native town. We have not succeeded in find- ing a record of his marriage, though in the records of Cumberland, R. I., we find John Haskell, son of Abner, of Gloucester, thus showing that he married and that his descendants located in Cumberland, R. I. He also had sons Samuel and Comfort, who located in Cumberland. (V) John Haskell, the great-grandfather of Messrs. Atwood, of Wauregan, married, Oct. 1, 1780 (recorded in Cumberland, R. I.), Mary, daugh- ter of John Darling, of Bellingham. Their issue (recorded in Cumberland) was as follows: Olive, born April 10, 1781: Lydia, born June 2, 1783; Ab- ner, born Jan. 8, 1785: John, born Aug. 23, 1787; Hannah, born Jan. 20, 1790: Willard, born Oct. 14, 1792; and Mary. Willard died Feb. 27, 1865. (VI) Willard Haskell was married May 28, 1817, to Lydia Fretter, born Oct. 15, 1798, daugh- ter of Morris and Sarah (Tingley) Fretter, and their children were: Willard, born July 28, 1819, died Aug. 31, 1822; Mary Ann Marsylvia, born May 13, 1825, died Julv 19, 1825; Lydia Lamira, born Dec. 12, 1822, died July 23. 1825; Sarah Samantha, born Aug. 4, 1824; Willard (2), born Oct. 9, 1826, died July 11, 1829; Emelia Alamanza, born Oct. 17, 1828, died June 13, 1830; Julia Ann Marie, born May 8, 1830; Lydia Fretter, born July 3. 1833; and Bradford, born Aug. 28, 1838, died May 27, 1840. LYMAN WALBRIDGE CRANE (deceased) through a long, honorable and useful iife was an important and prominent resident of Stafford, Tol- land conntv. His birth took place Dec. 18, 1818, in Bound Brook, N. J., and his death Nov. 10, 1890, at Stafford Springs, Conn. The family is one of the early established ones of the State, its record reaching to 1655 when (1) Benjamin Crane, the fourth great-grandfather, was a resident of Weth- ersfield, Conn. Benjamin Crane was born in 1630 and was made a freeman at Wethersfield, May 12, 1658, but in the following year he removed to Hadley, Maos., where he erected his residence and tanneries and became a prominent citizen. The record reads that on April 23, 1655, Ben- jamin Crane married Mary Backus, daughter of William and Sarah (Charles) Backus, and to this union were born these children: Benjamin, Jona- than, Joseph, John, Elijah, Abraham, Jacob, Israel and Mary. The wife died July 8. 1717, while Ben- jamin had passed away May 31, 1691. He carried on a tanning business about one mile below the ‘vil- lage, on the Middletown road on the way to Rocky Hill, on the Connecticut River, and the spot has long been known as “Old Cranes Tannery Place.” Benjamin was succeeded in the business by his son John. (II) Lieut. Jonathan Crane, son of Benjamin, was born Dec. 1, 1658, at Wethersfield, Conn., and Dec. 19, 1678, married Deborah Griswold, daughter of Francis Griswold, born in Mav, 1661, who died in 1704. Her father, Francis Griswold, was in Windsor in 1649 and he was one of the first settlers at Windham, erecting the first sawmill in the town. By trade he was a blacksmith. The children born to Lieut. Jonathan Crane and his wife were, Sarah, Jonathan, John, Mary, Hannah, Isaac, Joseph, Eli- zaveth and Deborah. twins, and Abigail. . Lieut. Jonathan obtained his rank in the militia and was always known by his military title. (IIIT) John Crane, son of Lieut. Jonathan, was born Oct. 1, 1687, at Windham, Conn., and married (first) Sarah Spencer, Sept. 16, 1708, who died Sept. 15, 1715, and (second) Prudence Belding, April 18, 1716. His children were John, Abiah, Eunice, Elisham, Sybil, Hezekiah, Prudence, Lem- uel, Hannah, Rhoda and Adonijah. John lived near the place called Fort Hill, where his father gave him land Jan. 18, 1710-11. (IV) Hezekiah Crane, son of John.Crane, was born March 31, 1721, at Windham, Conn., and was married April 2, 1746, to Mary Rockwell. She died Oct. 7, 1809, aged eighty-three years, while he died Jan. 3, 1805, aged eighty-four years. Al- though a native of Windham, Hezekiah purchased land in Bolton, Conn., where he was living in 1754. On Jan. 7, 1778, he enlisted in Capt. Roswell Grant's company of volunteers, in Johnson’s regiment, serv- ing a few months and participating in an engage- men at Providence, R. I. On Feb. 1, 1805, his will was probated at East Windsor, Conn. His children were Hezekiah, David, Rachel, Rhoda, Rufus, Aaron and Anna. (V) Aaron Crane, son of Hezekiah, was born May 8, 1756, at East Windsor, Conn., and died July 3, 1826, in Long Meadow, Mass., aged seventy years, having served in the War of the Revolution. He was a private in Capt. Jonathan Johnson's com- pany, CoL Philip B. Bradley’s battalion, and Wads- worth’s brigade, enlisting June 22, 1776, and was honorably discharged Dec. 28, 1776. On June 16, 1778, he married Marv, born Aug. 14, 1754, daugh- ter of Thomas and Jane Barber. She died April 17, 1817. He married (second) Mrs. Dorcas Munn, of Springfield and they resided at Long Meadow. His children were Polly, Aaron, Timo- thy, Ziba, Eli, Eli (2), Jane, Elihu, Hezekiah and Almira. (VI) Timothy Crane, son of Aaron Crane and father of Lyman Walbridge Crane, late of Stafford, was born Jan. 28, 1783, at East Windsor, Conn., and died Nov. 27, 1830, at Russell, Mass. On May 5, 1814, he purchased land on which stood the card- ing mill of Jesse Bliss, and in association with his brother Eli, he engaged in what was then styled the “clothier” business, and he was also a wool dyer. On March 10, 1813, he married Matilda Needham, born Nov. 20, 1790, a daughter of Capt. Robert Needham, of Stafford, who married a Miss Wood. Matilda N. Crane died Dec. 11, 1863, at Windsor 76 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Locks, Conn. The children born to these parents were: Matilda Amelia, born Aug. 22, 1814, who married William P. Mowry of Windsor Locks, and died March 17, 1903, in Mechanicsville, N. Y.; Ed- win Timothy, who died Sept. 1, 1852; Lyman W., of this sketch; Mary Jane F., who died Oct. 6, 1846; and Catherine C., who now resides at No. 56 Florence street, Springfield, Mass., and who never married. (VIL) The late Lyman W. Crane, son of Timo- thy, was the seventh in the line of American an- cestry. As stated, his birth was in the State of New Jersey, but while he was still a lad, his parents removed to Wilbraham, Mass., and there he had good educational advantages. At the age of four- teen years he went to long Meadow, Mass., and worked at farming for a time, but in 1838 he came to Stafford, Conn. Here he was employed in the store of Col. William A. Foster, with whom he remained for one year and then returned to Wil- braham in order to take an academic course. In 1843, in company with Major Freeman M. Brown, now of Hartford, he opened a store at Stafford Hollow for the sale of merchandise, and continued there until 1846, when he suffered from a robbery which deprived him of almost his whole stock of goods. Following this disaster, he removed to Windsor Locks, Conn., and there conducted for some years a very successful mercantile business. In 1850 he returned to Stafford Springs and in partnership with Jeremiah Kingsbury, purchased the mercantile business of Andrew W. Porter, and the firm name became Crane & Kingsbury. In 1853 Mr. Crane purchased the interest of Mr. Kingsbury, continued to carry on the business and was very successful. The location was on Main street on the site of the present “Central House.” The flood of 1877, which was a memorable occasion for many of the business firms of the locality, car- ried awav his store and entire stock, by which he sustained a loss of $10,000. Mr. Crane was a man not easily discouraged, and when the debris of the flood had been cleared away, he at once opened a store in the New National Bank building where he yearly became more prosperous until the close of his life. Early in life Mr. Crane was a Whig, but upon the formation of the Republican party he became connected with it and supported its principles until his death. His tastes were never in the direction of political honors and he was emphatic in his refusals to accept various positions of public trust, urged for his acceptance. A thorough business man, he gave it his attention and never permitted outside matters to interfere with what he regarded his duty to himself, his family and the community. He was identified with a number of the financial institutions of Stafford. In 1854 ke was one of the incorporators of the Stafford National Bank, and in 1855, of the Stafford Springs Savings Bank, was a director in both, and continued to serve as such on the board of the latter until the repeal of the old law. In 1858 on the organization of the Savings Bank of Stafford Springs, he became a director, the stock and deposits of the old bank having been turned over to the new one. When the Stafford Savings Bank was incorporated in 1872, he’ became one of the incorporators and served as a director until 1877, when he was elected president, and served in that capacity until 1885. Mr. Crane was very active in promoting the interests of Grace Protestant Episcopal Church, and was a large donator to and liberal supporter of the same, generously giving the lot on Grant avenue upon which now stands the pleasant rectory. Mrs. Crane donated the pipe organ which stands as a monument to the memory of one of the most devoted of churchmen. On Nov. 3, 1846, Mr. Crane married Harriet Swift, third daughter of Billings Grant, Esq., of Ellington, Conn. Mrs. Crane survived her hus- band five vears, and died, leaving no issue. While Lyman W. Crane was essentially a busi- ness man, he was much more. Conspicuous as was his ability in that line, it did not overshadow his influence in public movements or his hearty parti- cipation in the things which worked for the im- provement of his community. Myr. Crane was al- ways actively concerned in all charitable and hu- mane enterprises and was ever ready to contribute both time and money. He was a good citizen and an upright man, estimable in all relations of life. FRANCIS B. SKINNER, the town clerk, treasurer and registrar of Vital Statistics in the town of Vernon, Tolland county, is the only male representative of this branch of the Skinner family. He is a popular and estimable gentleman, and the associations of many years have endeared him to a host of friends. Dr. Alden Skinner, his father, in his time occupied a prominent position as a prac- titioner in Vernon. The Skinner and Nash families, both of which claim Mr. Skinner as a descendant, were old fami- hes in New England. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Skinner was Ebenezer Nash, Jr., the first manufacturer of satinets in Rockville. Francis B. Skinner is in the eighth generation of the Nash family, and his line is as follows: Thomas Nash, Lieut. Timothy, Lieut. John, Timothy, Ebenezer, Ebenezer, Jr., Almira and F. B. Skinner. Elijah Skinner, Jv.. the paternal grandfather of EF. B. Skinner, was a farmer, and his house is yet standing in Vernon. In 1797 he was married to Miss Mary Hunt, of Vernon, and became the father of three children: Alden; Warren, of whom all trace was lost in his early manhood; and Mary, who married Dr. Horatio Dow. Alden Skinner was born in Vernon, in 1799, received his education in the home schools, and early displayed a notable spirit of push and energy. He studied medicine with Dr. Horatio Dow, and later COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 77 with Dr. Gurdon Thompson, of Tolland, attending medical lectures in New Haven, and receiving his license to practice in 1822. The beginning of his medical career was made in Willington, which was his home for seventeen years. In September, 1839, he purchased the location of Dr. Talcott, of Vernon Centre, where he had an extensive practice for twenty-two years in and around the town. In 1855 he moved to Rockville to spend his declining vears. He was indeed a doctor of the ‘“‘old school,’ believ- ing in strong remedies, such as blood letting, cathar- tics, antimony, mercury, quinine and arsenic, which he held had their place in the healing art. His reputation as a skilled physician and surgeon was good. In 1854 he was given the honorary degree of M. D., from the Pittsheld Medical College. Dr. Skinner was a member of the Tolland County Medical Society, and was one of its Fellows, serving as its president several years. He frequently rep- resented this society in the American Medical Asso- ciation. Dr. Skinner had a strong and vigorous intellect, with a tenacious memory, reading the best books of his profession and consulting the best liter- ature of the times. As a preceptor of students of medicine he was especially successful and from time to time had many under his instruction; Dr. Goodrich, of Vernon, Dr. Fisk, of Broad Brook, Dr. Tuttle, who went into the West, Dr. Hammond and Dr. Lewis were among the number. Dr. Skinner represented the town of Vernon in the General Assembly in 1850, and in 1862 he was sent to New Orleans as surgeon of the 25th C. V. L., and died at Baton Rouge, March 30, 1863, as the result of a severe attack of malarial-typhoid fever, after a sickness of but a few days. This disease was the result of exposure at night in one of the bayous, while on his way to the assault on Port Hudson. His remains now rest in Grove Hill cemetery at Rockville. In early life he was a Whig, and then became a member of the American, or “Know-Nothing,” party. In 1820 he joined the Masonic order. The Alden Skinner Camp at Rock- ville bears his name, and attests the honor in which it is held in the order of Sons of Veterans. Dr. Skinner was married, Dec. 9, 1824, to Miss Almira Nash, who was born June 3, 1802, in Elling- ton, a daughter of Ebenezer, Jr., and Persis (Brigham) Nash. She was the sixth in a family of twelve children. Her father was born in 1770 in Ellington, and in his time was a prominent and respected citizen of what is now Rockville. During the war of 1812, he made wood screens, but this was unprofitable, and in 1814 he introduced the making of satinets into the town of Vernon, and began the manufacture of satinet with two cards and a few hand looms. Some machinery was placed in the “L” part of his dwelling which stood near the bridge, at Spring street. This mill was destroyed by fire, and a new company was formed, consisting of Mr. Nash, John Mather and Lebbeus B. Tinker. This was the whole woolen interest in Rockville until 1821. Mr. Nash was an acting magistrate of the county in after years. He died June 28, 1822, and his widow lived to be over ninety years of age, dying at St. Albans, \t., at the home of one of her daughters. Mrs. Skinner was buried in Grove Hill cemetery, Rockville, in 1887. She was a mem- ber of the Congregational Church, and her home was a favored resort of the young people. The remote ancestor of the Nash family was Thomas Nash, who came to Boston in 1637, and the following year removed to New Haven. The Nash family in Ellington traces its descent from Timothy Nash, who was born in 1699 in Hadley, Mass., and in 1722 was married to Prudence Smith. They lived at Long Meadow, Mass., where their children were born; Elizabeth, Phineas, Prudence, Judah, Joel, Abigail, Timothy, Jr., and Ebenezer. In 1744 this family removed to Ellington, settling on what is now known as the Dr. Steele place. There Mr. Nash was a deacon in the Congregational Church, and died in 1756. His widow married Deacon Ichabod Hinkley, and died in Somers, Connecticut. Ebenezer Nash, born in 1744 at Long Meadow, Mass., married Susan Hill, of North Bolton, Conn., born in East Hartford in 1749; they settled in El- lington and became the parents of seven sons and four daughters, of whom Ebenezer, Jr., was the oldest child. Ebenezer, Jr., was a man of integritv and force of character, holding many town offices, and was a member of the convention which rati- fied the constitution of the United States. He died in Ellington in 1823, and his widow in 1834. He was the maternal grandfather of F. B. Skinner, and was born June 4, 1770, in Ellington. The children of Dr. Alden and Almira Skinner were five in number. (1) Benjamin Smith Barton, born July 7, 1826, had just begun the study of medi- cine when the disease which was then called lung fever attacked him, and he died March 28, -1843. (2) Sarah Sophia, born Dec. 11, 1828, died Nov. 20, 1854. (3) Harlin Nash, born Jan. 21, 1831, was sutler of the famous 25th Conn. Volunteers. After the war he went South, and was the silent partner of L. B. Plimpton, of Hartford, in the cot- ton growing business, and was overseer of the old Joe Davis plantation in Mississippi, along the river ; he died Nov. 16, 1866, in Bolivar, Miss., on the plan- tation of Gov. Humphrey. His reinains now rest in the Grove Hill cemetery at Rockville. (4) Al- den DeWitt, born July 21, 1833, at Amboy, IIL, was employed as a clerk in a dry goods store, and died there in 1856. (5) Francis B. Francis Burdett Skinner was born Sept. 4, 1835, in Willington} Conn., and was but a child when his parents removed to Vernon, Conn., where he was reared, and received his education in the common schools. He attended school a year at Clarenceville, Canada, and two terms at Phillips Academy, Exeter, N. H., which ended his school- ing. When he was twenty years old he entered the 78 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD drug store of J. H. Woodward, of Hartford, where he remained two and a half years. For several years he was engaged in Boston, worked for Henry White at Roxbury, Mass., and came to Rockville in the fall of 1859. There he engaged in the drug business on the corner which is now the site of the Henry block, doing business there for nine years, and being succeeded by H. Townsend. For a num- ber of years he was out of regular business, and then took a place as bookkeeper for L. E. Thomp- son. Subsequently he was assistant town clerk under G. W. West, succeeding him when a vacancy was created by his death. In 1890 he was elected town clerk, treasurer and registrar. In 1860 he cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, having been prevented by sickness from voting in 1856. Mr. Skinner is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, and has reached the Adoniram Chapter. He resides in the old home, which came into-his father’s possession in 1858. He takes much delight in the outdoor world, and is quite fond of fishing and hunting. MANSFIELD. This is a well-known and highly respected New England family, representatives of which we find in Putnam, Windham Co., in the large grocery firm of W. H. Mansfield & Co., among the city’s most successful and substantial business men. (1) Benjamin Mansfield, the great-great-grand- father of the present generation, is the first one of the family of whom there is authentic record the only information cencerning him being that he lived in Dudley, Mass., and married Eunice Fitts, who died Aug. 10, 1832, aged 94 years. (II) Their son Daniel was a farmer in the same town, familiarly known as “Deputy” Mansfield, and was a prominent and influential man in his day. He married and became the.father of nine children, and died April 15, 1853, aged eighty-two vears. (111) Asahel Mansfield was born in Dudley, March 6, 1797, and died in Webster, Mass., March 2, 1865. His wife’s name was Caroline Blodgett, who was born Oct. 28, 1804, in Vermont, and died March 9, 1868, in Webster. She was the daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Raddle) Blodgett, and she became the mother of the following children: Mary Ann, born April 1, 1825, in Webster (as were all the children), who married Asa W. Rice, a mer- chant of Millbury, Mass., and died May 5, 1849; William Henrv, mentioned below: Constantine B., born March 14, 1829, who married Maria Johnson of Chelsea, Mass., was a clerk in a wholesale estab- lishment in Boston for vears, finally removing to California, where he died; Caroline Amelia, born Sept. 25. 1832, who married Nelson Towne, a na- tive of Southbridge, Mass., and is now a widow in San Francisco; Evelina.G., born June 26, 1835, who married May 13, 1858, Charles Francis Barnes, a sole leather sorter in Webster, Mass.; J.ucius E., born March 1, 1838, who married Edna Walters, of Sutton, \[ass., and is a shoe stitcher in Webster. Asahel Mansfield was in early life a painter and also followed other occupations. He was a natural mechanic. He was a man of fine character, held many offices in Webster and was selectman a number of times. In politics he was a Democrat. (IV) William Henry Mansfield was born May 2, 1827, in Dudley, Mass., and died March 21, 1886, in Putnam, Conn. On June 14, 1849, he married Julia M. White, who was born June 14, .1829, in Webster, Mass., and died June 30, 1896, in Putnam. This lady was the daughter of Esbon and Esther White, of Webster, and was the mother of the fol- lowing children, all of whom were born in Webster: Edith M., born Sept. 24, 1850, who died May 24, 1852; William H.: Edward, born March 1, 1860, who died Dec. 7, 1862; Albert Luther, mentioned below. The father had attended the public schools of his native town during boyhood, and then went to Webster and entered a shoe factory as cutter, and later a clothing store as salesman for James Rawson. On June 1, 1874, he removed to Putnam and purchased the grocery store of Asbury Nichols, which he successfully conducted until his death, in 1886. He was a staunch supporter of the policies favored by the Republican party, and in religious matters affliated with the Methodist Church. (V) Witttasas H. MANsrFietp, This gentle- man is the eldest son of the above parents, born Noy. 14, 1852. He was given an excellent educa- tion, being grounded in the preliminary branches in the public schools of his native village. In the high school he prepared for Wilbraham Academy, where he attended two years and then finished with a business course at Howe's Business College, in Worcester. He began his career as a bookkeeper, and later officiated as clerk at the “Joslin House” in Webster. A desire to see the West led him to Chicago in 1872, where he spent a year and a half engaged as a cashier for the Chicago, Danville & Vincennes Railroad. This experience brought him promotion and the next three years were spent in the service of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy as head clerk of the general passenger derpart- ment. Tt was at this time that Mr. Mansfield began his married life, being joined in marriage in Chica- go, May 9, 1876, to Anna Adele Hale. She was a daughter of Benjamin E. and Martha A. (Davis) Hale, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and was born July 8, 1848, her death occurring in Putnam, June 30, 1895; there were no children. She was a descendant of the old New England family of Hale, of whom the pregenitors were Thomas and Samuel Hale, who settled in Hartford in 1637. The day after his marriage Mr. Mansfield start- ed back east where in Putnam he entered the gro- cery store of his father, in which business he has since been engaged. On his father’s death in 1886, he and his brother, Albert L.. continued the business under the frm name.of Wm. H. Mansfield & Co.: the firm name is still retained, although Albert is COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 79 not now an active partner, as he went into other business in Igor. While not a public man in the sense of an office seeker, Mr. Mansfield has entered into the life of his adopted city with zest and has borne his share of the unpaid service which attaches to any muni- cipality. For a number of years he has been one of Putnam's “ever ready” firemen, and was foreman of No. 3 for six years. Later he was selected first as- sistant engineer, a position which he held for three years: and Jan. 1, 1898, he was made chief of the fire department of the city, a position at once arduous and responsible, and which he is filling to the satis- faction of all his townsmen. Socially he is a mem- ber of two of the best fraternal organizations of the city, Quinebaug Lodge, No. 106, A. F. & A. XI., and Putnam Lodge, No. 19, A. O. U. W. He votes the Republican ticket, and he and his wife are at- tendants of the Congregational Church. Mr. Mansfield is a gentleman of refined tastes and an intelligent conception of what makes life of value, and while devoting himself assiduously to business, he has vet taken time to see some of his own country. Of one of these trips he has a very pleasant remembrance. In 1889, his health being rather poor, he took a trip to California, going west overland and returning by way of the Pacific Mail Steamship line and the Panama railroad. The trip consumed eleven weeks in all and he returned not only improved in health, but with an increased feel- ing of lovalty and admiration for his native land. The ladv who now presides over the beautiful home of Mr. Mansfield, and whom he married Nov. 28, 1899, was Helen Augusta, the accomplished daughter of Abner C. and Anna D. (Willis) Wins- low, of Putnam. A sturdy baby boy, William He- man, Jr., has come to bless their home, born March 3, 1901. It will be of interest to note somewhat fully in this connection the Winslow family, of which Mrs. Mansfield is a lineal descendant. As a Daughter of the Revolution Mrs. Mans- field reads her “title clear” to membership in that noble organization, and traces her lineage much fur- ther back than that sanguinary struggle. Her father, Abner Clinton Winslow, born Sept. 19, 1848, in Putnam, married, Jan. 24, 1872, Anna D. Willis, of Block Island, R. I. The two children were Helen A., born Aug. 29, 1873, and Frank Hannett, Nov. 8, 1879. These children are of the eighth genera- tion in descent from Kenelm Winslow, through Job, John, Abner, Philip, Abner and Abner Clinton. (1) Kenelm, a brother of Gov. Edward Winslow, was the third son of Edward Winslow and was born April 30. 1599. He came to Plymouth about 1629, was admitted freeman, Jan. 1, 1632-3, re- moved to Marshfield about 1641 and received a grant of land in that township, called “Green’s Harbor.” He held many offices, and was deputy to the General Court eight vears. He married in June, 1634, Elien, widow of John Adams, of Plymouth. Their children were: Kenelm, Ellen, Nathaniel and Job. (I1)Job Winslow was born in 1641, in Droit- wich, Worcestershire, England, and was an early resident of Swansea, Mass., and later of Freetown, At the breaking out of King Philip’s war his house, with many others in that vicinity, was burned to the ground. He then went to reside in Rochester. He was a selectman, town clerk and representative to the General Court in 1692. He died July 14, 1720, his wife Ruth surviving him. The children of this union were; William, Richard, James, Mary, George. Jonathan, Joseph, John and_ Elizabeth. (TIT) John Winslow was born Feb. 20. 1694, and resided in Freetown. He married, Oct. 9, 1729, Betsey Hathaway, by whom he had eleven chil- dren: Huldah, Abner, Sylvia, Lucy, Andrew, Lem- uel, Lois, Eunice, Oliver, William and Joseph. The father of these children was a prominent man in his time, a representative to the General Court for five vears. The date of his death is not given, but let- ters of administration were granted to his wife, Oct. 7, 1781. (IV) Abner Winslow was the next in line, born in Freetown, Mav 17. 1722. He was selectman of that village in 1777-8 and 1780, and one of the com- mittee of Correspondence and Safety during the Revolution. He married Rebecca Hathaway, Aug. 16, 1759, (V) Philip being his only son. This son was born March 20, 1775, and was married Nov. 17, 1799. to Lucy Chase. Their family was the fol- lowing: Rebecca, Mary, Betsev, Lucy, Philip, Jo- seph, Nelson, John, Abner, Ruth and David. (VI) Abner Winslow, born July 1, 1813, in April, 1832, married Susan Philips, whose birth occurred March 22, 1812. There were twelve chil- dren: Israel, Luev, Mary Ann, William, Julia, Caroline. Amey, Abner Clinton, Susan Jane, Albert Henry, Ella and Ida. The motto of the Winslow Family was the Latin “Decoptus Florio,” the meaning of which is “Truth crushed to earth shall rise again.” Avzert LutHer Mansriretp. This worthy member of the Mansfeld family is a familiar and popular figure in Putnam circles, where he is held in the highest repute for the genial quality of his citi- zenship. His birth occurred in Webster, June 7. 1865, where he received his early education and training. After removal to Putnam he continued his studies till he had finished the high school. In 1881 he entered the store of his father as a clerk and contributed much to the development of the business by his energy and good business qualifica- tions. In 1886 he became junior member of the present firm, as related above. Upon ceasing active connection with the store, Mr. Mansfield became foreman of construction of the Worcester and Con- necticut Eastern Railway Company, a position which he has held since that date and in which he has a fine opportunity to displav the excellent qualities of management which he developed in earlier life. He is as helpful in matters of public interest as his brother William, and has used his talent for organi- 80 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD zation and executive work to the good of the city in different lines. He served six years as clerk of Company No. 3, in the fire department, was fore- man of the company for several years, and six years assistant engineer of the department. He is some- what more active in poiitics than his brother; his Republicanism is of the stalwart kind and he is a worker in the ranks of the partv. In 1896-7 he served as a member of the board of selectmen and in the legislative campaign of 1900 was elected to represent Putnam in the State Legislature, where he was an influential and valued member of the committee on Railroads. He was four times chair- man of the Republican town committee. In social life Mr. Mansfield’s genial companion- ship is felt in several of the fraternal organizations. He is a member of Israel Putnam Lodge, No. 33, I. O. O. F., has been Noble Grand two terms and has served as financial secretary five years. He is a member of Wolf Den Encampment, No. 33, of the same order, and has served as chief patriarch several terms. He is a member of the Grand Lodge of the State and has served it as Grand Guardian. In General Putnam Lodge, No. 295, N. E. O. P., he has been secretary a number of years. Mr. Mansfield and his wife are faithful attendants and liberal supporters of the Congregational Church. On Sept. 24, 1887, Mr. Mansfield married Ida, daughter of Dr. Charles H. and Mrs. Catherine (Arnold) Mack of Walla Walla, Wash. Two chil- dren have come to brighten their home, Marguerite, born Nov. 27, 1888, and William Nelson, Oct. 28, 1891. Mr. Mansfield and his family live in a de- lightful home on one of the most beautiful residence streets of the city, where they entertain their large circle of friends without stint. A word should be said before closing concerning the enterprise of the firm of Wm. H. Mansfield & Co. Upon the death of the father the duties and responsibilities fell somewhat unexpectedly upon the shoulders of the sons. They took hold bravely, however, and decided to remove the store to its present location, fitting it up as a first class estab- lishment. The wisdom of their course was soon demonstrated, as their business increased rapidly and they now have to use four floors and employ three order teams and four clerks in addition to the proprietors. Their motto has ever been “only first- class goods” and it is safe to say that they yield the palm to none in being the leading purveyors in Putnam. HON. WILLTAAM SUMNER, deceased. The Sumner family is an old and honored one in New England, and though few of its members have at- tained unusual prominence, the average among its various generations has been uniformly high. Some of its representatives have been men of wide fame, such as ‘aov. Increase Sumner, Gen. Edwin V. Sum- ner and Senator Charles Sumner. Deacons and soldiers abound in its annals. It was well repre- sented in the disastrous expedition to Canada in 1690; its hercic roll of Revolutionary warriors and statesmen is part of the glory of the Republic; and among those who fought for the Union in the days of 1861-65 its representatives were still conspicuous. The principal family of the name in this coun- try is traced back to Roger Sumner, a farmer, of Bicester, Oxfordshire, England, who was married in 1601, in his native community, to Joane Frank- lin. He died in 1608, and his widow was married three years later to Marcus Brian, of the neighbor- ing parish of Merton. William Sumner, the only child of Roger and Joane Sumner, was born at Bicester in 1605, and when twenty years of age was married to Mary West. In 1636 he came to New England and set- tled at Dorchester, Mass., continuing, however, to hold his land in his native town until 1650, as ap- pears from documents still in the hands of his de- scendants. In 1637 he was made a freeman of the Colony, and held at various times positions of im- portance, being selectman for more than twenty years, and for seventeen years feoffee of the school land; for several years he was a commissioner to try petty cases, and he was deputy to the Generai Court from Dorchester in 1658, 1666, 1670, 1672, 1678-1681, and 1685. His wife died at Dorchester in 1676, and he passed away in 1688. William, Joane, Roger and George, the first four of their chil- dren, were born in Bicester; Samuel and Increase Sumner were born in Dorchester. William Sumner, son of William, married Eliza- beth, daughter of Augustine Clement, of Dorches- ter. He followed a seafaring life. He removed to Boston, where his death occurred in 1675, and there his widow died ten years later. Of their children, the two eldest were born in Dorchester, the others in Boston. Their children were: (1) Elizabeth, born in 1652, died in Dorchester in 1728. (2) Mary, born in 1654, died in Newport, R. L., in 1706. (3) William, born in 1636, is mentioned again. (4) Hannah was born in 1659. (5) Sarah, born in 1662, died in 1736. (6) Experience was born in 1664. (7) Ebenezer, born in 1666, was lost in the Canada expedition of 1690. (8) Deliverance was born in 1669. (9) Clement was born in 1671. (10) Mercy, born in 1675, died young. Clement Sumner, son of William, was born at Boston, Sept. 6, 1671, and was married there, May 18, 1698, to Margaret Harris. Their children, all born at Boston, were: William, born March 18, 1699 ; Ebenezer, born Sept. 1, 1701; Margaret, born Dec. 7, 1702, died the same day; Margaret, born July 18, 1705, married, May 19, 1726, William Jep- son, of Boston, and died Dec. 29, 1783; Elizabeth, born Oct. 8, 1707, married, Oct. 20, 1726, John Ben- net, of Boston; Samuel, born Aug. 31, 1709; and Benjamin, born May 28, 1711. William Sumner, son of Clement, was born March 18, 1699, and on Oct. 11, 1721, was wedded to Hannah, daughter of Thomas Hunt, of Lebanon, Via AC pene COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 81 Conn. He was a physician, and moved to Hebron, Conn., where he afterward resided. His children, all of whom but the eldest were born at Hebron, were: William, born Feb. 6, 1723; Mary, born Feb. 8, 1725; Reuben, born May 209, 1727; Hannah, born April 23, 1730; Clement, born July 15, 1731; Thomas, born May 7, 1733; Thomas (2), born May ZI, 1734; Jonathan, born March 15, 1735: Benja- min, born Feb. 5, 1737; Elizabeth, born May 22, 1742; and Sarah, born May 22, 1749. Reuben Sumner, son of William, was born in Hebron, May 29, 1727, and made his home in his native town. On March 6, 1754, he married Eliza- beth Mack, who died July 10, 1805. He died April 2, 1807. Their children, all born at Hebron, were: Hannah, born Dec. 29, 1754; Elizabeth, born Jan. 29, 1757; Lydia, born Aug. 25, 1759; William, born Sept. 22, 1761; Reuben, born March 19, 1764; Sibyl, born June 15, 1766: Abigail, born Sept. 8, 1768; Mary, born April 21, 1771; Henry Peterson, born June 10, 1773; Abigail (2), born Nov. 26, 1775; and Mary, born May 24, 1778. William Sumner, son of Reuben, was born Sept. 22, 1761, and made his home in Hebron, where he became prominent and where he was a deacon in the church. On June 3, 1784, he married Jemima Tar- box, who died April 1, 1837. He died Mav 7, 1838. Their children were: Jemima, born June 11, 1785; Elizabeth, born June 15, 1787; Deborah, born Jan. I, 1790; William Augustus, born May 16, 1792; Laura, born Feb. 17, 1795; Mary, born Sept. 16, 1797 ; George O., born Sept. 26, 1800 ; Cynthia, born March 26, 1803; Benjamin, born Nov. 8, 1805; and Florilla, born June 27, 1808. William Augustus Sumner, son of William, was born in Hebron, Conn., May 16, 1792, and on June 13, 1815, was married to Anna, daughter of Levi Washburn, of Marlboro, Conn. Mr. Sumner went to Tolland when young, and about 1860 removed to the village, where he died in 1868. To him and his good wife came the following children: (1) Abigail Porter, born April 6, 1817, mar- ried O. N. Lull, of Chambersburg, Pa., in Sep- tember, 1838. (2) Maria Anna, born March 26, 1819, married, May 3, 1845, Ransel Hall Agard, of Stafford. (3) Jemima, born July 8, 1821, died July 5, 1844. (4) Laura, born Feb. 8, 1824, was twice married, first to Hartwell Sheldon and after his death to Marvin Clark, whom she married April 2, 1861; she died in Coventry June 8, 1891. (5) Will- iam, whose name introduces this article, was born April 3, 1826. (6) Augustus, born March 26, 1828, was married Nov. 30, 1847, to Abigail Davis, of Westport, Mass.; on Feb. 10, 1857, he wedded Harriet A. Brobstom, of Louisville, Ky.; his third wife was Louise. Mr. Sumner lived in St. Louis, Mo., where he died in 1883. (7) Edwin George, born May 15, 1830, married, Nov. 13, 1854, Mary S. Hinckley, of Mansfield, Conn., where he has become a prominent physician; he graduated from Yale Medical School in 1855. His first wife died in 1850, 6 and he married Ellen M. Hinckley, her sister, April 12, 1860. (8) Ellen Frances, born April 26, 1832, married William E. Hungerford in June, 1852, and lives in Hadlyme, Conn. (9) Elliot Benjamin, born Aug. 22, 1834, married Sarah Farnham, of Wilhi- mantic, Oct. 3, 1861, and after her death married her sister, Mary Farnham. He became prominent in that city, representing his district in the State Senate in 1871. He died in 1900. William Sumner, the subject proper of this ar- ticle, was born in Tolland, where he was married Dec. 10, 1857, to Miss Juliette Cordelia Bishop, daughter of Joseph Bishop, of Tolland. To this union came the following children, all of whom were natives of Cincinnati, Ohio: (1) William, born April 9, 1867, died in infancy. (2) Annie Mariva, born in 1868, died in 1875. (3) Edith Bishop, born May 30, 1871, married, Nov. 17, 1898, Rev. Samuel Simpson, of Centerville, Mich., born Nov. 24, 1868. He is a Congregational clergyman, and has traveled extensively in foreign countries. He is the father of William Sumner Simpson, born Feb. 18, 1900, in Chardon, Ohio. William Sumner gained his education in the Tolland schools, and became a lawyer, practicing at the Tolland county Bar for two years but re- tiring from the profession because he desired a more active life. He moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was in business for a number of years, meeting with large success. In 1856 he became the general agent of the Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine Company in Ohio, Indiana, Hlinois, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Kentucky. A factory was set up by him in Cincinnati for the making of .machine cases and the various wooden parts of machines, employing several hundred hands; it was conducted under the name of William Sumner & Co. John R. Wright was his partner. This business was sold out in 1874, at a very handsome figure, to the Wheeler & Wilson Company, and Mr. Sumner then organized the Capital City Gas Company, at Des Moines, serv- ing as its president for about five years, when he disposed of his interest. On returning from Des Moines he built a large flouring-mill on Staten Island, which was considered the most perfect in all its appointments at that time. Returning to Tol- land to take an active interest in the Underwood Belting Company, this concern under his manage- ment became the William Sumner Belting Com- pany, with Mr. Sumner as its president until his death, which occurred Dec. 23, 1897, in Hartford. His last winters were spent in that city and his sum- mers in Tolland. As the reader might well suppose, Mr. Sumner was a very successful man, and though self-made, was broad and liberal in his views. In politics he was an active and carnest Republican, and served as judge of probate and justice of the peace a num- ber of years: In 1895 and the following year he was a member of the General Assembly, where he served on the committee on New Counties and 82 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD County Seats. While in Cincinnati he became a stockholder in the Ohio Valley National Bank, and was on its directorate several years. In church mat- ters Mr. Summer was an earnest worker, having been deacon of the Vine Street Congregational Church in Cincinnati, as well as its clerk and treas- urer for many years. He was one of the trustees of Oberlin College for many years, and much inter- ested in its prosperity. Mr. Sumner was a kind husband and father, a true and loyal friend and a citizen who acted on the principle of the greatest good to the greatest number in his public life. Thus Tolland became his debtor for numerous benefac- tions, and on his death she lost one of her most public-spirited citizens. Joseph Bishop, the father of Mrs. Sumner, was a prominent’man in his day in Tolland. In his earlier manhood he was a shoe dealer. He became clerk of the Superior court, a position he held for many years, and in which he was serving at the time of his death, in January, 1876. His wife, Mariva, was a daughter of Col. Eliakim Chapman. She died in July, 1875. MOSES GAGE LEONARD, one of the most respected and best-known citizens of Putnam, Wind- ham county, descends from an honorable family, which bore a reputable and useful part in all the early history of New England and is still promi- nent in many walks of life. James Leonard, son of Thomas, of Great Britain, was at Lynn, Mass., in 1651, at Braintree, in 1642, and in that same year at Taunton, Raynham and Norton, the latter places being formerly included in ‘Taunton. James and a brother were identified with iron furnaces at Lynn and Braintree and finally re- ‘moved to Raynham, where they built the first iron works in the old colony. There was still another brother, Philip, perhaps the Philip of Marshfield and later of Duxbury. Dr. Forbes, allied to this family by marriage, who early wrote of them, says they were from Pontypool, county of Monmouth, Wales, a place celebrated for the. working of iron. There are evidences of the family connection with iron works at Bilston, county of Stafford, England. “Tt has been said that this Taunton family of Leonards are of the family of Lennard Dacre, one of the most distinguished families of the nobility in the United Kingdom, and descended in two lines from Edward IIJ, and two of his sons, John, of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Thomas, Plantagenet, Duke of Gloucester; and the statement has evidence of plausibility. When Daniel Leonard, of Taunton, late Chief Justice of Bermuda, first went to England to reside, he was introduced to Lord Dacre, then a Lennard, ‘who acknowledged the affinity ; and Rev. William McKinstry, a descendant of the Leonards who settled in England, ‘was noticed,as a relative by Lady Dacre.’” [See Leonard Family, by Will- iam R. Deane, 1851.] The coat of arms of Leonard and Lennard is the same. On the death of the last Lord Dacre bear- ing the name of Lennard, it was supposed that Judge Leonard, of Norton, Mass., who died in 1716, could have claimed the title, and, at the time, there was talk among the Norton Leonards of the pro- priety of it. [See Clark’s History of Norton, 1859.] Of the Leonard brothers, Henry, born about 1618, was of Lynn in 1642, Braintree in 1652, and probably earlier, also Taunton, in 1652; again of Lynn in 1655, and of Rowley Village in 1674, and he went in the latter year to New Jersey, where he es- tablished iron works and became the founder of the family in that State. In April, 1684, three of his sons, Samuel, Nathan and Thomas, contracted to carry on the works at Rowley Village, but later followed the father to New Jersey, where for gen- erations and generations the descendants of Henry were workers of iron. His other children were Henrv, Sarah and Mary. (1) James Leonard, the ancestor of the Taunton Leonards, died in 1691, and was survived by his widow, Margaret, who was the ‘mother-in-law.’ (stepmother presumably) to all his children, and who died in 1701. His children were: (II) Thomas, born about 1641, married, Aug. 21, 1662, Mary Watson, who died Dec. 1, 1723; he died Nov. 24, 1713. Thomas Leonard was a dis- tinguished character and for generations men of note were among his posterity. He was a physician, major, a justice of the peace, deacon in the church and Judge of the court of Common Pleas. His chil- dren were \lary; Thomas, born Jan. 22, 1665-60, whose wife's name was Joanna; John, born May 18, 1668, who married Mary, daughter of Philip King; George, born April 18, 1671, who is men- tioned below; Samuel, born Feb. 6, 1673-74, and who, April 17, 1701, married Catherine, daughter of Thomas Deane, of Taunton; Elkanah, born May 15, 1077, who resided in Middleborough, and died Dec. 29, 1714; James, born Dec. 17, 1679, who died May 8, 1682; a daughter, who died unnamed; Seth, born April 28, 1682, who died same year; Phebe, born in 1684, who died in 1685; and Elizabeth, born July 15, 1686, who married Jonathan Williams. Of these, 4 (IIT) George Leonard married, July 4, 1695, Anna Tisdale, born Jan. 27, 1672-73, daughter of John and Hannah (Rogers) Tisdale, of Taunton. George Leonard removed about 1690 to Norton, then a part of Taunton, where he became the proprietor of a very large tract of land, and, as it were, the founder of that town and the progenitor of the Norton Leonards. here his family,.as the pos- sessors of great wealth, of the largest landed estate probably of any in New England, have lived for over 200 years. George Leonard was judge of the court of common pleas in 1716; his eldest son (IV) George (2) held the rank of colonel and was also a judge of the court of common pleas; and the latter’s son George (3), born July 4, 1729, was graduated from Harvard College in 1748, was speak- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 83 er of the Massachusetts House of Representatives at the time of the Stamp Act, and his circular, issued as speaker, called together the first Congress which assembled in New York, in October, 1765, and he was a representative in the first’ Congress of the United States under the constitution. (IV) Rev. Nathaniel Leonard, a brother of George (2), born in Norton, March 9, 1700, was graduated from Harvard in 1719, and in 1724 mar- ried Priscilla Rogers, of Ipswich, and had sixteen children. Rev. Nathaniel was minister at Plymouth for thirty years following his ordination, July 29, 1724. (V) Rev. Obiel Leonard, son of Rev. Nathaniel, born Nov. 5, 1740, was graduated from Harvard in 1759, and June 23, 1763, was installed pastor of the church in Woodstock, Conn. On the breaking out of the Revolution in 1775, he was made chap- lain of the Third regiment at the request of the commander, then Col. Israel Putnam, and later both Putnam and Gen. Washington wrote letters to the church requesting that the leave of absence of Rev. Leonard be extended, and in their letters they highly praised Mr. Leonard’s services. “He is employed in the glorious work of ‘attending to the morals of a brave people who are fighting for their liberties— the liberties of the people of Woodstock—the lib- erties of all America.” (IV) Col. Ephraim Leonard, a brother of Rev. Nathaniel, was the wealthiest and most influential man in Mansfield, then part of Norton, Mass., was colonel, judge of the court of common pleas, and filled other offices of responsibility. His son Daniel was graduated from Harvard in 1760 and bred to the law, was before the Revolution a member of the General Court, and also an able political writer, and, according to President Adams, supported the Whig cause with great diligence and energy. Later he became a loyalist, and in 1776 he accompanied the British to Halifax, and later went to England to reside, where he received the appointment of chief justice of Bermuda. (II) James Leonard, second son of James of Taunton, was born about 1643; his first wife, named Hannah, died Feb. 25, 1674, and for his second wife he married, Oct. 29, 1675, Lydia, daughter of An- thony Gulliver, of Milton, Mass. His children were: Eunice, who married Richard Burt; Prudence, who married Samuel Lewis; Hannah, who married John Crane; James, born Feb. 1, 1672-73, who died Dec. 30, 1674; James (2), born May 11, 1677, whose first wife, by name Hannah, died in 1725, and who married (second) Lydia Gulliver, daughter of Jona- than, and widow of John, and (third) Mercy, and died Jan. 16, 1764; Lydia, who married a Mr. Brit- ton; Stephen, born Dec. 14, 1680; Abigail, who mar- ried Dr. Ezra Deane, of Taunton; Nathaniel, born March 18, 1685, who died in the same year; Seth, born April 3, 1686: Sarah, married to Henry Hodges; Mehetable, born in 1691, who died in 1695 ; Elizabeth, who married Capt. Joseph Hall; and Ebenezer, who died unmarried. : (11) Abigail Leonard, daughter of James, mar- ried John Kingslev. (II) Rebecca Leonard married Isaac Chapman. (IL) Joseph Leonard, born about 1655, married Dec. 15, 1679, Mary Black, of Milton, and died Oct. 17 or 18, 1692. His children were:- Mary, who died young; Experience, who married Samuel Hodges ; Joseph, born in 1683, who died unmarried in 1705; Mehetable; Edward, born in 1688; Will- iam, born in 1690; and Silence. (11) Benjamin Leonard, the sixth child of James of Taunton, was married, Jan. 15, 1678-79, to Sarah Thresher, and their children were: Sarah, born May 21, 1680, who married a Mr. Eddy; Benjamin, born Jan. 25, 1682; Hannah, born in 1685, who died in infancy; Jerusha, born June 25, 1689; Hannah, born Dec. 8, 1691; Joseph, born Jan. 22, 1692-93; and Henry, born Nov. 8, 1695. (II) Hannah Leonard, third daughter of James, married Isaac Deane. (11) Uriah Leonard, son of James, born July 10, 1662, married, Jan, 1, 1685, Elizabeth Caswell, born in January, 1664, daughter of Thomas C. Caswell, of Taunton, and their children were: Uriah, born April 10, 1686; and William; James; Seth; Jonathan and Margaret. Jacob Leonard, the great-grandfather of Moses G. Leonard of Putnam, was a farmer at Stafford, Conn., where his life was passed. Daniel Leonard, Sr., son of Jacob, was born March 28, 1773, in Taunton, Mass., and died in Union, Conn., March 28, 1842. He married Mehet- able Hicks, born in Rehoboth, Mass., Feb. 11, 1771. Their oldest son, Halsey, born in 1795 in Woodstock, was for many years a deacon there in the Baptist Church. He died in Michigan at the age of ninety- two years. On Aug. 17, 1823, he married Lavina Corbin, daughter of Joseph Corbin, of Woodstock, and their only daughter, Lavina, married William Preston, of Eastford, and became the mother of six children. The second son, George, born April 9, 1798. in Woodstock, moved to Woodstock Valley in 1873, and died Dec. 15, 1882. He was an in- tellectual man, owned a large library and took an interest in educational matters. He married first Deborah Stewart, who died Feb. 6, 1836, and (sec- ond) Nancy Dewing. His children by his first wife were: Halsey, who died at the age of twenty-four years; Olive, who married Charles Dean; Isaac Newton, who died at the age of twenty-four years; Jane, who married (first) Rev. Percival Mathewson, and (second) Julius Lyon; and Joseph, who died at the age of four years. The children of his second marriage were: George Chapin; Thomas Jeffer- son; Zenas, who died in infancy ; Susanna, who died at the age of thirteen; Newton G., who died at the age of eleven; and Jessie E., who died at the age of five years. Daniel, Jr., the third child of Daniel, 34 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Sr., receives further mention in another paragraph. Rhoda, born Sept. 9, 1803, in Woodstock, married >tephen Paine, their three children being, Milton, Clive and John. She died in 1871. Lucinda, born June 12, 1806, in Stafford, married Adams Stew- art, of Wales, Mass., and they had six children. Moses Gage was born July 10, 1809, in Stafford. Darius, born Dec. 24, 18t1, in Stafford, married Isabel Spencer and had three children. He con- tracted two later marriages, and was a prominent farmer at Lebanon, Conn., where he died in 1880. ‘tary, born May 14, 1816, in Union, married Silas P. Allen. Moses Gage Leonard, for whom our subject is named, deserves much more than a passing notice. Alentally developed at the age of seventeen, he be- gen teaching school first in Vermont, later in \Voodstock, Conn., and still later, in Rockland coun- ty, N.Y. There he married Catherine Barmore and tnen removed to New York City, where he engaged in teaching for two years, entering then into a mer- cantile life. From 1840 to 1850 he took an active part in the political affairs of his city and State, and ter three years held the responsible position of com- nussioner of charities and prisons for New York. In 1842 he was elected representative in the Twen- tyv-seventh Congress, and was also a member of the Twenty-eighth Congress. In 1849 he was commis- sioned by a company of New York capitalists to take charge of mercantile and mining operations in Cali- fornia. For nineteen years he conducted a farm in Rockland county. During his business career he was instrumental in the organization of the Knicker- bocker and Washington Ice Companies, and was vice-president, secretary and treasurer of the former and president of the latter, until his retirement from business in 1873. He had a family of seven chil- dren. His death occurred in March, 1899. Daniel Leonard, Sr., lived first at Woodstock, but later moved to Stafford, removing in 1814 to Union and settling in the south part of the town, on the Olney place. There he built a blacksmith shop and worked at that trade in connection with his farming. Their family was large, but the children were given every possible advantage that par- eatal care and affection could provide. Mehetable T.conard died Feb. 9, 1853, aged eighty-three years, and she was laid to rest by the side of her husband in East cemetery. Daniel Leonard, Jr., son of Daniel, was born Oct. 6, 1800, in SVoodstock, Conn., and died July 3. 1898, in Putnam, having lived within two years cf a century. His energies had been principally given to agriculture, and he lived in Union, Wood- stock, Eastford and Pomfret, coming to Putnam in 1°86 from Woodstock, retiring at that time from active effort. Mr. Leonard was a man of most ex- emplary habits and this no doubt contributed largely to his perfect health and unimpaired faculties until advanced age. It is remembered of him at the age of ninety-three years he could cover a mile with less discomfort than his sons. Mr. Leonard took a great interest in political affairs, although he never sought office, filling a few of the local positions as a matter of duty. Like his father, he was a Democrat, a “Hartford Times Democrat,” as he would humorously remark, and never missed his presidential vote between 1821 and 1896. A\lr. Leonard was a valued member of the Baptist Church at Eastford. The first marriage of Daniel Leonard, Jr., was with Isabel Al. Place, born March 25, 1803, who died Sept. 7, 1859. They had children: Mary Alcena, born March 25, 1827, who died July 22, 1829; Thomas Place, born Aug. 22, 1828; Moses Gage, born Sept. 15, 1830; William, born Nov. 11, 1832; and Rhoda J., born Oct. 7, 1835, who died Oct. 31, 1867, in Woodstock. Rhoda J. Leonard married Benjamin Jongdon, of Putnam, and left one son, Orray \V. Longdon, who is now located at Los Angeles, Cal., where he holds political office and is a man of prominence. The second marriage of Daniel Leonard, Jr., was to Lucy Chandler, of Pomfret. from which there was no issue. Thomas P. Leonard was born in Union and received his schooling there and in Eastford, leaving his books at the age of sixteen to give his whole at- tention to shoemaking, at which he had worked at odd times from the age of eight years. This trade he followed until he was twenty-four years old and then opened a shoe factory of his own at Woodstock in partnership with his brothers, the firm name ap- pearing as T. P. Leonard & Co. In connection with the factory the firm conducted a general store, all the brothers being interested. They secured a postoffice at Woodstock, and \[r. Leonard continued in charge during his residence there. After some sixteen years the business was sold, and Thomas P. with his brother Wilham purchased the Charles H. Chese- brough boot and shoe store, which they continued in Putnam for a period of eighteen years, under the firm name of T. P Leonard & Co., selling the same in 1887, on account of ill health. Both members of the firm own considerable real-estate and are occu- pied in its improvement. Thomas P. Leonard is a member of the Baptist Church in Putnam, in which both he and his wife have been very active. In politics he believes in Deniocratic principles. He has served for two terms on the board of selectmen and for a number of years has been a member of the school board. On June 29, 1851, Thomas P. Leonard was mar- ried to Elvira Horton, horn July 30, 1828, daughter of Ezra and Luey (Shepard) Horton, of Union, and they had three children. Ida Elvira, born April 29, 1853, in Woodstock, Nov. 25, 1875, married James [*. Bailey, a merchant in New Bedford, Mass., and their children are: Alice L., born Aug. 25, 878; and Mabel M., born March 28, 1887. Eugene Thomas, born March 26, 1857, in Woodstock, re- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 85 sides at home. For a number of years he carried on a mercantile business in Putnam, under the firm name of J. E. Bailey & Co. Lucy Maria, born Feb. 2, 1861, in Woodstock, married, Nov. 24, 1881, Cyrus S. Bestor, of Hebron, Conn., and they are now residents of Martford, where Mr. Bestor is in charge of a department with Ingraham, Swift & Co., meat dealers. Their children are: Eugene L., born Aug. 29, 1882; George R., born Jan. 28, 1888; Cyrus: and T. Leonard. William Leonard, the youngest brother of M. G. Leonard of this biography, was born in Wood- stock, Conn., Nov. 11, 1832, and attended the schools of Woodstock, Union and Eastford until he was about sixteen years old. He then became engaged in the shoe manufactory and the general mercantile business, with his brothers, as noted above, and came to Putnam in 1869, with his brother Thomas. In association with the latter he bought the boot and shoe business then conducted by Charles H. Chesebrough, which sixteen years later they sold to the frm of Bragg & Bragg. Mr. Leonard has found agricultural pursuits more beneficial to his health and engages in the same from preference. Until 1896 he was interested in the Democratic party, but on the issues of that year he changed his support, as he is a gold man. For the past fifteen years he has been chairman of the Fifth school district, serving until the schoods were consolidated. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. On Dec. 14, 1858, Mr. Leonard was married to Calista Haskell, born March 12, 1840, daughter of Larned and Eunice (Dewing) Haskell, of Pom- fret, later of Woodstock. Their children were: (1) Emma Louise, born Oct. 12, 1862, in Woodstock, married Stillman F. Alorse, Oct. 12, 1880. Mir. Morse conducts a general store at Holden, Mass., and their children are: Louise Frances, George William, Ralph Leonard, and Florence Leonard. (2) Mary Alcena, born April 17, 1865, in Wood- stock, married J. Franklin Wood, Jan. 5, 1885, a woolen manufacturer at Holden, Mlass., and they have one daughter, Marian Wood. (3) William Daniel, born Feb. 29, 1872, in Putnam, on June 26, 1901, was married to Adelaide Florence Berton, of Boston, Mlass.; he is a salesman for Maculler, Parker Co., clothiers and men’s furnishings. (4) Florence Maria, born July 27, 1875, in Putnam, died in the same place, June 21, 1895. (IV) Moses G. Leonard. The birth of this es- teemed and highly usezul citizen of Putnam, a worthy representative of one of the most honorable and sub- stantial families of New England, was in Union, Conn. His schooling began in his native place and for several years was carried on there, but when he was about twelve vears of age his parents re- moved to Ashford, now Eastford, and he entered the excellent school there. In 1853 with his brother, Thomas P. Leonard, he entered into a partnership in a general store at Woodstock, and soon after they began the manufacture of shoes. During his school days Mr. Leonard had learned the trade of making shoes and was a very practical member of the firm of T. P. Leonard & Co. After the first year of successful business, the brothers admitted the younger brother, William, to partnership, the name of the business continuing the same. Several hands were employed in the shop, but the greater part of the work was distributed and done in the neighbor- hood. In 1868 the brothers sold the store to A. M. Bancroft, and closed the factory. In the spring of 1869, Mr. Moses G. Leonard formed a partnership with J. WW. Manning, under the firm name of Manning & Leonard, continuing for twenty-seven years, or until 1896, when Mr. Leon- ard retired from the firm. The business in which he was so long engaged and so eminently success- ful, was the handling of merchandise on a large scale, the stock including dry-goods, carpets, cloth- ing, furnishings, paper hangings, and similar goods, all of the most excellent quality. For the past three years Mr. Leonard has inter- ested himself in stocks, and is a director of the Inter-Colonial Copper Company, of Dorchester, New Brunswick. He was one of the original in- corporators of the Putnam Water Company. His efforts on the committee to get a charter for this popular public improvement measure were much appreciated, and since the formation of the com- pany he has been one of its directors, and its presi- dent since 1896. He was also one of the incorporat- ors and has been vice-president and director in the Putnam Machine and Foundry Company, and is interested in many other business organizations. His business ability was recognized in the building of the Baptist Church, of which he is an active mem- ber, and he was one of a committee of two who had charge of the building operations. Until 1896 Mr. Leonard was strongly attached to the Democratic party, but since that time he has been identified with the Republicans. He has eff- ciently served his town in many capacities, as town and city assessor, and in various other positions. He is ptiblic-spirited and progressive, was one of the founders of the Business Afen’s Association, serving as a member of its executive committee, and is one of the trustees of the Day-Kimball Hospital. The first marriage of Mr. Leonard occurred June 6, 1853, to Harriet C. Allen, of Eastford, a daugh- ter of Zachariah and Charlotte (Champlin) Allen, who died in Woodstock, Sept. 15, 1855. She was the young mother of an infant which also passed away. Mr. Leonard married (second) Oct. 28, 1858, Miss Mary E. Childs, daughter of Danforth and Clarissa (Perrin) Childs, who died in Putnam, Aug. 17, 1881. She was the mother of two chil- dren. Fannie Childs, the first, was born Feb. 3, T861, in Woodstock. On Oct. 31, 1888, she married Thomas ]. Edwards of Providence, R. I., who is secretary of the Inter-Colonial Copper Company, rormerly being in the brokerage business. Their three children are Leonard Jennings, Ruth Childs, 86 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD and Olive Mary. Frank Childs, the second, born July 22. 1874, in Putnam, is a resident of Bridge- port, and is a member of the firm of Leonard & Doane, manufacturers of Saratoga chips, their busi- ness being both wholesale and retail. They also are confectioners. On July 8, 1901, he was married to Enima Pickford of Brooklyn, N. Y. On Sept. 22, 1885, Afr. Leonard was married (third) to Mrs. Jennie A. Tillinghast, of Providence, R. I., daughter of Daniel and Alma (Waite) Tillinghast, and wid- ow of James A. Tillinghast. The old Leonard homestead, which stood a few miles from the forge, in Taunton, was pulled down only a few years prior to 1851. A part of it was built as early as 1670 and had been occupied by six or seven generations of the family. At the time of iis demolition it was probably the oldest house in New England. James Leonard, the far-away ancestor and family founder, with his sons, often traded with the In- dians, and it is said that his treatment of the savages had been so fair and friendly that when the war of King Philip broke out, that chief gave strict orders to his warriors that they never injure the Leonards. King Philip made his home during the summers within a mile of the old Leonard forge. OREN POMEROY, who was born in Somers, spent all of his life there, and died there, was a fine example of the sturdy Puritan stock which has given - so much of strength to the American character. He was a deacon of the church, colonel in the militia and a representative in the Legislature. He was such a man as has been spoken of as the “conscience of the community,” and, while contributing his full share to the guidance and maintenance of church and state, he reared and educated a large family, raaking the rocky hills of a mountain farm sup- port him and them in a way that seems scarcely credible in these days of abandoned farms. So far as they have been traced, all of Oren Pomeroy’s ancestors were of English or Welsh stock. The earliest known of them was Ralph de. Pomeroy, one of the company of William the Con- queror, who went to England with him from Nor- mandy and shared in the distribution of the con- quered lands. He is first mentioned as having taken part in the battle of Hastings, 1066. Upon his estates he built the castle of Berry Pomeroy, which is still standing. The name Pomeroy (king apple) comes, according to tradition, from an apple pro- duced in Normandy, which was a favorite of the Conqueror. The Pomeroy family crest is ‘ta lion rampant, gules, holding in the dexter paw an apple proper.” The arms also contain the lion and apple, as in the crest, but “within a bordure engrailed sable,” on a gold background. The motto is “Vir- futis fortuna comes” (“Fortune the companion of valor”). The first American Pomeroy was Eltweed, who was born in England about 1595, and came to America with one of Goy. Winthrop’s colonies in the “Mary and John,” arriving at Nantasket, Massa- chusetts Bay in March, 1630, and settled at Dorches- ter, now a part of Boston. The old records show him to have been a man of considerable means and good social position, matters greatly esteemed in those simple (?) times. When the first local govern- Pees GA TI Crime epee ane cr ity? de wp KA “ a FS, ¥ : YO7 3 “ wd ys fog egal’ Aya 5 en \ Ve WEE MS PEP" porn . em we Mab PE J685 1739 same FE ee , Me ty wien ae f I STOO —~-- 7 Gia G t ee uo e% or WB rere a f \ POD Bem ceecen IPE San Oe ieee za s PEEL £722 — SBN 2. ef WO OV. foeetee oer {S45 ~~ Kaan ae ae ae Tons ie, jr "|e [From originals in the possession of H. S. Pomeroy, M. D., of Boston, Massachusetts. ] ment was established, Oct. 23, 1633, Eltweed was a member, and, according to one of the accounts, was chairman of the body, which is believed to have been the first town government in any of the New England colonies. He was for several years an officer of the town of Dorchester. He was a mem- ber of the Congregational Church, at that time the State church, and it is an interesting fact that this COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 87 particular church came to America as a complete organization, with membership, church records, deacons and other officers, and a pastor, John Mave- rick; and, as he was an old man, the church also brought a younger man, John Wareham, as assis- tant pastor. Maverick street and Wareham street, Boston, were named for these early ministers. Elt- weed Pomeroy removed in 1638 to Windsor, Conn., with a large number of his neighbors. He died in Northampton, Mass., in 1673. ~ Joseph Pomeroy, twelfth child of Eltweed, was born in Windsor, June 20, 1652, and died Sept. 22. 1739. He married Hannah, daughter of Richard and Hepzibah (Ford) Lyman, of Northampton. He was a farmer and a builder, and was one of the eight men who owned the original town of Colches- ter (then comprising parts of several other towns), which they held under grant of the Crown. Noah Pomeroy, twelfth child of Joseph, was born in Windsor Mav 19, 1700, and died in Somers Feb. 16, 1779. He married Elisabeth, daughter of Capt. Daniel and lary (Marvin) Sterling, of Lyme, Conn. Noah went to Somers from Coventry (it is believed) in 1752, and settled on what is now known as the Capt. Samuel Pomeroy place, a quar- ter of a mile west of the Deacon Oren Pomeroy homestead. The present house, on the original foundation, was built by Oren’s father-in-law, Capt. Samuel Pomeroy, in 1796. Noah took with him to Somers his four sons, Noah, Daniel, John and Jo- shua, each of whom has had a large number of de- scendants in New England, the Middle States and the West. In Colchester records is found mention of mar- riage, Dec. 16, 1724, of Noah Pomeroy and Elisa- ‘beth Sterling; and of Noah Pomeroy, born Oct. 8, 1725, and Daniel Pomeroy, born Oct. 13, 1727, sup- posedly their children. Altogether they had seven children, of whom the fourth, John Pomeroy, born Aug. 12, 1733, died at Somers Sept. 21, 1810. He married Esther, daughter of Edward and Rebecca (Cooley) Kibbe. He was a farmer, and lived at what is now known as the Deacon Oren Pomeroy homestead. There was a curious incident connected with the pulling down of the old house to make room for the present one. The place had been inherited by Oren’s bachelor uncle, Elijah Pomeroy, who had consented that Oren, his heir, should build a new house. When the day came, however, and the neighbors with their forty or fifty yoke of oxen and many chains for the razing bee, the old man’s cour- age gave out and he took to his bed. No persuasion availed to get him out of the house. Oren was re- solute. but would not use force: so he ordered the side of the doorway chopped away, and four men lifted out the bed with the protesting old uncle. He was gently deposited, bed and all, out of harm’s way, and the old house came down. The new one was ready just in time for Oren to occupy it with his bride John had nine children. The eighth was Hiram Pomeroy, born Nov. I, 1773, who died at Somers Oct. 27, 1841. He married Ruby, daughter of Aaron and Mary (Fisk) Par- sons. He was a farmer, a distiller (a business of high respectability in those times), a barrel man- ufacturer and an officer of both town and church. For years he enjoyed the distinction of owning the only pleasure vehicle in the town, a buckboard which was in great demand for special occasions, especially wedding journeys. Hiram had thirteen children, twelve of whom lived to maturity and eleven of whom were married. Oren Pomeroy, the second son and the subject proper of this sketch, was born in Somers Feb. 17, 1799. On Dec. 31, 1822, he married Lucinda Pom- eroy, of Somers, his second cousin, born in Somers in 1801, who died in Somers May 15, 1887. She was a daughter of Capt. Samuel and Catherine (Day) Pomeroy, and granddaughter of Joshua and Mary (Davis) Pomeroy. The building of the house in which he spent his married life, and in which he died (Feb. 4, 1882), has been referred to. He early took an interest in military affairs, and finally at- tained the rank of colonel in the State militia. On the death of Deacon Cady he was elected one of the two deacons in the Congregational Church, a posi- tion which he held most worthily to the end of his life. For about forty years he was a member of the church choir, with which he sang bass, having a rich voice and a musical ear. Among the objects of family interest at the homestead is an old-fash- ioned hymn book from which he used to sing the old standard sacred music. This book was com- piled by a friend of Oren Pomeroy and in his honor two tunes were named. They stand on opposite pages, the left-hand one being named “Oren” and the right-hand one “Pomeroy.” He was a strict Sabbatarian and alwavs attended all the reguiar services of the church, including the Sunday-school, of which he was for a time superintendent. The religious sentiment of the town and the church-go- ing habit of the time are illustrated by the fact that at one session of the Sunday-school, during his sup- erintendenhcy, ther were by actual count 410 present —this in a town of about 1,600 inhabitants and sup- porting other churches. Deacon Pomeroy was a farmer. This was a more inclusive term than now, and his activities were more than usually varied. He had large interests in lumbering, stock raising, wine-making, etc. For many vears he supplied a large share of the grape wine used in New England for communion and medicinal purposes, but would never sell it for a beverage. He was a man of strict integrity and sensitive scrupulousness in mat- ters of bargain and trade, but it did not prevent him from prospering in worldly affairs; whatever the season, cr however the market might be, he always made a good income, which he used with equal generositv in the cause of religion, education, mis- sions and the manv interests incident to a large family and good citizenship. He was fond of chil- dren and society, and was the life of almost any §8 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD social group of which he happened to be a member ; vet in the councils of town or church he was singu- larly reticent, often scarcely uttering a word so long as the meeting moved along harmoniously, yet as often pouring oil on the troubled waters by a few words of sanctified common sense which settled the vexed question to the satisfaction of all. He filled a number of town offices, including that of repre- sentative to the Legislature. Deacon Pomeroy in appearance, as well as in fact, was a gentleman of the Old School and a man to be noted, whether in the high hat and careful black dress of the promi- nent citizen or the blue and red uniform of the mili- tary officer. Lucinda Pomeroy, wife of Oren, was the second of the five children of Capt. Samuel and Catherine (Day) Pomeroy, and was born at Somers May 19, i801. Her father was a teacher of local celebrity, and she early acquired a fondness for study and a profound regard for education. She was for a short time a teacher. She was of a deeply religious nature, and became an active member of the church when about tweive years old. It was through her influence that her friend Mary Reynolds, afterward the wife of the well-known missionary Schauffler, came to be interested in religion and missions. This friendship was kept up through the whole of her life, and it was doubtless owing in part to the cor- respondence with the Schaufflers that Mrs. Pomeroy was, for many vears, the leader in missionary in- formation and activity in Somers. She joined the Sunday-school the year that it was born as a feature of New England church life, and she was a member of it sixty-nine vears, from the age of seventeen to her death, at eighty-six. It was her habit to com- mit all the lesson, text and references, to memory, and few were so well versed in the Scriptures as she. Fer many years she taught the class of adult women in the same school, and when, at the age of eighty, she became too blind to longer fill the posi- tion, she still attended the class and was its inspira- tion. She was alwavs ereatly interested in the cause of temperance, and she accomplished an especially notable achievement in its behalf when she was eigh- ty years old. Becoming alarmed at the amount of liquor being sold in Somers in that year, she under- took to stem the tide of intemperance. She prepared and circulated an appeal to the voters, to which she secured 200 signatures, and at the next election the sale of liquor was made illegal. A local newspaper referred to it as the most notable event of the kind in twenty years. On other occasions also Mrs. Pomeroy worked hard and effectually against the forces of reaction and decline, always at work, here and there, even in a Puritan community. On Dec. 31, 1872, Deacon Pomeroy and his wife celebrated their Golden Wedding. Altheveh on account of the snow the roads were almost impass- able, and most of the guests had to drive miles, a very large attendance and many and expensive gifts testified to the great respect and love of their fellow- townspeople. Te Oren and Lucinda Pomeroy were born twelve children, eight of whom lived to be men and women, Lucinda, Sarah Catherine, Harriet Strong, Oren Day, Emily, Ruby Louisa, Cyrus Newton and Hiram Sterling. Lucinda Pomeroy, the eldest, early became the object of her mother’s educational beliefs and en- thusiasms. At the age of four she read the Bible readily, and at seven she was enrolled as a student at the select school in the Center. She was a gradu- ate in the third class of Mount Holyoke Seminary, which had been established a few years before by Mary Lyon. She died July 17, 1895. Sarah Catherine Pomeroy also entered Mount Holyoke Seminary, but left before the end of the course on account of failing health. She married Henry B. Kirkland, a New York merchant, for many years a member of the wholesale grocery. firm of H. K. & F B. Thurber & Co. He died Sept. 6, 1802. Their son, Henry Sterling Kirkland, fol- lows his father’s career in New York City. He married Josephine, daughter of Nathaniel Hocker, of New York, and they have two sons, Nathaniel Hooker and Henry Purnham. Hartiect Strong Pomeroy graduated at Mount Holyoke Seminary in one of the earlier classes. She was always an enthusiastic student and was especially fond of mathematics and the classics. She was a successful teacher for many years, and was for a time a member of the school committee of Somers. She died April 25, tooo. Oren Day Pomeroy graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, and, making a specialty of surgery of the eye and ear, was for many vears a lecturer in that college. He was at different times president of the American Ophthalmological Society, the American Otological Society, and the New York Academy of Medicine. At one time he had the largest otological clinic in the world. He was the author of a well-known work on diseases of the ear. He was one of the eight charter surgeons of the Manhattan Eye and Ear Hospital, and was president of the staff of that hospital at the time of his death, March 10, 1902. He married Hannah Maria, daughter of Abial Miles, Brooklyn. N.Y. Their four living children are: Esther; Ruth, widow of Frank B. Newton, M. D., of Stafford Springs, Conn.; Mary, wife of Frank Balch, of New York City: and Oren. Mrs. Newton has a daughter, Frances Dorothy, and Mr. and Mrs. Balch have a daughter, Mildred. Dr. Newton died Feb. 19, 1903. Emily Pomeroy entered Mount Holyoke Sem- inary, but left before the end of the course. She married Edwin Cone Bissell, of Rockville, Conn. The year of their marriage, 1859, he was ordained a Congregational minister at Westhampton, Mass., | and installed there as pastor. He afterward had COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 89 pastorates at San Francisco, Cal., and Winchester, Mass., and also supplied a pulpit ‘for ten months in 1869-70 at Honolulu, H. I. He spent several years in Germany and Austria, five years as a missionary of the American Board and remained afterward for one year of special study in preparation for his work as a theologian. He became widely known as a painstaking and accurate scholar, and was the au- thor of several works of authority on the conserva- tive side of contemporary theological discussion, besides a Hebrew grammar used in school. He was for several years professor of Hebrew in the Hart- ford Theological Seminary, and at the time of his death, April 190, 1894, he occupied a similar chair in the McCormick Theological Seminary (Presbyter- ian), Chicago. He graduated at Amherst College in 1855, and at Union Thelological Seminary in 1859. Amherst College gave him the degrees of M. A. and D. D., and Lake Forest University the degree of LL. D. While pastor at Westhampton Mr. Bissell was elected captain of Company K, 52d Massachusetts Volunteers, with which he served in the Civil war in 1862 and 1863. Ruby Louisa Pomeroy graduated at Brooklyn Heights Seminary, Brooklyn, N. Y., her brother Oren’s future wife being one of her classmates. She married Simon Brooks, a native of West Springfield, Mass.. who was for six years (1887- 1892) sheriff of Hampden county, Mass. He died Sept. 29, 1898. Mrs. Brooks is president of the Springfield Women’s Club. Of their three living children, Benjamin is a lawver in Holyoke, Simon Pomeroy is a practicing physician in New York City, and Richard Sterling is a newspaper man, on the staff of the Springfield Republican. All three are graduates of Amherst College. Cyrus Newton Pomeroy began a_ business career at the age of sixteen, first in Springfield, Mass., and later in New York City. At one time he was head of the firm of Pomeroy, Fitch & Co., wholesale produce commission merchants of New York. Failing in health, and preferring a country life, of which he was alwavs fond, he returned to his native town, and now occupies the homestead. He has held various town offices, and has been deputy sheriff of Tolland county. His wife is Frances Louise, daughter of Jacob B. Croxon, of Brooklyn, N. Y. Of their three living children Maud, the widow of S. Thompson Kimball, of El lington, Conn., is president of the Ellington Wo- men’s Club; Blanche is an active w orker in the First Congregational Church in Springfield, Mass. ; and Chester Wood lives with his parents in Somers. Hiram Srertinc Pomeroy, the twelfth child born to Oren and Lucinda Pomeroy, studied at Yale College and afterward in Gomuaty and Austria. Yale gave him the degree of M. A., and Leipsic, Germany, the degree of M. D. ie isa practicing physician in Boston and a deacon in Central Congre- gational Church in that city. While studying in Europe he was connected with the missionary work { of the American Board. He is the author of books bearing on the Malthusian controversy. In 1872 he married Elizabeth F. Blake, of New Haven, who died in 1875. In 1&82 he married Mary E. Shep- ardson, daughter of Rev. Daniel Shepardson, D. D., LL. D., of Granville, Ohio. They have four living children. ‘The eldest, Faith, is a student at Shep- ardson College, Granville, Ohio, an institution founded by aril named for her maternal grandfath- er. The other three children are Kenneth, Norman and Dorothy. NOAH POMEROY (deceased) was born in Somers, Conn., Dec. 20, 1819, and died in San Irrancisco, Cal., June 9, 1896, but ‘‘To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die,” and such a man was Noah Pomerey, whose well-spent life and manly character of themselves erected to his memory a monument of love perpetual. - AIr. Pomeroy descended from a line of ances- try equal in every respect to that of any family in New England, and was of the sixth generation from Eltweed Pomeroy, who came from England to America, in 1539, under the auspices of Gov. Win- throp, and landed at Nantasket, Mass., in March, but soon removed to Dorchester, where he at once took part in public affairs. On Oct. 22, 1633, when the town government was established, he was se- lected chairman of the board. In 1638, with his family and many others from England, Eltweed Pomeroy removed to \indsor, Conn., where he owned two houses—one on the Palisade and one on the Sandbank road. Joseph Pomeroy, born in 1652, the twelfth child of Eltweed, and great-great-grandfather of Noah, was one of the eight original owners of Colchester, Conn., under grant from the Crown. He was a fatmer contractor and builder, and a man of affairs generally. He married Hannah Lyman, daughter of Richard Lyman, of Northampton, Massachusetts. Noah Pomeroy, great-grandfather of Noah, was the twelfth child born to Joseph, had his first resi- dence in Coventry, Conn., and moved to Somers in 1752, when he was fifty-two vears old. He was a farmer, and owned much land in the eastern part of the town, most of which is still in the possession of the Pomeroy family. He married Elisabeth Sterling, of Lyme, Conn., and the remains of both lie interred in the old Center (or North) cemetery at Somers. John Pomeroy, erandiather of Noah, was a “farmer in Somers. father of Noah, was also a farmer of Somers, a distiller, and a manufacturer of barrels, and did a very large business, as is shown by his voluminous account books. He owned the first pleasure carriage in Somers, and was re- garded as a man of substance and of excellent judgment, but of few words. Noah Pomeroy was the twelfth in a family of thirteen children—seven sons and six daughters— Hiram Pomeroy, 90 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD twelve of whom reached years of maturity. He lo- cated in Bristol, Conn., early in the “forties, and for a while worked for his brother, Chauncey Pomeroy, in Forestville, and afterward in different shops in Bristol. In 1849 he purchased the Chauncey Ives property, in Bristol, commenced business for him- self, and continued therein until Nov. 20, 1878, when he sold out to H. C. Thompson, and in 1889 disposed of all his Bristol property to the same gentleman. He had already purchased a residence in the city of Hartford, in 1865, and made his home there that year. In 1844 he married Jane Parker, who survives him, and they had a happy married life of fifty-two vears. Levi Parker, Mrs. Pomeroy’s father, was a na- tive of the town of Wolcott, New Haven county, and spent his entire life in that county and Hartford, being a merchant by occupation. He died about 1836, at the age of about forty years. Mr. Parker married Miss Polly Peck, a native of the town of Burlington, Hartford county, and she survived him many vears, dying in 1804, at the home of her daughter, in Hartford, aged ninety years. They had but two children, Jane (Mrs. Pomeroy) and George H. The father was a Freemason. George H. Parker became a maufacturer, and for a few vears was a partner of Noah Pomeroy in the manu- facture of clocks in Bristol. But after a few years he retired, and later moved to California, where he died in 1894, a man of wealth. His death was the result of an injury. Mr. Pomeroy’s home was his refuge and his haven of rest. He did not care to leave it for public duties or for the applause of his fellow citi- zens, but was well informed on all public affairs, and performed the duties of citizenship with the conscientious feeling which pervaded all his actions. His name was a synonym of honesty, well known to all men with whom he had dealings. He regarded his word as sacred as his bond, and, with the same exaction that he demanded that which was his, he freely accorded what belonged to others. His kind- ness toward his employes was most marked, and the tributes of those who were associated with him as fellow laborers and employes through many years are freely given. He valued his good name and that of his wife, and, rather to defend this than to obtain financial results from a lawsuit into which he was cruelly drawn, he conscientiously crossed the continent to remove the wicked aspersions thrown against him. Mr. Pomeroy was a generous giver, which fact | was known only to those who were the recipients of his many favors, excepting through other sources than himself. His name never headed subscrip- tion lists, nor was it quoted among those who were public givers., In his giving it could be well said that “his right hand knew not what his left hand did.’ No impecunious and worthy relative who needed his aid, or faithful emplove; or meriting ser- vant, or deserving friend, or suffering unfortunate one, appealed to him in vain, and many were his benefactions to those of which the world at large knew not. His domestic life was the highest type of marital relation. After a half century of asso- ciation with his faithful wife his interest in her health and happiness was most manifest on every oc- casion, and the little courtesies of life, so frequently overlooked in the advanced years of manhood, were as ever present in him as in the lover. His love was fully reciprocated by his devoted helpmate, whose ministrations to his comfort knew no lagging, and her watchfulness of his health, enfeebled through many years, ceased only when human hands could do no more. He bere his ill health uncom- plainingly, and died as he lived, a quiet and peace- ful man, and his life drifted out as the candle sinks dimly and slowly in the socket. A strange Providence took Mr. Pomeroy far from home, to die amid strangers, and even among them, during his brief sickness, his gentle and un- complaining ways attracted friends to him. His remains, borne back across the continent to the home of his boyhood, manhood and old age, were placed at rest in the beautiful citv of the dead at Hartford, covered with flowers of affection, contributed by kind friends and neighbors and those who knew him best, and in a quiet and simple manner, con- genial to his tastes. In politics Noah Pomeroy was a strong Repub- lican, and much interested in the success of his par- ty. Educational matters absorbed much of his atten- tion, particularly the educating of the colored people of the South. He was an unusually thoughtful man, and, like his father, a “man of excellent judg- ment and few words.” It was a favorite saying with him that one would never be sorry “for what he had not said,” and he measured the full force and effect of his every utterance. He was a great lover of books, especially biographical and histor- ical works, and an admirer of the artistic, which he was capable of appreciating in all things. Thus lived and died a devoted husband and exemplary citizen, and a man who made the world better for having lived in it. Since her husband’s death Mrs. Pomeroy has continued to make her home in Hartford. She is a woman remarkably well preserved, both mentally and physically, and manages all her own business affairs with a skill and shrewdness not excelled by a man. She is generous, hospitable and sociable, and enjoys the highest esteem of her many friends. WHITON. No records of the early settlements of the New England States would be complete with- out careful and comprehensive mention of the Whit- on family, which for years has been a leading one in the development of this section and which at present is represented by prominent citizens. (1) James Whiton was born (supposedly) in the county of Norfoll:, England, and died at Hing- ham, Mass., April 26, 1710. On Dec. 30, 1647, he COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 91 married Mary, daughter of John and Nazareth (Ho- bart) Beale, born in 1622 at Hingham, England, who died Dec. 12, 1696, at Hingham, Massachusetts. _The name of James Whiton first appears on Hingham records in 1647, and lands there were granted to him in 1657 and at subsequent dates; he was made a freeman in 1660. He is described as a farmer and planter, and his home was at Lib- erty Plain, South Hingham. At his decease he possessed much landed property in Scituate, Abing- ton and Hanover, as well.as in Hingham, and in his will he provides liberally for his children and grand- children. Nine children were born to him, of whom but five outlived childhood. (II) James Whiton (2), eldest son of James, was baptized at Hingham, Mass., July 13, 1651, and died Feb. 20, 1724-25. His wife, Abigail, born in 1655-50. died in Hingham, Mass., May 4, 1740. James Whiton (2) was also a farmer, and resided near the paternal homestead at Liberty Plain; was a soldier in King Philip’s war; and left a will dated Oct. 15, 1724. James and Abigail Whiton had three daughters and seven sons. (III) Joseph Whiton, sixth child and fifth son of James Whiton (2), was born March 23, 1687, at Hingham, Mass.. and died at Ashford, Conn., in 1777. Joseph Whiton married (first) at Hingham, Mass., Dec. 10, 1713, Martha, daughter of Samuel and Silence (Damon) Tower, born July 20, 1693, at Hingham, Mass., who died at Rehoboth, Sept. Ig, 1719. He married (second) in 1720, at Reho- both, Rebecca Willson, who died March 17, 1776, at Ashford, Conn. ~ Joseph Whiton in his youth learned the trade of cooper, which he combined with farming. Soon after the birth of his third child, in 1719, he removed from Hingham to Rehoboth, and his first wife died there the same year. Early in 1720 he married his second wife, and two children were born to them in Rehoboth. About 1726-27 he settled in Ashford, Conn.; the church records there show the admission to membership, early in 1727, of “Joseph Whiton and wife.” In 1734 he was one of the committee appointed “‘to lay out a quarter- acre of land for a burving place” (now a part of Westford cemetery), ‘at ye west end of ye town,” and in this plat rests the body of Joseph Whiton, who died at the advanced age of ninety years. The inscription on his tombstone reads: “They that live longest die at last.” (IV) Elijah Whiton, the eldest of the ten chil- dren of Joseph Whiton, was born in Hingham, Mass., July 7, 1714, and died Aug. 20, 1784, in Westford, Conn. He married in 1741 Priscilla Russ, who died in 1755: his second wife was Hannah Crocker. Elijah Whiton came to Ashford with his parents when a lad, acquired a fair education, and learned his fath- er’s trade of coopering. In 1739 he was a school master, receiving “thirteen pounds for two months’ schooling and boarding himself.” Elijah Whiton seems to have been prominent in Ashford for many years, his name occurring frequently in records of church and town, and he is often referred to as “Esquire Whiton.” For a time he was deacon in the church at Ashford, but at the organization of the church in Westford was dismissed to join that church. In 1764 it was voted that he should pro- cure a minister, and he was also made church treas- urer. When the new parish of Westford was set off from Ashford, Elijah Whiton, his brother James and their father, Joseph Whiton, were among the first signers of the Church Covenant, Feb. 11, 1768. When the pews in the new church were assigned the first pew was given to “Elijah Whiton and Ben- jamin Walker.” On Dec. 14, 1769, Ashford held a meeting and appointed a committee, of which one’ member was Elijah Whiton, Esq., “to correspond with other committees in the county and elsewhere, to encourage and help forward manufactures and a spirit of industry in this government.” In 1777-78- 79, Elijah Whiton acted as one of the justices for Windham county by appointment of the General Assembly. He had eighteen children, nine by the first wife and nine by the second. (V) Joseph Whiton, one of the older sons of Elijah Whiton, was born in Ashford, Conn., in 1745-46, and died in the same place June 6, 1817. He married Joanna, daughter of David and Martha (Walker) Chaffee, who was born in 1748, and died Aug. 11, 1820. Joseph Whiton was a farmer, but also practiced the trade of carpenter. He was one of the early signers of the Westford Church Cove- nant, and held occasional town offices. Of his ten children the seventh child and fifth son was Heber Whiton, the father of David E. Whiton, of New London. (VI) Heber Whiton, son of Joseph, was born in Ashford, Conn., Feb. 11, 1782, and died May 11, 1828, at Stafford, Conn. On May 5, 1808, he mar- ried Marcia Gay, born Nov. 15, 1784, at West Staf- ford, Conn., daughter of Col. Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Leavens) Gay. He then settled in Stafford, where he spent the remainder of his life, combining his trade of coopering with farming. After the death of Heber Whiton his widow removed, with her children, to Monson, Mass., where, in 1830, she be- came the wife of Spencer Keep. She died in Mon- son, June 13, 1848. The children of Heber and Marcia (Gay) Whit- on were seven in number. (1) Lucius Heber, born Feb. 26, 1809, is Stafford, is mentioned later. (2) Julius Royal, born Oct. 4, 1810, died Jan. 2, 1882, in Stafford. Jan. 23, 1833, he married Nancy Cool- ey, born April 23, 1810, in Brookfield, Mass., who died Aug. 30, 1840; in 1844 he married (second) Eliza Chandler, born Jan. 1, 1826, in Woodstock, Conn., and died May 16, 1883. (3) Ebenezer Gay, born Oct. 5, 1813, in Stafford, died there June 9, 1890: he married Thankful Yeomans, of Willing- ton, Conn., who was born May 14, 1814, and died Nov. 15, 1896. (4) Joseph Leander, born April 16, 1816, in Stafford, died in Monson, Mass., Feb. 14, 1875. He married Sept. 29, 1841, Ann Anderson, 92 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD born Oct. 8 1824, who was daughter of Bostwick Anderson. (5) Edward Franklin, born Aug.. 29, 1818. in Stafford, died Feb. 16, 1893, in Stafford. On May 21, 1843, he married Aurelia Eaton, born ATI: 13: 1819, who died Jan. 14, 1897, daughter of Luther and Araminta (Herrington) Eaton, of Staf- ford. (6) Hannah Cady, born :Aug. 18, 1821, in Statford, married Nov. 10, 1844, Penuel Eddy, who was a cabinet-maker in Stafford, and who served his country in the Civil war. Mrs. Eddy died in New London, Conn., Nov. 28, 1901. (7) David Erskine, born Oct. 15, 1825, in Stafford. (VIT) Davin Erskine Wurtron, who is an in- ventor and prominent manufacturer of New Lon- don, Conn., was born in Stafford, Tolland county, Oct. 15, 1825. His early education was limited to that acquired in the district schools of Monson, Mass.. until he was fourteen years of age, when he went to Stafford and became apprenticed to his broth- er, Lucius Heber, until he was twenty-one years of age. During this time he attended the district schools of Stafford during the winter months until he was about nineteen years of age, and working at his trade of carpentering in the summer months. Before the expiration of his apprenticeship he bought up his remaining time with earnings made by working overtime, and in various other ways, and for several years worked at his trade as a jour- neyman in various places, among them Coventry, Willimantic and Hartford, Conn., and in Brimfield and other points in Massachusetts. In 1849 he spent some time in travel in the West, beyond Chi- cago, and in Wisconsin, then almost a wilderness, where he did some work at his trade and where he expected to locate. After spending about a year in the West he returned to Stafford and worked at his trade. In 1852 he started in business in West Staf- ford, Conn., as a millwright, also building turbine water-wheels, and other mill machinery, shafting, etc., building water privilege and a mill, which still stands and is operated by Charles W. Bradway. In 1856 he extended his business by adding machinery and apphances for the manufacture of a patent cen- tering machine for use in machine shops. He con- tinued occasionally ‘to add other machinery special- ties, and in 1865 he started the manufacture of a line of lathe chucks, having purchased the machinery and business of John R. Washburn, combining the business all in one plant, and employing twenty tc twenty-five men. His business continued to increase in tiis line of mechanical specialties, largely through the inventive and mechanical skill of the proprietor, until in 1886, when, owing to the increasing busi- ness and that he might have better shipping facili- ties, the plant was removed to New London, Conn., where it has been growing steadily ever since. Mr. Whiton has given most of his time to me- : chanical matters, and had made many valuable and important inventions and improvements in the spe- cial lines referred to, which come into general use. de has invented improvements on gear cutting ma- chines, lathes and chucks. Coming to New Londo Myr. Whiton incorporated the plant under the nam of D. E. Whiton Machine Co., with a capital stoc of $50,000. Several new brick ‘buildings were erect ed, including machine shops and foundry. The now employ about one hundred hands. Upon the incorporation of the company Mr. Whiton wa: made president, in which capacity he has. since served. Mr. Whiton has, however, been active in towr affairs, and during his long residence in Stafford was ever mindful of his duties as a citizen. While a resident there he served at various times as con- stable and collector of taxes, assessor for several years, member of the board of relief, selectman, and representative to the General Assembly of the State. In politics Mr. Whiton was an old line Whig until the formation of the Republican party, with which he has ever since been identified. He has never held any political State office except that of representative, to which he was elected twice, in 1867 and 1879. He was a member of the first Legis- lature (1879) to occupy the new Capitol at Hart- tord. In the Legislature he served on several com- mittees of importance. lx \Whiton has always been a prominent and active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and during his residence in Stafford was for many years trustee of the Church Society and superinten- dent of the Sunday-school. Since coming to New London he has served as trustee of the church of the same denomination in that city. Mr. Whiton was married Nov. 13, 1856, to Asen- ath Francis, born June 12, 1832. in Stafford, Conn. daughter of James and Achsah (Howe) Francis, the former a farmer. She died Sept. 25, 1902, in New London. Their first child, Rosella Lenette, was born Noy. 2, 1860, in Stafford, and died there Feb. 15, 1865, aged four years. (2) Lucius Erskine, born Dec. 25, 1862, in Stafford, married Oct. 12, t887, Viola EK. King, of Lowell, Mass., and has had four children: Helen King, born Nov. 4, 1888; Dorothy, born .April 20, 1891; David Erskine, born Nov. 5, 1895, who died Oct. 5, r896; and Winifred Gardiner, born Aug. 22, 1899. Lucius E. Whiton is associated with his father, being secretary and treasurer and manager of the D. E. Whiton Machine Co. (3) Mary Francis, born july 21, 1867, in Staf- ford, married April 23, r2890, Leander Kenney Ship- man, Al. D., of New London. (VIL) Luctus Heser Wauiron, eldest son of Heber Whiton, was married March 20, 1836, to Al- meda Converse, who was born April 3, 1813, in Staf- ford, and died Feb. 15, 1803, a daughter of Capt. Solva and Esther (Blodgett) Converse, of Stafford Springs. Afr. Whiton was a carpenter and builder and erected many of the buildings in Stafford, con- tinuing until he was about forty years of age. In stature Mr. Whiton was only of medium size, anc did not possess the physical strength necessary fot hard labor. Nevertheless he operated a large farir LYE j YL ti Z, Z GEE gi ii LOE Wee g OLS COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 93 in the west part of the town, near the present location of the Fair grounds, and became possessed of ample means. For many years he was connected with the official board of the Methodist Church, serving as clerk and steward and was long an active and consistent member. He was a man of sterling personal and political integrity, a strong Whig and later an active and zealous Abolitionist, one of the -first in the town. His children were: Adeline F., born July 9, 1837, died May 29, 1892, who married Alay 27, 1863, E. N. Washburn, of Stafford, born Nov. 28, 1835, died July 3, t900; Andrew, a promi- nent citizen of Stafford; Hannah, born Sept. 10, 1845, who became the wife of James M. Lord, Oct. 19, 1871; and Esther, born August 24, 1848, who married Albert C. Eaton, Nov. 23, 1870. (VIL) Epwarp F, Wurron is a name which be- longs to the past but is still cherished in Stafford, where during life its bearer was a valued and repre- sentative citizen. In early manhood he became a machinist, but later embarked in mercantile pur- suits. His tastes and abilities lay in the direction of politics, and after efficiently filling many of the local offices, his fellow citizens honored him by electing him to the Legislature. For over twenty years from 1866 to 1890, he was the popular post- master of Stafford Springs, his service being so eminently satisfactory that changes of administra- tion made no change in the office. Among the rep- resentative men in this county the name of Ed- ward F. Whiton stands high. (VIII) Axprew Wurtron, son of Lucius Heber Whiton, was born in Stafford, Conn., where he ac- quired an excellent common school education. At the age of fifteen years he took charge of his fath- er’s farm, and continued its management and opera- tion until October, 1873, when he purchased an interest in the W. N. Thompson grocery store, which was located under the Congregational Church, where it suffered disaster in the flood of 1877. After the complete washing away of their possessions, the Thompson Company resumed business on East Main street, removing to the Baker Block when it was finished in 1879. In 1883 Mr. Whiton pur- chased the entire business and has most successfully conducted it ever since. In politics Mr. Whiton is prominently identified with the Republican party, and has been called upon to serve in many of the loc- al offices. For several terms he was a member of the board of selectmen, has been assessor, has served on the board of relief, and has been a burgess for two terms. For several years \Ir. Whiton has been president of the Stafford Springs Cemetery Associa- tion, and also one of the directors, and is interested in many local enterprises which promise to be of benefit to the community. On Jan. 1, 1864, Mr. Whiton married Ruth Wal- do, who was born June 13, 1837, a daughter of Dwight Waldo, of Tolland. Her death occurred Nov. 26, 1894. On Mav 20, 1896, \Ir. Whiton mar- ried Hannah Allen, daughter of Charles Allen, of ‘Eunice. North Kingston, R. I. Mrs. Whiton is a member of the Episcopal Church, but Mr. Whiton was reared in the Methodist Church, and still takes an active interest in it. EDWIN REYNOLDS, Mansfield, Conn. Ed- win Reynolds, who spends his summers at the home of his youth, Mansfeld, Tolland county, is most highly esteemed there as a worthy descendant of an old and honorable family of New England. William Reynolds, the remote ancestor, came from Plymouth, Mass., to Providence, R. I., in 1637, one year later than Roger Williams, and was one of the original purchasers of the land from the Narra- gansett Indians. He married Alice Kitson, in the Open Court, of Massachusetts. James Reynolds, son of William, died in Kings- ton, R. I., in 1700. Joseph Reynolds, son of James, was born Noy. 27, 1652, and died in 1722, in North Kingston, R. I. His wife's name was Susannah. Samuel Reynolds, son of Joseph, was married Dec. 31, 1732, to Ann, daughter of Samuel Gardi- ner. Thomas Reynolds, son of Samuel, was married Sept. 22, 1749, to Elizabeth Hopkins, born Sept. 22, 1729, daughter of William and Mary (Tibbitts) Hopkins. Samuel Reynolds, son of Thomas, and grand- father of Edwin Reynolds, was born Feb. 12, 1752, and lived in Frenchtown, R. I, and migrated to Eaton, N. Y., where he died. On Dec. 4, 1777, he married Amy Weaver, born Nov. 18, 1759, who died near Buffalo. Their children were: Sally, Thomas, Betsey, Peleg, Selah, Christopher, Samuel, Jona- than, John H., Eleanor and William (twins) and Of these, Sallv married Andrew More- dock, a farmer who died in Killingly; she died in South Coventry, Conn. Thomas died in Kingston, R. I.; in early life he was a seafaring man. Peleg married Mary Wells, and died in Mansfield, Conn. Samuel, a farmer and merchant, was the first agent at Danielsonville (now Danielson), Conn., of the old Norwich & Worcester Railroad, and was killed by the cars, at the age of ninety years and two days. Jonathan was a farmer in Ashford, Conn., and died there. John H. was a tailor, and died in Beloit, Wisconsin. Christopher Reynolds, the father of Edwin, was born July 11, 1790, at Frenchtown, R. L, and spent his boyhood there. He was reared to farming. In 1810 he located in Mansfield, where he was em- ployed by Mr. Tillinghast (who resided at the farm now owned by Stephen C. Gardnier, between Mans- held Depot and Eagleville), until his marriage. During the war of 1812 he was a member of the Mansfield militia, and he was one of the few men drafted from his company to go to New London to assist against a threatened invasion by the British. After his marriage Mr. Reynolds moved to the fulling mill, a short distance south of the Tilling- 94 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD hast farm, on land now owned by his son Edwin, the old dam still remaining, although the mill struc- ture has been removed. There Mr. Reynolds en- gaged in cloth dressing, and also operated a small farm, and on this place ten of his twelve children were born. He continued the business until it ceased to be profitable, and then moved to Eagle- ville, where he assisted in the building of the first dam across the Willimantic river at that point. In time his former farm was purchased by his two sons, George H. and Edwin, and the parents re- turned and passed the remainder of their lives there, the mother dying Sept. 24, 1860, the father on July 21, 1871. On Sept. 26, 1813, in Mansfield, Christopher Reynolds was united in marriage with Charissa Huntington, who was born in Mansfield March 5, - 1794, daughter of Jonas and Rhoda (Baldwin) Huntington, both members of families prominent in Mansfield. Children were born to this marriage as follows: Adaline, born May 2, 1814, married Jacob S. Eaton, and died in Indian Orchard, Mass. Me- lissa, born March 14, 1816, married Charles Shum- way, and died in Mansfield. Elizabeth, born March 14, 1818, married (first) Asa Sanders, a clergyman, and (second) Benajah Gurnsey Roots, a civil engi- neer, who assisted in the construction of the Illinois Central Railroad and became prominent in State school affairs in Illinois; she was killed in a runa- way accident. Sarah H., born Jan. 31, 1820, mar- ried Fayette Barrows, and died in Mansfield. Julia, born Oct. 8, 1821, married Leander Derby, a comb manufacturer, who died in San Andreas, Cal.; she is now living in Brooklyn, N. Y. Glenn H., born Nov. 25, 1823, married Elizabeth F. Eaton; he re- mained at home until of age, when he moved to Providence; spent ten years at Danielson, Conn., two years at Cranston, R. I., twenty years at Provi- dence, engaged in the mill supply business, and re- turned to Mansfield in 1886; later he became a resi- dent of Danielson. Jane, born July 9, 1826, died when a little over one year old. John D., born July 28, 1827, married Martha Slater for his first wife, and Mrs. White for his second: he is now postmas- ter at Andover, N. J. George H., born Feb. 8, 1829, is mentioned elsewhere. Edwin, born March 23, 1831, is mentioned below. Benjamin Franklin, born Jan. 29, 1833, married Amanda Hawkins; he has been chief engineer of the Omaha Water Works for the past seventeen years, and resides at Florence, Neb. Albert W., born Dec. 11, 1835, married Re- becca Runion, and died in New York. Edwin Reynolds, who for so many years has occupied a prominent position in the business world, especially in the field of mechanics, is a native of Mansfield. His literary education was acquired in the common schools, and, as the family was large he began work early, commencing as a farm hand. In the spring of 1847 he was asked by the owner of a machine shop, who had heard favorable reports of the boy’s industry, to serve an apprenticeship at the trade in his shop. He was plowing a field when the man came to him with the proposition. It was en- tirely unlooked for, but with the promptness which has been characteristic of him throughout life, young Reynolds at once accepted, and he began his new work within a very short time. His remuneration was $30 per year and board. Displaying remark- able aptitude, he was foreman of the shop before the expiration of his three vears’ apprenticeship. Mr. Reynolds’s apprenticeship was served with An- son P. Kinney, who made and repaired the ma- chinery of the different textile mills in the locality (his widow, Mrs. Kinney, now resides in Tolland street), and after leaving him he entered the employ of Smith, Winchester & Co., at South Windham, who manufactured papermaking machinery, remain- ing with them a vear. At the age of twenty-one he was at the head of the stone-dressing machinery de- partment of the Woodruff & Beach Iron Works, at Hartford, erecting as well as building the machinery for quarrymen and stone contractors. He found employment in various shops in Connecticut, Massa- chusetts and Ohio, up to 1857, at which time he moved to Aurora, Ind., and became superintendent of the shops at that place, conducted by Stedman & Co. The principal work carried on in these shops was the building of engines, sawmills and drainage pumps for Mississippi river plantations. His work in these positions, though it may have appeared of no special importance at the time, had much to do with the broadening of his ideas, and provided a variety of experience which has had a noticeable bearing on his sttbsequent success. He was inter- ested in steam engineering from the beginning, but not until he became connected with the Corliss works did he have scope for the display of his abil- ity in that line. The outbreak of the Civil war materially inter- fered with the business, and in the spring of 186 Mr. Reynolds returned to Connecticut and until 1867 was engaged in various kinds of work—me- chanical and engineering—in New York and Bos- ton. In those days progress was slow, if sure, and it was not until the year last named that Mr. Rey- nolds made his first important step forward. In that year he became an engineer and salesman for George H. Corliss, the famous engine-maker, and so well did he demonstrate his ability in this wide field that by 1871 he had won promotion to the position of superintendent in general of the great Corliss Engine Works, at Providence, a position he retained until July 1, 1877, when he moved to Mil- watkee, Wis. There he accepted the position of general manager and superintendent of the Re- liance Works, of Edward P. Allis & Co., though this concern has since been consolidated with a number of other large establishments, being now known as the Allis-Chalmers Co., Mr. Reynolds holding the position of consulting engineer. Perhaps there could be no better evidence of Mr. Reynolds’s abil- ity as a mechanical engineer, and no less as a man- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 95 ager, than «he remarkable growth and prosperity of the Reliance Works under ‘his management. In the period that has elapsed since his connection there- with, the size of the works, the number of men em- ployed and the value of the annual output have been more than quadrupled. From being an industry of mere local importance, the works have become one of the leading engineering establishments of the United States, enjoying, both at home and abroad, a well-deserved and enviable reputation for the high grade and superior excellence of their prod- ucts. Mr. Reynolds has become known as the builder and designer of the largest stationary steam engines in the world, and he has supplied most of the large stationary steam engines in this country, especially where enormous horse power is required. One pump which he built still holds the record, the one installed in Milwaukee some fourteen years ago, and which handles 500,000,000 gallons of water daily. Recently his establishment turned out engines for the new electric works of the New York elevated railway systen (eight, each of twelve thousand horse power). New York elevated road, subway, surface roads in New York, and in England, Russia and all European countries. Mr. Reynolds has accomplished many remark- able things in steam engineering, one of the most important branches of modern engineering, in which he ranks among the foremost of the world’s experts. He has demonstrated, what was before his success- ful attempt considered impossible, that it is feasible to build high-grade engines and introduce the very best mechanical work, and to make the venture com- mercially successful and financially gratifying in the West. His “Reynolds-Corliss” engine was the first of the kind to win success in the West, and the large number which are now in use, not only in the West, on the far Pacific coast, from Lake Superior to the Gulf of Mexico, but also in the East, through Massachusetts and Connecticut, as well as about 200 shipped to foreign countries, six being used to furnish power for the Central London Underground Railway, prove conclusively his high mechanical standing. Lack of space forbids an enumeration of his many successful engines ; it is enough to say that those in use at the water works in Milwaukee, St. Paul, Omaha, Allegheny City and other places give perfect satisfaction, and to the last will soon be added the triple expansion engines for the cities of Albany and Chicago. The many large engines in the steam flour and saw mills, Western factories and Eastern cotton mills, the large hoisting engines and steam stamps in the Lake Superior and Mon- tana mining regions; the blowing and rolling mill engines in Pittsburg, Birmingham and other iron- making centers, are all regarded as standards of high mechanical performance, unexcelled by any ar rarely equalled. One mechanical feat performed by Mr. Rey- nolds merits special attention. When he first en- tered the Corliss Works their engines, though then considered wonderful, were, compared with the pro- ducts of the present day, very simple. Forty or fiftv revolutions per minute, was the average speed ; eighty was exceptionally high. During his time of service with the Corliss Company, he was called to Trenton, N. J., to arrange for gearing an engine to a train of rolls which were required to run 160 revolutions per minute. In looking the matter over, he came to the conclusion that the correct thing to do was to build an engine and couple it to the train direct without gears of any kind, and closed the contract for an engine to be coupled in this way, guaranteeing the same to work satisfactorily at 160 revolutions per minute. On his return to Provi- dence, he reported what he had done to Mr. Corliss who exclaimed, “Why Mr. Reynolds, you are not L going to undertake to run that engine at 160 revo- | lutions per minute,’ to which Mr. Reynolds re- plied, “Yes, I have agreed to do this. It is better by far to run an engine in this way than to use the gears.” Mr. Corliss then said, “You can have all the credit that goes with that kind of engineering. I want none of it.”’. And it was for that engine that Mr. Reynolds designed the valve-gear which proved entirely successful at 160 revolutions per minute, and which he has so successfully used since that time on all engines of his design. One piece of work of which Mr. Reynolds may be mentioned as superintendent, was the engine in- stalled at the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia, in 1876, which was started in motion by President Grant, after a speech by Gen. Hawley, chairman of the Exposition. Great as was this engine then re- garded, it may be mentioned that the Manhattan L. engines now drive a load twelve times as great. Mr. Reynolds has ever proved himself equal to emergencies, in fact, limitations apparently only spur him to increased effort. The blowing engines which he designed and built for the Joliet (IIl.) Steel Works early in his Western experience, win- ning the contract in competition with first-class engineers from both home and abroad, widened the horizon perceptibly for the Allis Works. His last proof of this special faculty, however, probably sur- passes all others—the construction of the electrical engines for the Manhattan “L” road. Many times during his connection with the Allis Works he had to overcome difficulties in construction, hampered in the earlier days by want of machinery of suit- able size or make, and in this great problem, though . he was in competition with the foremost engineers of the world, men who had every opportunity and ambition to study and learn the highest achievements in their profession, he proved that his mind is as fresh and as prompt to act as in his younger days. There were many requirements which a man who had handled lesser enterprises would have deemed it impossible to meet; indeed, even those who had experience in that special line were not altogether certain that they could be met. Mr. Reynolds’s plans not only met with such approval from the “L” Com- 96 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD pany as to secure the Allis-Chalmers Company their contract, but also engaged the attention of interested parties to such an extent that large orders have come in to the firm as a result—a most substantial form of admiration and a genuine tribute to the worth of the machines and the confidence placed in their builder. In the building of the “L” electrical engines there were restrictions of space for the re- quired 96,000 horse power not readily to be over- come. This difficulty Mr. Reynolds solved by di- viding the area into eight equal parts, and then pro- ceeded to build eight egines of 8,000 (minimum) horse power each; these engines have since devel- oped energy to drive a load of 13,000 horse power each. The first was installed on New Year’s Day, 1902. As an acknowledgment of superiority Mr. Rey- nolds could not have received a higher compliment than the one paid him last spring, on the occasion of the visit of Prince Henry of Prussia to America —his selection as one of the hundred men who have done most for the commercial progress of the coun- try, who dined with the Prince in New York. In addition to the duties of his position, he finds time for various other interests, and is a stockholder and director in various manufacturing enterprises, is president of the German-American Bank, the Mil- waukee Boiler Co., the Central Improvement Co., the Badger State Long-Distance Telephone Co., the National Metal Trade Association, the West Allis Malleable Iron and Chain Belt Company, and the Northwestern Casualty Company. In political connecticn he has always adhered to the Republican party. To his high standing as a mechanical engineer Edwin Reynolds adds a character for honesty and integrity, and he is regarded by all who have the honor of his acquaintance as in every sense a high- minded, thorough and representative selfmade man, worthy of universal esteem in every relation of life. It is a matter of congratulation to the residents of Mansfield that, in all his material success, Mr. Reynolds has retained an affection for his boyhood home and a desire to pass his declining years among the friends and scenes of his youth. He purchased a farm of 200 acres in the town of Mansfield, lo- cated one-half mile from Mansfield Depot, on which he has expended large sums in improvements, mak- ing it a most attractive home. He has since in- creased the area to over 600 acres, in the town of Mansfield. When he resigns the reins he has held so long, and shifts his great responsibilities to other shoulders, he will find a warm welcome awaiting him in the home of his boyhood. On Sept. 28, 1853, Mr. Reynolds married Miss Mary A. Spencer, daughter of Christopher N. Spencer, of Mansfield, and to this union were born two children, both of whom died in infancy. They adopted a daughter (who came into their home at the age of eighteen months), who is now the wife of C. C. Robinson, of Mansfield Depot. ,Mrs. Rey- nolds’s father was born in Greenwich, R. I., came to Connecticut at the age of twenty-one years, and died in Mansfield. His wife was a native of Mans- field, and died there. Some years ago the University of Wisconsin conferred on Mr. Reynolds the honorary degree of LL. D., and more recently honored him by placing his name in the frieze of their new engineering building—the only living engineer whose name there appears. These honors have all been fairly won, but their tender was highly appreciated by all his friends, as well as by himself. He was recently elected president of the American Society of Me- chanical Engineers, a position which he horors. Personaily, Mr. Reynolds is a man of very regular and simple habits; he rises at seven in the morning, drives to the works at eight, and retires early. JAMES DIXON McKNIGHT, a successful farmer and highly respected citizen of Ellington, Tolland county, was born Aug. 9, 1826, in Enfield, Hartford Co., Conn., and traces his ancestry to John McKnight, the emigrant, through Horace and John (2): ohn McKnight was born about the year 1712, in Scotland, whence, when nineteen vears of age, he came to this country, first locating in New Haven, Conn., where he became a merchant, later moving to Hartford, and finally to Ellington, where he re- sided on a farm in the northwest part of the town until his death, in 1785. While on a trip to Eng- land for a cargo of goods he married Jerusha Crane, an Englishwoman, and by her he had a fami- ly of children: Thomas, John, Mary, Jerusha, Es- ther and Sarah. The father died March 16, 1785, the mother in September, 1783. John McKnight, the grandfather of James D., born June 18, 1739, was quite young when his fath- er moved to Ellington. He was reared as a farmer boy, and followed agricultural pursuits on the home- stead all his life. He erected the house which still stands there, planting also two elms which grew to immense proportions, and one of which is now standing in the yard of the old home. His first marriage was to Charity Abbe, born Nov. 20, 1762, who died in 1798; and his second marriage was to Jerusha Kent, May 27, 1799. She was born May 25, 1772, and died Aug. tt, 1842, and he passed away Noy. 12, 1837. He was the father of thir- teen children: By his first marriage—Roxie, born Sept. 8, 1788, married Parley Chapman; Timothy, twin of Roxie. died Oct. 30, 1788 ; Horace, the fath- er of James D., was born Oct. 23, 1790; Harvey, twin of Horace, died March to, 1806; Polly, born Mav 23, 1792, married Flavel Whiton, and died June 30, 1860; Chauncey, born Jan. 21, 1796, and Betsey, born Sept. 12, 1798, both died young. By the second marriage—Charitv, born April 15, 1800, married Jabez Chapman; Jerusha, born June 24, 1802, married Deacon Simon C. Chapman, and died pone D Me fire fe (~ COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 97 Aug. 11, 1842, in Wisconsin: Miranda, born Oct. 1, 1804, became Mrs. Harvey White, and died Feb. 24, 1843, in Vermont; John, born March 2, 1807, married Sarah M. Abbe, and lived and died in Ellington ; Sarah, born Jan. 14, 1810, lived and died in Enfield, and married Helms Terry, who was also from Enfield ; and Gilbert, born Nov. 16, 1812, mar- ried Roxianna Abbe, and died in Worcester, Massa- chusetts. Horace McKnight, the father of James D., was born on the old homestead; the present house was erected when he was about two years old. His edu- cation was received partly in the common schools, and he also enjoyed the privilege of private instruc- tion from Judge Asa Willey, who was a well-known lawyer of Ellington of that day. In the summers he was employed at farm work, but during the win- ters, for about twenty-five years, he was engaged in teaching, through Ellington. Enfield and East Windsor, and was a successful instructor as well as capable disciplinarian. ‘Twenty-five years of his life he spent in Enfield. During a part of this time he farmed, taught school and also kept a hotel dur- ing the winters, and during almost the entire time of his residence there he served as a constable. For several vears prior to living in Enfield he conducted a hotel in the house now occupied by John Beasley, in Ellington, and then he purchased the farm on which he lived for eleven vears, in the southern part of Enfield. When Mr. McKnight came to Elling- ton he bought the farm now occupied by his son James, where he resided for a number of years, and then moved to a location a short distance west of that place, where he lived until his death, which occurred Dec. 27, 1856. His political sympathies were with the Whig party, and he served his town one term in the Legislature, was also a selectman, justice of the peace, and for many years a school visitor. His was a legal mind, and he was fond of performing such duties as the office of constable demanded. He was a member of the Ecclesiastical Society of the Congregational Church. Horace McKnight was married Nov. 26, 1817, to Asenath Kimball, who was born Sept. 27, 1795, daughter of Daniel and Miriam (Alworth) Kim- ball, and died Jan. 17, 1857. They became the parents of seven children: Horace Kimball, born Oct. 20, 1818, died June 1, 1828; Alanson Abbe, born March 25, 1821, died Oct. 28, 1822; Henry, born Oct. 20, 1823, married Olivia P. Chapman, and died Dec. 5, 1896, in Springfield, Mass. (he was a farmer): James Dixon was born Aug. 9, 1826: Louisa Asenath, born Jan. 20, 1829, died March 10, 1852; Frances Roselle, born May 14, 1832, married Joseph Woods, a banker, of New Haven, and died July 17, 1865, in that city; Adrian Kimball, born Nov. 29, 1836, died Oct. 1, 1841. James Dixon McKnight was born in Enfield, Conn., attended the schools of his native place, and after the removal of the family to Ellington became a pupil in the famous Ellington high school, suc- 7 ceeding well in his studies and preparing himself for teaching, which profession he followed for sev- eral terms, in Ellington and in Enfield. For a time, in company with a partner, he conducted a grist, saw and shingle mill, later purchasing the property and engaging in the operation of same for several years. But failing health induced him to sell and go upon a farm, purchasing part of the farm of his father, which was then occupied by his parents, and where he erected his home in 1850—the home he still occupies. He added to the acreage, and has ever since successfully carried on farming, having made of his place one of the finest in the county by the use of the improved machinery and modern methods of agriculture. In past times he has raised considerable tobacco, but is now interested in his large dairy enterprise, which at present is carried on by his son, Howard, who is president of the El- lington Creamery Co. Mr. McKnight was married Oct. 10, 1850, to Mary Fidelia Thompson, who was born May 22, 1827, in East Windsor, and whose parents moved to Ellington when she was but seven months old. She is a daughter of John and Ann (Elsworth) Thompson, the latter of whom was a daughter of Benjamin Ellsworth, of East Windsor, a Revolu- tionary soldier who was present at the execution of Major Andre. In her youth Mrs. McKnight was a teacher in Ellington, and she was one of a large family: Sabra Ann, born in 1824, married Fitch Stoughton, of Vernon; Mary Fidelia is Mrs. Mc- Knight ; Julia Salina, born in March, 1829, married G. Newton Booth. of East Windsor, and died July 4. 1880; Edwin Franklin, born in August, 1831. married Amelia B. Morell; Martha Aurelia, born in August, 1833, married Joseph Allen Pascoe, of East Windsor, and died May 27, 1877; Sophronia, born in December, 1835, died Dec. 18, 1876; Emily Eleanor, born in January, 1838, married James B. Stiles, of East Windsor; John, born Jan. 11, 1840, married Amanda Bancroft, of East Windsor; and Elizabeth Mabel, born in March, 1842, married Samuel Newell, of Farmington, Il., and died in 1871. The children born to Mr. McKnight and_ his estimable wife numbered five: (1) Mary Louisa, born Aug. 31, 1852, married Deacon Gaius N. Booth, a farmer of Enfield, and died Feb. 13, 1902: (2) Everett James is mentioned below. (3) John Thompson, born May 29, 1860, who was educated in the Rockville high school and graduated at Wil- liston Seminary, East Hampton, Mass., lives in El- lington, and is city engineer of Rockville, and has been secretary of the Ellington Creamery Associa- tion since its organization, in 1884. He married Julia Kimball, and has had three children—Mary Kimball, born Aug. 28, 1886; Alice Thompson, born Jan. 9, 1890, deceased; and Grace Ellsworth, Nov. 13, 1892, deceased. (4) Nellie Elizabeth, born Sept. 29, 1863, died Aug. 20, 1890. (5) Howard Horace, born Aug. 13, 1865, who was 98 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD educated at the Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass., is an enterprising and successful farmer, and manages the farm of his father. He is a direc- tor in the Ellington Creamery Association, of which he is president, owns much modern agricultural machinery—as a hay baler, a portable sawmill, etc. He married Clara S. Sikes, and is the father of five children—Emily Allen, born May 27, 1893; Nellie Elizabeth, July 22, 1894; Dorothy Clare, Jan. 6, 1896; Frances, Feb. 12, 1898; and Horace Sikes, Nov. 14, 1901. Everett James McKnicut, M. D., received his earlier education at Hall’s family school, in his native town, Ellington, Conn., and his preparation for college was made at the Hopkins Grammar School, in New Haven. From there he went to Yale, entering the class of 1876, in which among others were Arthur Twining Hadley (now president of Yale) and William Waldo Hyde. While in Yale Dr. McKnight took great interest in athletics, and during his course had much to do with developing interest in football, being one of its early advocates. He was connected with the club in an official capac- ity during almost his entire course, being treasurer ot the organization in his Sophomore year, secretary in his Junior year, and president in his Senior year, personally making most of the arrangements for the first game between Harvard and Yale. After his graduation from the regular course at Yale Dr. McKnight took one year at Yale Medical School, and then at once proceeded to New York in order to further prepare himself for the medical profes- sion. After two more years of painstaking study at the College of Physicians and Surgeons he re- ceived his degree of M. D., in 1879. At once lo- cating at East Hartford, he for fourteen and one- half years practiced his profession with much ac- ceptance to the people; indeed, it has been truth- fully said of him that his success was that of a painstaking physician, who drew to himself the pat- ronage of the very best families as well as that of the great masses of the community. His practice having increased so largely in East Hartford, Dr. McKnight opened an office in the Batterson build- ing, on Asylum street, at the corner of High street, Hartford. For several years he remained in that location, and in July, 1897, he came to his present quarters, No. 110 High street, where he has a very convenient office. On Feb. 8, 1881, Dr. McKnight was united in marriage with Miss Aletha T. Linsley, of New Haven, Conn, They have one daughter, Rachiel, born Aug. 9, 1889. The Doctor has filled and is now filling a large number of responsible profes- sional positions in the societies, and with railroads and life insurance companies. He is a member of the City, County and State Medical Societies; of the American Medical Association and of the In- ternational Association of Railway Surgeons. In 1898, by virtue of his long service as railroad sur- geon for the New England Railway Co., he was | pany. chosen a vice-president of the International Associa- tion of Railroad Surgeons. In 1899 he became at- tached to the Hartford Hospital as orthopedic sur- geon, and was later first assistant surgeon in that institution, of which on the death of Dr. M. Storres, June 9, 1900, he was appointed. visiting surgeon. He is also consulting surgeon to the Hartford Or- phan Asylum. In November, 1899, Dr. McKnight became medical director of the Hartford Life In- surance Co., under its new management, a position which he fills with the utmost satisfaction to the company and its policy holders. Dr. McKnight represented the town. of Fast Hartford in the General Assembly during the ses- sion of 1893, and was House chairman of the com- mittee on Fisheries and of the committee on Public Health. His professional cares of necessity restrict him from actively participating in affairs of a poli- tical character, but he nevertheless has the welfare of the city in mind. He is a man of social leanings, but has been too busy to connect himself to any secret organizations. Dr. McKnight is a member of the Yale Alumni Association of the City of Hartford, the Hartford Club, the Twentieth Century Club and the Hart- ford Scientific Society. He is a great admirer of the ceramic art, and has one of the finest collec- tions in the city. NATHAN WASHBURN. The subject of this biography, Nathan Washburn, was born April 22, 1818, in Stafford, Tolland Co., Conn., and was for many years one of its most prominent citizens, con- nected with some of its largest industries. The Washburn family is a very old one in New England. Its early records tell that (1) John Wash- burn came from Worcestershire, England, to Dux- bury, Mass., where as early as 1631 he was perhaps the first secretary of the Massachusetts Colony Com- His wife Margerie, then about forty-nine years of age, and his two sons, John, aged fourteen, and Philip, aged eleven, came in 1635. John, with his son John, became early proprietors of the town of Bridgewater and there he died prior to 1670, having been one of the first freemen of the town of Duxbury. Philip never married and the ancestral line descended from John. (II) John Washburn, son of the settler, was born in England in 1621 and married Elizabeth, daugh- ter of Experience and Jane (Caok) Mitchell, the latter of whom was a daughter of Francis Cook, who was one of the 100 who signed the compact on board of the “Mayflower,” before the company landed on Plymouth Rock. The children of John were: John, Thomas, Joseph, Samuel, Jonathan, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Jane, James and Sarah. The will of John (2) was probated in 1686. (IIT) Jonathan Washburn, fifth son of John (2), was married in 1683 to Mary Vaughn, a daughter of George Vaughn, of Middleboro, and they reared a family of nine children. ‘ COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 99 (IV) Benjamin Washburn, third son of Jona- than, was born in 1688 and in 1714 married Bethiah, a daughter of Henry Kingman, and he also reared a large family. (V) Ezra Washburn, the fifth son of Benjamin, was married in 1742 to Susannah Leach, a daugh- ter of Benjamin Leach, later moved to Middleboro, \ass., and there reared a family. (VI) William Washburn, son of Ezra, was married Sept. 26, 1783, to Lurana Darling, of Oak- ham, Mass. She died Jan. 12, 1844, at the age of eighty-four years. Mr. Washburn moved to Staf- ford and there he died, Nov. 11, 1846, aged eighty- seven years. There were three children. Zeruah died unmarried. William, who was born Feb. 11, 1785, died Jan. 9, 1832. He was born in Oakham, Mass., and his first two children were born in the same place. He was known as“Master Bill” on account of having charge of the old Stafford Hollow furnace. Seth, who was born March to, 1787, died March 10, 1875, at the age of eighty-eight years. His home was in Stafford, near the Massachusetts line, where he owned a farm and he also owned a foundry and operated furnaces in Stafford Hollow and in Colchester. (VII) Seth Washburn was married in 1807 to Catherine Washburn, who was born Oct. 3, 1786, and died March 3, 1874. She was a daughter of Solomon and Mary (Warner) Washburn. They reared a large family. (1) Zenas Darling, who was born Sept. 11, 1808, died Sept. 4, 1881. On May 13, 1832, he was married to Phebe Cushman, who was a daughter of James and Susannah (Nelson) Cushman, and they had seven children: Edwin Nel- son, Susan Cushman, Ellen Simms, Martin Van Buren, Emigene A., Mary Emigene, and Horatio Afartin. (2) Libbeus was born May 30, 1810, and died Feb. 7, 1885. He was married April 3, 1834, to Laura A. Howe, who was born Nov. 27, 1814, and died Dec. 3, 1899. She was a daughter of Asa and Huldah (Converse) Howe, and they had seven chil- dren: lary Ann, Henry B., Albert, Dwight R., Amelia \., Narcissus S. and Nellie E. (3) Alanson was born Dec. 17, 1811, and died Dec. 14, 1894. He was first married in 1835, to Philura Nelson. who was a daughter of George and Hannah (Davis) Nelson, was born in 1807 and died March 22, 1852. Their children were: Owen, who died in the Civil war; and Hortense. The second marriage of Alanson took place Nov. 17, 1852, to Laura A. White, who was born Jan. 25, 1821, and died Nov. 20, 1884. She was a daughter of Mont- gomery and Sallie (Colman) White, and the chil- dren of this union were: Frederick, who died young; Frederick Alanson; Henry Kirk; Julia; Howland, who married Hannah Warner and re- moved to Franklinville, N. Y.; Roswell, who mar- ried Betsey Rogers, a daughter of Robert and Hul- dah (Orcutt) Rogers; Dinah, who married Thomas Hoar; and Cephas, who died July 15, 1841, un- married. (4) Seth Billings, born Oct. 23, 1816, died March 7, 1896. His first marriage was to Marcia Wash- burn, who died July 7, 1847, a daughter of Roswell and Betsey (Rogers) Washburn, and their children were Lucien and Agnes. The second marriage of Seth Billings was in 1846, to Ruby Bradway, and their children were: Adin; Junius Brutus and Julius, twins. (5) Nathan Washburn, the subject of this sketch, was born April 22, 1818, and married Eliza Young, who was a daughter of John and Hannah (Con- verse) Young, the latter of whom was a daughter of Dr. Josiah Converse. Two daughters, Clara and Addie, were born to this union. Mrs. Washburn died March 31, 1900, having been born April 5, 1819. (6) Mary and (7) Solomon, twins, were born Jan. 10, 1820. Mary was first married in January, 1841, to Horatio Spellman, who died Aug. 19, 1866; and second, Sept. 10, 1867, to Duncan Ferguson, Sr., who was mayor of Rockford, IIl., where he died in 1882, her death occurring May 30, 1880. She had two children by her first marriage, Horatio Adel- bert: and Frederick. Solomon was married Oct. 12, 1848, to Olive Merilda Vinton, who was born Feb. 15, 1829, and who was a daughter of Deacon David Vinton, of Eagleville. Their children were oe and Arthur Eugene. Solomon died Jan. 10, 1520. (8) Martha Ann was born July 17, 1822, and died Aug. 22, 1896. On Dec. 9, 1846, she married Luman Orcutt, who was a son of John and Minerva (Bradley) Orcutt, was born Aug. 18, 1822, and died July 15, 1896: there was no issue of this union. (9) Marcius Howland Washburn, born April 22, 1824, died on Jan. 17, 1892, in Stafford, where he was a car wheel manufacturer and a moulder by trade. With his brother Nathan he was associated in car wheel manufacturing in Jersey City, later in Allston, Mass., near Boston. His first marriage oc- curred Jan. 9, 1845, to Mary Ann Davis, who was born in 1823, and who died Nov. 8, 1852. She was a daughter of Pardon and Candace (Wood) Davis, and their children were Annette Davis and Mary Ida Stratton Davis. The second marriage of Mr. Washburn took place June 7, 1854, to Hannah Blodgett Converse, who was born Jan. 12, 1829, and is still surviving. She was a daughter of Capt. Solva and Esther (Blodgett) Converse, of Staf- ford, and their six children were: Erlon Solva, Lu- cius Whiton, George Converse, George Alfred, Draper and Georgiana Almeda. (10) Sumner died in infancy. (11) Thomas Sumner Washburn, who was born Oct. 31, 1829, resides in Fitchburg, Mass. His first marriage was to Sarah Dyer. (12) The youngest son of Seth and Catherine Washburn was Julius Palmer, who was born April 10o COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 6, 1832, and died Nov. 26, 1864. In 1863 he was united in marriage with Susan Davis; from this union there was no issue. Nathan Washburn of this biography, by his in- ventions, has made the place of his birth known in many lands. He was the projector of several large mills for rolling iron, and the patentee and manu- facturer of locomotive tires and car wheels. His youth was like that of hundreds of other boys, passed in attending school and working on the farm, and he was twenty years old before he had a chance to at- tempt any use of tools. For two years he worked at the carpenter trade, but in 1840 he went to work in W. A. Wheeler’s iron foundry, at Worcester, Mass., where he was employed for one year, after which he bought the business of L. C. Armsby and associated with him a cousin, Augustus Washburn, who had recently started a foundry at Fitchburg, Mass. Young Nathan soon evinced his mechanical skill by making, unassisted, from his own designs, a set of gears both straight and beveled, for a grist and sawmill at Ashburnham. The business at this location had to be given up on account of the illness of his partner, and in 1884, Mr. Washburn sold out and returned to Stafford, Conn., where he connected himself with John P. Young in establishing a foundry. Until 1846 he continued in this enterprise, but in that year he went to Rochester, N. Y., where he made castings for cotton and woolen machinery, and did a large busi- ness with the railroads. The car wheels then in use were very defective, and after making some experiments, with a view to relieving the wheels from strain, Mr. Washburn was fortunate enough to locate the difficulty and to ap- ply the remedy, inventing what is known as the “Washburn chilled car wheel,” which he patented in 1849, claiming for his invention the combination of the arch with the curved plate and arms, connecting the hub and rim, and a new way of disposing the metal so as to produce great strength and to avoid many of the defects to which ordinary wheels are liable, when cast whole. The usual methods of cool- ing the tron, so as to produce the hardness desired, left it liable to crack, and it was not until after ex- perimenting with charcoal and white sand that Mr. Washburn discovered a way by which this defect could be overcome. His patent displaced every other patent of a car wheel. Prior to the granting of this patent Mr. Wash- burn sold out his business at Rochester, N. Y. Soon Mr. E. A. Converse, of Stafford, became in- terested in the chilled wheel and this interest culmi- nated in a partnership under the style of Converse & Washburn, and the removal of the business to Worcester. Great confidence was placed in the new invention, and large undertakings were entered into by the firm besides the manufacture of the Wash- burn wheel. In 1852 they built the Hope mills, at Staffordville, Conn., for the manufacture of satinets, and organized a company in which they were large owners. Later the firm built another mill, at Staf- ford Springs, Conn. In 1865 was organized the Converseville Manu- facturing Company, in which the firm were half owners and the business was for the manufacture of satinets. In addition to their works in Worcester, the firm of Converse & Washburn built a foundry at Troy, N. Y., for the casting of wheels, and continued to operate it for two or three years, when they sold out advantageously. The firm dissolved in 1854 and Mr. Washburn became the sole owner of the iron industries and Mr. Converse took charge of the satinet business. The Schenectady Locomotive Works, of New York, leased their property to Mr. Washburn in 1856, and he converted it into a manufactory for his wheels, doing a large business there for three years. In the same year that he leased the works at Schenectady the increase of his operations demanded more room and he made arrangements at Brandon, Vt., for the casting of wheels. In 1857 Mr. Washburn also turned his attention to other wants of raiiroads in iron equipments ; and to meet them he built at Worcester the Washburn Iron Works, which consisted of two rolling mills, 400x125 feet, with a foundry attached, 150x6o feet, and other buildings convenient for the work, cover- ing, in all, about four acres. The works produced about 450 tons of iron rails per week. Early in the prosecution of this branch of his business Mr. Washburn invented a machine for rolling locomotive tires without boring them out, and received a patent for it in 1858. In 1859 he built the large iron works intended for similar work at Toronto, Ont., and designed the machinery for them himself; he organized the Toronto Rolling Mills and received one-quarter of the stock. Dur- ing the Civil war, 1861-1865 inclusive, the Wash- burn Iron Works at Worcester were devoted to the manufacture of gun barrels. The English method of rolling the barrels was introduced into the estab- lishment, by which the iron, heated to a white heat. in the furnace, is passed through rolls or constantly decreasing grooves until it is of proper size, dimin- ishing the cost of their production two-thirds. Gun- iron had been imported from England, but Mr. Washburn discovered a new process of puddling steel, whereby he could produce a gun-iron which was a semi-steel, equal to anything imported. How- ever, he was obliged to desist from this manufac- ture in consequence of being unable to secure from American mines the necessary quality of pig-iron. In 1865 Mr. Washburn sold the Washburn Iron Works at Worcester and built in the vicinity a foundry for casting his chilled wheels. This build- ing was 200x60 feet one. way and gox6o feet the other, and had a capacity of producing too wheels a day. At the same time he entered into a partner- ship with William C. Barnum and other capitalists, COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD IOI for the mining and preparation of iron suitable for commerce and for the manufacture of chilled steel and locomotive tires, holding one-quarter interest. They established blast furnaces at Canaan, Conn., in 1865, and in 1866 at Salisbury, in Litchfield county, where pig-iron was made. This firm in 1865 also purchased some iron works at Spuyten- Duyfel, near Yonkers, N. Y., where they manufac- tured railway iron for two or three years. In the new works at Worcester Mr. Washburn put mills of his own design, for the production of his wheels, and in 1867 he began to make steel locomotive tires at Worcester, overcame the difficulties in their con- struction and was the first to produce a satisfactory steel tire. These have constituted a large part of his manufactures ever since. His experiments in steel for locomotive tires suggested a combination of iron and steel for car wheels, which he also brought to a successful result. The plan of these was a steel tire with a cast iron filling. Under the Washburn pro- cess steel and iron actually unite and constitute the best wheel for railroad cars. The chilled wheel never came from the process perfectly round and this interfered with its speed. The combination wheel is always finished a perfect circle. The chilled wheel is still used, but it will only travel, on an average, 30,000 miles, while the combination wheel has run 400,coo miles. The tires for these wheels have thus far been cast in solid ingots in cheese form, and then have been re-heated, punched and drawn to proper size and shape, but to accomplish this task requires heavy machinery and large expense in heating. Mr. Washburn in operating his furnaces did away with the Seaman Masters’ furnace for making steel on the open hearth and substituted a crucible furnace. Mr. Washburn has erected in Hartford, Conn., a build- ing 175x60 feet and a machine shop 50x80 feet, where these tires are taken and filled with cast-iron, the two making a perfect union under his process. Although his life has been filled with vast un- dertakings, Mr. Washburn has never forgotten either a friend or the needs of his home towns. His business has called him many times to Europe, but his services have been given as alderman and active member of the city council in Worcester and he is interested in the success of the Democratic party. Although he was reared in the orthodox faith, late in life he has become a Universalist. He enjoys the high regard of the majority of his fellow-citizens. Mr. Washburn is still inventing, one of his latest successes being a decarbonizing flame for a furnace, and a wheel which he considers perfect. This is made of the hardest metals, cannot be broken, while at the same time it is fibrous. Mr. Washburn has also invented a wonderful apparatus for pouring two metals at once. to bore, the soft metal is poured in the center, and still another machine of his invention rolls the wheel after it is cast. The rim metal being too hard: GEORGE TALCOTT. The Talcott family is one of the oldest in New England, a family distin- guished in the Colonial history of Connecticut, and whose descendants have been numerous in Tolland county, and prominent in molding and shaping the religious and social life, as well as the business in- stitutions, of their various localities. A repre- sentative of this family is George Talcott, president of the First National Bank and of the American Mills Company, of Rockville, who has long been a leading and substantial citizen of that city. The late Phineas Talcott, his father, was a de- scendant in the seventh generation from John Tal- cott, who was a member of the family of Talcotts, of Warwickshire, England. John Talcott was born in Braintree, County Essex, and there married Dorothy, daughter of Mark Mott. In 1632 he and his wife came to America in the “Lion,” with the patty of Rev. Mr. Hooker. In 1636 they removed to Hartford, and occupied a house built for them in 1635 by Nicholas Clark. In both Boston and Hart- ford John Talcott became a prominent man, and filled important offices in both settlements. Capt. Samuel Talcott, son of John, born in 1634, in Newtown, now Cambridge, Mass., in 1658 graduated from Harvard, and became a useful citi- zen, conspicuous in public life. He was one of the original proprietors of Glastonbury, Conn., and his death occurred at Wethersfield, Conn., in 1677. In 1661 he married Hannah, daughter of Hon, Elizur Holyoke. Deacon Benjamin Talcott, son of Capt. Samuel, born in 1674, in Wethersfield, married in 1699, Sarah, daughter of John Hollister. His death oc- curred in 1727. Benjamin Talcott (2), son of Deacon Benjamin, was born in 1702, in Glastonbury, and in 1724 he married Esther, daughter of John Lyman, of North- ampton, Mass. He was a farmer by occupation, and resided on Jands in Bolton, Conn., which he had inherited from his father. Deacon Benjamin Talcott (3). son of Benjamin (2)), born in 1725, in Bolton, Conn., married in 1753, Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Lyman, of Coventry. He was a farmer and settled near the quarry on land given him by his father, and there his life ended in 1811. Deacon Phineas Talcott, son of Deacon Ben- jamin, born in 1758, in Bolton, married in 1780, Hannah, daughter of Rev. Ebenezer Kellogg. He was a farmer until his death in 1835. Prominent in the affairs of the town, he served many times as representative in the State Legislature, and he was one of the delegates who framed the State Con- stitution of 1818. He was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, his name appearing on the Vernon records as a pensioner of that war. Of the eight children of Deacon Phineas Talcott, Phineas, Ralph and Allyn were among the founders of the manu- facturing interests of Rockville, and of these Phin- 102 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD eas Talcott was especially prominent, not only in earlier and later manufacturing at Rockville, but in the business in the locality in general, and in the public affairs of the county and State. Puineas Tatcort was born Aug. 7, 1793, in North Bolton, now Vernon, Conn., and in the public schools of that period and the locality, he received training that enabled him to teach school himself, and in the fall of 1820 he became so occupied in Coichester, teaching there for one year. This ex- perience was followed by similar work in Glaston- bury until 1822, when he went to Hartford and as- sumed charge of what was known as the stone school house, where ten teachers were employed and some 600 pupils were in attendance. At the begin- ning of the year 1828 he was appointed steward in the Connecticut Insane Retreat, at Hartford, a posi- tion he filled with fidelity and ability until May, 1835, when, his wife having died some time previ- ous, he removed to his mother’s home in Vernon, taking his two small sons. Mr. Talcott, accompanied by his brother Ralph, then made an extensive tour through the West, chiefly prospecting for land, going by way of Buffa- lo. From there he crossed the lake to Sandusky, Ohio, where he purchased horse and saddle, with equipments for traveling, and on Nov. 7, 1835, his trip was begun, riding through to Quincy, IIL, where he remained a short time, and then returned to Rockville, ready for new enterprises. On Jan. 19, 1837, Phineas Talcott became the agent of the Rock Manufacturing Company, at Rockville, with a salary of $800 per year, but this position he resigned in March, 1842. to engaged in farming. He bought of Dr. Scottaway Hinkley, the farm which then included land now consid- ered the choicest residence section of Rockville. and upon which are located many of the city’s finest homes. In April, 1846, he removed to the house where be died—the same one which is now the residence of his son George, on Prospect. street. After purchasing this farm, Mr. Talcott carried it on with his other interests. In 1846 this energetic and far-seeine man began the construction of the American Mills at Rockville, of which he was the largest stockholder and its president until his de- cease. He also controlled a one-third interest in the Springville Mill, was treasurer of the Aque- duct Company, president of the Rockville Railroad Company, and in 1859-60, was president of the Sav- ings Bank of Rockville. With Samuel P. Rose he carried on a paper mill, for one year, in Rockville. For many years Mr. Talcott was a potent in- fluence in political circles in Tolland county, and for a long time held public positions of trust and honor, the duties of which he administered with great fidelity and ability. From 1844 to 1846, from 1847-1850, from 1851-1854, and from 1857-1868, he was judge of probate for the Ellington district, and for many years was a prominent justice in Tol- land county. In 1849-58-60 he was first selectman of Vernon and town agent, was a representative in the State Legislature in 1844, and State senator, in 1851. Religiously, Mr. Talcott was of the faith of the Congregational Church. While at Hart- ford, he became a member of the South Congrega- tional Church of that city, and in 1835 of the church of that denomination in Rockville. He was an honorary member of the board of Foreign Missions, and ever a cordial promoter of many enterprises in- spired by public spirit and philanthropy. On Nov. 17, 1823, Mr. Talcott was married to Miss Lora McLean, daughter of Col. Frances and Roxy (McKinney) McLean, the former of whom was one of the founders of Rockville and one of the best-known men cf his time. Two children were born of this union: Frederick, born Dec. 27, 1824, was connected with the firm of Hunt & Talcott, of Mt. Morris, N. Y., and died Sept. 2, 1849, in his father’s home, in Rockville; and George, born Jan. 20, 1827. During the progress of the Civil war, Phineas Talcott was one of the strongest supporters of the administration. He was formerly a Whig, but became an ardent Republican. A man of heavy weight and commanding figure, a fall on the street resulting in concussion of the brain, caused his death, June 6, 1863, his burial being by the side of the wife whom he had mourned for thirty-one years. So closed the life of one of the most capable, most valuable and brainiest men of Tolland county. George Talcott was born in Hartford, on the south side of State street, nearly opposite the Ex- change Hotel. His first schooling was received in a small building located near South Church, with Miss Thatcher as his teacher. He was a lad of eight years when he went to Vernon to live with his grandmother, and there he was sent to school, con- tinuing until he was about fifteen vears old, or 1842, when he entered the store of S. P. Rose, at Rock- ville as a clerk, but a short time after resigned on account of poor health. Leaving the store, he re- turned to the farm, intending to return to school. but his state of health did not permit, and it was deemed wiser for him to occupy himself with light pursuits around home. In 1852 he decided to make the trip to California, and a very enjoyable year was spent, going by way of Panama, and returning by Nicaragua; the previous year he spent some time in Aiken, Charleston; and Savannah. Soon after his return from California, he was made tax collector, later constable, and served as such until he was appointed, deputy-sheriff under Col. Foster. In October, 1861, Mr. Talcott, being still troubled with precarious health, made a trip to Buenos Ayres, South America, where he remained until in May, 1862. After the death of his father, in 1863, he took the latter's place, and later was appointed associate judge of the city court under Judge West, whose death occurred before his term began. Mr. Talcott became his successor and : COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 103 presided over the first city court in Rockville, con- tinuing in this office for three years, when he be- came associate judge, remaining as such until 1897, when age rendered him ineligible to further service as such. In 1868 Mr. Talcott became second select- man in Vernon, and in 1869 became first selectman, again in 1877 and 1878. In politics he was former- ly a Whig, but later a Republican, and he has effi- ciently served his party and town. Mr. Talcott was a member of the first board of directors of the First National Bank, in January, 1864, and he has been so connected ever since. He succeeded his father as director in the American Mill, and in 1879 succeeded Calvin Day as president of that company; he is also a director in the Sav- ings Bank of Rockville, and for years was a mem- ber of the loaning board; is president of the First National Bank of Rockville; and is a director in the Rockville Railroad Company, which he served several years as president. He has been treasurer of the Rockville Insurance Company ever since its organization. It was he who appeared before the proper committee of the State Legislature at New Haven, to obtain its charter. For several years he was a member of the Talcott Brass Band of Rock- ville, so named for his father, who presented the brass instruments to the band. For some time he was a member of the Connecticut militia, serving on the staff of Gen. Elijah Smith. Mr. Talcott was married (first), June 30, 1856, in Rockville, to Miss Rosanna McLean, of Man- chester, daughter of John and Sarah (Bunce) Mc- Lean; she died in 1876, leaving one son, George Frederick, born Feb. 23, 1859, who’ now is an ex- pert electrician in New York. On July 24, 1877, Mr. Talcott married Miss Ella McLean, a cousin of his first wife, a native also of Manchester, born July 28, 1847, a daughter of Charles and Octa (Strong) McLean. One son was born of this union, Phineas McLean, born Dec. 24, 1880, member of the class of 1901, in the Rockville High School. This wife died April 5, 1902, in Los Angeles, Cal. Mrs. Tal- cott was a highly cultured lady, a charter member of the Sabra Trumbull Chapter of the D. A. R., of Rockville, was also connected with the W. C. T. U., and Womans Relief Corps, and was very prominent as a member of the Union Congrega- tional Church. She died in Los Angeles, Cal., April 5, 1902. In 1835, Mr. Talcott was baptized in South Church, in Hartford. A spoon presented to him on the occasion of his birth is one of his highly prized treasures. Although predisposed to pulmonary trouble, Mr. Talcott by care and regular habits has seemingly overcome all disease, and is an example of what proper living may accomplish, as, in appearance and enjoyment of life, he far_sur- passes nine-tenths of those of his vears. With fellow-citizens, employees and friends he is de- servedly popular, and is a good representative of the best element of Rockville, Connecticut. GEORGE T. KENDALL. The name borne by the subject of this review is one which has been long and distinctively identified with the annals of New England history, where the original represeritative of the name took up his abode in the early colonial epoch, and the family has been one of prominence in connection with the industrial activities and civic affairs of this section of the Union during all the long intervening years. He to whom this sketch is dedicated is a worthy scion of his race and is known and honored as one of the progressive and repre- sentative agriculturists of Canterbury, Windham county, his fine rural estate being located three miles south of the village of Brooklyn, the capital of the county. It is predicated beyond reasonable doubt that the original American progenitor of the Kendall family of this particular line of descent, and the un- doubted ancestor of all bearing the name in New England, was Francis Kendall, who was born in England, whence he emigrated to America about the middle of the seventeenth century, since official records still extant show that he was a resident of Charlestown, Mass., in 1640, while in 1645 his name was on the tax rolls as one of the earliest settlers in Woburn, that colony. There, Dec. 24, 1644, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Tedd (or Tidd), who died in 1705, while his death occurred in 1708. He was a man of influence in the communities where he lived, and his leadership in thought and action may be read “between the lines” of the town rec- ords upon which his name appears. Thus it is shown that for eighteen years he served the town of Woburn in the capacity of selectman, while the voice from the remote past announces in no uncer- tain tone that he was a man of sterling character and strong individuality. A list of his children, with dates of birth accompanying, is here entered: John, born July 2, 1646; Thomas, Jan. 10, 1648 or 1649; Mary, Jan. 20, 1650 or 1651: Elizabeth, Jan. 15, 1652 or 1653; Hannah, Jan. 26, 1654 or 1655; Rebekah, March 2, 1657; Samuel, March 8, 1659; Jacob, Jan. 25, 1660 or 1661; and Abigail, April 6, 1666. The four sons noted in the foregoing list all married and made Woburn their place of perma- nent residence, and each had a numerous progeny, many of the third generation going forth from Wo- burn to become valued citizens of other towns in the Massachusetts colony, notably Tewksbury and Sher- born, in Middlesex county, and Sterling, in Wor- cester county, in each of which places the name be- came one of prominence in that and succeeding generations. Of the four sons of the original an- cestor the one to whom the subject of this sketch traces his direct lineage was John Kendall. John Kendall, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in Brooklyn, Conn., where he was reared to maturity and united in marriage to Lois Palmer, a member of another prominent old family of New England. John Kendall became the owner. 104 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD of a valuable farm of two hundred acres located on what is now Christian Corner, Brooklyn, and there he continued to devote his attention to agricultural pursuits until 1820, when he disposed of his landed estate and, in company with his wife, two daughters and one son, removed to New Lisbon, Otsego Co., New York, whither another of his sons had gone in the preceding year. and there both he and his wife passed the remainder of their days, his death occur- ring Nov. 25, 1836, at the age of seventy-eight years, while she had been summoned into eternal rest April 18, of the preceding year, at the age of sev- enty-four. They were folk of the utmost integrity in all the relations of life and their years were filled with usefulness and kindliness, so that unalloyed confidence and esteem were ever their portion. Of their children we incorporate the following brief record: Lois, born Oct. 20, 1782, married Joseph Tyler, of Brooklyn, Conn., and her death occurred July 25, 1819. Alice, born Feb. 8, 1784, married a Mr. Rood and they resided in Otsego county, New York. Annis, born Oct. 3, 1786, became the second wife of Joseph Tyler. Nancy married a Mr. Fowler and her death occurred Dec. 22, 1836. Chauncey, who married in the State of New York, became the father of seven children and died Aug. 31, 1840, at the age of forty-seven years. John was the father of George T. Kendall. Nathan married a Miss Preston, who bore him four children, and with his family he removed to Michigan, where he passed the remainder of his life. John Kendall was born in Brooklyn, Conn., Nov. 15, 1790, and was reared and educated in his native town, where he continued to make his home until the year 1816, when he removed to the town of Canterbury, Windham county, and located in what is locally designated as Christian Corner. Here he purchased of David Hyde a farm of ninety acres, upon which he continued to maintain his abode until 1841, when he effected the purchase of the farm of James Carey, on Hyde street, the same being the estate now owned by his son, our subject. There he continued to conduct his agricultural op- erations successfully until November, 1848, when he again took up his residence in his native town of Brooklyn, Windham county, where he owned prop- erty, and this continued to be his home until the close of his long and signally useful and honorable life ; his death occurred June 2, 1868, at which time he had attained the age of seventy-seven years and seven months. He was essentially the architect of his own fortunes, since he began his independent career without any extraneous influence or tangible aid, relying upon his own efforts and abilities in the attaining of the goal of success, and that he did gain distinctive prosperity is evident when we revert to the fact that at the time of his demise he was one of the wealthiest men in this section of the State, his landed estate in Canterbury and Brooklyn aggre- gating twelve hundred and fourteen acres. On Aug. 22, 1819, John Kendall was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Parkhurst, of Plainfield, Windham county, the daughter of Timothy and Hannah (Walker) Parkhurst. She was born in the town of Plainfield, Jan. 23, 1801, the only daughter in a family of four children, the names of her brothers being Waldo, Henry and Prentice. Her death occurred in the village of Brooklyn, Feb. 4, 1874, and her memory is revered by all who came within the sphere of her gentle and noble influence. Her grandfather in the agnatic line was Timothy Parkhurst, Jr., who was born July 8, 1730, and to whom more specific reference is made in the sketch of Andrew H. Maine, of Scotland, Windham county, John Kendall was a man of marked sincerity and distinct force cf character, ever true to prin- ciple and unbending in his integrity of purpose. He served for three months as a soldier during the war of 1812, at the time when New London, Conn., was menaced by the British forces. Though his chief success was in the field of agriculture, with which he became so prominently identified, he had learned the trade of a mason in his early manhood and to that devoted his attention for a period of ten years. Ever showing a deep appreciation of spirit- ual verities and upholding the cause of religion, he was a regular attendant of the Unitarian Church, of Brooklyn: his wife was a devoted member of the Congregational Church. He was essentially a busi- ness man, giving careful and discriminating atten- tion to the management of his several farming properties, but he was also mindful of the duties of citizenship and had no inclination to shrink from responsibilities in this connection. Thus he main- tained a lively interest in public affairs and became a prominent factor in the local contingent of the Democratic party, of whose principles he was a stanch advocate. Recognizing his personal eligibil- ity as a man of fine mentality and upright character, his party placed him in nomination as a representa- tive of Canterbury in the lower house of the State Legislature, to which he was elected in 1837 and again in 1846, proving an able and faithful member of the assembly, while in 1853 the same distinction was again conferred upon him, since he was then elected to represent Brooklyn in the Legislature. That his services did not fall short of popular ap- preciation is shown in the still greater political pre- ferment which became his, prior to the incumbency last noted, when in 1843 he was a member of the State Senate, in which he represented the thirteenth senatorial district. He was a man of spotless integ- rity, and his intellectual grasp, courage in the sup- port of what he believed to be right, his mature judgment and his fairness, all commended him to the confidence and high regard of the people, who thus gave unmistakable tokens of their appreciation of him as a man worthy of positions of public trust and responsibility. He was at various times incum- bent of different local offices, having been selectman for many years and having ever shown an abiding COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 105 interest in all that conserved the welfare of his town, county and State. He passed to his reward, secure in the esteem of all who knew him, and his name is inscribed on the roll of the representative men who have conferred honor and dignity upon Windham county. Of the children of John and Sarah (Parkhurst) Kendall we here make brief mention in the order of birth. John Waldo, who was born June 6, 1820, died Feb. 4, 1899, having passed practically his en- tire life in Brooklyn. He married Harriet Sharp, who bore him one son and one daughter: John T., born March 27, 1850; and Hattie E., born March 31, 1859. She married Arthur L. Blake, April 25, 1888, and they have two children: Waldo Warren, born May 15, 1890; and Helen Burnett, born Oct. 25, 1893. Henry, who was born Jan. 17, 1827, died Dec. 9, 1893. He married Emeline H. Stevens, and they became the parents of two daughters, namely: Alice Emeline, who was born Jan. 5, 1851, and whose death occurred July 16, 1853; and Ella Gertrude, who was born Oct. 7, 1856, and whose marriage to Andrew T. J. Clarke was solemnized March 12, 1885. The offspring of this union was six daughters: Edith Darling, born Dec. 24, 1885; Ethel Emeline, June 28, 1887; Cressa May, May 3, 1890; Florence Louise, May 18, 1892: Jennie June Kendall, June 15, 1894; and Ruby Isabelle Judson, May 8, 1897. Henry Kendall took up his abode on the present Kendall farm in 1841, where his brother, George T., subject of this review, joined him a few years later, and thereafter they continued to be asso- ciated in their business operations for the long period of forty-five years, that is, until the death of the younger: they were uniformly successful in con- ducting their fine farm of two hundred and eighty acres and their names were inseparably associated, always familiarly referred to as “The Kendall Brothers.’”” Henry Kendall was one of the leading and mest highly honored citizens of Canterbury, was a stalwart supporter of the Democratic party and represented his town in the State Legislature in 1863. His religious views were in harmony with the doctrines of the Unitarian Church, and he was a liberai supporter of the organization of this de- nomination in Brooklyn. Elnathan, the next in or- der of birth, was born Sept. 17, 1831, and in 1855 he removed to the State of Iowa, whence, in the fol- lowing year, he went to biue Earth county, Minn., and founded the village of Vernon Center, where he located on a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of land which had been granted to his father in recog- nition of his services in the war of 1812, and he became one of the influential citizens and successful farmers of that State. There he was united in marriage to Louisa Richardson, who was born in Indiana, and they became the parents of the follow- ing children: Sarah, Lois and Edward. In his later years Einathan Kendall traveled quite exten- sively, and his death occurred in the State of Ore- gon in April, r899. Horace Kendall was born Sept. 2, 1836, and his death occurred Feb. 21, 1892, at Christian Corner, Windham Co,. Conn., where he had devoted the greater portion of his life to farm- ing. He married Polly Champlain, who bore him two children, George and Mary. Amos, the young- est brother, was born Aug. 31, 1839, and is engaged in farming at Christian Corner, in the town of, Can- terbury. He married Mary E. Burdick, and no children have been born of this union. George T. Kendall, whose name gives title to this genealogical resume, was reared on the home- stead farm in Canterbury, and his early educational advantages were such as were afforded in the public schools of the locality and period. In 1849 he be- came associated with his brother Henry in the oper- ation of the fine farm estate, of which he has had control since the death of his honored brother and coadjutor, and the alliance was one of distinct fra- ternal and business harmony and one which re- sulted in the attainment of a high degree of success. In 1849, in connection with their extensive agricul- tural industry, they also engaged in the operation of a grist mill, the enterprise being continued until 1894. The homestead farm comprises two hun- dred and eighty acres, as has already been noted, while the landed estates held by the subject of this sketch and the heirs of Henry Kendall, who still live in the same family, aggregate about 1,000 acres. Like his father and his brother Henry, Mr. Kendall has given an uncompromis- ing allegiance to the Democratic party, in whose councils he has been a prominent factor in that section of the State, while the confidence and esteem which have ever been so significantly ac- corded to the representatives of the name have been his in marked degree, as is shown in the fact that on three different occasions he has been chosen to represent the town of Canterbury in the Connecticut Legislature——in 1859, 1881 and 1884, while his services have also been enlisted in connection with various local offices, the duties of which he has in- variably discharged with ability and judgment, gaining uniform commendation. He is a man of unpretentious and unassuming manner, genial and kindly in his intercourse with his fellow men, and in the community where he has passed his entire life it may well be said that his friends are in number as his acquaintances. Mr. Kendall has at- tained the age of more than four score years and has remained a celibate, though he has never been denied the grateful associations of the true home. for his brothers, their wives and their children have for him that appreciative affection which he always manifests in reciprocal way, so that our venerable bachelor can scarce realize any deprivation in hav- ing clung to a life of “single blessedness.” At this point we revert to the genealogy of our subject along the Palmer line, his paternal grand- father having married Lois Palmer, as was noted early in this sketch. The original representative of this branch of the Palmer family in America was 106 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Samuel Palmer, who married Hepsibah Abbey, born Feb. 14, 1688, or 1689. From them the line direct is traced through their son Elihu, who was born in 1728 and died in 1810. On Aug. II, 1752, he married Lois Foster, who was descended from Miles Standish, through the following line: (1) Captain Miles Standish married his second wife, Barbara, about 1628, and his third child by this marriage was (II) Josiah, who was born in 1634 and died in 1690. He married Dec. 19, 1654, Mary Dingley, and their son, (III) Josiah, married Sarah Allen, who died Jan. 16 or June 16, 1741, while his death occurred March 29, 1754. Their daughter (IV) Hannah, was married to Nathan Foster, Nov. 3, 1724, and their daughter (V) Lois, born Jan. 7, 1732, married Elihu Palmer. Of the children of Elihu and Lois Palmer we enter the fol- lowing data: Lois, born in 1761, was married to John Kendall Aug. 8, 1781, and they were the paternal grandparents of George T. Kendall; Olive Palmer was married to Seth Clark Jan. 22, 1786; Hannah married Jonathan Pellett, June 29, 1777; Thaddeus, grandfather of Josiah C. Palmer, of Canterbury, was born June 22d, 1759, and on June 15, 1782, was married to Thankful Cleveland, of Canterbury; Nathan married Jerusha Barstow, Sept. 9, 1794; Eunice married Josiah Smith and lived in Scotland, Windham county; Elihu, who was a clergynian of the Congregational church and who was blind, never married; Nabby married a Mr. Spalding; and Lucy B., born Aug. 24, 1771, married a Mr. Morse. Of the Stevens family to which belongs Emeline H. (Stevens) Kendall, the widow of Henry Kendall, brother of George T., it will be consistent to make more definite mention in this connection. Richard Stevens, a native of Plymouth, England, came to Taunton, Mass., and prior to May, 1670, he there married Mary, a daughter of Thomas Linkon; his death occurred April 7, 1716. Their son Nicholas, born Feb. 23, 1669, died between April, 1746, and November, 1747. He married Annie Spur, of Taunton, Mass., and their son Robert removed thence to East Thompson, Windham Co., Conn., about 1760, finally settling in Canterbury. He died at Pomfret and his remains are interred at Abing- ton Four Corners, Windham county. Jan. 3, 1745, he married Mary Hathaway, of Berkley, Mass., who was born in Dighton, that State, Nov. 8, 1726, and who died in East Thompson, Conn., Dec. 7, 1804. Their son Robert, born Jan. 15, 1753, died Feb. 1, 1813, in Canterbury. He married Lydia Adams, who was born April 28, 1760, and who died March 24, 1824, their children being as fol- lows: Sarah, born July 12, 1784, who died Aug. 29, 1843; Martha, born April 3, 1787, who died Dec. 18, 1847, the wife of Hezekiah Olney, who died April 14, 1846 (a number of their descendants are now residents of Thompson, Conn.) ; Lydia, born July 19, 1789, who married Caleb Cook and passed away July 19, 1873: Teresa, born May 24, 1791, who died Dec. 10, 1793; Samuel, born March II, 1793, who died Jan. 7, 1829, the father of Mrs, Henry Kendall; Robert, born March 30, 1795, who died Dec. 6, 1881; Darius, born Aug. 13, 1796, who died March 3, 1860; Mary Ann, born Aug. 8, 1799, who died Feb. 23, 1891; Ruby, born Noy. 25, 1800, who married Albert Fountain, and died Dec. 3, 1861; Eliza, born Sept. 2, 1803, who died Jan. 24, 1804. Samuel Stevens, the father of Mrs. Henry Ken- dall, was married, Nov. 26, 1820, to Edith Hyde, who was born Dec. 30, 1800, and died Feb. 8, 1894, their children being as follows: John Hathaway, born Dec. 4, 1821, who resides in Danielson, Wind- ham county; Elvira Ann, born Sept. 11, 1823, who married Josiah C. Palmer and has one daughter, Lucy Elvira; Sarah M., born April 27, 1826, who married William C. Ladd, of Tolland, Conn., and died Dec. 20, 1899; Emeline H., born April 23, 1828, the widow of Henry Kendall. Samuel Stevens died Jan. 7, 1829, and his widow subsequently mar- ried his brother Dariys, to whom she bore three children: Alba H., born Dec. 22, 1834, who mar- ried, Oct. 24, 1877, Miss Olive Tyler; Robert, a bachelor, who was born Aug. 15, 1836; and Sam- uel, born Feb. 25, 1839, who died June 7, 1840. It has been noted that the only surviving child of Henry and Emeline (Stevens) Kendall is Ella Gertrude, the wife of Andrew T. J. Clarke, and in conclusion we incorporate a genealogical record | concerning the family of Mr. Clarke, one of the rep- resentative citizens of Canterbury. The original American ancestor was Benjamin Clarke, and from him the line is traced through his son Theophilus, whose son Nathaniel married Thankful Gates. Na- thaniel served for five days at the time of the his- toric Lexington alarm in the early period of the Revolution. The next in descent was Asa Clarke, who was born in Canterbury, June 26, 1753, and who died in Vermont, having been a valiant soldier in the Revolution in the Fourth Company of the Third Continental Regulars, under General Putnam, and having later been a corporal in the company com- manded by Captain Cady. He was granted a pen- sion in 1818. His son, Allen G., who died in 1867, at the age of eighty-three years, married Celinda Darling, and they became the parents of four chil- dren, Thomas G., Asa, Rebecca Louise and John, the last named having died in childhood. Deacon Thomas G. Clarke, father of Andrew T. J., was born in Franklin, Conn., June 16, 1809. He began teaching school at the age of sixteen years and continued to be engaged in pedagogic work during the winter months until he had attained his legal majority, when he prepared for entrance to the theological seminary at East Windsor, Conn., where he was graduated. He thereafter was engaged in the active work of the ministry until his health materially failed, and he then came to Canterbury, where he turned his attention to farming. He was a member of the State Legislature for four years, COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 107 and for fifty years was a deacon of the First Con- gregational Church of Canterbury. He was a man of sterling character and won the highest esteem of the community, continuing to reside there until his death, at the advanced age of ninety-two years. He was twice married. On Sept. 1, 1844, he was united in marriage to Miss Cressa Judson, and they became the parents of the following named chil- dren: Rebecca; Isabelle S., the wife of Walter Kingsley, a prominent merchant of Plainfield; Josephine J.; Andrew T. ]., who married Ella G. Kendall; Allen G.; and John D. Mrs. Clarke was summoned into eternal rest, and in April, 1870, Deacon Clarke married Sarah Johnson, who sur- vives him. WILLIAM HENRY SMITH, deceased. Few men have left a more lasting impress upon the com- munity which had the honor of their birth, than the late William H. Smith, of Stafford, Tolland Co., Conn. The family is an old and highly regarded one in New England, Deacon Recompense Smith, the great-grandfather of our subject, standing high in public esteem. Deacon Daniel Smith, son of Deacon Recom- pense, was born Dec. 14, 1790, and died Feb. 13, 1869, in Stafford. On Dec. 20, 1815, he was united in matrimony to Ann Kingsbury, who was born July 13, 1790, a daughter of Jabez, Jr., and Free- love (Netley) Kingsbury. She was a descendant in the sixth generation from Henry Kingsbury, of Haverhill, Mass., the line of her descent being through Joseph, Nathaniel, Jabez and Jabez Kings- bury (2). Henry Kingsbury, was born in 1615, in Eng- land, and resided in 1658-60 at Ipswich, Mass., and in 1662-67 and later, at Rowley, Mass. Finally he settled at Haverhill, Mass., where he died, in 1687. Joseph Kingsbury, son of Henry, was born in 1656, in Haverhill, Mass. (according to Savage, in his genealogical dictionary), and in 1679 married Love Ayers. Nathaniel Kingsbury, son of Joseph, was born 1684, and married Hannah Denison, in Ipswich, Mass. They left Haverhill, in 1708, and located near Norwich, Conn., and later moved to what was then Coventry, now. town of Andover, Conn. To them were born fifteen children. Jabez Kingsbury, son of Nathaniel, was born in 1717, and in 1749, he married Mary Phelps. Jabez Kingsbury (2), son of Jabez, was born in 1758, and in 1789 married Freelove Netley. Ann Kingsbury, daughter of Jabez (2), born July 13, 1790, married Deacon Daniel Smith, the grandfather of William H. Smith. To Deacon Daniel Smith and wife were born: Henry, born Oct. 26, 1816, died April 30, 1880, in Grand Rapids, Mich.; Daniel K., born Aug. 22, 1818, was a farmer in Willington and died Aug. 14, 1890; Anna Eliza, born April 17, 1820, died April 26, 1820; William, born Aug. 8, 1821, died March 1, 1881; and Chauncy, born April 16, 1824, died Jan. 5, 1880. Deacon Daniel Smith was an early manufacturer of Stafford, and his life ended in Wil- lington, Conn., at the home of his son, Daniel K. His whole active life was spent in Stafford, and he was identified with many of its most important manufacturing enterprises, and was the original owner of the mill and privilege of the Charles Fox Manufacturing Company, where he carried on what was then styled the “clothier’s” business. Mr. Smith was one of the original stockholders in the Stafford Manufacturing Company, formed for the erection of the mill now occupying the same site. Deacon Smith was well known and highly esteemed as a useful citizen, and his death occurred Feb. 14, 1869. WititrAmM Situ, son of Deacon Daniel and father of William Henry Smith, was born Aug. 8, 1821, in the town of Columbia, Conn., and died March 1, 1881, in Staftord Springs. In his death Stafford lost one of her foremost business men and useful citizens. While yet an infant, his parents moved into the town of Stafford, where the son was reared. In his boyhood he received only such edu- cational advantages as the common schools of the neighborhood afforded, and while still a lad he be- gan his battle with the world, and entered the woolen mills at Foxville, Conn., where he became self-reliant and independent. Quick to observe and to profit thereby, he soon became thoroughly trained in the business of woolen manufacturing, and later was placed in charge of the finishing department of the woolen mill at Stafford Hollow, a mill of which he subsequently became part owner. This proved an unfortunate investment, whereby he was a loser to such an extent that he was obliged to begin anew his life struggle. ‘ Mr. Smith, however, possessed a great amount of perseverance, and after this experience he moved to Stafford Springs, where he established a ware- house for the handling of wool and waste and woolen manufacturers’ supplies, and this was eventually developed into the large manufacturing business of the firm of Smith & Cooley of to-day, at Stafford Springs, who now operate the Glynn mill, which was built by Moses B. Harvey years ago, this firm being the successors to that of William Smith & Co. As time passed Mr. Smith needed an associate and he took into partnership his son-in- law, William Ef. Cooley, and later his own son, William H. Smith. Both these men were of large business experience, practical in their ideas, ener- getic and able in their methods, and after 1881 they successfully carried on the business. William Smith was one of the incorporators of the Stafford Bank in 1854, which later became the Stafford National Bank, and he was its president in 1869. In various ways he was identified with the growth of Stafford Springs, where his memory is still greatly cherished. A remarkably strong man, both physically and mentally, he frequently per- 108 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD formed the labor of two or three men, and was known for his courage, often facing dangers when others would have retreated. Mr. Smith possessed good, sound common sense, and was an excellent judge of men and measures, a man of strong im- pulses, who abhorred hypocrisy or meanness, and was very quick to condemn in strong and unmis- takable language. With all this severity he was wonderfully tender-hearted, and no citizen in Staf- ford more generously relieved the deserving poor or sympathized with the unfortunate. As a man of honor, his word was always regarded as good as his bond. Possessed of a strong character, his life showed pluck, perseverance and determination to a most remarkable degree. Shrewd and careful in his business transactions, he had the faculty of rightly judging men and forecasting probable results. From a poor boy he rose to be a man of prominence and influence by his own efforts. Fatigue seemed to be to him an unknown quantity. His aim was’ to suc- ceed, and that he did succeed is evidenced by the fact that the industries with which he was associ- ated during his life of usefulness are among Staf- ford’s foremost establishments to-day. They are as monuments to his memory. It is said that his far- seeing business sagacity more than equalled that of three average business men. William Smith was a member of the Congrega- tional Church, and in his own way was very help- ful, supporting it with cheerfulness in its various needs, and he left an impress for good in the com- munity upon the period in which he lived, doing work of kindness, charity and benevolence, and his posterity can truly point to his record with a degree of pride. Myr. Smith was a man who was greatly beloved by all who knew him, and they were many, especially among the poor and needy of his com- munity. ; On June 5, 1845, William Smith and Abigail Ellis were united in marriage. She was born Aug. 8, 1823, a daughter of Wyllys and Abigail (Carpen- ter) Ellis, of Stafford, and she died Dec. 14, 1898. The children of this union were: Helen Maria, born May 24. 1846, in Stafford, Conn., was married Jan. 31, 1872, to William H. Cooley, of the firm of Smith & Cooley, extended mention of whom will be found elsewhere in this volume; William Henry is mentioned below: Annie Clara, born Oct. 3, 1855, was married Feb. 3, 1887, to Charles E. Butterfield, of Stafford; Mary, born Dec. 24, 1850, died April 5, 1851; and Julia Emma, born Aug. 10, 1853, died Sept. 16, 1853. In every way Mr. Smith was alive to the interests of his town, and he gave much of his time to its advancement. In politics he was a Republican, but never would accept the offices con- tinually proffered him, desiring rather the political preferment of his friends. Neither would he con- nect himself with any fraternal societies. His lamented death took place March 1, 1881, and his body was laid away from mortal sight, but the pow- erful and far-reaching influence which he exerted through life survives and will be long-enduring. William Henry Smith, son of William Smith, was born in Stafford Springs, Sept. 25, 1848. His education began in the schools of his native town and was continued at Monson Academy, at Monson, Mass., where, in the class of 1868, he was fitted for Amherst College, having also taken special work in the Massachusetts Agricultural College. Upon his return one year later to Stafford, Mr. Smith be- came associated with his father and brother-in-law as manufacturers and dealers in flocks, shoddies and wool waste, a business started by the former, and continued until 1881, when, upon the father’s death, the business was continued under the firm name of Smith & Cooley. This business is still in existence, one of Stafford’s best known enterprises. William H. Smith remained a member of this firm, deeply interested in its welfare, until his own deeply lamented clecease, Feb. 16, 1900. William H. Smith was a fine type of a success- ful man of business—genial, alert, progressive and of unquestioned integrity. The famous Stafford flood, which made the vear 1877 memorable in the annals of Stafford, swept away the plant of William Smith & Co., but nothing daunted or completely discouraged this enterprising firm, and the plant was immediately rebuilt, and the business was con- tinued with more energy and success than before. As a citizen Mr. Smith was liberal and broad- minded and was ever interested in the prosperity and growth of his town, never courting and often declining public honors, although actively inter- ested in all measures for the public good. One of the founders of the First National Bank of Staf- ford, he was elected its first vice-president, and until his death was one of the directors. He was also one of the incorporators of the Savings Bank of Stafford Springs, serving there several years as a director. Mr. Smith was one of the most en- thusiastic promoters of the Stafford Library Asso- ciation, and for many years was its valued presi- dent, resigning the position on account of ill health. When the plans for the new “Springs House” were being agitated Mr. Sinith was one of the original supporters, realizing that an enterprise of this kind would very materially benefit the town, and he was ever willing to contribute time and money to such a cause. He was a constant attendant and liberal supporter of the Congregational Church, and was a very active member of the Ecclesiastical Society. On Sept. 10, 1872, William Henry Smith was married to Miss Estelle Wood, daughter of Col. Alonzo and Ellen (Warren) Wood, of West Win- field, N. Y., the former of whom was a prominent farmer, well known in agricultural circles in his community. To this marriage came Robert War- ren, born June 20, 177. one of the public-spirited young men of this locality, who, after graduating from the Worcester, Mass.. Academy, in 1897, was aS si S AX SS \ COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 109 fitted for Yale, and is now associated with the firm of Smith & Cooley. Mr. Smith was a thorough sportsman, follow- ing the rod and gun as an amusement and diversion from business cares, with never-abating enthusiasm. When on his vacation trips, which it was his cus- tom to take yearly in the Adirondack Mountains, he was one of the most successful members of the Bisby Club, which later was merged into the Adi- rondack League Club. In politics, believing in the principles of the Republican party, he voted with that organization, but would never accept office. When the sad day came for the funeral of Will- iam H. Smith, not only a large concourse of the town’s people but many from afar gathered to pay a last tribute to one who in life they had held in highest esteem. The banks, the mills and the marts of business were generally closed, while a consid- erable delegation from all classes of society from out of the town were present. Mr. Smith’s demise was felt by old associates and friends as a personal loss, while a community is always poorer when a man of his character and business eminence is re- moved from it. Long will be recalled his genial, pleasant personality, and many will cherish helpful memories of the well-spent life of William H. Smith. In this connection it is interesting to recall the interesting features connected with a business with which three generations of the Smith family have been so closely identified. Smith & Cooley are manufacturers and dealers in flocks, shoddies and wool wastes, having two mills in Stafford, one of these in the village of Stafford Springs and the other, the well-known Glynn Mill, located just out- side of the borough limits, on the river, toward Stafford Hollow. The business was established in 1850 by William Smith, the father of our late sub- ject. His brother, Chauncy Smith, became associ- ated with him about 1855, but the latter retired from the firm in 1864, and from that date to 1870 William Smith again conducted the business alone. Then he admitted to partnership his son-in-law, William H. Cooley, and three years later his son, William H. Smith, this firm being dissolved in 1881 by the death of the senior partner. In De- cember of the same year the firm became Smith & Cooley. Previous to 1877 the business had been wholly of a mercantile nature, but in that year Will- iam Smith & Co. began the manufacture of the line of goods in which they so long dealt. They at first utilized the water-power of Holt & Burwell’s shop, but in 1878 placed a boiler in their own build- ing, and added another in 1879. In 1893 the steam plant of this establishment was rebuilt. The firm bought the Glynn mill, in 1885, and started ma- chinery there in 1886. The equipment of the mills comprises six flock-cutters, five pickers, twenty- three cards and a dyeing plant. The flock-cutting and dyeing operations are performed at the mill in the village. This business is in a most prosperous condition, and, judging by the past, it is fair to as- sume that in the future it may become of vast pro- portions, bringing wealth and prominence to all concerned. WILLIAM HENRY COOLEY, one of the most prominent business men and citizens of Staf- ford Springs, Tolland county, Conn., was born July 17, 1840, in South Deerfield, Mass., and he traces his ancestry back to Azariah Cooley, who was born March 7, 1731, and settled at Bloody Brook, in the town of Deerfield, Mass. He married April 109, 1756, Elenor Warriner, and died Feb. 28, 1788. After his death his widow located in Deerfield, as housekeeper for one Barnard, whom she later mar- ried. She was a third time married, and her death occurred Dec. 7, 1819. Sheldon, in the “History of Deerfield,” says: “Mr. Cooley’s ancestry is not established, but there is little doubt he was in the line of Azariah, born in 1704, Daniel, in 1682, Daniel, 1651, Benjamin, the emigrant of Long Meadow.” Benjamin Cooley, the emigrant, appears to have been one of the first settlers in that part of Spring- field, Mass., called Long Meadow, from whom all of that name in the country, as far as known, are descended. His wife’s Christian name was Sarah. Eli Cooley, the grandfather of William Henry Cooley, came from Brimfield, Mass., to South Deerfield, where he married Chloe Allen. Mr. Cooley was a man of great energy and industry, and was instrumental in building both church and schoolhouse at Deerfield. The next day after it was decided by those interested that a church should be built, Mr. Cooley was up and out on the moun- tains getting out the timber. This was but an ex- ample of his energy, but this was an element in all his movements. He was probably the largest land- owner in Deerfield, and he was an extensive farmer. His death occurred in 1843, when he was almost eighty years of age. His children were: Dennis, who became a physician and located in the State of Michigan, where he died; Eli, who was a car- penter by trade, and also conducted a store and en- gaged in the making of paper boxes in Deerfield; Orrin, who became a preacher and a teacher, fol- lowing the latter profession almost all his life, and died in Chesterfield, Ill.; Sedgewick, who was a farmer and succeeded to his father’s farm, where he carried on extensive agricultural operations ; Hollis, who went South, married a lady in Georgia who owned many slaves, later moved to Alabama, and spent his life there; Caleb Allen; Almerin, who lived a long life on a farm in South Deerfield; Phila, who married Deacon Zebadiah Graves, of South Deerfield, and died; Emily, who became the second wife of Deacon Zebadiah Graves; Rhue, who matried Ebenezer Morton, of South Deerfield, Mass., a blacksmith and farmer; Chloe, who mar- ried Alvin Lawrence, a hotel keeper and one of the most prominent men in Deerfield; and Rhue, Eli Ito COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD and Almond, who all died at less than two years of age in 1795, 1797 and 1804, respectively. Caleb Allen Cooley was born in 1800, in South Deerfield, Mass. He was a farmer by occupation, and he died Sept. 29, 1845, in his native town. Although not of robust health, and dying young, Caleb A. Cooley was the most active man of his family. In politics he was an Abolitionist and Free Soiler, but did not take an active part in political matters. All his life he was a member of the Con- gregational Church. He was married (first) Nov. 8, 1832, to Selina Riddel, daughter of Rev. William Riddel, a Congregational churchman and a farmer. To this marriage were born two children: Eli, who married Harriet Dole, and died in 1899, at Man- teno, Ill.; and Lucy Selina, widow of a Mr. Shack- leford, residing in Fairfield, Clay Co., Neb. The second marriage of Caleb Allen Cooley was to Esther Porter Packard, daughter of Rev. Theophi- lus Packard, a Congregational minister of Shel- burne, Mass., and Mary (Tirrell’)) Packard, of Ab- ington, Mass. To this marriage were also born two children: William Henry, our subject; and Alfred Allen, a farmer of South Deerfield, Mass., who married Charlotte Clapp, of that place. The early education of William Henry Cooley was obtained in the conimon schools of South Deer- field, Mass., and later he attended a family school in Shelburne, Mass., conducted by a Mrs. Elizabeth Ware Packard. After completing his course at the latter school, he attended the academy of Con- way, Mass., and later the academy and high school at Deerfield, leaving school when twenty- two years of age. When only eleven years of age he began work on a farm, during the summer season, at thirty-three cents a week for the first year, and for the second year received fifty cents a week, thus early learning the value of money. At the age of twenty-three, in June, 1863, he entered the firm of W. & C. Smith, as bookkeeper, still con- tinuing with the house, when, upon the retirement of Chauncy Smith, the junior member, the firm name was changed to William Smith. In 1866 Mr. Cooley became a member of the firm, which was conducted under the title of William Smith & Co. until Dec. 1, 1881, when the style was changed to Smith & Cooley. The business of this house was the making of shoddies and flocks, although origi- nally the firm dealt in supplies, and from thirty-five to forty-five men were employed. At present the house confines itself almost exclusively to the buy- ing and selling of shoddies and flocks, and is one of the largest concerns in Stafford. In the financial life of Stafford Springs Mr. Cooley is an important figure, for not only is he a member of one of the leading business houses of that locality, and was for a number of years a director of the Savings Bank of Stafford Springs, but he controls a number of other interests, show- ing in the conduct of his affairs, and of the public ones intrusted to his care, unusual sagacity and keen foresight. He is a director of the First Na- tional Bank of Stafford Springs, of which he was one of the original incorporators, and is vice-presi- dent of the Stafford Springs Cemetery Associ- ation, of which he was also one of the original in- corporators. In politics Mr. Cooley is a stanch Republican, and has served on the board of burgesses for three terms. Being interested in school matters, he has served very faithfully on the school committee of Stafford, and in 1876 and 1877 represented the town of Stafford in the State Legislature, presenting bills calculated to improve the existing order of things and benefit the people of Stafford as well as the State at large. On Jan. 31, 1872, Mr. Cooley was married to Miss Helen Maria Smith, daughter of William Smith, of Stafford, and to this union have been born: Howard Ellis, born Nov. 28, 1875, died Feb. 8, 1895: Benjamin Packard, born Nov. ‘18, 1878, is associated with his father; Margaret Esther, born Dec. 25, 1882; and William Smith, born Nov. 1, 1888, died Nov. 25, 1897. The eldest of the family now living, Benjamin P., graduated from the high school of Stafford Springs in 1897, and then entered the Eastman Business College of Poughkeepsie, which institution his father attended in 1862-3; this young man has a very bright future and promises to follow in the footsteps of his father in business matters. In religious affairs Mr. Cooley has long been an attendant of the Congregational Church, and has always been very active in all of its work. For a number of years he was a member of the Ecclesi- astical Society, and is now, and has been for many years, a member of the Committee of Three. In all of the undertakings of the church he has given gen- erously of his means and time, and no deserving ob- ject or public improvement in the town lacks his hearty support. Fraternally Mr. Cooley is a mem- ber of Ionic Lodge, No. 110, F. & A. M., of which he was secretary for about twelve years. JOHN OTIS FOX. Pride of ancestry is surely one of the most justifiable weaknesses of humanity. To be able to trace an un-interrupted and long line of vigorous ancestors, who through each generation have been notable enough to have their deeds re- corded and lives remembered, and who have left as heritages to their descendants honorable names and inherited virtues, is an intense and lasting satisfac- tion to those so favored. These thoughts have come to the biographer in considering the ancestral life of John Otis Fox, the prominent and extensive wholesale and retail lunber dealer of Putnam, Windham Co., Conn., one of the city’s most substantial’ and progressive citizens. The early records of the Fox family reach very for back in the past, and tell of (I) Thomas Fox, who had probably been a resident of New England for some three or four years when, in 1638, he was COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD IIT made a freeman, at Cambridge, Mass., being at that time thirty years of age. It is said that his father was the distinguished Dr. Thomas Fox, of London, and a grandson of the author, John Fox. The prob- able cause of his leaving England was on account of religious persecution, as he was one of the Puritans, and in the reign of Charles the First little justice was given those of the new faith. Business difficul- ties could not be adjusted on account of this in- justice, and, like many others of the early settlers, he left a land of oppression for one in which he be- lieved. there would be no persecution. Thus Thomas Fox became one of the original proprietors of Cambridge, Mass., then called New- town. He was a man of great intelligence, judgment and energy, dealt largely in real estate, was many times executor and administrator of estates, was a member of the board of selectmen in 1658 and was repeatedly re-elected to the office. There is no doubt that he was a highly esteemed citizen and he is spoken of in the church records as a beloved brother. The name of his first wife is not known, as she probably passed away in England, but his second marriage was to Mrs. Ellen Green, the widow of Percival Green, who came to Boston in 1635, where he died Dec. 25, 1639. Mrs. Green had two children, namely, John and Elizabeth Green, both ot whom were baptized in infancy at Cambridge. El- len, the wife of Thomas Fox, died May 27, 1682, aged eighty-two years, death being the result of a fall in which she broke her thigh. On April 24, 1683, Thomas Fox, although now seventy years of age, was married a third time, espousing Elizabeth, the widow of Charles Chadwick, who died in 1685, aged seventy-one years. His last marriage was to Rebecca Wyeth, who surrounded his latter days with comfort and affection and survived him, he dying April 25, 1693, at the age of eighty-five years. (II) Rev. Jabez Fox, son of Thomas Fox, was born in Concord, Mass., about 1646-7, and died Feb. 28, 1702-3. Soon after his birth, his father moved with his family to Cambridge (Newtown), as we find that in 1652 he had already become a prominent citi- zen there. Rev. Jabez was educated at Cambridge and graduated therefrom in 1665. In 1678 he was invited ta serve one year as assistant of Rev. Mr. Carter, the first pastor of the Woburn Church, and Nov. 5, 1679, the parish voted him their minister for life. The town agreed on Nov. 10 to build him a dwelling house, 24 feet in length, 18 feet wide, 13 stud, a stack of three brick chimneys, a cellar under and a lean-to at the chimney end, and so finish the said house and give it to him. Three plans were carried out and the house was located on Pleasant street, near the present site of the Public Library. This gift-house from appreciative towns-people was occupied by Mr. Fox and his successors for a period of seventy-six years. It is evident that Rev. Jabez had the confidence and affection of his parishioners through life, although, as in the present day, the good | man was occasionally disturbed by his salary getting ' far in arrears. At one time about seventy pounds were thus due him, and a part of the amount was not paid his family until after his death. He died in the city of Boston, of small-pox, Feb. 26 (head- stone on grave says the 28th), 1702, but his burial was in Woburn, where still may be deciphered this inscription : Memento Fugit Mori Hora Here lyes ye body of ye Reverend Mr. Jabez Fox, Pastour of ye Church of Christ in Woburn 23 years, and aged 56 years deceased Feb ye 28th 1702-3. Rey. Jabez Fox married Judith Rayner, daughter of Rev. John Rayner, minister of Plymouth, Mass., and Dover, N. H. Their children all born at Wo- burn, were: John, born May 10, 1678; Thomas, Nov. 6, 1680, who died July 10, 1681; Thomas (2), Nov. 13, 1681; Jabez, Dec. 2, 1684; Judith, June 19, 1699, who died in 1703, of small-pox. The mother of these children married (second) Col. Jonathan Tyng, of Boston, who was formerly a member of the council of Sir Edmund Andros. Col. Tyng died Jan. 19, 1723, and his wite died June 5, 1736, and the inscription on her tombstone is as follows: “Flere lyes Buried ve Body of Mrs. Judith Tyng, wife to Col. Jonathan Tyng. Formerly wife to ye Rev’rd Mr. Jabez Fox, who died June 5th Anno Domini 1736 in ve 99 year of her age. A woman of most Exemplary virtue and piety. Rich in Grace. Ripe for Glory.” [Extracts from Ecclesiastical His- tory of Woburn, and from History of Middlesex county, Mass. ] (III) Jabez Fox, son of Rev. Jabez, was born Dec. 2, 1684, and married Hannah, daughter of Rev. George Burroughs, March 8, 1705. He was a mer- chant tailor and a manufacturer of woolen cloth and engaged in the business from the purchase of the wool until the fitted garments were completed. (IV) Thomas Fox, son of Jabez, was born in Boston, Mass., Dec. 7, 1706, and died in 1706. With his wife, Mercy, he removed to Woodstock, Conn., and became one of the first settlers in that place, establishing himself there in business as a manufacturer and dresser of cloth, the greater part of the work necessarily being done by hand. The spinning and weaving of the cloth were done by the women in their homes. Mr. Fox resided in a two- story red house which stood not far from Putnam Wolf cave, but was destroyed by fire in 1850. The children of Thomas Fox and Mercy were these: Hannah, born April 27, 1731; Thomas, Sept. 7, 1732: Maria, April 23, 1735; John, March to, 1737; Mary, March to, 1740; Jabez, May 6, 1745; Fanny, Nov. 17, 1749; and Rebecca, July 9, 1753. (V) Jobn Fox, son of Thomas, born March 10, 1737, who died probably in 1761, married Eleanor Lovett, who was born in 1740, and died Nov. 12, 1822. Family records mention her pleasing personal 112 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD appearance. Her children were two sons: John, born Aug. 7, 1758; and William, June 28, 1760. (VI) John Fox (2), son of John, and the great- grandfather of John Otis Fox, of Putnam, was born in Newburgh, N. Y., Aug. 7, 1758. The early death of his father, when John was but four years old, made it necessary for his mother to return to Wood- stock. An account of this necessary journey is very pathetic. The bereft widow shipped her household goods on a coasting vessel, and with her two infants started for her old home on foot, accomplishing the 100 miles in this way, only to find that the vessel containing her goods had been wrecked and all lost. In 1764 she became the wife of Nathaniel Clark and died as noted above. The History of Wood- stock records John Fox as one of the first patriots to answer the call for troops, and for some five years he gave the greater of his time to service in the Revolutionary army. After his return to Wood- stock, he married Priscilla Lyon, born Jan. 15, 1764, who died Sept. 19, 1829; he was town clerk and justice of the peace, and did the greater part of the legal writing in the community. His death took place Dec. 1, 1843. The children born to John and Priscilla Fox were the following: Perley, born March 11, 1782: William, May 1, 1783; Abial, Dec. 1, 1784; Waldo, Oct. 9, 1786; and Nehemiah, May 23, 1789. (VII) Capt. Abial Fox, son of John (2), was born in Woodstock, Dec. 1, 1784, and died in Pe- oria, Ill., April 25, 1834. In his early business life he kept a general store at Woodstock, but later re- moved to Providence, R. I., where he operated a popular public-house known as “Fox’s Tavern.” In the early days of Chicago Mr. Fox left home with a large amount of money, to invest in land, but he never returned and his family found reason to think he had been killed at Peoria. On Nov. 27, 1806, he married Judith Perry, born in 1784, who died Dec. 27, 1879. Their children were: Maria, born June 11, 1808; Nancy, Aug. 10, 1809; and John, July 5, 1817. (VIII) John Otis Fox, son of Capt. Abial and Judith Fox, was born in West Woodstock, where the family made their home after the death of the father. Young John was given educational advant- ages in the local schools and Nichols’ Academy, at Dudley, Mass., from which he subsequently gradu- ated. Before he had attained his majority he had formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, John P. Chamblin, in trade and in the manufacture of shoes, in Woodstock, Conn. The firm was very successful until the financial panic of 1837 which swept away not only the firm of Chamberlain & Fox, but many other business men and organizations of the town. In this failure was involved not only the patrimony but also the earnings of Mr. Fox, and a new start in life was the only course. Therefore, in 1840 he removed to Putnam, then a prosperous village, and was soon after appointed to take charge of the depot, and this connection was maintained for thirty years, as that was the headquarters for the marketing of the produce for the adjoining towns, shipping being made to Boston and Providence, with Mr. Fox as agent. For many years he kept the only livery stable in the town, and was the first individual to introduce one of the leading articles of commerce, finished lumber for building purposes, in 1858 establishing his lumber business. Mr. Fox was one of the leading and influential men of Put- nam, was foremost in every enterprise promising growth and development and was ever ready to serve in any local office, however inconvenient to himself, in which he believed he was needed. He held the office of selectman, highway commissioner and others, and was a man useful in almost any situation. In 1862 he was one of the original incor- porators of the Putnam Savings Bank, and became one of its first directors, serving in that capacity for a number of years. In the latter part of the sixties he was also made a director of the First National Bank of Putnam, and served in that capacity for several years. In al! his relations, whether of a public character or in connection with private business, his course was always characterized by the most absolute in- tegrity. A man of indomitable will and unbounded perseverance, in all things he acted consistently with his view of the subject, irrespective of opinion, even if with a majority against him. In politics he was a staunch Democrat, never offensive, yet always ready to defend his convictions. Self-reliant, ob- servant, a thinker and possessed of excellent judg- ment, his business career readily marked him as a successful man. Mr. Fox, in connection with his lumber interests, purchased a tract of land in Flori- da, which he devoted to orange culture; there, in that genial climate, he was accustomed to pass his winters, and each succeeding season found him look- ing forward with greater pleasure to his period of rest in the South. His death occurred in Florida, Feb. 11, 1889. A business enterprise of magnitude with which he was connected from 1886 to 1889, was the Putnam Cutlery Company, which he organ- ized with Col. G. D. Bates, and his interest in which he sold to the latter in 1889. The company was formed for the purpose of manufacturing patented knives of all description except table and pocket knives. A patented support to the blade, owned by this company, is very valuable, making breakage or pulling of the blade from the shank impossible. Mr. Fox became the first president of this company ‘and continued in that capacity during his associa- tion with it. Soon after locating in Putnam, Mr. Fox was made pastmaster and held the office until 1861. When he started into the lumber business, it was in a very small way, resigning his position as agent at that time in order to devote his attention to his new enterprise, and for two years he had John Gates Wooster as a partner. He belonged to no secret societies, and never changed his religious attendance COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 113 from the Congregational Church, in which he was reared. In 1848, Mr. Fox was married to Miss Eliza Phillips, who resided at West Woodstock. She died leaving two children,—John Otis, Jr., and Hat- tie, who was born June 23, 1866. (IX) John Otis Fox, son of John Otis, was born in Putnam, Conn., Dec. 22, 1862, in early youth be- came a pupil in the public schools, and later spent two terms at the Woodstock Academy, going from there to Eastmans Business College, at Poughkeep- sie, N? Y., where he remained until within one month of graduation, returning to his home in order to enter his father’s office. Mr. Fox was then but eighteen years of age and has continued in the lum- ber business ever since. He is widely known in the trade and sustains a reputation for integrity in deal- ing and progressiveness in method. The marriage of Mr. Fox took place Jan. 23, 1882, to Miss Addie Isabel White, a daughter of Ezekiel W. and Ellen (Olney) White, of Putnam, and five children have been born to this union, namely: Edith, born Aug. 7, 1886; John Otis, Jr., Dec. 30, 1889; Gladys, March 17, 1893; Hazel, Nov. 28, 1807, and Harold, a twin of Hazel. In political sentiment, Mr. Fox is a Democrat, but he has never sought office. He is a member of Put- nam Todge, No. 340, Royal Arcanum, of Putnam; of Quinebaug Lodge, No. 106, A. F. & A. M., of Putnam and of Putnam Lodge, No. 574, B. P. O. E. For the past two years he has been president of the Putnam Fair Corporation, a successful institu- tion of the town. HON. CHARLES F. MARTIN (deceased), for many vears a leading merchant of Elliott in the town of Pomfret, Windham county, was reared in an atmosphere of business. His father, Jasper Martin, was at first a grain speculator in Brooklyn and later a store keeper at Elliott. Born in Brook- lyn, Conn., Oct. 11, 1810, he spent many years of his life in that place. When a young man he purchased an extensive farm in the northwest corner of the town of Brooklyn, which, for a great many years, he managed with success. While living there he also made a business of buying grain from farmers, which he sold in the market with considerable profit, largely increasing his income. Later, through mis- placed confidence, he lost nearly all he possessed. He married Emeline S. Taylor, of Brooklyn, daugh- ter of Capt. Havilah Taylor, a well-known mason and contractor of that town. She still survives.- Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin. Edward T., now a carpenter of Westfield, Mass., married Mary Utley. Willie died young. Eme- Jine taught school for many years at Springfield, Mass., was for the rest of her life a principal in one of the first schools in that city, and died Sept. 29, 1900, in her fifty-ninth year. Frank L., now a police- man in Providence, R. £., married Juliette Atwood. , Jennie E. married Henry Chase, a school teacher ; ¢ 8 she died in Massachusetts. Alfred E., superinten- dent of waterworks at Springfield, Mass., married Eleanor Flagg. Charles F. is mentioned below. Late in life, in 1873, when Charles was sixteen years old, Mr. Martin moved to the rising station of Ellictt, where he erected and opened the first store. For a number of vears he conducted a profitable business, and, finally, a few years before his death, which occurred May 22, 1885, turned his business over to his son. He is buried in Brooklyn. Keenly interested in public affairs, Mr. Martin did much to promote education in Brooklyn. He also represented that town with marked credit for one term in the State Legislature. As an esteemed member of the Unitarian Church, and also as a man of genial manners he had many friends, especially in Brooklyn, where he got his start in life. Charles Fremont Martin was born in Breoklyn, March 3, 1857, and in the common schools of that town and in the high schools at Brooklyn and Put- nam obtained a thoroughly practical education. Up- on leaving school he entered the store of his father, where he soon became manager. oO 4 oe VA AC Let COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 117 about three years. On its purchase by Messrs. Fuller and Winchell it was equipped with cotton machinery—carding. spinning and warping—and was at once devoted to making warps for satinets. Willard and Halsey Fuller were both practical cot- ton spinners, and devoted their personal attention to the mill. Mr. Winchell, besides investing some capital, aided such work in construction and repairs as he was competent to do, at the same time doing considerable at his trade on his individual account, for various mills in Rockville and vicinity. On Feb. 28, 1832, he sold his interest to Halsey Fuller, and on July 4, 1832, in association with Alonzo Bailey, Christopher Burdick and Isaac L. Sanford, he purchased the property afterward known as the Springville Mill. This was one of the pioneer woolen industries of Rockville. its first mill having been nearly con- temporaneous with the first mill of the Rock Manu- facturing Company, and it is now difficult to decide which of the original mills of these companies was the earliest in its completion and in the commence- ment of its operations. The deed of Francis, Elna- than and Daniel F. Grant to Francis McLean, dated March 9, 1821, conveying land, a part of which became the site of the Rock Mills, refers to a dam to be erected. The deed of Francis Grant to Eras- tus McKinney and others, dated April 6, 1821, con- veying land on which the Springville Mills after- ward stood, speaks of a stone dam now erected. This dam, however, was not entirely completed, as appears from the phraseology of another deed, dat- ed five days later (April 11, 1821), which, referring to the same dam, speaks of it as now. erecting. There can be little doubt that these dams, separate from each other about half a mile, were both erected in the spring of 1821. There is much doubt as to which was first completed and first furnished water to a mill-wheel. A mill-wheel was at once erected, and from the beginning the plant was devoted to the manufacture of satinets. In 1826 it had become the property of Augustus Grant and Warren McKinney, the former (Grant) having a two-thirds, the latter, a one-third interest, the firm style being Grant & McKinney. On Aug. 21, 1826, Warren McKinney bought one- third of his partner’s interest, and on Aug. 3, 1827, the remainder of that interest, becoming sole pro- prietor. On March 20, 1832, he sold the property to David McKinney and Rufus S. Abbey. On July 4th, following, they sold to Alonzo Bailey, Chaun- cey Winchell, Christopher Burdick and Isaac L. Sanford. Alonzo Bailey at that time owned and operated the carding factory on Grant street. The record to that time of Chauncey Winchell has been given. Christopher Burdick had recently come to the village, and was employed at his trade as ma- chinist in the machine shop of the Rock Manufact- uring Co. Isaac L. Sanford was a practical woolen manufacturer. The business was conducted first as a partnership, under the style of the Springville Manufacturing Company, Alonzo Bailey being the responsible manager of the business, and Isaac L. Sanford the superintendent of the mill. Chauncey Winchell had not for several years, and Christopher Burdick had not at any time, an active connection with the business. The original mill, a small build- ing 30 feet long and 20 feet wide, having a base- ment of brick and two stories of wood, stood until 1886, when it was taken down and the present mill built, and after an existence of sixty-five years it was the only one remaining of the original mill structures of Rockville. In the spring of 1833, a single set of woolen machinery and five looms were in operation, mak- ing satinet. At the May session of the State Legis- lature in 1833. an Act of Incorporation was granted to the proprietors, the style of the firm being re- tained as the name of the company, and the capital authorized being $100,000. On Oct. 1, 1833, the individual proprietors conveyed their personal’ in- terest in the mill and other property to the Spring- ville Manufacturing Company, for the aggregate sum of $4,800, and on the 12th of the same month, the organization was completed by the election of its officers, Chauncey Winchell being elected president, and Alonzo Bailey agent and secretary. The salary of the latter was fixed for the first year at $1.25 per day and board. The capital stock was made $4,800, in twelve shares of $400 each. Alonzo Bailey sub- scribed four shares, Chauncey Winchell four shares, Christopher Burdick two shares, and Isaac L. San- ford two shares. The sticcess which attended tie early operations of the company may be inferred from the fact that for the first three years after the organization of the company dividends were de- clared—in January, 1835, $125 per share; in Janu- ary, 1836, $325 per share; and in January, 1837, $600 per share, an aggregate in three years of $1.050 per share, or 262 I-2 per cent. On Jan. 2, 1837, Isaac L. Sanford, who hac been superintendent of the mill to that time, sold his share of stock and retired from the company. In 1838 a new mill was erected, 84 feet long, 34 feet wide, basement stone, first story brick and two stories wood, and this mill was subsequently moved in the rear to give more room for the present mill now used by the Springville Mill Company. Alon- zo Bailey acted as agent and treasurer until Janu- ary, 1860, and had the responsibility of the manage- ment during the first half of the history of the com- pany, as has been stated. Chauncey Winchell had for several years no active relation to the business of the mill. Until 1844, he was employed in work at his trade, as a millwright, for which there had been considerable demand during the fifteen years of his residence in Rockville in consequence of the erection or enlargement of numerous mills in that village, and elsewhere in Vernon and the neighbor- ing towns. In 1844, he became superintendent of the Springville Mill, holding that office until 1849, and was succeeded in the office by his son Cyrus 118 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Winchell, who was born in Manchester, Conn., in 1821, and had entered the Springville Mill when a lad, receiving a training in the details of the woolen business which fitted him for effective service to the company in ditferent departments and capaci- ties, unnl he was placed in charge of the mill as superintendent in 1849. He held that position until 1856, when he went to Willimansett, Mass., to take charge of a woolen mill then belonging to Nelson Kingsbury, of Rockville, and afterward of Hart- ford. At the annual meeting of the Springville Manu- facturing Company, in 1860, Alonzo Bailey de- clined re-election as agent and treasurer, and on Jan. 25th, of that vear, sold all his shares of stock. At the same meeting Cyrus Winchell was elected agent and treasurer, and held both offices until the transfer of the property and franchise of the cor- poration to the Hockanum Company, which was made in January, 1886. Chauncey Winchell had no active relation to the immediate management of the business after 1849, but held the office of presi- den during its whole history of more than fifty-two years. In 1855 Mr. Winchell was a member of the first board of directors of the original bank in Rockville. On July 3, 1866, he was elected president of the Rockville National Bank, and held the office until Jan. 7, 1889. He lived to the age of ninety-four years, a remarkable instance of mental and physical vigor maintained for more than a score of years be- yond what is said to be the appointed limit of hu- man life, and for more than ten years ionger than the period said to be an exceptional attainment “by reason of strength.” He had a residence of nearly three-score years in the village, in which there were at the time of his death but few persons living who had preceded him in making it their home, and none of them so old as he had a record marked by such industry, ability and sound judgment in the manage- ment of his own affairs and those incumbent on him on account of his official position; by such in- tegrity in all business transactions, and such vir- tues in all personal, domestic and social relations, as secured to him in a high degree the affection and veneration of all with whom these various relations and interests identified him. Some biographical data regarding this remark- able citizen will be of interest. Chauncey Winchell was born Feb. 25, 1796, in Berlin, Conn., a son of Miles Cartiss and Lucy (Hollister) Winchell, who were born March 20, 1774, and May 6, 1774, re- spectively. Miles C. Winchell was a tinsmith by trade, and was a highly respected resident of Ber- lin, where he passed away June 10, 1844. His wife survived until Dec. 4, 1868, attaining the advanced age of ninety-four vears. Their remains rest at Berlin. They reared a large family, viz.: Willis, born Jan. 25, 1794, was a tinsmith by trade, and died Nov. 12, 1875, in New Britain, Conn.; Chauncey, who is mentioned extensively elsewhere in this sketch; Whiting, born Jan. 6, 1798, died:on Jan. 20, 1798; Albert, who was born Jan. 24, 1799, died at Eatonton, Ga., Feb. 29, 1888, having gone South when a young man, peddling tinware of New Eng- land manufacture, became a cotton planter and ex- tensive slave owner previous to the Civil war, and accumulated a large property; Orrin, born May 30, 1801, was a joiner by trade, and died Nov. 30, 1838, in Berlin; Ira, who was born on Nov. 13, 1803, lived in Berlin for years, and later in life went South and there met his death, the horse he was rid- ing running away while he was crossing the Cum- berland mountains, in Tennessee, and he was killed on the road, Feb. 15, 1871; James, who was born June 16, 1806, died in Arkansas at an advanced age; Lucy M., who was born Oct. 16, 1808, married Willis Bronson, and died in Amboy, IIl.; Eliza A., who was born Dec. 27, 1812, married Isaac L. San- ford, and died July 7, 1881, in Paris, Ky. (When a girl she worked in the mills at Rockville) ; Russell! H., born March 6,1817, was a mechanic, and died in February, 1857, in New Britain. Early in 1816, Chauncey Winchell married Miss Mary Vibberts, of Manchester, Conn., who was born May 5, 1797, in East Hartford, and they be- came the parents of children as follows: Mary Ann, who was born in December, 1816, in Man- chester, married Clark Holt, of Rockville, where she died on Aug. 15, 1887. Cyrus is mentioned else- where in this sketch. Chauncey and Clarissa (twins) were born in May, 1825, at Vernon, Conn. of the former, a resident of Rockville, see sketch elsewhere in this work; and the latter died in infan- cy. Harriet, who was born in September, 1832, died in Rockville, in September, 1853, unmarried. Albert, who was born in October, 1834, when a young man began as a clerk in Hartford, but later went to Great Barrington, Mass., where he was suc- cessful as a merchant, and is now one of the retired and most prominent citizens of that city ; he married Miss Carrie Crane, of Great Barrington, Mass. Revilo, who was born on March 22, 1837, resides in Rockville (see sketch elsewhere in this work). Louisa, who was born June 15, 1839, is the wife of Frank Grant (see his sketch elsewhere in this work), and makes her home in Rockville. The parents of this family were indeed a remarkable couple. They had a happy wedded life of seventv-one years, Mrs. Winchell passing away on Feb. 18, 1887, when al- most ninety, and Mr. Winchell on March 109, 1890, when past ninety-four. Their remains rest in Grove Hill cemetery. Though not a member of any church, Mr. Winchel! attended services and contributed liberally to the support of churches. His political support was given to the Whig, and later to the Republican party, but though he placed a high value on the privilege of voting, his interest in politics went no further, and he neither sought nor desired office. His first vote was cast in 1817, and it is said he never missed a Presidential elec- tion, voting for nineteen presidents. He was very COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 11g public-spirited, and contributed toward the erection of the Pilgrim monument at Plymouth, Mass. His was a busy, active life, his great strength enabling him to do a large amount of work, and he was always satisfied to find a hand who could do as much as he. During the sixty years and more of his residence in Rockville, he made‘his home on West Main street, and built the house where he died, at the corner of West Main and Orchard streets, as well as others in the vicinity. Cyrus Winchell is one of the very few old-time citizens left in Rockville, and of those residing there, seventy-three years ago, when he first came to the then small collection of houses, not one is left. Born Oct. 21, 1821, in Manchester, he was but eight years of age when his parents removed to Rockville, and there commenced his education in the common schools of the day, such as they were. Jn the winters of 1837 and 1838, he attended Wil- braham (Mass.) Academy, and in the spring of 1838, the then noted Connecticut Literary Institute, at Suffield, this course closing his schooling. Dur- ing vacations he worked at the mills, and was but twelve years old when he found employment in what was then Winchell & Fuller’s warp mill, standing up and feeding cotton on the apron at $1.50 per week, he to board himself. His training thus early begun, was thorough, and he became familiar with the details of the milling business from “a to z,” continuing his connection therewith for almost fifty years, for nearly thirty years as the head of the best known mills in Rockville. Soon after leaving school, Mr. Winchell. went into the Springville Mill, and worked his way up from the bottom of the ladder, early displaying business capacity of a high order. It was not long before he was recognized as a valuable man, and was but twenty-eight years of age when, in 1849, he became superintendent of the Springville Mill, succeeding his father. He continued in that posi- tion until! 1856, in which year he went to Williman- sett, Mass., and took charge of a satinet mill belong- ing to Nelson Kingsbury. There he remained until 1860, when he resumed his connection with the Springville Mill, continuing as related above, until 1886. Mr. Winchell has since lived a semi-retired life, the care of his extensive real estate holdings and other private interests serving, however, to oc- cupy much of his time, as he attends personally to all such maters. Though ever a busy man, he has found time for recreation and pleasure, and has traveled quite extensively in the United States. As one of the substantial, public-spirited citizens of Rockville, he has had the welfare of the town at heart, and has done much toward its development, and the improvement of its institutions. He was one of the incorporators of the People’s Savings Bank at Rockville, of which he has always been vice- president, and. is a director in the Rockville Na- tional Bank, having been one of the incorporators of this also, and was one of the incorporators of the Rockville Hotel Company, incorporated in rgot, with a capital stock of $40,000. Though he is in his eightv-second year, his mental faculties are unim- paired, and his judgment in commercial affairs, especially in real estate values, is'as sound and clear as in his more active years. He has always been slow to act, but firm in his convictions when once formed, outspoken, and not to be misunderstood. In manner he is simple and unassuming, without ostentation in any way. On March 11, 1845, Mr. Winchell was married in Stafford, Conn., to Miss Hester Ann Bumstead, a native of Monson, Mass., who was born Jan. 5, 1826, a daughter of Jeremiah and Edna (Pease) Bumstead, the former a native of Wilbraham, Mass., the latter of Enfield, Conn., where the Pease family were among the earliest settlers, and very numerous. One daughter blessed this union, Marv Edna, who was born March 16, 1851, and married Wilbur B. Foster, of Rockville, by whom she has three children: William J., Minnie W. and Harry D. Our subject has made his home on West Main street—with the exception of two or three years— ever since he came to Rockville. In 1895, Mr. and Mrs. Winchell celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding, surrounded by numerous friends and relatives. Mr. Winchell attributes much of his success in life to his fortunate selection of a life partner, and Mrs. Winchell fully shares his substantial triumphs. She is a member of the Un- ion Congregational Church. Mr. Winchell is a Chapter Mason, and a member of Fayette Lodge, A. F. & A. M., at Rockville. He cast his first vote in 1842, when one of the qualifications was the ownership of property, and his father accordingly deeded him the property where he now resides, our subject’ transferring it back to his father the next day. Though not a politician, Mr. Winchell has always been interested in the success of his party, uniting originally with the Whigs, and later with the Democrats. He has held minor town offices, and represented his town once in the State Legis- lature, but never sought political preferment. BROWN. There is now (1903) living in Put- nam, Windham county, the town’s eldest citizen, in the person of Hon. Hiram N. Brown, whose ltfe spans but ten years less than a century, and it has been a life, too, of good deeds, so that he is looked upon as Putnam’s “grand old man.”. Mr. Brown is the father of Hon. Charles Hathaway Brown, long a prominent citizen and business man of Putnam, of the hardware firm of Perry & Brown, and a former representative and senator, from the town and. district. ' Hiram N. Brown was born June 7, 1812, in New London, Conn., not far from the Waterford town line, a son of David and-Lydia (Stebbins) Brown, natives of the same locality. David Brown. was a grocery merchant for many years in New London, and a well-known citizen throughout that section of 120 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD country, being prominent as a Mason. He believed in the precepts of the Golden Rule and endeavored in his daily life to keep them before him as his guide. Late in hfe, owing to failing health, he sought an- other climate, removing to Utica, N. Y., where he died and was buried. His wife, who was a member of the M. E. Church in New London, was a good Christian woman and a devoted wife and mother. Her death occurred at the home of a daughter in Woodstock, Conn., where her remains rest. Ten children were born to this couple, as follows: Peter, the eldest, who died at Charleston, S. C.; Charies, who died at Utica, N. Y.; William, who died on Staten Island; Tsaac, who died in 1899, a resident of the State of Wisconsin; Sarah M.; Eliza, who married Jonah Gates and died in Woodstock, Conn. ; Hiram N.; Mary Ann, who died and was buried on Staten Island; George, who died in New Lon- don; and Emma Eunice, who married Benjamin Putnam and died in Woodstock. In childhood Hiram N. Brown attended a school taught by the then well-known master, Dow, in New London. At an early age be learned the tailor’s trade with Joshua Hamlinton, of New London, and in 1834 located at West Woodstock, Conn., where for twenty years he followed his trade. In 1854 he removed to Putnam, where, associated with An- drew Leavens, he opened a store for general mer- chandise. Two years later Mr. Brown withdrew and established the tailoring and clothing business m which he continued throughout the rest of his active business life, retiring therefrom in 1888 with a comfortable competence. While retired from busi- ness, Mr. Brown is by no means an idle man, for even at ninety he believes in being occupied, and when not busy in his garden he is active in other lines about the premises and in his home. He is a wonderfully well-preserved man for one of his years, is in possession of all of his faculties, almost unimpaired, and one would judge him to be a much younger man. At the age of twenty, and while vet at home, young Brown, along with a number of other boys of like age, formed a temperance society, which was one of the first organizations of its kind in the State. To its principles Mr. Brown has adhered throughout his long life and to the avoidance of stimulants and tobacco, along with food properly cooked, he attributes his longevity and good health. He has been a staunch advocate of temperance all his life and has done not a little toward the uplift- ing of those addicted to the habit of drink, and to the elevation of the morals of humanity. On re- moving to West Woodstock he was the means of bringing thither lecturers on temperance, paying them out of his own pocket. This resulted in a great temperance movement in which hundreds of men signed the pledge and led temperate lives. For many years, too, Mr. Brown was a worker in the church and Sunday-school of the several locali- ties in which he lived, being a teacher in the latter. Many years ago he united with the Congregational Church at Putnam. Mr. Brown’s political affiliations have been with both the Democratic and Republican parties, al- though a Republican continually since the organiza- tion cf that party in 1856, casting his first Republi- can vote for John C. Fremont, and his last for the lamented William McKinley. His first vote was cast for Andrew Jackson for President. While a resident of Woodstock, Mr. Brown, in 1853, rep- resented that town in the General Assembly of the State, and he has held every office in the town ex- cepting that of selectman. In Putnam also, he has been active and prominent in public affairs, and has held all of the local offices in the town. He served seven years as postmaster of Putnam, having been appointed after the election of Abraham Lin- coln as President. In fact Mr. Brown has been an all-round good and useful citizen. He has never been a member of any secret organization. He is truly a connecting link between the past and the present, being full of reminiscences, and recalls with vivid recollection early events of the nineteenth century, among them the visit of Gen. LaFayette to New London. : On Jan. 14, 1838, Mr. Brown was married at Dighton, Mass., to Harriet Hathaway, born Nov. 13, 1814, at Dighton, a daughter of Ebenezer Hath- away, and to the union came children as follows: Hertry Newton, born Jan. 30, 1839, in Woodstock, who married Delia Ann Fisher, and died Feb. 18, 1890, at Woonsocket, R. I., where he had been en- gaged in a wood and coal business; Charles Hath- away, born Oct. 21, 1842, in Woodstock, mentioned below ; Harriet Louise, born Jan. 20, 1848, who died June 29, 1854, in Putnam, and is buried there; Em- ma Adelphine, born Nov. 19, 1854, who married May 11, 1881, Elmer G. Tucker, of Worcester, Mass. The mother of these children died May 21, 1868, and Mr. Brown was married (second) at Pomfret, Conn., Aug. 11, 1869, to Maria S. Tucker of that town. The second Mrs. Brown was edu- cated in the schools of Pomfret and the New Britain Normal School. For some eight years she taught school in her home town and in Woodstock, and is now one of the valued teachers in the infant class of the Sunday-school of the Putnam Congregational Church. CuarLtes Hattaway Brown, son of Hiram N., was born Oct. 21, 1842, in West Woodstock, Conn., and removed with his father’s family in 1854 to Put- nam, where his later boyhood was passed and his preparation for business was received. In July, 1870, associated with I. W. Perry, the two established the present extensive business of the well-known hard- ware firm of Perrv & Brown, of Putnam. During this intervening third of a century, Mr. Brown has gradually but steadily come to the front until he is one of Putnam's most substantial business men and prominent citizens. He is of that type of men who have never sought public office, but public office has COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD sought him. In 1884 he was elected treasurer of the Putnam fire district, the duties of which he dis- charged and acceptably filled until 1896. Since the last named year, Mr. Brown has been the efficient treasurer of the citv of Putnam. In 1887 he was elected registrar of voters and each year since has been re-elected. In 1896 he was honored by his fel- low-townsmen with a seat in the General Assembly of the State, and in 1901 he became, by the suffrages of his district, the sixteenth, a member of the State Senate, in both bodies serving with intelligence and ability. In the House he was a member of the com- mittee on Banks and Banking. -Senator Brown is a member of the corportaion of the Putnam Savings Bank; is a director in and president of the First National Bank of Putnam: director in the Putnam Light and Power Company. On Sept. 1, 1866, Senator Brown was married to Caroline E. Spaulding, and to them have come three children, two of wwhom, Wilfred and Dell, are deceased. Harriet Hathaway, the third child, has been liberally educated, attending first the Putnam schools, later Wellesley College, Wellesley, Mass., graduating in 1897. She is 2 member of Elizabeth Porter Putnam Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. There have been several branches of different Brown families in New JI.ondon county, among them the posterity of Rev. Chad Brown, who, with his wife Elizabeth and son John, came to New Eng- land in the ship “Martin,” landing at Boston in 1638. Mr. Brown entertained religious and politi- cal sentiments in sympathy with Roger Williams, and went to reside with him at Providence, R. I. and rose to prominence in that plantation. He had studied theology before coming to New England, and in Providence became settled over the church there, following Roger Williams. James Brown, of Newport, R. I. in the fourth generation from Chad (through John and James), born in 1700, married Ann Noyes, born in 1704, and their son James re- moved to Norwich, Conn. A brother of James Brown, of the fourth generation from Chad, who was born in 1702, married Dorothy Noyes, a sister of Ann, the wife of James Brown, settled in Stoning- ton, Conn., and made that town his home through lite. These Noyes sisters were the daughters of Dr. James Noyes. Then another progenitor of the Browns in New London county was Thomas Brown, through his sons, Moses, John and Eleazer Brown, of Lynn, Mass.. all of whom removed in early life to Stonington, Conn., and were the ances- tors of the greater number of the Browns of Ston- ington. Henry Newton Browy, the eldest son of Hiram N. Brown, was born Jan. 30, 1839, in Woodstock, Conn., and secured his education in the public schools of Putnam and at Wilbraham Academy. Beginning his business life as a clerk in Putnam, he established himself in the dry-goods business, later confining himself through several years to a shoe business and still later operating a coal and wood business. After his removal to Rhode Island, he engaged extensively in a lumber business and died at Woonsocket, in that State, Feb. 18, 1890; he was interred in the Putnam cemetery. His political identification was with the Republican party. Mr. Brown was one of the leading and most useful mem- bers of the Congregational Church. His marriage to Delia Ann Fisher, Oct. 9, 1861, resulted in the birth of two children, namely: Edward, who died in Putnam; and Louise, who married Kendall Cas- tle, of Rochester, N. Y. Their two children are— Newton Brown and Kendall Brooks. Henry N. Brown was a member of the Masonic fraternity in Putnam. His standing as a man and citizen may be judged by an article which appeared in the columns of the Patriot, at Putnam, at the time of his decease. So well does it express the general feeling of friends, acquaintances and fellow-citizens, that the biographer gives the entire article, from the pen of Rev. C. S. Brooks, one who knew him well. Mr. Brooks says: “T very much regretted that it was impracticable for me to comply with the request to officiate at the funeral of Mr. H. Newton Brown. Since I was prevented from performing that office, allow me through the Patriot, to lay upon his casket my very affectionate and sad tribute of appreciation and respect. I found him when I came to Putnam, one of the positive, enterprising and aggressive men who had given the brave, growing town a type of its own, and a type both heroic and worthy it was. Mr. Brown was one of the prominent representatives of both the daring and the honor which composed the type. His aspiration, alertness, vivacity and enthu- siasm set him well toward the front of the pushing and courageous body of men that were fashioning this rising township. I question whether there was a single movement that looked toward the solid progress of the place which did not have his sym- pathy and alliance. And it is very much to take a community when everything is in the crude state, and. have faith in the future of it, and then to pro- ceed and plan and fashion that future. You say, now, that he is dead. But as you look about you, he lives and speaks in the fine facilities and ap- pointments which on so many sides make up this body public. “As a husband, father, son and brother, only they can tell adequately what he was whose desolation in this bereavement is unspeakable. He was a man, not merely with a fertile mind and active hand, but he was emphatically a man with a heart. A heart with the strength of a man and the tenderness and warmth of a woman, a heart such as God makes when He creates a whole man. We rejoice to sit in the light and heat of its gladness and glow, and wherever it goes, it carries summertime. May that circle of kindred who in expressible anguish will miss his genial presence and cheer, be compensated and upborne by the Almighty Father and Elder {22 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD est child of: Joseph, was born Feb. 1, 1714, in Brother. ‘My grace shall be sufficient for thee. | Pomfret, and married Elizabeth Garrett, Aug. 6, My strength shall be made perfect in weakness.’ One less at home— The charmed circle broken; a dear face Missed day by day from its accustomed place; But cleansed and saved and perfected by grace, One more in Heaven. One less at home— A sense of loss that meets us at the gate; Within, a place unfilled and desolate; And far away our coming to await, One more in Heaven. “As we pause reverently by his bier, we should take note, and take to heart, that he was pre-emi- nently a Christian man. Boldly and unswervingly he stood shoulder to shoulder with other citizens on the temperance issue in town when it was any- thing but a holiday matter to do it. Squarely and manfully he met the question. Religion was a part of his life. It was no cant with him, no conventional thing, nothing that he put on upon occasion; but he wore it as he wore his face. I have known scarcely any man who could speak on personal re- ligion with an un-Christian man more naturally, normally than he. Many is the man, I doubt not, who can recall the frank, manly words he has spoken to them about being a Christian. He had that tact and open heart that made him an apt servant of his Lord. He has won, I trust, in his wayside work gems for his crown which will make it resplendent in the day of Jesus Christ. He has been called in at noon, to lay down pen and sickle and assume, we trust, some of the high tasks of Heaven. As we gaze up after him through the parted heavens, in affectionate remembrance, may the gracious lessons of his life inspire us to prompt, devout and abundant labor for the same Lord.” TUCKER. The Tucker family, of which Mrs. Hiram N. Brown is a descendant, are old settlers of Pomfret. (I) Robert Tucker, the first of that name in America, was born at Weymouth, England, and came to the New World with the Rev. Dr. Hull, locating’ first at Weymouth, Mass., later at Glou- cester, where he held office, but still later he returned to Weyniouth and became there a man of affairs, dying at Milton, Mass., at the age of seventy-eight years, in 1682. He married Elizabeth Allen, and Joseph, their son born in 1645, was a member of the militia and was one of the organizers of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. (II) Benjamin Tucker was born in 1644 and married Ann, a daughter of Edward and Mary (Eliot) Payson, the latter being a sister of the Rev. John Eliot, the apostle of the Indians. Benjamin died Feb. 27, 1713-14, the father of eleven children. (III) Joseph Tucker, son of Benjamin, was born in 1686. He married and with his wife, Mar- garet, removed to Pomfret, Conn., where he died Sept. 11, 1753. His second marriage was to Mary Cole, Nov. 16, 1726. (IV) Joseph Tucker, the old- 1744. He took part in the expedition against the Indians. (V) Ephraim Tucker, son of Joseph and Elizabeth, was born May 12, 1745, and married Mehetable, daughter of David Chandler, of Pom- fret, May 4, 1767. They were the parents of seven children, of whom (VI) Ephraim, born Aug. 28, 1782, married Sarah Skinner, daughter of William Skinner, of Woodstock, born Aug. 27, 1782, who died Dec. 4, 1865. He died May 12, 1873. They had five children, namely: Maria, who married Daniel Chickering, of Spencer, Mass., and died Oct. 26, 1891; William Skinner and Susan Adeline, twins, born Feb. 12, 1813, of whom William mar- ried Lucretia. T. Wheeler, and Susan married Lucius Fitts: Lucius, born Oct. 16, 1816, who mar- ried Sarah Ann Phillips, of Plainfield, Conn., and died May 19, 1874. (VIL) William Skinner Tucker, father of Mrs. Hiram N. Brown, was born in Pomfret, Feb. 12, 1813, and became one of the town’s best-known citi- zens, spending his whole life in that place, and dying Sept. 24, 1897. He married Lucretia T. Wheeler, daughter of John Hancock and Sally (Hartshorne) Wheeler, the latter of whom died in Pomfret and was buried there by the side of her husband in the Salem cemetery. Mr. Tucker was a most estima- ple man and a good and representative citizen. His children were: Sarah Maria, born Nov. I1, 1&44, who married Hiram N. Brown; Emily C., born July 27, 1846, who married Andrew Gilbert Will- iams, of Pomfret, Dec. 4, 1867; Susan Adeline, born Nov. 8, 1857, residing in Pomfret; and Charles Green, born March 22, 1859, who resides at Pas- coag, Rhode Island. CYRIL JOHNSON. Among the prominent, successful and representative self-made men of Tol- land county, Conn., no one stands higher in the estimation of his fellow-citizens than Cyril John- son, of Stafford. The family originated in Scot- land, and through every generation has displayed those traits which have contributed to the success of the natives of that country in every locality or position in which they are found. Nathaniel Johnson was the great-grandfather of our subject. His first marriage is recorded to have occurred in Vernon, Conn., to Huldah Hammond, and after her death he married Martha Washburn, the daughter of Solomon, Sr., and Martha (Or- cutt) Washburn, of Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Ebenezer Johnson, a son of Nathaniel Johnson, was born in Stafford, Conn., April 9, 1759, and he died in his native place, April 2, 1817. His life was passed as an industrious and successful farmer, and he succeeded in rearing a large family which became connected by marriage with many of the oldest and most conspicuous families of New Eng- land. Ebenezer Johnson was married to Mary Ed- son, who was born June 22, 1767, and who died COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 123 Jan. 5, 1848. She was a daughter of Timothy and Lydia (Joy) Edson, and was a descendant in the fifth generation from Deacon Samuel Edson, who was born in England, in 1612, and resided in Salem, Mass., in 1638, removing then to Bridgewater, Mass. Here he was one of the first settlers and he owned the first mill and probably built it, and was a member of the council of war at this place during the King Philip outbreak. born to Ebenezer Johnson and wife were: Clarissa, born Feb. 7, 1785, married Joseph Gold, of Staf- ford, and died Jan. 10, 1864; Celia, born Sept. 23, 1787, died Dec. 7, 1787; Mary, born Oct. 26, 1788, married, July 11, 1811, Eli Howe, a carpenter (who was a son of Israel and Hannah (Washburn) Howe, born April 27, 1789, and died Aug. 27, 1840), and died Oct. 3, 1856; Cyril was the father of our subject; Marcia, born Nov. 20, 1793, mar- ried (first) Royal Ellis and (second) Osander Ed- son, and died Sept. 30, 1855; Salenda, born Dec. 29, 1798, married, Nov. 12, 1816, Capt. Warren Orcutt, a son of Stephen Orcutt, a soldier in the Revolution, had nine daughters, and died Feb. 26, 1885; Nathaniel, born Oct. 15, 1801, married Minerva Cady (born March 5, 1804, and died Jan. 20, 1871), and died on Aug. 20, 1872; Timothy Edson, born June 1, 1804, married, Oct. 3, 1838, Harriet Sprague, of Pittsfield, Mass., where he worked at his trade of machinist, and there died Sept. 5, 1884; Louisa, born Aug. 27, 1807, married, Feb. 26, 1835, to Lorin Russell McIntire, a car- penter “born Nov. 13, 1807, died May 29, 1876, aged sixty-eight years), and died Sept. 13, 1876; and Ebenezer Joy, born May 28, 1810, died May 10, 1837, at Lee, Mass., of consumption, leaving his widow, Nancy Maria (Backus) Johnson. Cyril Johnson, the father of our subject, was born in West Stafford, Conn., July 24, 1791, and he died at that place March 8, 1848. His first mar- riage was to Saloma Cady, daughter of Abner Cady, of Stafford, and to this union was born a daughter, Marcia Augusta, born July 20, 1820, in West Stafford, who married (first) Lewis Rock- well and (second) Mr. Keeney, of Manchester, Conn. On Nov. 30, 1826, Cyril Johnson married (second) Clarissa McKinney, a daughter of Will- iam and Olive (Fuller) McKinney, of West Staf- ford, born March 27, 1802; she died March 1, 1880, in Stafford. The children of this marriage were: William, born Aug. 29, 1827, in West Stafford, married Lenora Chaffee, daughter of Norman Chaffee, of South Wilbraham, Mass., and now car- ries on the trade of carpenter in Hampden, Mass. ; Mary, born July 20, 1820, in West Stafford, mar- ried Henry Pinney, of Ellington, Conn., and is now living in Stafford Springs, a widow; Cyril; Orpha, born May 20, 1834, married Oscar W. Sanford, of Stafford; Clarissa, born Aug. 22, 1836, married Goodwin Parkess, son of Lewis Parkess, of Staf- ford Springs: Joy Ebenezer, born June 23, 1838, who married Augusta Farley, and carried on the The children. carpenter's. trade in Hartford, was a lieutenant in Co. G, 34th N. Y. V. 1. and died Feb. 5, 1886 (his son, Lewis-E., is with our subject in the Central Woolen Co.’s office) : Henrietta, born Nov. 8, 1840, married Charles Smith, a son of Charles Smith, of Monson, Mass., and they now live in Hydeville, where he is a farmer and also carries on carpen- tering; Edwin, born Jan. 22, 1843, married Miss Martha Cheuey and (second) Nellie Brown, and now lives in Hartford, where he is a policeman; and Lucius, born Aug. 4, 1846, was a clerk in a mercantile company, and died in Stafford Springs at the age of thirty years, unmarried. Cyril Johnson, the father, was a carpenter by trade and built the home in West Stafford in 1823, living here all his life. For many years he followed the business of a civil engineer, doing the major portion of such work done in this section. He re- sided ona farm which he cultivated. In poli- tics he was a Democrat, and held a number of local offices, notably that of sheriff. Cyril Johnson, our subject, was born in West Stafford, Conn., Dec. 17, 1831, and his education was pursued exclusively in his native town. At the age of sixteen years he began his business career by accepting employment in the card room of what is now the Staffordville Woolen Company. After several years of service in that position he went in the same capacity to Fox's mill, in the same town, remaining with the latter company two years, returning then to the Staffordville Woolen Com- pany, being offered: by them an excellent positicn in the finishing department. His previous record with this company had been so excellent that they desired to obtain his services again, and for twelve years he worked in this mill, in the card and knap- ping departments. In 1861 Mr. Johnson went to the Phoenix Mill at Hydeville, where he was soon advanced to the position of foreman of the Jower room and finishing department. In 1870 Mr. John- son became superintendent and part owner in this mill; associated with him were Elijah Fairman, Daniel Fairman, Charles Holt, C. N. Gibbs, Charles Bard and Charles Ladd. After eleven vears of suc- cessful experience in the Phoenix Mill, Mr. John- son, in 1881, with E. C. Pinney, R. G. Beebe and Mrs. Rachael Harvev, organized the Riverside Woolen Company, at Stafford Hollow. Our sub- ject was elected president and agent of this com- pany in 1882, which positions he retained until Aug. 1, 1899. During the eighties the Riverside Wooien Company bought the Granite Mills property at Stafford Springs, and conducted same for a short time as a cotton mill. In 1888 the Central Woolen Company was organized by Mr. Johnson, Williant Corbin and M, A. Marcy. The Granite Mills prop- erty was transformed into a woolen mill, Mr. John- son becoming the agent, and some time later the president. In the latter capacity he succeeded Will- iam Corbin. There are no more desirable mill properties in 124 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD the Staftord district than those of the Central Woolen Company. Their stone and brick buildings are provided with modern machinery, and are thor- oughly equipped for the manufacture of high-grade kerseys, meltons, cassimeres, cloakings, coverts and other woolen fabrics. The product of these mills is widely and favorably known, and the success which has been attained is directly attributable to Mr. Johnson’s capable and intelligent management. In the re-organization of this company Mr. John- son’s advice and business sagacity have been of great value. In all public matters relating to his native town Mr. Johnson takes a very active interest, and has always been a very liberal promoter of every worthy object. However, he has resolutely refused to ac- cept. political honors, although an ardent member of the Home Market Club, of Boston, and a loyal de- fender of protection and Republican doctrines. Mr. Johnson is a director in the First National Bank of Stafford Springs, having held this position for a number of years, and in which institution he has been vice-president since Jan. 1, 1901. He is also a director of the Warren Woolen Company, of Stafford Springs. Mr. Johnson’s business interests outside of Stafford are varied and extensive. He is president of the Rock Manufacturing Company, of Rockville, Conn.; is sole owner of the Atlas Foundry and Machine Company, of Belleville, N. J.; and is an extensive owner in the Hardman Rubber Company, of the same place. On May 21, 1857, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Julia C. Pinney, who was born Dec. 30, 1834, daughter of Daniel and Azubah (Carpenter) Pin- ney, of Stafford. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are attend- ants upon the services of the Congregational Church, and are greatly interested in the Stafford public library, which building was presented to the library association by Mrs. Johnson. As has well been said of him, Mr. Johnson's peculiar genius in directing the policy of his mills has made him successful where others would have failed. During years of business depression his mills were the only ones in his vicinity which were not shut down for a protracted period, and during the entire hard times the wages of none of his em- ploves were towered, but were maintained as they were during the highly prosperous years of 1891 and 1892. His relations with his employes have always been of the most cordial character, and he possesses their sincere respect and affection. Al- though over seventy vears of age, he looks at least fifteen years younger. His genial manner, sympa- thetic nature, most generous disposition, frank and business-like methods make him universally es- teemed by all who have the privilege of his ac- quaintance. Especially is he beloved by many young men, to whom his guidance and_ assistance have been of lasting benefit. Mr. Johnson is in the truest sense of the word a self-made man, and his success in life is due to his energy, perseverance and pluck. Many whose opportunities have been far greater than Mr. John- son’s have failed, but his determination has been to succeed in life, and thus set an example for coming generations to follow, and he has surely attained that ambition. It can truthfully be said of him, that his success has not been equalled by any other in the town of Stafford. Mr. Johnson has been as- sisted in his life work to a considerable extent by his estimable wife, who has shown herself upon many occasions to be a very capable business wo- man, endowed with rare judgment. She has been most devoted to his interests, and many have been the instances where her counsel and advice have been sought. Their pleasant and hospitable home is located in Stafford Hollow, where they are sur- rounded by neighbors who esteem them at their proper value, and to whom they show. a much ap- preciated hospitality. COL. ANDREW MODOCK LITCHFIELD was descended from an old, distinguished family of Hampton, Windham county. Lawrence Litchfield, the first of his line to land in America, belonged to a military organization at Boston in 1640. In the year of his death, which occurred at Scituate, Mass., in 1650, he was a resi- dent of Barnstable, Mass. His wife, Judith (Allen), survived him, and later married William Peaks. The original Windham county Litchfield purchased land of the Indians and settled in Tac Nic Hill, in the town of Brooklyn. His homestead still remains in the family name. Uriah Litchfield, born May 24, 1766, came to Hampton in 1815 and settled on the farm now occu- pied by his great-grandson, Fred Litchfield. He died on his farm July 30, 1833, and is buried near his home. His wife, Sarah (Witter), born Sept. 12, 1767, died May &, 1843. They had seven chil- dren, as follows: Mary, born Sept. 17, 1789, died Mar. 4, 1793; Lucy, born Aug. 22, 1791, died Mar. It, 1793; Daniel, born June 21, 1793, died Sept. 8, 1862: Asa S., born Nov. 8, 1795, died June 15, 1860; John, born Nov. 18, 1798, died Dec. 15, 1883; Andrew Modock, the grandfather of Fred, is men- tioned later; Eleazer, born July 16, 180s, died Aug. 13, 1848. Col. Andrew Modock Litchfield, whose exten- sive business enterprises attracted wide attention. was a man of extraordinary talent and remarkable character. Born in Brooklyn, Conn., Oct. 28, r8or, he was but fourteen years of age when his parents moved to Hampton. Having a natural aptitude far mechanics, he, after acquiring a good common school education, engaged in several mechanical trades, among them that of wheel-wright. This beginning opened the way to something better, the lumber business. A great deal of the lumber used in Danielson, Conn., at that time passed through Col. Litchfield’s hands; he also furnished timber for the Wauregan dam. He made so much money COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 125 that he afterward enlarged the business till he owned and operated a saw, shingle, clover and grist mill in Hampton, employing at one time a iarger number of men than any other man in that town. With large financial returns.to himself and with great benefit to his employes Col. Litchfield con- tinued his business for over fifty years. He then sold out and turned his attention to agriculture. At one time he possessed over 500 acres, being the largest landowner in the town of Hampton; but he later sold all but 125 acres which he retained for his farm and finally left to his heirs. Having amassed considerable wealth he spent the last fif- teen years of his long, useful life in leisure. Col. Litchfield had an iron constitution, was seldom ill, and retained his youthfulness to the last. After three-score and ten he could do a good day’s work and, gifted with his second sight, he could read fine print without glasses. He was exceedingly well-read, and possessed a remarkable memory. His death, from la grippe, occurred Feb. 14, 1890, in his eighty-ninth vear; he is buried in the ceme- tery a few rods from his home. He was married to Caroline Fuller, of Hampton, daughter of Isaac and Rebecca (Dixon) Fuller. Mrs. Col. Litchfield was a thoroughly charming woman, with a host of friends who made her most ‘hospital home their favorite resort. She died Dec. 25, 1882, at the age of seventy-four. Col. and Mrs. Litchfield had four children, all of whom retained through life high social positions: (1) Isaac F., born May 24, 1831, who now resides in Wisconsin, was for many years a real estate dealer in St. Paul, Minn. (2) Nancy D., born June 21, 1833, married Alphonso Church, a druggist; she died in Provi- dence, R. I., the mother of three children, Caroline. Edward and Gordon W. B. (3) Uriah, the father of Fred, is mentioned below. (4) Caroline R., born Jan. 19, 1838, now a resident of Naugatuck, Conn., married Rev. George Soule, a Congrega- tional minister, who was born Oct. 12, 1823, and who died Oct. 4, 1867; they had three children: Sherrod (a Congregational minister at Nauga- tuck), George (a traveling salesman) and Mary. Col. Litchfield was a man of decided political convictions. At first he was a Jeffersonian Demo- crat, then a Know Nothing, and later a Whig, but finally, when the Republican party was formed, he cast his ballot in support of its principles. He was exceedingly prominent in public affairs, holding the various town offices in succession till he had filled them all. He officiated as justice of the peace till age exempted him from duty, and for one term he very efficiently represented Hampton in the State Legislature. But it was in military affairs that his popularity excelled, and in the Connecticut State Militia, he held seven different commissions rang- ing over a period of seventeen vears. The dates and signatures of his various ranks are as follows: Sergeant, 1st Company, 5th Regiment, Sept. 2, 1824—signed: Erastus Lester ; Lieutenant, Gren- adier Company, 5th Regiment, May 15, 1826— signed: Oliver Wolcott; Captain, 5th Regiment, Sept. 18, 1826—signed: Gideon Tomlinson; Ad- jutant, 3d Regiment, Aug. 28, 1831—signed: Col. Chauncy Cleveland; Adjutant, 5th Regiment, Sept. 1, 1836—signed: William L. Jillson; Ma- jor, 5th Regiment, April 20, 1838—signed: Will- iam W. Ellsworth; Licutenant-Colonel, 5th Regi- ment, May 12, 1841—signed: William W. Ells- worth. He resigned as Lieutenant-Colonel June 2, 1842. As a military officer Col. Litchfield had an ad- murable presence. He was five feet, ten inches in height, weighed over 200 pounds, and had a power- ful voice. With the boys and with the community at large he was exceedingly popular owing to his genia! disposition and his ready generosity in aiding many a struggling young man over difficult places in life. As a consistent inember of the Congrega- tional Church he also commanded esteem, and to the cause of religion he contributed liberally. He held a phenomenal place in the hearts of all who knew him. Urtan Litcneriero, in whose short life two characteristics—unflinching patriotism and rare practicability—made him a citizen of rare promise, was born at the Litchfield homestead in Hampton, March 12, 1836. He received his education in the common schools of his town, and in a select school at Warren, Conn. Having mechanical tastes he early rented a shop and hired a man to teach him the blacksiuith’s trade, which for several years he carried on profitably in Hampton. He then moved to Baltic, Conn., remaining there till 1860 when he returned to Hampton. In early manhood Mr. Litchfield married Dian- tha C. Fuller, of Hampton, daughter of Philander and Marv (Church) Fuller. Mrs. Uriah Litch- field survived her husband and later married Archi- bald H. Stewart, by whom she has one child, Ar- chie T., bookkeeper for the New England Tele- graph and Telephone Co., at Portland, Maine; Mrs. Stewart now resides in Chaplin, Conn. By her Mr. Litchfield had two children: (1) Fred is mentioned below; (2) Andrew M., born Dec. 4, 1860, who married Lucy Andrews, and had three children: Helen A., born June 30, 1884; Edith I., born July 24, 1887; and Ray, Oct. 19, 1889, died Dec. 22, 18809. Andrew M. Litchfield received his schooling in the common schools of Willimantic and South Cov- entry, and he completed the grammar-school course in New York City, where his mother moved after her second marriage. He entered the employ of the New York firm of Schuyler, Hartley & Gra- ham, Maiden Lane, when sixteen years of age, and after five years began traveling for them as sales- man, continuing this work for twelve years. On Jan. 1, 1894, Mr. Litchfield became the treasurer of the T. P. Davis Arms Company, wholesale deal- ers in fire arms, ammunition, fishing tackle and 126 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD sporting goods. He retained this position until Jan. 1, 1901. In March, 1901, he purchased the gen- eral store of Edgar S. Lincoln, of Chaplin, Conn., which town he is also serving now as postmaster. Mr. Litchfield is a Republican and has always been interested in his party. He has been quite success- Jul, and has made his own position in the world. Soon after Uriah Litchfield’s return to Hamp- ton the Civil war broke out, and in August, 1861, he enlisted in Co. F, 8th C. V. L., for three years’ service. His regiment was stationed in the hardest of all places—the Virginia battle ground—and par- ticipated in many great battles, including Freder- icksburg, Antietam and others. Mr. Litchfield was usually detailed as ambulance driver, or to boat service on the Potomac river. In October, 1863, he fell ill and was sent home. He grew steadily worse until Feb. 14, 1864, when he died in his twenty-eighth year. He is buried near the Litch- field homestead. For over two years he served his country heroically, and his unstinted services would not even then have been withheld, could his consti- tution have prevailed against its odds. He won not only the esteem of his townsmen, but of those who knew his life history. : Frep LitcHric_p, a respected farmer of Hamp- ton, born in that town, March 4, 1859, was but five years old when his father died. He was not, how- ever, denied tender nurture. feared in the home of Col. Litchfield, he remained under the careful oversight of that benevolent gentleman till he was twenty years old, receiving a good common school education. He acquired considerable knowledge of agriculture, and having inherited mechanical tastes, for a life work he turned to farming, or to some kind of handicraft. His first position was in the sawnill of J. B. Hamlin. He proved himself a skillful workman, and remained with his employer some time, working for him in Hampton, Oneco, and Brooklyn, Conn. He finally withdrew from the sawmill business, and engaged as foreman of a farm in Pomfret, owned by Dr. Seth Rogers. At the expiration of a year, however, he returned to mechanical work, taking a position this time in the road machine shop of George W. Taft, in Pom- fret, where he remained over two years. He has since applied himself assiduously to the cultivation -of the soil, being engaged for one year on a rented farm at Springfield, L. I., then, till 1890, being manager of the P. W. Turner farm, at Turner- ville, Conn. As about this time Mr. Litchfield’s grandfather died leaving him a share of the home place, he purchased the other heirs’ interests, and now owns the magnificent old Litchfield homestead, comprising the whole of the original 125 acres, where he resides, extensively engaged in general agriculture and a profitable dairy business. In January, 1879, Fred Litchfield was united in marriage with Mary E. Botham, who was born in Woodstock, Conn., Feb. 28, 1861, one of the eleven children—cight sons and three daughters—of Ed- win F. and Medelia (Holbrook) Botham, farming people of Hampton, whither they removed when Mrs. Litchfield was quite voung. Delia Cleveland, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Litchfield, born Dec. 25, 1879, was an exceptionally bright pupil, as, although having practically no school privileges until the age of ten, she taught in Hampton when she was sixteen, and later in two years completed a three years’ State Normal School course, at Willi- mantic, graduating in June, 1899; she has since taught school in Hampton, Bolton, Stepney Depot, in the town of Monroe, and in the grammar grade at Sterling, Connecticut. : Mr. Litchfield is a progressive farmer who takes a hand in everything that may be going on, and is strengthened in his position by the sympathetic: interest of his wife and daughter. All three affili- ate with Little River Grange, No. 36, of Hampton, . and also with Pomona Grange. In 1895 Mrs. Litchfield took the degree of Ceres in the National. Grange, which met at Worcester, Mass. In poli- tics Mr. Litchfield is a Republican, and one never recreant to his duty. He has served as grand jur- or, has been a member of the school committee, and is now the highly esteemed justice of the peace. He is well-known, has hosts of friends, and his influence counts for a great deal in the town of. Hampton. HON. EDWARD STEVENS HENRY, an agriculturist of Rockville, who for years has been in public life, and at this time is a representative in Congress, is one of the well known men in public life in New England, and the product of an ancestry coming from the Connecticut Valley, Massa- chusetts. Congressman Henry is in the sixth generation from (J) David Henry, a native of Ayrshire, Scot- land, who took part in the battle of the Boyne under the colors of William of Orange, and after peace had been declared, settled near Coleraine, in the North of Ireland, on a grant of land given him by the King, land that had been confiscated. From him the Jine of Mr. Henry’s descent is through Hugh, Benjamin, David and Edward F. Henry. (II) Hugh Henry, son of David, was one of an organized colony who immigrated to this country from the North of Ireland in 1733, and settled in- what was then Boston township No. 2, Franklin Co., Mass. In the early records of that township, which was renamed Colerain in 1743, the name of Hugh Henry is frequently mentioned in connection: with public affairs, showing that he was a man of. intelligence, business ability and force of character. _ (IIT) Benjamin Henry, son of Hugh, the im- migrant, was a man of intelligence and great useful- ness in the community in which he resided. He. was a soldier in the French and Indian wars, serving under General Israel Putnam, being a member of the famous “Rogers Rangers,” recruited directly for the King’s service. He was one of the forlorn hope COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD» 127 in the assault upon Fort Ticonderoga. He was one of the first settlers of Halifax, Windham Co., Vt., where he was long in public life, serving for thirty years as a justice and for seventeen years as a rep- resentative in the State Legislature, twelve years of that period covering 1789-1801. He was lieutenant in the militia company from Halifax, and saw ser- vice in the Revolutionary war; he was at the battle of Bennington, together with his brother James, who was shortly after killed at the battle of Still- watel. (IV) David Henry (2) and Edward Fish Henry, grandfather and father respectively, of Edward S., were farmers and men of standing and usefulness. in their communities. David Henry was one of the carly settlers of the town of Heath, Mass., and lived through a long lifetime greatly esteemed and re- spected, dying at the age of eighty-five years. He married Prudence Fish, of Mystic, Conn., who was born in 1776, and died in 1853, in Heath, Mass. Their family consisted of fourteen children, thirteen of whom lived to maturity, and the only survivor at the present time of writing (December, 1902) is Catherine, widow of Edward Tucker, of Heath, Mass. She was born Dec. 25, 1804. (V) Edward Fish Henry was born Oct. 23, 1801, at Heath, and leaving that place when a young man, located in Gill, Franklin county, near Turner’s Falls. He taught school for many years, and was highly successful in that profession, but the prin- cipal business of his life was farming. His name appears in different public relations on the records of Gill, as selectman in 1837. He married Eliza A. Stevens, who was born Aug. 22, 1806, daughter of Simon Stevens, M. D., of Guilford, Vt., and to this union came six children as follows: Edward S.; Abby E. and Esther, both unmarried, who live in Hartford; Catherine, Mrs. Herbert Gough, of Worcester, Mass., who has one daughter, May L.,’the wife of Walter Brown, of Worcester; Charles, who died in infancy; and Mattie F., Mrs. Nathan F. Peck, of Hartford. In 1849 the parents removed to Rockville, Tolland Co., Conn., locating on West Main street. The father died in 1874, the mother in 1882. Mr. Henry was a Whig and subsequently a Republican in political faith. (VI) Edward Stevens Henry, son of Edward Fish and Eliza A. (Stevens) Henry, was born Feb. 10, 1836, at Gill, Mass., the eldest of the family. His education was for the most part received under the instruction of his father, and for a time after the removal of the family to Rockville he attended the Jocal public schools. During his early manhood he clerked in a dry-goods store in Hartford and in a general store in Rockville. Possessed of a good mind and talent, and trained as became one of such a sturdy New England ancestry, he began at the age of nineteen a business career which was de- stined to bring him success, prove useful to the community, to the State and to the Nation, and be a credit and honor to himself and to his posterity. A man of high sense of honor, character and in- tegrity, Mr. Henry early in life established himself in the confidence of the people, and, being a man of the people, grew in popularity, and as the years passed forged his way to the front, becoming one of the leading factors in business in the great man- ufacturing center of Rockville. The store in which he started business for himself was on West Main street, Rockville, and he has been active in business life ever since. He has been prominent in found- ing and promoting several of the financial institu- tions of the city; was one of the organizers of the People’s Savings Bank, in 1870, and for thirty years its managing officer; was one of the promoters of the First National Bank, and is still one of its directors. Mr. Henry from young manhood has been untiring in his efforts to advance the business interests of Rockville and the welfare of its citizens, and has done much to promote the growth of the city. A conspicuous moment to his enterprise and public spirit 1s the large and elegant Henry block and Opera House, one of the finest business blocks of the city. He is the owner of a fine stock farm at Spring Hill, located about one and one-half miles south of Rockville, on which is a herd of Jersey Cattle, representing many of the most valuable strains of Jersey blood. Mr. Henry carly became interested in public af- fairs. He cast his first presidential vote for Abra- ham Lincoln, and has ever since been an active and zealous Republican. A man of tact, ability and in- tegrity, he was soon taken up by his fellow citi- zens, who have many times honored him by elec- tion to public trusts of high calling and responsibil- ity, and he in turn has as often reflected credit and honor on his community and State by the ad- mirable manner in which the duties of those trusts have been discharged. For fifteen years Mr. Henry served as a trial justice of Rockville. In 1882 he was elected to the State Legislature, and in 1887-88 he represented the Twenty-third district in the State Senate. In 1888 he was a delegate-at-large to the Republican national convention at Chicago that nominated for the Presidency Hon. Benjamin Har- rison, of Indiana. The same year Mr. Henry was nominated and elected State treasurer. As an evi- dence of the admirable manner in which he con- ducted this important branch of the State service we quote from an editorial of the Hartford Courant written at the close of his first term: “His administration of the treasury has been admirable, and he has had to work under the dis- advantage of new laws and new circumstances. He has so managed these that he has been able to. get rid of the State tax altogether, and, with no added burden on the people, to save them say half a mil- lion dollars a year in direct taxes. He is a useful part of the machinery of taxation established by the last Legislature, and by reason of his experience can carry on the department at this time better than an equally good man could to whom the position 128 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD was new. Hence for business reasons his renomina- tion seems advisable, to say nothing of his personal strength as a candidate on the ticket; the conven- tion will nominate a strong and successful ticket, and do it without discord or dissension; and if Mr. Henry is renominated for treasurer the State will be sure of a capable and economical manage- ment of its finances for the next two years.” Suffice it to say that Mr. Henry was re-nomi- nated and re-elected, and that he instituted a num- ber of reforms in the workings of the department, which were of benefit. In 1892 Treasurer Henry was nominated by his party for Congressman from the first district, but met defeat in the elction which tollowed, as did the national ticket and other Re- publican Congressional candidates in Connecticut in the Democratic landslide of that year. In re- ferring to the nomination of Mr. Henry, a Connec- ticut paper said: “The Republican Congressional Convention on Saturday merely responded to popular feeling and expectation in the party when it nominated E. Stevens Henry by acclamation. His unquestioned fitness for the place and his personal popularity make him as strong a candidate as could be elected, and he has the advantage of an exceptional record as treasurer of the State for the past four years. In that time the State obligations were due, on which there was an option of payment, and the revenues have been largely increased. In the peculiar com- plications arising from the failure of the Democratic Senate to co-operate in electing State officers, Mr. Henry's firmness and sound judgment have been re- peatedly exemplified, and have strengthened the claim of the confidence of the people which he had established during a long course of service in both branches of the Legislature, and in the several financial institutions with which he has been con- nected. No better ‘or stronger candidate can be found in either party, and with his record victory should be assured.” — In 1890 Rockville adopted a city charter. Mr. Henry was elected the city’s third mayor, and served as such in 1894 and 1895. In 1894 he was the suc- cessful candidate of the Republican party for Con- gress from the first Congressional district, and was elected by a plurality of 5,207 in the district, leading the ticket by over 700. Again in 1896 he was re- turned to that body, receiving at the election a plu- rality of 16,764. In 1898, 1900 and 1902 Mr. Henry was unanimously re-nominated and elected to the Fifty-fifth, Fifty-seventh and Fifty-Eighth Con- gresses, uniformly receiving large majorities. Mr. Henry has been a member of the House committee on Agriculture during his entire term of service, heing, next to the chairman, the ranking member. In that capacity he introduced and re- ported the Oleomargarine and Renovated Butter Law, known as the Henry Bill, and after a hotly contested struggle consuming seven full legislative days in the House of Representatives and several days in the Senate, this bill was enacted into law, receiving President Roosevelt's signature May 9, 1902. Mr. Henry has been influential in securing the appropriation for irrigation, forestry, soil surveys and other scientific work under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture. He has been much in- terested in the introduction and extension of shade grown tobacco in the Connecticut valley. He has at all times given close attention to all questions of public interest. He has done excellent service both in the House and out of it, and is recognized as a stalwart Republican and one of the hard work- ing members of Congress. He is sound on all issues of the day, is a protective tariff man, and maintains that the United States should hold to the gold standard and an honest dollar. Mr. Henry’s popularity is not a matter of surprise to those who have had opportunity of knowing how earnest and conscientious a worker he is in the in- terests of his constituency. All matters, large or small, receive his careful attention, and the affairs of the large manufacturing concern are given no precedence over the claim of the humblest soldier, fair treatment to all being one of Mr. Henry’s mottoes. Unostentatious in bearing, always ap- proachable, it is doubtful if Connecticut has a more generally popular representative than E. S. Henry. In his private life he is likewise a man of irre- proachable character, kind sympathies and liberal views. He is a member of the Connecticut Society, Sons of the American Revolution, of the Connecticut Historical Society and of the Masonic Fratern- ity, affiliating with Fayette Lodge, F. & A. M.,, and Adoniram Chapter and Council. On Feb. 11, 1860, Mr. Henry was married to Miss Lucina E. Dewey, who was born Jan. 26, 1832, at Lebanon, Conn., daughter of Silas and Sally Ann Palmer (Brown) Dewey. To them was born in 1868 a daughter, Maude, who died in 1875. They have an adopted daughter, Lenore, a niece of Mrs. Henry, daughter of E. B. and Frances M. (Dewey) Andrew. She is a member of Sabra Trumbuli Chapter D. A. R., of Rockville. Mrs. Lucina E. (Dewey) Henry is a descendant in the eighth generation from Thomas Dewey, who immigrated to America from Sandwich, Kent, Eng- land, as one of the early settlers under Gov. Winth- rop and Rev. John Warham, and was at Dorchester, Mass., as early as 1633. The line of Mrs. Henry’s descent is through Josiah, of Northampton and Westfield; Josiah (2), a farmer of Westfield until about 1596, then one of the first settlers of Leb- anon; Hon. Asahel, surveyor and legislator of I.eb- anon; and Silas Dewey. The latter was born in 1801 at Lebanon, married in 1828 at Groton, Conn., Sally Ann Brown, daughter of David Palmer and Fanny Eldredge (Chadwick) Palmer. He died at Lebanon in 1836, and his widow, who was born in COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 129 1807, at Groton, Conn., passed away in 1893 at Rockville, aged eighty-six. Admiral George Dewey, the hero of Manila Bay, is a descendant of Josiah, son of Thomas Dewey, the emigrant. GEN. EUGENE STOWELL BOSS is widely known in Willimantic, Windham county, and throughout the State as an upright, able and hon- orable citizen, and his personal acquaintance in- cludes many prominent characters in Connecticut and New England. His long connection with the manufacturing business of Willimantic and his activity in political matters have given him a wide circle of contact with the life and thought of the day, and the more intimately he is known the more impressive become his high standards, integrity and ability. General Boss is a Willimantic product in the truest sense, and with nearly forty-five years’ con- nection with the leading industry of the city, the Willimantic Linen Co., he has become prominent in that line throughout New England. Eugene Stowell Boss was born on Bridge street, in Willimantic, Jan. 13, 1842. He received his schooling in his native town, where he attended in what was known as the Upper District. In the summer of 1858 was begun his connection with the Willimantic Linen Co., which had been established a few. years previous. His first work was in the finishing department, and ever since that time, with the exception of the five years in which he was employed in the service of the same company in New York, his residence has been in Willimantic. Positions of great responsibility have been filled bv him in every department of this extensive con- cern, and for some twenty years he has been resi- dent agent of the company, at the same time filling other and responsible positions. In politics Gen. Boss is a Republican, and for years has taken a leading part in the affairs of that party in the State. In 1877 he represented the town of Windham in the General Assembly, and again in 1891; in 1882 and 1883 he was a member of the State Senate; in 1880 he cast a vote for Gen. Garfield as president, having been elected one of the Presidential Electors of Connecticut; more re- cently he was Commissary General of the State, on the staff of Gov. Morgan P. Bulkeley; and he was a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1902. Gen. Boss was the first president of the Citizens’ Gas Light Co., of Willimantic, and for some time was president of the Willimantic Elec- tric Light Co. For several years he was president of the Willimantic Fair Association; since 1884 has been the president of the Hall & Bill Printing Co.; he is a director in the American Thread Co. ; and a member of the advisory board and manager of the Willimantic Mills, also being secretary and treasurer of the National Thread Co. and the Glas- go Thread Company. Fraternally Gen. Boss is a Masen, being affiliated with Eastern Star Lodge, 9 No. 44, F. & A. M., at Willimantic, where he is known as a genial and hospitable gentleman, of a strong and positive nature, “who never forgets his friends, or his enemies.” ’ On May 17, 1866, in New Haven, Conn., Mr. Boss was married to Miss Arabella Alpaugh, who was born in Little York, N. J., Dec. 15, 1842, a daughter of George V. and Jane (Duckworth) Alpaugh. Four children blessed this union, as fol- lows: Austin Dunham married Fanny Locke Hathaway, and lives in Willimantic; Estella A. died in childhood; Helen is at home; and Harry E. died at the age of sixteen years. WADSWORTH. The Wadsworth family, of Ellington, Tolland county, in times past was repre- sented by successful and prominent citizens, but all of the name have passed from the locality with one exception, Mrs. Elizabeth Barber, the widow of the late Edward Wolcott Barber. The first Wadsworth who located in Ellington was Captain Ichabod Wadsworth, who descended from (1) Christopher Wadsworth, whom, it is sup~ posed, landed at Duxbury, Mass., Sept. 15, 1632, and who passed his whole after life in that town. His position was one of prominence, with other veteran pilgrims, Miles Standish, Elder Brewster and John Alden; he was the first constable of the town and repeatedly held the office of deputy, select- man and surveyor. His will is dated July 31, 1677. His wife was named Grace, and they had these chil- dren: Joseph and John, who died in Duxbury; Capt. Samuel, who removed to Milton and was killed while fighting the Indians; and Mary. (II) John Wadsworth, of Duxbury, was born in 1638 and died in 1700, on the old homestead of his father, Christopher; for many years he was 4 deacon in the church, and married Abigail An- drews in 1667, rearing these children: Mary, Abi- gail, John, Christopher, Ichabod, Isaac, Lydia, Sarah, Grace, Hopestill and Mercy. (III) John, son of John, was born in 1671 and died in 1750; he first married Mercy Wiswell in 1704, who died in 1716, at the age of thirty-six, and then married Mary Verdie in 1718, the children resulting being John, Uriah, Dorothy, Ichabod, Peleg and Mary. (IV) Ichabod Wadsworth was born in Duxbury in 1712, and died in 1771, and from his marriage with Annie Hart were born these children: Rhoda, Laura, Ichabod, Luke, Alpheus, Selah and Anna. (V) Captain Ichabod Wadsworth was born May 20, 1741, and came to Ellington when a mere boy, and according to the custom of the time was “put out” toa Mr. John Bingham, until he was six- teen years old, and earned his first shilling by sell- ing his hair. When his period of service had ex- pired he enlisted in the army in the war of 1755 and took part in the expedition to Cuba in 1762 and in the closing events of the French war, and although but twenty years old when that war ended, was a veteran soldier. Those were the days when a 130 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD soldier’s life left his physical and moral being unin- jured, the hardships and constant dangers permit- ting little licentiousness to gain a foothold in the camps, and Capt. Wadsworth was a worthy hus- band for the bride he married Nov. 23, 1770, Miss Chloe Webster, the adopted daughter of David Drake, of Windsor. By this marriage he came into possession of forty acres of land in the north part of Ellington, but in 1771 he lost his wife and was left with one child, David Drake. By this time Captain Wadsworth possessed sufficient standing to be welcomed as a son-in-law into the family of Deacon Porter, and for his sec- ond wife he chose Lydia, a daughter of Deacon Porter, born July 16, 1744, who died Feb. 21, 1837. Having no children of her own, the new wife took upon herself the care of. little David, and bestowed upon him all the love and kindness of a real mother. She survived her husband many years, and was ninety-three at the time of her death. In 1776 wr. Wadsworth, .as orderly sergeant of the military company, went with it to New York, where his for- mer experience in camp and field duties and in taking care of the sick elevated him so highly in the estimation of his comrades that on the resignation of the captain, directly after, he was promoted over the subalterns to the command of the company. As a captain he was several times in actual service and was one of the three or four chief veterans of the town. ; / Capt. Wadsworth was extremely well qualified to cut a path for'himself through the world, had by this time acquired a large property, 525 acres of land in the north part of town, and for many years was one of the leading farmers of the town. Punctual in attending church on Sunday, he used to ridé in a superior style that indicated the wealthy farmer, in a large, heavy, two-horse wagon, set strong and stiff upon the axles, the sides built like a cart and painted red, with movable end boards and unpainted side boards. In this springless con- veyance the men were usually seated upon a board, while the women were accommodated with chairs. In those days ci comparative simplicity, Capt. Wadsworth occasionally attended meeting with his large, three-cornered old-fashioned military hat on his head, no one dreaming of this being in any way undevotional. The death of this most worthy an- cestor occurred March 31, 1815, and his tombstone stands in the cemetery at Ellington, and bears these lines: Stop, reader, spend a mournful tear O'er the dust that slumbers here, And, while you read the fate of me, Think on the glass that runs for thee. The old Wadsworth homestead still stands on the Somers road, in Ellington, where it was erected’ by Captain Wadsworth in 1783, and where he kept a hotel for many years. (VI) David Drake Wadsworth, the only child of Captain Ichabod Wadsworth, was born in Elling- ton, Nov. 7, 1770, inherited his father’s property. and lived the quiet life of a farmer, successful and respected; he added considerably to his original possessions, leaving at his death, March 21, 1825, an estate of 525 acres. He had been long a pro- nounced Whig. On Aug. 3, 1792, he married Esther Andrews, who was born Aug. 9, 1773, and died Jan. 11, 1857. She was a native of Ellington, a daughter of Samuel and Esther (Cone) Andrews, the Cones being one of the old families of East Haddam, Conn. Samuel Andrews was a native of what is now Wallingford, Conn., and one of his sons was Rev, William Andrews, a noted Congre- gational minister. The children born to David D. Wadsworth and his wife were ten in number. Chloe, born Feb. 3, 1793, married Jonathan Car- penter, who went to Columbus, N. Y., where they kept a hotel for a few years and later removed to Windsorville, Conn., where he followed farming. Chloe was a natural poetess, very witty and bright, and in her youth taught school. Both she and her husband died and are buried in Windsorville. Lydia, born in April, 1794, married Enos Lyman and re- sided in Holyoke, Mass., where he ran a ferry boat; both of them died in Northampton, Mass. Laura married George Lyman, a brother of Enos, and they lived and died at Hadley, Mass. Esther, born May 23, 1799. married Asa Phillips, a farmer of Somers, Conn., July 6, 1823; she died there Jan. 3, 1867, and he Sept. 25, 1860. David Drake, born May 2, 1798, died May 10. John, born Oct. 10, 1803, died Aug. 12, 1835. David, born in 1804, died Oct. 14, 1829. ‘Cordelia, born in May, 1809, married in mid- dle life Philo Porter, who early in life was engaged in the coasting trade between Hartford and Port- land, Me., and later was a farmer in Ellington; both died in South Windsor, Conn. Samuel Andrews, born in May, 1811, married Jane Ormsby, of Hamp- ton, Conn., where he was a jeweler and spectacle manufacturer, living in various places; he finally died of typhoid fever in Bellevue hospital in New York City, and was buried in Springfield, Mass. Claudius Buchanan, born May 4, 1816, married Mary M. Alvord, of Barkhamstead, Conn. He followed an agricultural life in Ellington, where he died suddenly March 21, 1893, of pneumonia. (VIL) John Wadsworth, of the above family, was born on the homestead and was reared as a farmer boy of the period. He inherited a part of his father’s farm, and assisted his mother in the management of the estate; when he married he brought his bride to reside at the homestead. Pur- chasing the interest of his brother Samuel and a part of the interest of his brother David, he was in a way to become a very successful farmer and a man of large means when death cut short his career, Aug. 12, 1835. His widow brought up the children and when the sons became older they purchased the interests in the farm belonging to the remaining heirs and it was successfully conducted by the widow COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD cf 131° and her children. She remained on the farm until 1885, the business being managed by her son David; still active and well preserved, she spent her last years with her daughter, Mrs. J. H. Gardner, in Putnam, Conn., where she died Aug. 23, 1897, at the age of ninety-three, and was buried in Elling- ton. John Wadsworth was a Whig, and held the position of highway surveyor for several years and was also a member of the local militia. John Wadsworth married, April 24, 1828, Mary Warner, who was born Aug. 13, 1804, in Ellington, a daughter of Capt. Nathaniel and Martha (Gif- ford) Warner, who were married June 14, 1796. The children of John Wadsworth and his wife were four in number. Elizabeth was born Feb. 5, 1829. David, born April 21, 1830, married Harriet E. Bond, Dec. 7, 1882, and died Jan. 13, 1896, in Elling- ton, on the homestead, where he was a farmer; his widow now resides in Chicopee, Mass. Mary, born June 6, 1831, is the widow of John Horace Gard- ner (see sketch elsewhere), born Nov. 25, 1836, who was a very successful dry-goods merchant, president of the Putnam Savings Bank at Putnam, Conn., and one of the leading men; he died there Noy. 10, 1896. Philo, born Oct. 25, 1832, who died July 28, 1879, was a farmer on the old homestead with his brother David. Philo Wadsworth was a man of fine physique, of ready wit and was as agreeable in manner as he was handsome in person. (VIII) Elizabeth Wadsworth, of the above family, was married April 13, 1853, in Somers, Conn., to Edward Wolcott Barber, who was born June 20, 1821, a native of South Windsor, a son of Harvey and Hannah (Stiles) Barber, and a great- grandson of Noah Barber, who was in the Revo- lutionary war and served with Ichabod Wadsworth. Noah Barber was one of the famous party of patriots who threw the tea into Boston Harbor. It is related that when they returned they passed the residence of a judge of Boston, who stuck his head out of the window and said, “Well, boys, you will have to settle to-morrow for your Indian caper.” Young Barber replied, “We will settle with you, Squire, if you will come out here.” The squire de- clined the invitation. For many years Mrs. Eliza- beth Barber had the old gun that was carried by Noah ‘Barber at Quebec, an heirloom that came to her by her husband’s will. Several years since Mrs. Barber sent this gun to her husband’s cousin, Charles Harrison Barber, of Kent, Ohio, a veteran of the Civil war, who served in the 25th C. V. IL, and who lost an arm and leg while in the service. He greatly appreciates the historic value of the old gun. The Barber family have served well their coun- try; Edward Parsons Barber, son of the above veteran, was a soldier in the Cuban war and later in the Philippine Islands, and returning safely now holds an important and responsible position with- leading Boston parties, being in charge of vested interests in Yucatan. Another son, Arthur Osborn Barber, is an applicant for a cadetship at Annapolis, . Maryland. Epwarp Wo corr ,-BARBER was a_ successful farmer and resided on what is known as Barber Hill, in South Windsor, near the East Windsor line. In 1869 he removed to Ellington and purchased the farm now occupied by his widow, where he followed such farming as his delicate health would permit. Being of ample means, he could do as he liked, and resided there until his death, April 22, 1882. He was buried in Ellington. In politics he was in sympathy with the Republican party and held many minor offices. Mr. Barber was a descendant from Henry Wolcott on his grandmother’s side, one of the first settlers at Windsor, Conn., and a prominent and influential man in his day. The first marriage of Mr. Barber took place May 5, 1847, to Sarah D. Beasley, who was born Sept. 19, 1827, and died Sept. 21, 1851, a daughter of John and Susan (Clough) Beasley, and the chil- dren of this union were: Charles E., born March 13, 1848, who married Jennie L. Palmer, and died Oct. 4, 1883, at Danville, Vt.; and Sarah M., born Jan. 10, 1851, who married John M. Daggett, and lives in. Mansfield, Conn. The children of the sec-. ond marriage are: a daughter who was born and died June 6, 1859; and Fannie Elizabeth, born March 17, 1865, who resides with her mother, and is a lady of great artistic ability. Mrs. Barber is a very intelligent and cultured lady, and her remarkable memory makes her a de- lightful conversationalist. She has always taken a great interest in genealogy and often is able to assist her friends and other old residents of Elling-. ton with information concerning their relatives of former days. As a business woman she possesses much ability and is not only a lady who enjoys the esteem and affection of her neighbors, but is con- sidered one of the most substantial residents of El- lington. HORMISDAS DION, a self-made man in the fullest sense of the word, is known far and wide as one of ihe best business men and most successful merchants of Willimantic, Windham county. The position which he holds in the commercial and mer- cantile circles of that city reflects great credit upon him when it is remembered that he could speak but little English at the age of eighteen years, and the customs and ways of the United States business people were an unknown world to him at that time of his life. There have been no wealthy and influ- ential friends to push him forward; his advance has been made bv his tact and energy, so that today he is one of the leading French people of his city. Hormisdas Dion was born Feb. 14, 1855, in St. Pie, Quebec, Canada, a son of Anthony and Louise (Duclos) Dion, and a grandson of Anthony Dion, who was born in Canada, but who spent about, twenty-five years in Detroit, then returning to Cana- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD da, where he died at Actonvale, at the age of ninety- two years. Anthony Dion, the father of the Willimantic merchant, was a farmer in Canada, where he died at the age of seventy-five years. His wife, Louise (Duclos) Dion, died at the age of sixty-three, and both were buried at St. Pie, Canada. Anthony Dion was thrice wedded. His first wife became the mother of eight children, and his second of six, but to the third union no children were born. Hormis- das was born of the second marriage. He and two brothers are all the family who ever came to Con- necticut. Anthony lives in Willimantic; and Phil- jas is a merchant of Taftville, Connecticut. Hormisdas Dion was reared in his native town, where he attended the public schools, and then took a course in the commercial school of the College of St. Cesaire. After this he left Canada, and came to Taftville, Conn., where his parents had previ- ously located. After living in that place some years they went back to Canada, leaving him at his employment in the Taftville mill store, where he had his first mercantile experience. He began with a very limited command of the English tongue, yet his work brought him into contact with three or four different nationalities. In the night schooi at Taftville he taught French, and attended the day school to learn English. Ambitious, energetic, he was eager to learn, for his capital in business was his push and character. Studying and observing closely the life around him, he presently became quite competent, and soon came to be regarded as one of the efficient men of the force. For twelve years he was employed in Taftville, and during that time saved a considerable portion of his earnings. In 1881 Mr. Dion and his brother-in-law, Henry Buteau, engaged in the bakery business in Willi- mantic, under the firm name of Buteau & Dion, the two continuing together for two years, when Mr. Dion became sole proprietor of the business, and continues it to the present time. In 1887 Mr. Dion bought the land on Ash street, near Main street, where his business is now located, and where he has erected every building required for his extensive and growing trade. In addition to the bakery prop- er, Mr. Dion deals in hay, straw, flour, feed, coal and wood, and enjoys an extensive patronage in these various lines. On July 12, 1875, Hormisdas Dion was married in Baltic, -Conn., to Miss Delia Bourque, a native of Upton, Quebec, where she was born Feb. 20, 1855. When her parents, Julian Bourque and wife, came to Baltic Delia was five years old, and there she was reared. To Mr. and Mrs. Dion were born: Dora, born June 18, 1884; Carrie, born June 18, 1887; Alma, born May 7, 1892; Roderick, born Nov. 1, 1893; and Louise, who has passed away. Mr. Dion is a Democrat, and at the present writ- ing is one of the assessors of the town of Windham, and alderman of the Third Ward of Willimantic. While taking a proper interest in local politics, he has devoted himself to his business and his prosper- ity shows the wisdom of his course. Socially he belongs to the Knights of Columbus, the Foresters of America, and St. Jean’s Baptiste Society. In religion he is a Roman Catholic and belongs to St. Joseph’s Church. Of the Willimantic Board of Trade he is an active member as he is of the Mer- chants’ Exchange. Mr. Dion owns a fine large tenement on Ash street, in addition to the building where he lives and does business. Personally he is a quiet and courteous gentleman, and has many friends, not only among his own people, but in the city generally. Every detail of his business is known to him, as he has built it up from the most modest foundation by his industry and application. JOHN LATHROP HUNTER, late State's At- torney for Windham county and an attorney of law of high standing, whose sudden death on April 9, 1903, was a severe shock to the community that had known and esteemed him so long, was born at Gardiner, Maine, March 13, 1834. The Hunter family has long been represented in Maine, Mr. Hunter’s forebears being among the early settlers of that State. The Stones, his ma- ternal ancestors, were early settlers in the Cape Cod country, and were connected with many of the best families of Massachusetts, among them being the Lawrences. Mrs. Mary Butler, the great- grandmother of John L. Hunter, was a Lawrence. and her people lived in Falmouth, Mass.; she lived to be one hundred years and six months old. The first of the Hunter family of whom record can now be found was Adam Hunter, who is sup- posed to have been of Scotch lineage. In 1718 he bought two lots of one hundred acres each in Tops- ham, Maine, then a part of Massachusetts, and settled there. He became the owner of other lands and of an interest in a sawmill, and was considered the wealthiest man and had the best house in the town. He was a captain in the Indian wars, and was selectman of the town in 1766. His wife, Mary Lithgow, was of Irish descent, and came to this country when ten years old. He died Feb. 27, 1776. Of the nine children of Adam and Mary Hun- ter, the second, being the eldest son, James, was born April 15, 1735—the first white man born in the town. He was selectman in 1767-8, 1773 and 1779. He was re-elected in 1780, but refused to serve. He was one of the committee appointed in 1781 to procure seven men to serve for the town in the Revolutionary army. He held the rank of Major in the army, and was promoted to Colonel near the close of the struggle. He died in Febru- ary, 1809, near the end of his seventy-fourth year, and a monument in Topsham testifies to the honor in which he was held. His wife, Abigail, was a daughter of Thomas Williams, who left England Feb. 18, 1717, “when gooseberries were in bloom.” and arrived at Boston, April 17th, following, “when COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 133 snow was very deep.” Mr. Williams was a very highly educated man, taught Latin for a time in Boston, and settled down to the practice of medi- cine in what is now Bath, Maine. James Hunter, son of Col. James Hunter, was born in Topsham, Maine, before it was set off from Massachusetts, and married Dorcas Patten, of a GE aetiet Majae family. They had eight chil- ren, John Patten Hunter, son of James, was born in Maine. He served in the war of 1812, being sta- tioned at Edgecomb, Maine. He was an exten- sive lumberman and cut timber in the northern part of the State, which was run down the Kennebec river to Gardiner, where it was worked up into lumber. Capt. Hunter lived to be seventy-nine years of age, dying in March, 1875. He married Mary Averill Stone, who was born March 6, 1802, in Maine, daughter of Col. John Stone who was known as one of the pioneer heroes of Maine. He took a prominent part in temperance work. By trade he was a blacksmith and made about all the axes used in his region. Mrs. Mary Averill Hun- ter died when she was fifty years of age. Both she and her husband were buried at Gardiner, Maine. Capt: Hunter was a Whig in early life, but later became a Democrat, and was an influential man in all political matters. In religion he belonged to the Christ (Episcopal) Church, at Gardiner, and served as warden under the pastorate of George Burgess, an honored bishop of that denomination. Capt. Hunter was a Free Mason and prominent in that fraternity. He was father of the following family: (t) Mary married Capt. J. Thatcher Harvard, of Richmond, Maine, and is the mother of Frederick T., an attorney in Detroit, and Jane Isabella, at home. (2) Ellen Dorcas is unmarried, and lives in Richmond, Maine. (3) John Lathrop was the third, and his career furnishes the theme of this article. (4) Edward G. died in infancy. (5) Ed- ward entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, July 1, 1860, graduating June 23, 1865, was appointed as second lieutenant of the rath Infantry, and promoted to first lieutenant the same day. Joining his regiment in September, 1865, he was in Richmond, Va., until the following March. Mr. Hunter continued in the service a number of years, and made an honorable record for “reat energy, zeal, ability and devotion to duty,” remaining in the army until Dec. 10, 1888, when he resigned his commission as captain in the First Cavalry, only to accept a commission as Major and an appointment as Judge Advocate in the United States Army. From 1889 to 1895 he was on duty as Judge Advocate of the Division of the Pacific, and Department of California. In January, 1895, he was made a Lieutenant-Colonel, and was sta- tioned at St. Paul, Minn., as Judge Advocate of the Department of Dakota. During the Spanish- American war, Col. Hunter served as Judge Advo- cate and Mustering Officer for Gen. Brooke, at Chickamauga Park, Ga., and accompanied that officer to Porto Rico, where for a time he was in charge of civil affairs in Guayama, in 1898. His services as secretary and recorder of the Commis- sion for the Evacuation of Porto Rico and the ad- jacent islands by the Spanish, were important, and he was retained as Judge Advocate of the Depart- ment of Porto Rico until Oct. 4, 1898. The first of the following year Col. Hunter returned to St. Paul, where he was Judge Advocate of the Depart- ment of Dakota, and performed the duties of Ad- jutant General from November, 1899, to 1901. In that year he was appointed Colonel and was Judge Advocate, Department of the East, and stationed at Governor’s Island. Col. Hunter belongs to the Bar of the State of California, and has been admit- ted to practice before the United States Circuit Court, as well as the District Court, for the State of Washington. He married Caroline Clay Hoff, a daughter of Alex Henry Hoff, a surgeon in the United States army. Mrs. Hunter is a sister of Assistant Surgeon-General John Van Rensselaer Hoff, who is now in Washington, D. C. To Col. and Mrs. Hunter were born: Henry Hoff, an attorney of Willimantic; Jane Richards; John Saunders. (6) Georgiana married James McKin- zie. and died in Canada. (7) Isabelle Tracy mar- ried Rev. Louis C. Wurtele, of Actonvale, Canada, and is the mother of two sons, Arthur, who is an Episcopal clergyman, following in the steps of his father; and John Hunter, now a student in McGill University, at Montreal. John Lathrop Hunter received his education in Gardiner and Vassalboro, and in Bowdoin Col- lege which he entered in 1851, and from which he was graduated in 1855. While attending college he taught school during the winter season, and after leaving Bowdoin he was for a time supervisor of schools in the town of Farmingdale, Maine. To the law, however, Mr. Hunter had turned his eves as his life work, and for it he was thoroughly pre- pared, both by his academic training, which was far above the average, and by his three years spent in the office of the Hon. Charles Danforth, LL. D., who afterward became a member of the Supreme Court of Maine, serving on the bench twenty-six years. Mr. Hunter was admitted to the Bar in 1859, and spent the ensuing year in Boston, in the office of Benjamin F. Cook. At the expiration of this period, Mr. Hunter returned to Gardiner, Maine, and practiced his profession until his removal to Willimantic in 1871. He was distinguished by the possession of literary ability of a high order, and in 1863 he edited the Augusta Age, a long estab- lished newspaper then widely read, and of which M. W. Fuller, Chief Justice of the United States, was at one time editor. That gentleman was a member of the Junior class at Bowdoin, when Mr. Hunter became a Freshman. After the location of Mr. Hunter in Williman- 134 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD tic, he made a reputation as one of the able and reliable lawyers of the State, and the State Re- ports show that he was one of seventeen attorneys who were before the Supreme Court a greater num- ber of times than all the other members of the State Bar at the time. His legal abilities were a matter of: record, and his personal character was beyond reproach. It is said that Mr. Hunter pos- sessed the most extensive and valuable law libra- ry in Connecticut, east of the Connecticut river. A stanch Democrat all through his life, Mr. Hunter well sustained his part in the politics of the State, in which he was an enthusiastic and active worker. For many years he served on the State Central committee, and after a short intermission was, at the time of his death, on the second term of his later service on that body. In 1872, and again in 1876 he was a delegate to the National Convention. In 187g he was a member of the Gen- eral Assembly, where he served on the Judiciary committee, of which Henry C. Robinson, of Hart- ford, was chairman. Though he was a Democrat in a Republican body, Mr. Hunter did effective work in making the change from the old to the present form of practice. At home his services were highly valued. For vears he was on the school board, and was chairman of the High School Committee. As town attorney and borough at- torney he served the community in which he lived intelligently and well. ' Mr. Hunter was a gentleman of culture and re- finement and was genial and cordial. A member of the Sons of the American Revolution, he took much interest in the early history of this country, and was devoted to patriotic study. Mr. Hunter was twice married. His first wife, Anna J. McClellan, bore him one daughter, Ger- trude McClellan, who is the wife of Merritt Mc- Neil, and has her home in Jacksonville, Fla. Mr. Hunter was married in November, 1882, to Miss Mary Lvon Cheesebrough, who died Oct. 3, 1900. Their child, Berenice, born Dec. 8, 1884, died Aug. 4, 1895. Mrs. Hunter had a distinguished ances- try. Jonathan Trumbull, of Revolutionary fame, and Priscilla Alden were among her progenitors. She was a charter member of Anne, Wood Elder- kin chapter of the D. A. R., at Willimantic, and was regarded as one of the most estimable women of the city. Mr. Hunter was an active worker in the Episcopal Church, being a member of St. Paul’s parish. In his death not only Windham county but the whole State of Connecticut suffered the loss of an able lawyer and of a citizen whose public and private life alike were above reproach. J. C. HAMMOND, Jr., one of the well-known citizens of Rockville, Tolland county, belongs to an old New England family, and is in the eighth gen- eration from Thomas Hammond, the founder of the family in this country, according to the following line: Thomas, Thomas (2), Isaac, Elijah, Nathan- iel, Elijah (2), Joseph C. and Joseph C., Jr. (1) Thomas Hammond was born in Lavenham, England, and was a descendant of a Hammond who came into the island with William the Conqueror ; ‘his name appears on the ‘Battle Abbey Roll.” With the family he settled in Hingham, Mass., in 1636, and in the following March took the freeman’s oath. Elizabeth Cason, his wife, was a native of Laven- ham. In 1640 they moved to Newtown. The fol- lowing were his children: Elizabeth, Thomas, Sarah and Nathaniel. (II) Thomas Hammond (2) was born in 1643, married Elizabeth Stedman in 1662, and died in 1678. Their children were: Elizabeth, Thomas, Isaac, Nathaniel, John and Eleazer, (III) Isaac Hammond was born in 1668, mar- ried Anna Hendricks in 1692, and their children were: Margaret, Isaac, Josiah, Hannah, Jonathan. Esther and Elijah. (IV) Elijah Hammond was. born Oct. 7, 1711, in Massachusetts, and in 1730, came to Coventry, Conn., where he married Mary Kingsbury in 1732. Twenty vears later they settled in Bolton, where he died in 1800, being the progeni- tor of the family in Bolton and Vernon. Their chil- dren were: Nathaniel; Hannah; Priscilla, wife of Capt. J. Birge, who was killed in the war of the Revolution, and later the wife of Amasa Loomis, of Windsor. Elijah Hammond was a carpenter and joiner, and was one of the committee appointed ‘Authorized, with power of Agency, to recover and receive the money belonging to the town of Bolton for sale of Western Lands and to divide the same among the schools of the town.” (V) Nathaniel Hammond was born in Coventry in 1733, and when a young man removed to Bolton, Conn., where he settled on a farm and married Dorothy Tucker, who died in 1775. She bore the following children: Jason, Candace, Elijah, Lemuel, Eli, Mary, Allen. Alvin and Calvin, twins, born Dec. 2, 1775. Mrs. Hammond died the‘ twenty- fifth day of the same month, leaving a family of nine young children. Mr. Hammond married Eleanor Olmstead, by whom he had the following family: George, Chester, Anna, Dorothy, Manton, Eleanor and Nathaniel. Mrs. Eleanor Hammond died in 1822, and the husband in 1817. (VI) Elijah Hammond (2) was born in 1764, and was married in 1787 to Martha Strong, born in 1767, a daughter of Judah and Martha (Alvord) Strong, in the fourth generation of the posterity of John Strong, a son of Elder John Strong. Her line runs through Deacon David, and Judah Strong. Eli- jah Hammond was a fireman in Vernon, where he died in 1836. His wife died in 1835. They had seven children. (1) Elijah married Esther Griswold, of Manchester, Conn., and died in Vernon. They had the following children: George; Cornelius; Ed- ward Payson; Martha: Esther, who married Dr. Roger Griswold; and Mary, who married Egbert COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 135 Abel. (2) Josiah, born in 1793, married Eveline Dart: he was a farmer, and an owner in the woolen mills of Rockville, Conn. (3) Martha, born in 1795, died in 1845, the wife of Josiah Warner. (4) Julius S., born in 1799, married Elizabeth P. Hubbard, and on her death was again married. He went to Illinois, where he lived many years, and then re- turned to Ellington, where he died. He was father to Webster and Martha. (5) Allen, born in 1801, was the father of A. P. Hammond, and died in 1864. (6) Mary K., born in 1807, died at the home of her brother in Colchester in 1851. (7) Joseph C., born in 1809, was father to Joseph C., the subject of this article. (VII) Joseph Churchill Hammond was born in Vernon, where he had the schooling of his time, and when he became a young man he taught school. He was reared as a farmer ‘boy, and before he attained his majority went to Colchester, where for a time he was employed at farming, then entered into mer- cantile pursuits, and after some years became the proprietor of a country store in Colchester. In 1846 he became the agent of the Hayward Rubber Com- pany, recently established in Colchester, and held this place the rest of his life. He died in 1878. Mr. Hammond was married Sept. 28, 1831, in Colchester, to Miss Abby Joanna Hubbard, born Feb. 20, 1810, the daughter of Daniel and Olive (Foote) Hubbard. Olive Foote was an own cousin to Henry Ward Beecher’s mother. Her father, Daniel Hubbard, was a merchant in Colchester, and died in the war of 1812. He left two daughters, Abby Joanna and Elizabeth Perkins, the wife of Julius S. Hammond. Joseph C. Hammond and his wife had the following family: Daniel Hubbard, born Nov. 2, 1832; Samuel H., born Dec. 16, 1835, who died in infancy; Joseph C., Jr., born Dec. 15, 1836; David S., born March 31, 1839, who died in infancy. Mr. Hammond was a Whig, and in his last years became a Republican, representing Colchester in the General Assembly, and serving as selectman. (VIII) Joseph C. Hammond, Jr., was born in the town of Colchester, where his life was passed till the age of fifteen years. He attended school at Bacon Academy, and for a time was a pupil of Prof. Hall’s boarding schol at Ellington, and this was the end of his school days. In 1851 Mr. Hammond became a clerk in the drug store of Lee & Osgood, at Norwich, remain- ing with them until 1855, when he spent some time abroad with Capt. E. C. Weeks, a schoolmate of his, and the captain of a clipper ship, “The Quick- step.” They sailed from New York to-London, accompanied by another brother, and all attended the World’s Fair, held that year in Paris. When Mr. Hammond returned, he secured a position with the N. Hayward Rubber Company, at Providence, R. J., where he served as shipping ‘clerk for two years, when the works were burned and not rebuilt. In 1857 he went to Rockville, and became bookkeeper for a short time in the office of the New England Mill, where was the office of the institution which subsequently became the Savings Bank of Rockville. In 1859 he made his first per- manent location in Rockville, and has continued to reside there to the present time. Entering the office of the New England Mill Company, he was book- keeper until 1877, acting also as treasurer for some years. In connection with these duties he was treas- urer for the Rockville Aqueduct Company, holding this office from 1866 to 1893. On the organization of the Rockville Water and Aqueduct Company he became its secretary and treasurer, in which capac- ity he has served to the present time. Mr. Hammond invented in 1880 the “King Bee” buckle, extensively used on arctic overshoes, and the Hammond Buckle Company took shape, with Mr. Hammond as its general manager and treasurer. To place this invaluable buckle on the market re- quired much push and energy. His efforts were rewarded by manufacturers taking it up, and it is to-day a staple article. This business was sold in 1893 to the United States Rubber Company. Mr. Hammond is the secretary and treasurer of the Rockville Railway Company, a director of the Rock- ville National Bank. a director in the Rockville Sav- ings Bank, treasurer and trustee of the Rockville public library and a trustee of the Rockville free reading room. He is also secretary and treasurer of the Rockville Hotel Company, which was incor- porated in 1901 with a capital of $40,000." Mr. Hammond was married Dec. 21, 1859, in Colchester, to Miss Catherine I. Burr, a native of Auburn, N. Y., where she was born in 1841, a daughter of Henry and Lucretia (Isham) Burr. Henry Burr was the treasurer. of the Hayward Rub- ber Company, of Colchester, Conn., where he re- sided, but acted as its selling agent in Boston. He died in Colchester, where was reared his family of five children, of whom but two are left, Mrs. Ham- mond and Horace H. Burr, of Suffield, Conn. The two children of Mr. and Mrs. Hammond are Will- iam C. and Charles H. William C., born Nov. 25, 1860, in Rockville, is professor of instrumental music in Mount Holyoke College, and is the organ- ist and choirmaster of the Second Congregational Church in Holyoke. From 1876 to 1884 he was organist of the Rockville Second Congregational Church. For a time he was organist in the Pearl Street Church in Hartford. His wife was Frances B. Reed, a daughter of Rev. Dr. E. A. Reed, of Holyoke. Charles H. was born Sept. 16, 1863, and was educated in Rockville, where he is now resid- ing; he is unmarried. When the Hammond Buckle Company was in existence he was connected with it. Joseph C. Hammond's first presidential vote was cast in 1860 for Abraham Lincoln, and he has con- tinued a Republican. In 1878 he represented Ver- non in the General Assembly, where he served on the committee on Humane Institutions. 136 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD In 1863 Mr. Hammond purchased the former home of Hon. Dwight Loomis on Elm street, where he has made his home to the present time. ALLEN LINCOLN was in his lifetime one of the most conspicuous figures in the official, financial and commercial circles of Windham county, and in whatever position he was found his duties were performed with an exactness and fidelity which won for him the lasting esteem of the entire com- munity, Tradition says that the first settlers of the Lin- coln family came from Lincolnshire, England, and located at Hingham and Taunton, Massachusetts. (II) A son of the Taunton settlers, named Sam- uel, came to Norwich, Conn., later (it is supposed) removing to Windham. On June 2, 1692, he mar- ried Elizabeth Jacobs, and they had the following children: Samuel, Jacob, Thomas, Jonah, Nathan- iel (who died in infancy), and Elizabeth. (IIIT) Samuel Lincoln (2), eldest son of Sam- uel, was born in Windham Nov. 29, 1693, and on Aug. 23, 1723, was married to Ruth Huntington. Their children were: Samuel, John, Nathaniel (who lived to be one hundred and five years and five months old), Joseph, Eleazer and David. (IV) John Lincoln, son of Samuel (2), was born July 28, 1726, and by his first wife, Rebecca, had two children, both of whom died in infancy. On May 30, 1758, for his second wife, he wedded Mrs. Annie Stowell, and the children born of this nnion were: Annie, Eleazer, Jonah and Jerusha, twins, and Olive. John Lincoln died June 7, 1810. (V) Jonah Lincoln, son of John, was born Nov. 15, 1760. For many years, in addition to farm- ing on an extensive scale, he was engaged in the woolen manufacturing business at North Windham. One of the products of his mill was the satinet used on the uniforms during the Revolutionary war, and they also manufactured felt for paper ma- chines. At that time the business was quite profita- ble, but after the war the reaction came, and through the failure of their commisison merchants they lost considerable money. For a number of years his sons were associated with him, but the business was finally taken by his son Stowell. Jonah Lincoln devoted the latter years of his life to farm- ing, and at the time of his death was quite well- to-do. Politically he was a John Quincy Adams Democrat, and took an active part in town affairs, holding many offices of trust. He was a representa- tive for many terms, and for a long time was judge of probate for what are now the towns of Hamp- ton, Windham and Chaplin. At North Windham he was active in organizing the Christian Church, and he donated the land for the burying-ground at that place. He died May 14, 1845, and was buried at North Windham. On May 1, 1783, he wedded Lucy Webb, who was born May 31, 1763, and who died July 23, 1846, aged eighty-three years. Their children were: James, born May 31, 1784, married Asenath Flint; Dan is mentioned below; Stowell, born Oct. 28, 1788, who was for many years engaged in the manufacturing busi- ness at North Windham, and was a captain in the local artillery, married Maria Welch, and died March 29, 1870; John, born Feb. 17, 1791, married Millany Huntington, and was a farmer in Berks county, Pa., where he died; Ralph, born Dec. 22, 1792, married Almira Trumbull, was a manu- facturer at North Windham, and died June 24, 1876; Elisha, born Jan. 12, 1795, married Eliza Aplin, was a farmer in Berks county, Pa., then in Ohio, and finally in Van Buren, Ark., where he died (one of his sons is a prominent wholesale drug- gist in Little Rock, Ark.) ; Lucy, born July 11, 1797, married Benjamin Perry, a carpenter ; Marcia, born Nov. 23, 1799, married Luther Burnham, a farmer, who resided in Hampton and finally in North Wind- ham, where he died; Albert, born Sept. 9, 1802, graduated at West Point, and while on his way to Fort St. Anthony (now Minneapolis), Minn., was taken sick and died Oct. 13, 1822, at St. Louis, Mo.; and Burr, born Oct. 2, 1804, married Elmira Wood, was a cloth dresser by trade, and died Aug. 9, 1850. (VI) Dan Lincoln, son of Jonah, was born July 27, 1786, and died Dec. 31, 1864, aged seventy- eight. In early manhood he entered his father’s mill at North Windham, became an expert clothier, and later partner with his brother Stowell. In middle life he bought the Tucker farm, just over the line in Chaplin, and built thereon the clover mill and the mill pond still remaining, thence removing to a farm in Scotland, and in old age returning to the Burr Lincoln place (now William Sibley’s resi- dence), in North Windham, where he died. For many years he was captain of the militia, and widely known as “Capt. Dan;’ was selectman in both Windham and Chaplin; and was highly esteemed as a counselor. On Feb. 6, 1812, he married Ma- hetabel Flint, of North Windham (born Nov. 3, 1787, died Sept. 3, 1875), and to them were born children as follows: Amanda (born Nov. 10, 1812, died Jan. 12, 1890) married Edwin E. Burn- ham, of Windham, later a prominent merchant and real-estate dealer in Willimantic. Mason (born March 26, 1816) followed the blacksmith’s trade for many years at North Windham, later acquired a competence and removed to Willimantic and be- came interested in real estate and banking, and died July to, 1889. Allen, whose career is outlined be- low. Albert, born Sept. 15, 1819, followed black- smithing until the outbreak of the Civil war, en- listed and served until disabled, returned and en- gaged in farming and died in Coventry, Jan. 14, 1885. Jared W., born Sept. 8, 1823, now living in Chaplin in his eightieth year, like his brother Allen, taught school in early manhood, and then engaged in farming in Windham and Scotland; in 1857 he bought out Allen's store in Chaplin, was appointed postmaster by Abraham Lincoln after Allen’s re- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 137 moval to Willimantic, and except for two brief Democratic interruptions remained postmaster of Chaplin until he retired from the store and was suc- ceeded by his son, Edgar S. Lincoln; he was chosen town clerk and treasurer in 1863, and still holds those offices; represented Chaplin in the General Assembly of 1862; is clerk and treasurer of the Congregational Church and Society, and highly re- spected. Three other children of Dan and Maheta- bel, Earle, Jonah and Dan, Jr., died in infancy. (VIT) Allen Lincoln, son of Dan and Maheta- bel, was born in the north end of the town of Wind- ham, Oct. 16, 1817. He was reared to farming pursuits, and his education was acquired in the district schools. In 1831 his parents removed to the Tucker farm, over the line in the town of Chaplin. As they were in poor circumstances, young Allen was “bound out,” and in after years used to recall his experiences, and the small amount of play that fell to his lot. His time at school was well spent, and‘he early found himself com- petent to teach, taking charge of a school while yet in his youth. When he attained his majority he urchased the Tucker farm, where he had lived as a boy, going in debt for the entire amount, but as he was full of push and energy he succeeded. However, this did not occupy his entire time. When a young man he bought wool through Ohio, then the Far West, and sold woolen goods in the same section. He met with varied success, and twice be- fore he was thirty-five years old had lost all he had. In 1853 Mr. Lincoln removed to Chaplin vil- lage and opened a country store. About four years from this time he came to Willimantic, and opened a country store in what was then the principal part of the village (the corner of Bridge and Main streets), in the building occupied in after years by tenants. He retained the Chaplin store meanwhile, but finally he sold that out to his brother, Jared W. Lincoln, and cast his lot with the growing village of Willimantic, removing his family there in 1864. Associating himself with I. Lester Eaton, also of Chaplin, he opened a general store in the old “Brain- ard House,” and carried on a business there until, in company with E. E. Burnham and J. G. Keigwin, he built the Union block, and removed to the store in after years occupied by John M. Alpaugh, his son-in-law, to whom he finally sold out. After re- moving from Chaplin he bought the so-called Howes property, on Union street, and commenced building up the village by opening up Temple, Valley and Center streets, and building the brick houses on the last named. For a long time he was in company with E. E. Burnham in the real-estate business, in which they operated largely. In 1869 Mr. Lincoln purchased the Bassett block, and soon after a large tract of land on Prospect Hill. In 1876 he formed a partnership with E. A. Buck and E. M. Durkee in the conduct of a flour and grain business, but the firm was dissolved in 1879. Soon afterward he took his only son, Allen B., in company, and they carried on a flour business under the firm name of A. Lincoln & Son until Mr. Lincoln’s death. Mr. Lincoln was through his whole career a man much interested in public affairs, and was elected to many offices of trust, which he filled with fidelity and ability. In Chaplin he held the offices of post- master and town clerk, and served in the Legisla- ture one year (1855). He served Windham in the capacity of selectman, town clerk (for seventeen years) and treasurer, judge of probate, justice of the peace, and also acted in other positions. He was one of the commissioners to establish the first system of water works for fire protection in Willi- mantic. He was especially active in borough affairs and was looked upon as a good counselor, For many years he was one of the directors of the Wil- limantic Savings Institute, and for a period was president of the Trust Company in Willimantic. Politically Mr. Lincoln was born and bred a Demo- crat, but in 1856 he became a Free-Soiler and was one of the first to go over to the Republican party which was formed at that time. In his religious views he was a Congregationalist; he acted as an officer in that denomination many years, and he was prominently identified in the building of the new church edifice at Willimantic. Fraternally he was a Mason, and belonged to Eastern Star Lodge, No. 44, A. F. & A. M., where he was highly es- teemed. His death occurred Feb. 8, 1882, and his remains rest in the cemetery at Willimantic. At a meeting of the directors of the Willimantic Savings Institute held Feb. 12, 1882, the following resolution was passed : Mr. Allen Lincoln, for the past eight years a director of this bank, having been suddenly removed from our midst by death, Resolved, that in the death of Mr. Lincoln, who met with us at the last meeting of the board, we feel that this bank, in common with other public interests with which he was con- nected, has lost a valuable helper, and that, as fellow-officers, we take this opportunity to express our appreciation of his uniform and prompt attendance, genial ways, and the valuable advice and assistance he has rendered in this management of the affairs of the bank. We miss his kindly presence from our councils, and honor and cherish his memory as a pleasant com- panion and good citizen, who discharged any trust, public or private, to which he was called, with fidelity and ability. Resolved, that these resolutions be placed in the records of the bank, and acopy delivered to the invalid widow and the family of the deceased, as an expression of our sympathy with them in their affliction. Attest, Henry F. Royce, Skc. Mr. Lincoln was one of the most prominent men in the city. His good judgment and calm reasoning methods caused his opinions to be sought in many public and private matters. His record in business circles is a clean one. When misfortune came to him in earlier manhood, he bravely faced the trouble, paid his debts dollar for dollar, and started anew, mak- ing no complaint, and asking no aid. His private life was pure, and he was devoted to his home and his family. On May 25, 1841, in Chaplin, Conn., Allen Lin- 138 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD coln was united in marriage with Miss Sallinda Bennett, who was born in that town Jan. 28, 1818, a daughter of Deacon Origen and Sallinda (Bab- cock) Bennett, the latter of Coventry. The Ben- netts were of Stonington, Conn. Deacon Origen Bennett was a farmer, and for years was a deacon in the Baptist Church at Spring Hill, Mansfield. He was twice married, Mrs. Lincoln being one of the four children born of the second marriage, as was also the only son and namesake, Origen Ben- nett, who now lives in Chaplin, where he is well known, as he taught school there for over forty years. To Allen Lincoln and wife were born chil- dren as follows: Martha Sallinda, born in Chaplin, April 1, 1847, married John M. Alpaugh, of Willi- mantic, but now of Providence, R. L., and they have two sons, Frank L. and Clifford J. Janette and Lila, twins, were born Dec. 22, 1848; Janette mar- ried Frank F. Webb, of Willimantic (mentioned elsewhere), and Lila wedded Edward H. Brown, of Providence, R. J., by whom she has three children, Ward L., Preston and Mabel B. The youngest in the family was Allen Bennett, sketch of whom fol- lows. The wife and mother passed away Dec. 26, 1900, and was laid to rest at the side of her hus- band in the cemetery at Willimantic. Mrs. Lincoln, like her husband, was for many years an active and leading member of the First Congregational Church in Willimantic, and a liberal supporter of its in- terests. A notable memorial of Mr. and Mrs. Lin- coln, an enduring baptismal font in bronze and mar- ble, has recently been placed in the church. ALLEN BENNETT LINCOLN, of Willi- mantic, Windham county, is in the eighth genera- tion of this old and honorable Lincoln family. He was born Aug. 2, 1858, in a house that stood near Church and Main streets, a son of Allen and Sal- linda (Bennett) Lincoln (sketch of whom appears above). His schooling was begun in a private school taught by Miss Rose Dimock, but in 1865) he entered the Natchaug school, opened that year, and followed its course of study until he was grad- uated in 1875, after which he attended Williston Seminary, from which he was graduated in 1877. His education was completed at Yale, from which institution he graduated in 1881. For about a year after leaving the University he was in business with his father, but his tastes were literary, and he se- cured a position as editorial writer on the Proz- dence Evening Press, under Z. L. White, going later to the Providence Journal, under George W. Danielson. In 1885 his health failed, and he re- turned home, temporarily becoming chief clerk of the board of education, in place of A. J. Wright, who was absent from illness. In the fall of 1886 Mr. Lincoln began the publi- cation of The Connecticut Home, at Willimantic, the State Prohibition paper. Four years later he removed this paper to Hartford, where he combined with the [Vorcester Times, which he had bought, and the papers united in the New England Home, which at once took high rank among the prominent Prohibition organs of the day. The Prohibition sen- timent, however, for some years rather fell away, and in November, 1894, Mr. Lincoln disposed of his publishing interests to what is now The New Voice, of Chicago. In 1895 he established in Willimantic a branch of the Co-operative Savings Society, and soon after began fire insurance in connection. Later he took up life insurance work, which he de- veloped extensively, and in May, 1901, sold out his other interests to M. Eugene Lincoln, and is now engaged in the life insurance work, in which he is very successful. Mr. Lincoln has done some literary work out- side of the newspaper line. In college he was for three vears one of the editors of the Yale Courant. In 1883 he wrote an extended history of the Natchaug School, and in 1885 a “History of All the Fire Companies Ever Formed in Windham,” both of which were published in pamphlet form, and con- tained much local history of value. In 1885, also, while on the editorial staff of the Providence Press, he wrote a series of articles on civil service reform, which were personally commended by George Will- iam Curtis, and were issued in pamphlet form by the Willimantic Civil Service Reform Association. While in the Prohibition work Mr. Lincoln devel- oped some talent as a public speaker, and delivered addresses in over one hundred towns in Connecti- cut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New York. He was chairman of the Prohibition State Commit- tee for several years, and a number of his addresses on the subject were published as campaign material. In 1892 he was chosen as historian of Windham’s second century at the bi-centennial celebration, and editor and compiler of the ‘Memorial Volume” published in 1893. In June, 1900, the Hartford Times published an article on “A New Democracy” from Mr. Lincoln’s pen, concerning which the Times said editorially: “His conclusions must ap- peal powerfully to all patriotic Americans, and pre- sentation of them has not been excelled in force or precision by any writer on public questions who has recently addressed the American public.” On Dec. 18, 1883, Mr. Lincoln was married. in Willimantic, to Miss Caroline L. Buck, who was born in Ashford, Conn., in March, 1864, third daughter of Hon. Edwin A. Buck, of that town. This union has been blessed with four children: Marion Buck, born Jan. 2, 1888: Elsie Bennett, Nov. 27, 1892; Barbara Grace, Oct. 15, 1896; and Julia Armour, June 28, 1899. Mr. Lincoln cast his first vote for the Republi- can party, but in 1884 supported Grover Cleveland, on account of his attitude toward civil service. In 1886 he united with the Prohibitionist move- ment, and acted with that organization for several years, but in recent years his attitude has been quite independent. He has served on the school board in Willimantic, and was a charter member of COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 139 the Board of Trade. Mr. Lincoln and his wife belong to the Congregational Church, where he has been superintendent of the Sunday-school since 1895. Mrs. Lincoln belongs to the Woman's Club in Willimantic. The career of Allen Bennett Lincoln has been in every way creditable, and the time-honored name which he bears has suffered no defacement at his hands. EDGAR MASON WHEATON. Genealogical research has a distinct and definite value, be it in the tracing of a broken and obscure line or the fol- lowing back of an illustrious and exalted lineage, and we of this modern, democratic type can not af- ford to hold in light esteem the record which tells . of noble lives and noble deeds in the days long past, since through some such medium was laid the foun- dation of all that is permanent and worthy in hu- man achievement of today, the past being the parent of the present and the present an earnest of the future. Thus he is most to be honored who places a due measure of appreciation and reverence upon the record which bears to him assurance of an hon- ored ancestry. The lineage of Edgar Mason Wheaton is one of distinguished and interesting order, bespeaking identification with the annals of American history form the early colonial epoch and standing for true and noble manhood and gentle womanhood, as one generation has followed another on the stage of life. In the connection there need be no apology offered in placing in juxtaposition the personal career of our subject, for he has proved a worthy scion of a splendid race and has exerted an unmistakable and beneficent influence upon the public and industrial life of the city of Putnam, Windham county, where he has maintained his home for more than a quarter of acentury. He isa lineal descendant, in the eighth generation, of (1) Robert Wheaton, of Rehoboth, Mass., who was born in Swansea, Wales, in 1605, and who came to the American colonies between the years 1630 and 1636. He married Alice, the daughter of Richard Bowen, and he died in 1695-96, at the patriarchal age of ninety years. The first mention made of him is in the town records of the old city of Salem, Mass. That Robert Wheaton came from the pure, unmixed, native Welsh, or rath- er Cymri race, which was of Tartaric origin, and which, though often driven to the mountain fast- nesses of Wales by the warlike Angles, Saxons and Normans, was never subjugated, is an incontro- vertible fact, and in the successive generations have been manifest many of those sterling qualities which made the progenitors invincible in their courage and maintained for them the boon of liberty in thought and action. Robert Wheaton and his fam- ily removed from Salem to Rehoboth between the years 1643 and 1646, and there he and some of his sons were instrumental in the establishing and up- - building of the first Baptist Church in the colony of Massachusetts, the church edifice having been located in that part of the town which was ceded to the Baptists and to which the name of Swansea was applied. This sturdy and God-fearing man, Robert Wheaton, in many respects may be likened to Roger Williams, of Rhode Island, in that he was a pioneer and a man of initiative force, the fore- runner of the large number of Welsh Baptists who, a few years later, came from their native land and settled in that district. In 1657 he took the pre- scribed oath of fidelity, and within the following year.was duly admitted as a freeman. It is a matter of record he was among those who suffered all the horors of the Indian war of 1675, being in the local- ity where the savage onslaught was precipitated in all its fury, the redoubtable King Philip having his home at Mount Hope, not far distant from Reho- both. Robert Wheaton’s homestead was in the south part of the town, and, in a historical way, it is gratifying to note the fact that the property has been consecutively retained in the possession of the fam- ily to the present day. Upon his death he left his widow, Alice, as the sole executrix of his will, but prior to his demise he had divided nearly all of his fine estate among his children. The remains of this noble man were interred in the ancient burying- ground near his homestead farm. His children were: Joseph, Samuel, Jeremiah, Christopher, Obadiah, John, Bethia, Hannah, Mary, Rev. Ephraim and Benjamin. In the following paragraphs we shall consider more particularly those in the several suc- ceeding generations, through whom the line is traced in a direct way to the immediate subject of this sketch. é (II) Rev. Ephraim Wheaton, tenth child of Robert and Alice, was born in Rehoboth, Oct. 20, 1659, and there passed his entire life, his death occurring April 26, 1734. He married first, in Aug- ust, 1676, Marv, daughter of Sampson and Mary (Butterworth) Mason, born Feb. 7, 1660. His sec- ond wife bore the given name of Hannah; she prob- ably survived him, as she was mentioned in his will, which bore date of May 20, 1729, and was proved May 10, 1734. He was a distinguished clergyman of the Baptist church, and was settled over the first Baptist church of Massachusetts, of which mention has already been made, and he held this charge from 1704 to the day of his death. He was a man who exerted a great and profound in- fluence for good in the community, and under his care the church was highly prospered, both spirit- ually and temporally. According to records still extant, within five years he baptized fifty into mem- bership in the church. He died at the age of sev- enty-five years, in the fulness of honors and well- merited affection, and he left four sons and five daughters, all born of his first marriage. (IIT) His son, James Wheaton, was born Oct. 7, 1685, in Re- hoboth; Mary, wife of James, survived him, being duly mentioned in his will, proved Jan. 22, 1742, 140 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD while eight children were likewise mentioned in this document. Of these, (IV) James was the third son and was born Dec. 11, 1717. He died, intestate, July 8, 1778, his wife, Sarah, having passed away on the 29th of the preceding month. They had eleven children. (V) James Wheaton, son of James and Mary, was born March 3, 1747 or 1748, in Swansea, Mass., whence he removed to Pomfret, Conn., in 1775, be- coming one of the early settlers of the town. He was a carpenter by trade and assisted in the erection of the first Congregational church built in Provi- dence, R. I., the same having been since known as the Benefit Street Church. As ‘indicative of his intrepid daring and athletic strength it is related, and well authenticated, that after the completion of the spire, which was 180 feet in height, he climbed to the topmost point and stood upon the ball which crowned the spire. He later came to Pomfret and purchased what has since been known as the Wheat- on homestead. He married a Miss Slade, and they became the parents of six children, one of whom was (VI) James, who was born in Pomfret, May 5, 1789, and who died in 1874, at the age of eighty- six years. May 2, 1811, he married Nancy Lyon, and after her death, was solemnized his marriage to Betsey Angell, Dec. 2, 1816. He became the father of ten sons and six daughters, and the major- ity of this large family lived to attain years of ma- turity, and it was stated that he thus raised over sixty feet of boys, as they averaged over six feet in height. James Wheaton (3d) was a prosperous farmer and well upbore the honors of the name. In politics he was originally a Whig and later a Republican, and he served in many local offices of trust and responsibility, including that of select- man, of which he was incumbent several years. He was a man of inflexible probity, was a consistent Christian and always took an active part in every project calculated to conserve the general good of the community. (VII) Deacon Angell Wheaton, son of James and Betsey (Angell) Wheaton, was born in Pom- fret, Jan. 22, 1820, and he became one of the ex- tensive farmers and fruit-growers of his county ; his fine property was known as Orchard Hill, and all the trees which are now standing in the fine orchards of the old homestead were set out by him, and that within the memory of his son, Edgar Mason. He early became prominent in the councils of the Baptist Church of Pomfret, zealously labor- ing for the cause of the Master and the uplifting of his fellow men, as is evident when it is recalled that he was made a deacon in the church when about twenty-four years of age, and retained this incum- bency until the organization was disbanded. For many years he was a member of the board of trus- tees and also superintendent of the Sunday-school. In his business affairs he was energetic and pro- - gressive; genial and unaffected in his personality, strong and robust in physique and kindly in his disposition, his character was such as to command uniform confidence and esteem, being ordered upon a high plane of honor and integrity. He was firm in his convictions but tolerant in his judgment of others, permitting no compromise to insure personal ends, and yet having no place in his heart for thoughts of enmity. He took an active interest in public affairs of a local nature, and was a stalwart Republican in his political proclivities. Strong in his hold upon the esteem and confidence of the peo- ple of the community, he was naturally called upon to serve in various positions of trust and responsi- bility, having held many of the town offices. He served as selectman for several years and also as con- stable and as a member of the grand jury. On March 8, 1847, Deacon Wheaton was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Ann Williams, who was born in Stonington, Conn., Jan. 1, 1827, the daugh- ter of Thomas and Lucy (Fairfield) Williams, who eventually removed from Stonington to Pomfret. Mrs. Wheaton was a direct descendant of the his- toric character, Roger Williams, of Charter Oak fame. Deacon Angell Wheaton was summoned into eternal rest Jan. 4, 1889; his devoted and cherished wife survived him a full decade, and passed away Dec. 8, 1899, both dying in Putnam, Conn., where they had passed their declining years among their children, who accorded them the deepest filial solici- tude. Of their children we enter but a brief rec- ord. Edgar M. is the immediate subject of this re- view. Alice, born in Pomfret, March 28, 1856, was married, Sept. 13, 1881, to Matthewson Angell, a successful dry-goods merchant of Willimantic, Conn., and they have five children. Thomas, born in Pomfret, Sept. 24, 1861, is now located in North Omaha, Neb., where he is extensively engaged in sheep growing; he married Miss Mae Simpson and they have one son. Annie, who was born in Pom- fret, March 29, 1868, was married, Nov. 25, 1897, to Frederick Stone, a carpenter of Putnam, Conn., and they have one son. In the concluding paragraphs of this sketch will be considered the more salient points in the career of the honored citizen of Putnam, whose name initi- ates this article. Edgar M. Wheaton was born in Pomfret, Conn., April 18, 1851, and his preliminary educational discipline was received in the public schools of his native town and in a select school taught by Miss Elizabeth Mathewson. At the age of sixteen years he may be said to have initiated his business career, since he then left the parental roof and for the following year was engaged in the looking up and collecting of accounts for Henry S. Hutchins, a wholesale grocer of Providence, R. 1. At the age of eighteen he went to Wheaton, III., a town founded by and largely built up through the efforts of his two uncles, Jesse and Warren Wheat- on, both pioneer settlers of that State, and promi- nently identified with its industrial and civic history. They went to Illinois in 1837, when the western COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD I4f metropolis, Chicago, was but a small town, and set- tled on the open prairie, where they eventually laid the foundation for the thriving little city which now bears their name. For a year and a half after his arrival there, Mr. Wheaton pursued his studies in the college located there, and thence went to Hum- boldt, Iowa, where he engaged in the manufacture, purchase and sale of lime and lime-stone, being as- sociated in this enterprise with Dr. Russell, under the frm name of Russell & Wheaton. At the ex- piration of a year he purchased his partner’s interest and for the following year conducted the business alone. He then availed himself of a favorable op- portunity to dispose of his interests to Des Moines parties, and his next business project was that in- volved in the opening of a cabinet shop, and in this connection it may be said that he first came before the public as a contractor and builder—the line of industry along which he has gained high reputation and a success of no indefinite character. He is a man of marked initiative capacity and business ver- satility, and his new enterprise showed the value of his interposition. He was favored in securing a number of excellent contracts, and the buildings which he there erected are doing good service at the present time, showing that his fidelity to his contracts and insistency upon the best possible workmanship were as pronounced at the inception of his career in this line as they have been to the present day. Mr. Wheaton passed about two years in Hum- boldt, Iowa, and finally decided. to return to. his native town of Pomfret, reaching home just in time to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner beneath the parental roof in 1872. Mr. Wheaton remained in Pomfret until the fol- lowing spring, when his judgment as to the business possibilities in his line in Putnam led him to come to that place and to purchase a tract of land of Simon and William Bartholomew, located near the high school building ; there he soon instituted the erection of a dwelling house, in which connection his plan of procedure was distinctively different from that usually followed, as he labored alone and completed the house without having enlisted a week’s work from any other person. When the home was made ready for occupancy Mr. Wheaton, who had pre- viously taken unto himself a wife, there took up his abode and properly established the household goods, the Lares and Penates who guard the destinies of the home. Soon afterward he began the erection of other houses, for himself and others, and from this beginning his business increased to one of extensive scope and importance, justifying the wisdom of his choice in having located in the city to whose prog- ress and material upbuilding he has so signally con- tributed. enhancing the public prosperity through private enterprise. He has built many of the prin- cipal business blocks in the city and a large number of its handsome residences, while his reputation has brought to him a representative support through- out a large section of country contiguous to Put- nam, many fine buildings in neighboring towns standing as monuments to his skill as a builder and ‘his scrupulous fidelity in the execution of all work entrusted to his hands. He has finely equipped shops, in which are turned out the finest lines of interior finishings, in which connection it should be noted that he furnished all the inside wood work for the South Boston high school building, one of the fine modern school structures in that section, while a general jobbing business is done in this line, entailing the employment of a corps of competent workmen and the operation of the most approved mechanical devices. Mr. Wheaton’s first shop was located near what is known as the Morse Lot, on the west side of the. river, and this continued to be his headquarters about two years, when the building was taken down and removed. In 1876 he erected a two-story shop on the east side of the track of the New York, New Haven and Hartford railroad, near the fifth district school-house, and this was utilized until his increasing business made the ac- commodations inadequate to the demands, when he erected in 1892 his present extensive establishment, the main building being four stories in height and 50 by 100 feet in lateral dimensions, while the orig- inal building is. stiJl utilized as a portion of the plant. The line of enterprise in which Mr. Wheaton is engaged is one that has important bearing upon the advancement of any community, and that locality is favored which secures for the management of such an enterprise a man of the high integrity and marked executive and technical ability of Mr. Wheaton. His success has been pronounced, and he is to-day numbered among the substantial business men of Putnam, but his prosperity has been achieved by legitimate and honorable methods and is viewed with pleasure and satisfaction by all who know and appreciate his sterling character. As a public-spirited citizen he has ever stood ready to lend his aid and influence in the promotion of all worthy enterprises for the general good of his town and State, being a staunch friend of the causes of education and relig- ion and never neglecting any civic duty devolving upon him. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party, but he has never sought the hon- ors of official preferment, though he consented to appear as candidate for alderman from the Second ward at the time when Putnam was incorporated as a city. He was victorious at the polls and thus has the distinction of having been a member of the first board of aldermen, in which capacity his course during his two terms of service was marked by the same fidelity and business acumen which have char- acterized his career at all times and under all con- ditions. He is a man of firm convictions and strong individuality, but is tolerant in his judgment, and kindly and gracious in his intercourse with his fel- low men, being ever able to discern the silvery lining of every cloud, having an even temperament and a well balanced mentality, and thus being not only potentially but objectively helpful. In these char- 142 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD acteristics he is a true Wheaton, for the same at- tributes have distinguished the family in all the various generations, whose men and women have contributed a valuable element in the communities where they have been placed. Other equally defi- nite characteristics have been a deep conscientious- ness and morality, a high sense of personal responsi- bilitv and a high regard for the rights of others. Temperance in all things has seemed to be an un- written motto in the family, and this has been shown in the almost invariable abstaining of its members from the use of tobacco or intoxicants. That great desideratum, mens sana i corpore sano—a sound mind in a sound body—seem to typify concisely the present representative of the name. _ The religious faith of Mr. Wheaton is that of the Congregational church, of which he is a zealous and devoted member, doing all in his power to. iurther the cause of the Divine Master through ear- nest efiort and precept and personal example in the daily walks of life. Like his honored father he has been called upon to serve as deacon of his church, having been incumbent of this position for more than twelve years, while he has also served for a number of years, as superintendent of the Sunday- school, and has been prominent in other branches of the church work, having been president of the Chris- tian Endeavor Society and a member of the Society committee. Mrs. Wheaton is also a devoted member of the same church, and both have proved active and valued workers, while their true Christian bearing has had a definite and beneficent influence in the community. Their charities have been many but unos- tentatious, in that they have followed the behest, “Let not your right hand know what your left hand doeth,”’ for as prosperity has come to them they have had a high sense of their stewardship and have been helpful to others less fortunate. The beautiful family home, an attractive residence on Oak Hill, is the center of gracious and refined hospitality. Mr. Wheaton purchased the E. S. Lyon house in 1886, and this he has remodeled with marked taste and discrimination, making it one of the many pleasant homes of which Putnam has a right to boast. In conclusion we shall touch more particularly upon the domestic chapter in the life history of our honored subject. Orn Aug. 25, 1872, at Indepen- dence, Iowa, Mr. Wheaton was united in marriage to Miss Charity Eliza Jayne, who was born in Bar- rington, Ill., the daughter of Timothy and Phcebe (Plimpton) Jayne. She has proved to him a true companion and helpmeet and is known as a woman of gentle refinement and gracious presence. To them have been born six children. Mary Alice was graduated from the Putnam high school in 1894 and from Wheaton College, Ill., in 1898, and is now at the parental home. Frank Angell was graduated from the high school in 1895 and from Wheaton College in 1899, being now in business in Indiana- polis, Ind.; he married Miss Mabel Beemer, of Wheaton, and they have one child, Marion, born in Putnam. Walter Alexander, born in Putnam, was graduated from the high school there as a member of the class of 1900, and is associated with his father in business. Henry Ward, born in Putnam, is a high school graduate of the class of 1901, and is now (1902) attending Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, N.. Y., fitting himself for mechanical engineering. William Edgar, born in Putnam, is a member of the class of 1903, in the Putnam high school; and Ray- mond Thomas, born in Putnam, is attending the public schools of his home city. It may well be said that Mr. Wheaton is sig- nally favored in all the relations of life, having an ideal home, a large and important business, and en- joying the unequivocal confidence and esteem of the community, but the best of all is that he merits and duly appreciates all this. MURDOCK. For over a third of a century this name, in the persons of Hon. George Taft Murdock and son, George Thurston Murdock, manufacturers of cotton wash goods at New Bos- ton, in the town of Thompson, Windham Co., Conn., has been a synonym for all that goes to make up good citizenship and an influence for the best interests of the town and welfare of its people. These gentlemen descend from a sturdy New England ancestry of the Colonial period—from men and women who have left their impress upon so- ciety in the several communities in which they have lived. Robert Murdock, the progeniter of the Ux- bridge, Mass., Murdocks, from whence the Thomp- son,.Conn., family came, was a native of Scotland, born in 1665, was probably a brother of John Mur- dock, of Plymouth, Mass., and came with him to America in 1688. He removed from Plymouth to Roxbury, thence about 1703 to Newtown, where he bought a house and 120 acres of land. On April 28, 1692, he married Hannah Stedman, born in 1667, probably a daughter of Thomas and Mary Sted- man, of Cambridge. She died in 1727. He sub- sequently married again, the Christian name of his wife being Abigail. His children, born in Rox- bury, were: Hannah, Jan. 22, 1693; Robert, Feb. I, 1694; John, March 25, 1696; Samuel, March 24, 1698; and Benjamin, May 4, 1700; and one, Hannah, born in Newtown, Mass., May 22, 1705. Of these, John. Murdock married, in 1722, Sarah, and their children were: Hannah, born July 17, 1723; Abiel, February 21, 1725; John, Dec. 24, 17273 Ephraim, April 18, 1729; Amos, Aug. 7, 17307 Elisha, Aug. 25, 1732 (died in 1749); Aaron, Aug. 28, 1735; Ephraim, March 19, 1737; James, March 15, 1738; Robert, Sept. 1, 1739; Sarah, Sept. 17, 1741; and Hannah, Feb. 21, 1744. ‘these Amos settled in Windham, Conn., where he married October 21, 1751, Sybil, daughter of John and Lydia (Jennings) Flint, and a descendant of Thomas Flint, of Salem, Mass., 1650. Another son, John, married (first), in 1750, Bethia Fuller, COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 143 and (second), in 1766, Mary Ward, and with his family removed to the town of Uxbridge, Mass. He, or his son John, it is said, took the name of Robert Pierpont, of Roxbury, by act of the General Court, in 1795. His children were: John, born March 6, 1761; Mehitabel, May 22, 1763; Mary, February 29, 1765; Sarah, August 30, 1766; John (2), August 21, 1768; Amasa, July 28, 1772; George, February 21, 1775; and Mary, December 27, 1778. Elisha Murdock, of the Uxbridge stock, was born in that town, and lived and died there. He was a substantial citizen and a prosperous man. He married a Miss Chapin, of Uxbridge, a. descen- dant of Deacon Samuel Chapin, probably of Welsh origin, who took the freeman’s oath in Boston in 1641, was a deacon of the church, and probably re- sided in Dorchester, and moved, in 1642, to Spring- field, Mass., where he was a magistrate and an active public man. Josiah Chapin, one of his sons, settled in Mendon, Worcester Co., Mass., as one of the original grantees of the town. He was the first deputy from the town to the General Court, and for more than twenty years was chairman of the board of selectmen. Of the sons of Elisha Murdock, there is mention of Fuller, Schuyler, Warren and Chapin (who died in Cuba). Fuller Murdock, son of Elisha, about 1807 mar- ried Ester, daughter of James Taft, and to them were born children as follows: Philina, Aug. 26, 1807; Abbie Eliza, Nov. 13, 1808; Moses Taft, Sept. 12, 1810; John, Sept. 9, 1812; Charles, Feb. 11, 1815; Caleb, Feb. 16, 1817; George Taft, March 18, 1819; Harriet, Feb. 6, 1821; Chapin, June 20, 1823; and Mary Ann, June 18, 1825. The mother of these was a daughter of James Taft, and descended from Robert Taft, who is supposed to have come to America with five sons—Thomas, Robert, Daniel, Joseph and Benjamin—and who lived first in Braintree, but about 1679 removed to Mendon, Mass., where he resided the rest of his life, dying in 1724. It is believed that he was the ancestor of nearly all of the name in this country. His posterity in Mendon, Upton and Uxbridge, Mass., were numerous. Judge Taft is also of this family. Georce Tarr Murpocx, son of Fuller, born March 18, 1819, was reared to habits of industry, and early in boyhood became self-reliant. He re- ceived the benefits of the neighborhood schools until twelve years of age, at which time he in a measure became self-supporting, for he then went to work in the old Capron mill, at Uxbridge, piec- ing rolls, acquiring by his own efforts money to defray the expenses of a higher education, which he obtained in the academies of Uxbridge, Mass., and Plymouth, N. H. At twenty-one years of age, associated with a partner, he began a mercantile career in his native town, and in it continued with success for six years. At the close of this period he engaged in the manufacture of satinets in Mill- bury, Mass., then in Seaconnet Point, R. I., passing four years in the two places. In 1861 he removed to the city of Worcester, Mass., and established the firm of Curtis & Murdock, manufacturers of woolen goods. In 1865 he purchased the power at New Boston, in Thompson, Conn., with which place he has since been identified. He retained his residence in Worcester until 1879, at which time he removed to New Boston, and has since maintained a home in that place. At the time of the purchase of the mill property in New Boston it was dilapidated, and the village and surroundings were anything but invit- ing as a place of residence, but through the efforts of himself and only son, who has been associated with his father from youth up, the mills have been rebuilt of brick, and the capacity greatly increased ; and there is, too, a different moral atmosphere about the village, where a transformation has | taken place. To the energy, consideration and outlay of these gentlemen, father and son, the sightly and thrifty appearance of the New Boston of to-day is due. Their mills give employment to about one hundred operatives. A Republican in politics, the senior Mr. Mur- dock has been called upon, both at Worcester and at New Boston, to aid by his counsel and advice in the carrying on the affairs of these places. He was a member of the common council of the city of Worcester in 1862, and in 1885 served as a mem- ber of the Lower House of Connecticut from his town; in this body he was on the committee on School Funds. He is a Christian gentleman, and a supporter of the church and its societies. He is also a strong advocate for the cause of temperance, in fact, he is ever found on the side of right, and he commands the respect and esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens. Mr. Murdock practically retired from active life in 18y9. In 1845 Mr. Murdock was married to Abbie A., daughter of Alvin Robinson, of Mansfield, Mass., and to them came two children, George Thurston and Lizzie G. The daughter died May 3, 1879, in Worcester, Mass., and is buried in the cemetery there; she was the wife of Horace E. Bigelow, and had one child—Gretchen Murdock, who married Dr. William C. Lunan, of Southbridge, Mass., and has two children, Marion M. and Augustus Holt. Mrs. Abbie A. Murdock died May 19, 1898, and was laid to rest in the Worcester cemetery. She was a member of the Unitarian Church at Ux- bridge. Grorce THurston Murpock, son of George Taft, was born July 4, 1846, in Uxbridge, Mass. He was educated in the academies of Worcester and Wilbraham, Mass., and began his business career in his father’s mills in Worcester, starting in the finishing room. There he became familiar with the details of the business, and later he became the accountant of the concern, in 1866 assuming the superintendency of the mills at New Boston. In 1868 he became an interested party in the business, 144 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD and still later an equal partner. For many years prior to his father’s removal to New Boston the son had almost the entire oversight of the business, and of later years the details and management of the concern have been largely turned over to him. He is of the same character of man as his father, with whom he has in every way co-operated in the progress and improvements brought about in the business and in the town. He is both enterpris- ing and public-spirited, and active in public affairs. He has held some of the local offices, such as town committeeman, etc., and in 1878 was an efficient member of the State Legislature, serving in that session on the Committees on Manufacturing and Mileage. On June 22, 1869, Mr. Murdock was married to Arrilla R., daughter of Charles D. and Lucy Thayer, of New Boston. One child, Mabel Flor- ence, blessed this union. Mrs. Murdock died Oct. 29, 1902. She was a woman much beloved and highly esteemed in the community as was most fully attested by the expressions of love and con- dolence when she entered into rest. THAYER. The Thayer family is an old one of New England, one known to Massachusetts his- tory for 260 and more years, and to Connecticut for nearly a century. A number of families, too, allied to the Thompson, Conn., branch, which is here treated, are families of long and honorable standing in New England, among them the Wheel- er, Mowry and Nichols. The Thayers of England are of Saxon origin. The family is now extinct, but they owned lands in the County of Essex, from the reign of Edward JI, and were all described with the affix “gent.” In this’ country the grandchildren of the first Thom- as Tayer spelled the name Thayer, and it has so continued until the present time. [N. E. Gen'l. Reg. Vol. XXXVII, P. 84.] The Thomas Tayer referred to, and the pro- genitor of the branch of the Thayer family under consideration, was born at Thornbury, England, and married there April 3, 1618, Margery Wheeler. He came to America before 1639, and was early at Braintree, where he had a grant of seventy-six acres of land. He died “2d, 4 mo. 1665, and his wife Margery died 1rd, 12 mo. 1672.” Their chil- dren were: Thomas, baptized Sept. 15, 1625; Fer- nando, baptized April 18, 1625, and Shadrach, bap- tized May 10, 1629. From this emigrant ancestor, Judge and Mayor Thayer, of Norwich, are descendants in the eighth generation, their lineage being through Fernando (or Ferdinando), Isaac, Joseph, John, John (2) and Charles D. Thayer. (II) Ferdinando Thaver, baptized April 18, 1625, married in 1652, Huldah Hayard, of Braintree, and their children were: Sarah, Huldah, Jonathan, David, Naomi, Thomas, Samuel and Isaac. (III) Isaac Thayer, son of Ferdinando, married (first) Mercy Ward, and (second) Mary, and their children were: Mary, Isaac, Ebenezer, Comfort, Mary, John, Nathaniel, Moses, Samuel, Joseph and Ichabod. (IV) Joseph Thayer, son of Isaac, was born in 1715, and in 1741, married Sarah Balcom, who. died in 1762. In 1765 he married for his second wife Rachel Richardson. He became the father of children, as follows: Joseph, Rhoda, Sarah, Phebe, John, Thaddeus, Sarah (2), Martha, Sophrona,. Asseneth, Isaac, Zilpha and Lydia. (V) John Thayer, son of Joseph, born Sept. 28, 1752, married in 1776, Dacy Richardson, and’ their children were: Sarah, Arrilla, John, Joseph,. Phebe and Marvel. (VI) John Thayer (2), son of John, born in 1787, married Dec. 12, 1810, Ruth Mowry, and set- tled in East Douglas, Mass., and later removed to: Thompson, Conn. Their children were: Mowry R., born April 27, 1812, married Harriet Morse,. Charles D., born Dec. 26, 1813; and Arrilla, born Aug. 9, 1816, married Mowry Richardson.. [Pope’s Pioneers of Mass. and Emerson’s Doug-- las, Mass. ] (VII) Charles D. Thayer, son of John, was. born Dec. 26, 1813, in the town of Douglas, Mass.,. and there had the advantages of the public schools. He continued his studies in the Oxford and Ux- bridge high schools, and then for several terms. taught school. He began a business career as a clerk at Oxford, and afterward established and° conducted on his own account a general store at New Boston, Conn. This life, however, was not- in keeping with his tastes and his father's health becoming poor, he assumed the charge of his fath- er’s farm at New Boston. He became owner of the farm in 1847 by deed from his father and con-- tinued farming on that place until 1869, his opera- tions there covering the period between 1838 and 1869. In this latter year he removed to the Nichols place near New Boston village, which he had owned’ for some years, where he continued to reside until: his death on April 6, 1898. A man of the strictest integrity and principles, of good judgment and experience, Mr. Thayer's. services were frequently sought as trustee and ex- ecutor of estates. He variously served his town as assessor, selectman, etc., and at one time received the nomination of his party, the Democratic, as a candidate for the State Legislature, but in the race was defeated. He served as a director in the First National Bank, at Thompson. On Nov. 12, 1843, Mr. Thayer was married to Lucy E., daughter of David Nichols, of Thompson, and to them came children as follows: David Nichols, born December 10, 1844, is proprietor of the Rockland (Maine) Daily Star; John Mowry, born March 15, 1847, is judge of Superior Court of Connecticut; Arrilla Richardson, born Feb. 4, . COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 145 1850, married George Thurston Murdock, of New Boston, Conn.; and Charles Frederick, born Nov. 6, 1852, is mayor of Norwich, Connecticut. KNOWLTON. The Knowlton family is one of the oldest and most prominent in Windham county, a family noted for its patriotism, statesmanship and religious activity. The Knowlton family was founded on American soil when (1) Capt. William Knowlton, his wife, Anna Elizabeth Smith, and several of their children came by way of Nova Scotia to New England, as early as 1630. The father died on the passage, bu. the other members of the family were among the early settlers in Ipswich, Mass. The children of Capt. William were: John, William, Thomas ‘and Samuel. (II) William Knowlton, son of Capt. William, was born in 1615, was a member of the First Church and was made a freeman in Ipswich in 1641-2. By trade he was a brick-layer. The Christian name of his wife was Elizabeth. William Knowlton died in 1635. His children were: Thomas, Nathaniel, Will- iam, John, Benjamin, Samuel and Mary, all born between 1640 and 1649. (III) William Knowlton, the third of the name, was born in 1642, married, and lived in Ipswich, by trade a tailor. His wife’s name was Susanna. In 1669 he took the freeman’s oath. It is probable that he moved to New York City in 1669 and thence to Norwich, Conn., in 1682, in company with one Thomas Clark. His children were: Thomas, Sarah and Joseph, all born between 1667 and 1677. (IV) Thomas Knowlton, son of William (3), was born in 1667, and Dec. 9, 1692, married his first wife, Margery Goodhue; his second wife was Mar- gery Carter. The children born to the first marriage were: Robert, Margery, Margery (2), Joseph and Deborah, all born between 1693 and 1698; and the children of the second union were: Abraham, Sarah and Ezekiel, all born between 1703 and 1767. (V) Robert Knowlton, son of Thomas, was born Sept. 7, 1693, in Ipswich, Mass., and Nov. 21, 1717, married Hannah Robinson. He removed to Sut- ton, N. H., from there in 1725 to Ashford, Conn., and settled on land in the western part of the town, which is still in the possession of his descendants. Robert Knowlton was the first of the name to settle there. He and his wife were received into the Ash- ford church from that at Sutton, Dec. 11, 1726, and from that time he became a prominent leader in church affairs. He was chosen deacon in 1762, and for many years he performed the duties of that office ; he was repeatedly chosen as a member of a commit- tee to examine candidates for the pulpit ‘“‘as to the principles and discipline.” Both his strong religious feeling and his patriotic ardor seem to have been inherited by his descendants, who were firm sup- porters and loyal members of the Ashford church, and were among the first to respond to the call to arms. 10 Robert Knowlton owned a large farm in Ash- ford and was also engaged in the manufacture of salt. From 1739 to 1755 he represented his town in the colonial Legislature, a man of worth and wis- dom. His death occurred Dec. 29, 1794, and that of his wife, Hannah, Dec. 7, 1777. About 1735 in making improvements on his farm, he erected a barn, which stood on the land now owned by R. D. W. Knowlton, until in the latter seventies, when it was torn down. As souvenirs of the old building, and in remembrance of a most worthy ancestor, Mr. Knowlton had several handsome canes made from its stanch old timbers and they are prized possessions of the family. Six children were born to Robert Knowlton and his wife. Daniel, born in 1726, married, Nov. 7, 1745, Zerviah Wadkins, daughter of Capt. William Wadkins, of the Colonial army, and they lived in Ashford. He was a soldier and served at the siege of Louisburg. Esther, born Nov. 25, 1727, died young; Sarah, Aug. 17, 1731, died Oct. 28, 1739; Thomas, April 26, 1733, married, Dec. 8, 1756, Bridget Bosworth; Robert, May 27, 1735, died in 1739; and Abraham, April 3, 1740, married March 21, 1763, Molly Knox. (VI) Abraham Knowlton, youngest son of Rob- ert, was married March 21, 1763, to Molly Knox, and their children were: Amasa, born Feb. 26, 1764, who married Margaret Topliff; Sarah, June 20, 1765, who died in 1775; Miriam, Dec. 15, 1766, who married April 15, 1790, Abner Woodward ; Stephen, Sept. 7, 1768, married Jan. 8, 1795, to Hannah Heath; Persis, April 2, 1770; Abel, April 9, 1772, who married Barbara Dimmock; Abraham, Dec. 17, 1774, who died when young; Nathan, Aug. 17, 1778, who married Lydia Leonard; Daniel, March 17, 1781, married Nov. 24, 1803, to Hannah Knowl- ton; and Amos, March 20, 1783, who married Sept. 13, 1804, Nancy Webb. Abraham Knowlton died June 14, 1821, in Ashford, and his wife, Molly, died July 8, 1819. (VII) Daniel Knowlton, son of Abraham, born in 1781, married Hannah Knowlton, born April 19, 1783, in Ashford, daughter of Lieut. Daniel Knowl- ton, a hero of the Revolution, and a niece of Col. Thomas Knowlton, also a hero of that war. She was an aunt of the brave Gen. Nathaniel Lyon, who was killed at the battle of Wilson’s Creek, Mo., early in the Civil war. Daniel Knowlton was a prosperous farmer of Ashford, where he resided through life. He died in 1852. Six children were born to Daniel Knowlton. Miner, who graduated from West Point Military Academy with high honors, became a cap- tain in the United States army, served in the Mexi- can war, and finally resigned from military life on account of impaired health, spending his last years at Burlington, N. J., unmarried. Amanda, who married Lewis Topliff, moved to Ohio, where she died, leaving no issue. Miriam, who married Hiram Cady, a successful merchant, later a farmer, died in Ashford ; she had one daughter, Mary A. H. Cady, 146 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD of Ashford. Danford, who in early life engaged in the wholesale grocery trade in Hartford, in 1843 went to New York and until he retired from activity, was in the wholesaling and importing business. He married Miranda H. Rockwell, and died at Statf- ford, Conn., where he was living retired. His three children were: D. Henry; Miner R. and Gertrude. Elvira, who married Asher Knowlton, resided for a time in Ashford, later in Stafford, and died there; their daughter Nancy was the wife of J. F. Cham- berlin, of Stafford. Edwin was the youngest: (VIII) Edwin Knowlton, son of Daniel, was born June 24, 1825, and married Mary F. Wood- ward, daughter of Otis Woodward, of Ashford. He recived a fair common school education, and al- though desirous of wider opportunities, his filial duty kept him on his parents’ farm, which he brought to a high state of cultivation, greatly extending its area. This farm has been in the possession of the Knowltons for more than a century and a half, and it is now being worked by Robert D. W. Knowlton, the eldest son of Edwin. The other children are: George B. M., James E. A. and Hattie E. George B. M. Knowlton is a farmer and resides in Ashford, where he married Huldah Anderson. James E. A. Knowlton, born April 28, 1866, was married March 8, 1899, to Lottie, daughter of Henry Knowlton. He was educated in the public schools and took a course in the Morse Business College at Hartford and is now engaged in farming in Ashford, although he has been a prominent factor in political life in his town. In 1gor he was representative from Ashford to the State Legislature, in which he efficiently served on the committee on Claims. In 1900 he suc- ceeded his brother as tax collector, and still serves in that office. In politics he is a Democrat. His two children are: Edwin E., born June 30, 1900; and Elizabeth W., born Aug. 30, 1901. Hattie E., the only daughter of Daniel Knowlton, graduated from Northfield Seminary and attended Oberlin Col- lege, later teaching school for several years. She is now the wife of Edward Walker, of Gurleyville. The death of Edwin Knowlton occurred Sept. II, 1884, his wife passing away April 29, 1895. Mr. Knowlton was one of the leading men of Ashford, prominent in every public enterprise, and always a representative of its best interests. In the Demo- cratic party he was a power and was chosen to fill many positions of honor and responsibility, be- ing at various times selectman, surveyor of high- ways and representative to the Legislature. His known good judgment, his sterling integrity, made him in constant request for the settlement of es- tates, many complicated cases passing satisfactorily through his hands. As a farmer he accumulated large means. (IX) Robert Daniel Woodward Knowlton was born Nov. 18, 1860, on his present farm, and was educated in the district school. Until the death of his father, he assisted him in his agricultural labors: he then purchased the interests of the other heirs and secured the valuable property which has been his home ever since. For a considerable period, Mr. Knowlton dealt in stock and for a long time was interested extensively in dairy farming, but pays little attention to either at present. His farm com- prises 200 acres and is widely known as one of the best cultivated and most productive in that section. In June, 1891, Mr. Knowlton was married to Mrs. Geraldine (Coe) Sunderland, a native of York- shire, England. Alrs. Knowlton had one son, James, by her former marriage. Like the rest of his family, Mr. Knowlton is prominently identified with the Democratic party and exerts a wide influence. In 1889 he served very acceptably on the committee on Labor, while a rep- resentative in the State Legislature, and in his town he has been constable and collector, holding the offices for about eighteen years. Fraternally he is a member of Uriah Lodge No. 24, of Merrow, A. F. & A. M. His religious connection is with the Methodist Church. SIMEON A. WHEATON. It is doubtful if any merchant in Windham county has continuously conducted business in one place for so long a time as has Simeon A. Wheaton, whose store at Phoenix- ville has weathered the changes of the town since 1849, and under the original management is still catering to an appreciative trade from behind its time honored counters. Nor does this integral and unchanging part of the commonwealth constitute the extent of the interests of Mr. Wheaton, who has experienced equal success in general farming, stock- raising and dairying, conducted on his several hun- dred acres of land in the towns of Pomfret and Eastford. He was born in Thompson, Conn., in March, 1829, a son of Levi and Amy (Ballard) Wheaton, and grandson of Deacon James Wheaton. The ancestry of the Wheaton family is traced back to Robert Wheaton, who was born in Swansea, Wales, in 1605, and arrived in this country some time between 1630 and 1636. He married Alice Bowen, daughter of Richard Bowen, and he died in 1695-6, at the age of ninety vears. For a time he lived at Salem, Mass., and between 1643 and 1646 removed to Rehoboth, where he and his sons were active in the upbuilding of the first Baptist church in Massachusetts. Robert Wheaton, like Roger Williams, with whom he was in active sympathy, was a pioneer, and forerunner of a large number of Welsh Baptists, who, a few years later, came from their hilly country and settled near Rehoboth. He took the “oath of fidelitie” in 1657, and was admitted a freeman in 1658. His homestead in the southern part of the town is still in the possession of his descendants. To him and his wife were born eleven children, viz.: Joseph, a trooper under Capt. Hutch- inson in King Philip’s war; Samuel, also a trooper in King Philip's war, and a resident of Swansea; Jeremiah, who lived at Rehoboth: Christopher, a soldier in the Indian war, who died at Hull, Mass.; COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 147 Obadiah, who removed to Milton, Mass., and joined Capt. Johnson in the war of 1675; John; Bethia, the wife of William Blanding, of Rehoboth; Han- nal, the wife of Mr. Butterworth; Mary; Rev. Ephraim, a distinguished Baptist minister stationed over the first Baptist church in Massachusetts, from 1704 until his death in 1834; and Benjamin. (11) John Wheaton, son ef Robert, who was born April 20, 1650, and died July 25, 1737, mar- ried Elizabeth Carpenter, by whom he had eleven children: Samuel, Nathaniel, Priscilla, Mary, James, John, Peter, Isaac, Charity, Patience, and Joseph. He drew lands in Swansea, Feb. 7, 1670-1, and be- came the owner of several farms in that locality. He Was surveyor in 1683, constable in 1685, and man- aged to draw from his lands and interests what was then considered a fortune. His finances suffered a reversion during the Indian war of 1675, and he was one of the foremost in bringing about the ter- mination of that disastrous conflict. He was a devout member of the Baptist Church, of which his distinguished vounger brother was pastor, and hé is credited with largeness of heart and devotion to the best interests of the community. (III) Samuel Wheaton, born Jan. 10, 1679, mar- ried Experience Pierce, and died prior to 1736. He lived in Swansea, supposedly in that part now known as Warren, R. I., near the coast, and no rec- ord is forthcoming of any child save Levi. (IV) Levi Wheaton was born June 25, 1722, and probably died in 1812. He was twice married, first to Dibble Dorothy Cole, born Sept. 8, 1725; and in 1792 he took as his second wife an orphan. With the seven children born in Swansea he continued to live there until the Revolutionary war was well under way, when it is known that the two oldest sons with their families, as well as most of the other people, fled inward from the coast for greater safe- ty. It is’ supposed that Levi accompanied his sons in their flight from Swansea to Pomfret in 1777, or a vear later. Through his first marriage Levi Wheaton became the father of seven children: Dea- con James; Simeon, a farmer at Thompson; Jere- miah, a soldier of the Revolution, who lived and died at Pomfret; Levi; Reuben; Sarah; and Syble. Of the second union there were four children: Levi, Alpierce, Jacob, and Louise, the first two being twins. . (V) Deacon James Wheaton, son of Levi, and grandfather of the merchant of Phcenixville, was born Dec. 7, 1750, and died April 17, 1844. For his first wife he married Sarah Slade, April 6, 1775; she was born March 15, 1756, and died Jan. 19, 1819. His second wife, Svble Slade, whom he married March 19, 1820, survived him, and died in Somer- set, Mass., having been born Nov. 21, 1760. Dea- con Wheaton owned a farm in Swansea before and during the early part of the Revolutionary war, and participated in the memorable struggle near its be- ginning. About 1777 he sold his Swansea farm for Continental money, which was practically worth- less in his hands, but with which in 1778 he managed to secure about 100 acres of wild land on what is now called Ragged Hill, which our subject still owns. There he lived until 1800, and then removed to the extreme western part of Thompson, Conn., and settled at the junction of the Boston and Provi- dence turnpike. A hotel established at this point proved a happy forethought for the newcomer, whose place became a favorite resting spot along this well traveled turnpike. Through zeal and in- dustry, and wise investment, wealth poured into his coffers, and his admirable personal attributes won him the confidence and respect of all who knew him. He was tall and commanding, possessed a rare judgment and a world of common sense, and his advice was readily sought on all matters of im- portance in the community. In early life he became connected with the Baptist Church at South Wood- stock, and served for many years as deacon and ex- ecutive adviser, being an earnest advocate of re- ligious liberty and tolerance. He was naturally op- posed to the party which sought to hold onto the ec- clesiastical constitution of Connecticut, and he aided in the adoption of the new constitution, and in the abolition of a privileged standing, serving also as one of the first legislators following the changed con- ditions. He died April 17, 1844, and is buried at West Thompson. Of the eight children born into his family the order of birth is as follows: Benja- min, born Oct. 30, 1775, who married Anna Lyon, and settled at Ashford: Levi, Oct. 30, 1775, who died Nov. 22, 1775; Levi (2), May 27, 1777; James, Aug. 20, 1779, who died May 4, 1826, in Providence, having married Abigale Farnum, of Thompson; Betsey, Jan. 31, 1783, who married Elisha Converse, and died in Melrose, Feb. 20, 1873; Joseph, April 18, 1785, who married Sally Stone, and later Eliza Miller, served in the war of 1812, and lived on the old Thompson homestead ; Sally, Oct. 24. 1789, who lived at Burrillville, R. I, and married Elijah Whit- man: and Alse, Sept. 13, 1793, who married Will- iam Bundy, of Thompson, an artilleryman in the war of 1812, and died Jan. 9, 1838. (V1) Levi Wheaton, father of Simeon A., was born in Swansea, Mass., and came to Pomfret with his parents when quite young. He was reared to farming, but learned the coopers’ trade, and after his marriage removed to Thompson, where he com- bined these occupations for a number of years. This farm was eventually disposed of and he returned to the paternal farm on Ragged Hill, Pomfret, now owned by his son, Simeon, where he farmed and followed his trade up to the time of his death, Feb. 15, 1846. He was one of the best farmers in his section of the country, and one of the stanchest Democrats. April 23. 1809, he married Amy Bal- lard, daughter of Jacob Ballard, of Thompson, and a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Wheaton died April 25, 1877, having for seventeen years pre- viously been stricken with the palsy, and unable to ‘ walk a step. She was the mother of nine children, 148 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD the order of their birth being as follows: Levi, Jr., born March 5, 1810, a pioneer farmer of Illinois, who, while on the way to his home in the East was taken ill, and died in a hospital in Detroit, Oct. 16, 1838; Emily May, May 8, 1812, who married Zal- mon Wood, a successful farmer, and died in Men- don, Mass.; Sally, Mlarch 17, 1814, who died Feb. 21, 1838; Maria, Dec. 16, 1816, who died March 16, 1860; Alice, July 20, 1819, who married Mr. Bliven, and died in Dakota; Abigail, July 2, 1821, who died unmarried in Pomfret; James, April 17, 1823, who died on his farm in Pomfret ; Sylvester, Jan. 4, 1826, a shoe-maker of Eastford and a farmer, who mar- ried Ann Wilcox, and died, after being an invalid tor forty years; and Simeon A. (VIL) Simeon A. Wheaton was but a few weeks old when his parents came to Pomfret, and he at- tended the public schools and the Woodstock Acad- emy. He was reared on the paternal farm on Ragged Hill, which he now owns, came to Pheenixville, April 17, 18419, and succeeded Woodward & Allen in the general store business, to which he has since given his attention. A staunch Democrat, he was appointed postmaster in 1860, and held the position tor twenty-five years; and he represented the town in the Legislature in 1882, during which session he served on the committee on Roads and Bridges. From 1877 to 1881 he was a member of the board of county commissioners, and he has served as local commissioner of the Superior Court for a number of vears. As a delegate he has represented East- ford at numerous conventions, and he is regarded as the leader of the party in his part of the county. At present, and for many years past, he has been a registrar of voters, and for years has been justice of the peace and trial justice. No man in the town has a stronger hold upon the popular regard than has this venerable merchant and uncompromisingly upright politician. His influence extends over the whole State, where his attainments and fine char- acter have made him hosts of friends, and where in earlier years he exerted his powers in furthering just legislation and promoting the issues of his party. A fearless man in all ways, he possesses decided opinions which are fortunately on the side of right and reason, and are therefore rarely questioned in matters of real importance. He has always been a great reader and keen observer, and possesses a valuable fund of general information. In February of 1852, Mr. Wheaton married Elizabeth J. Lyon, a native of Pomfret, and daughter of Walter Lyon. Mrs. Wheaton died in 1866, at the age of forty years, leaving two children. (1) Amy Ann attended Woodstock Academy, and married Martin Etheridge, a blacksmith, to whose care she left the following children at the time of her death in North Windham; Allen W., living in Holvoke, Mass.; Asa E., a resident of New York; Elizabeth, wife of Emner Howlett, of Ashford; john J3., of Eastford ; and Ellery, also living in East- ford. (2) Charles A., the only son in the family, attended the district schools and Dudley Academy, and is a successful farmer in Phoenixville. He rep- resented Eastford in the Legislature of 1888, and has held several minor offices in the town. He has one child, Edith. For his second wife, Mr. Wheat- on married Esther Pierce, in 1867, but of this union there is no issue. COMFORT STARR BURLINGAME, presi- dent of the Windham County National Bank, at Danielson, is one of the most prominent financiers in eastern Connecticut. The familv is an cold estab- lished one in New England, and is numerous in a number of States. Roger Burlingame, or Bullinggaame, the first ancestor of the family in America, came to Stoning- ton, Conn., about 1637. Later he located at Provi- dence Plantation, and there married. He owned land which is now comprised within the city limits of Providence, R. I. He was the American ances- tor of Comfort S. Burlingame, of the family in Rhode Island, and, in fact, of the greater part of those bearing the name in this country. Samuel Burlingame, the grandfather of Com- fort S., of Brooklyn, came to Connecticut from Rhode Island, and settled in Canterbury, where his life ended. He was a merchant and also a manu- facturer of clothing, according to the manner of the times. It was the custom to have the cloth cut and sent around to the farmers’ wives, who would find time to do the necessary tailoring work, and who were quite willing to do work and receive pay- ment in groceries, a mutual arrangement which was to the advantage of both parties. Samuel Burlingame and his wife had three children, one son and two daughters; one of the latter, Clarinda, is now the widow of Darius Wood, of Webster, Massachusetts. Samuel Burlingame, son of Samuel and father of Comfort S., was a native of Rhode Island. Dur- ing his earlier years he was engaged with his fath- er in business, but he later learned the carpenter’s trade, at which he worked until the outbreak of the Civil war. Enlisting among the first patriots from his locality, he served his term, and then re-enlisted from Massachusetts. He died in Providence, R. I., in 1865, soon after his return home, at the early age of thirty-seven years, and was buried in Canter- bury. There he married Judith Hyde, a native of that place, daughter of Comfort S. and Abigail (Hough) Hyde. Mrs. Burlingame died in 1896, in her seventy-first year. She was the beloved moth- er of the following named children: Comfort S.; Alfred H., who died in young manhood; and Alice, who married John W. Conant, a silk manufacturer of Willimantic, and has two children, Carrie A., and Julia A. ‘ (1) Deacon Samuel Hyde, Mrs. Burlingame’s first ancestor in America, was born in 1610. He embarked in the ship ‘‘Jonathan,” at London, bound for Boston, in April, 1639, and was the second set- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 149 tler in the village of Cambridge, about 1640. He and his wife, Temperance, who probably came in the same ship with him, had children as follows: Samuel ; Joshua, born March 12, 1642; Job, born ee Sarah, born May 19, 1644; and Eliza- eth. (II) Job Hyde, born in 1643, married Elizabeth, daughter of John Fuller, Sr. They had children, among whom was Jonathan Hides, born March 22, 1084. (IIT) Jonathan Hides married Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac Williams, Jan. 3, 1700. They had children, among whom was Isaac, born Nov. II, 1700. Jackson’s History of Newton, Mass., says this Jonathan was the first one of the Hydes to remove to Canterbury, Connecticut. (IV) Isaac Hide, born Nov. 11, 1700, son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Williams), married Eli- zabeth Starr, and died probably in 1776. He had a family of ten children, among whom was Nathan, born Sept. 23, 1751, who died April 21, 1827; he married Abigail Waldo. Isaac Hide’s legatees in his will were Elizabeth, his wife, and his four sons, Isaac, Comfort, David and Nathan. His daughters were: Elizabeth, who married a Mr. Cleveland; Susannah, who married a Mr. Curtis; and Judah, who married a Mr. Adams. (V) Comfort Hyde, son of Isaac, was born in Canterbury, Aug. 24, 1737, and there he followed farming in that town all his life. He married a Miss Faulkner, and their children were: Comfort Starr, Sarah, Alfred and Abigail, who married Willard Sharpe. (VI) Comfort S. Hyde was born in Canterbury, Aug. 8, 1784, and like his father before him, en- gaged in farming. In all his business affairs he was successful, and he acquired quite a competency. He was a man of good education, and acquired much general information, and had much to do with the settlement of estates, often acting also as arbitrator in disputes. During the war of 1812 he served two months, participating in the defense of New London, Conn. In political principle he was a Democrat, and he took a deep interest in all public questions. He held nearly all the local of- fices, and in 1851 was a member of the Legislature. His ideas were original and he was ever ready to defend them, although very tolerant of the opinions of others. In religion he was a member of the Universalist Church, and he helped to build the church of that denomination at Canterbury. Com- fort S. Hyde married Abigail Hough, and they had the following children: John, born Feb, 18, 1813, who married Emily Angel; Juliette, born Sept. 10, 1814; Jirah, born Aug. 23, 1816; and Judith, born Oct. 12, 1826, who married Samuel Burlin- game. Comfort Starr Hyde died Aug. 29, 1868, and his wife passed away June 19, 1832. Comfort S. Burlingame was born Jan. 5, 1853, in Canterbury, Conn. His early education was acquired in the district school at Canterbury, and later he attended the grammar school in Brooklyn. At the age of seventeen he took up the profession of teaching, the first winter in the Christian Corn- ers district, in Brooklyn, after which he was en- gaged three winters in the North Society of Canter- bury. This was followed by four years in the pur- suit of his profession at the Allen Hill school, in Brooklyn, during which time he made many friends, both of a personal and public character. Although at that time he was but twenty-six years of age, Mr. Burlingame ‘had displayed those ele- ments of character which had attracted public no- tice, and he was honored by his fellow-citizens by election in 1879 to the State Legislature, being the youngest Democratic member of the House. At the same time the youngest Republican member was James P. Platt, who is now judge of the City court, Meriden, a son of United States Senator O. H. Platt. His mother resided on a farm in Canter- bury, and until her death, in 1896, he conducted the farm, but after that event moved into the village of Brooklyn. The high public office so well filled by the young educator was later filled by him with distinc- tion through the sessions of 1887, 1889 and 1893, when he represented Canterbury. During 1887 he was one of the very active young men in the for- warding of the interests of the Storrs School, which is now the Connecticut Agricultural Col- lege, and his colleague in the movement, Hon. E. S. Henry, then senator from the Twenty-third dis- trict, who is now a member of Congress from the First district, was also very active, both working for an appropriation for this school in preference to Yale College. The gentlemen were leaders in the opposite parties, but on this subject they were in unison, and they were successful in their endeavors. In the legislative session of 1889 Mr. Bur- lingame introduced the bill requiring that all oleo- margarine sold must be white in color. When this important bill was first introduced it passed the House and Senate, but was vetoed by Gov. Bulke- ley; however, it was again brought up, and its in- troducer had the satisfaction of having it passed over the veto in the House. This was a very im- portant matter to the dairymen, and for his efforts Mr. Burlingame received much grateful com- mendation. In order to show appreciation of his services in the passing of the oleomargarine bill, he was appointed State dairy commissioner, in May, 1894, by Gov. Luzon B. Morris, and he held this office one month over a term, and, according to some of the best legal authorities, was entitled to hold it another term, because of the failure of Gov. Coffin to appoint a successor within the time set by law. However, rather than hold an office through a technicality, Mr. Burlingame resigned. The regular appropriation for the maintenance of this office for the two years was $4,000, yet Mr. Bur- lingame administered it so carefully that only $2,900 of the $4,000 was used, a record not equalled 150 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD by any other incumbent of the office before or since. This valued legislator also made himself prominent in the session of 1893, when he was on the com- mittee on Cities and Boroughs, which committee drafted the new and important bill governing the building of electric railways. In 1891, acceding to the wishes of his friends, he was a candidate for State senator from the Seventeenth district, nomi- nally Republican by a majority of 600, and, although this caused Mr. Burlingame to lose the election, he cut the majority down to about one hundred votes. For a period of four years Mr. Burlingame served on the Democratic State Central Committee, previous to 1896, at that time sending in his resig- nation, as he was not in accord with his party, be- longing to the wing known as Gold Democrats. During his residence in Canterbury Mr. Bur- lingame served for a number of years on the school board, and for eight years was assessor. Upon taking the latter office he insisted upon the enforce- ment of the law which compelled citizens to render sworn statements of their property, and in this way the tax lists were greatly increased and the town debt was reduced. In banking and financial circles Mr. Burlingame has also become conspicuous, and he is one of the incorporators of the Brooklyn Savings Bank, was a director in the Windham County Mutual Fire In- surance Company for a number of years, and served for many years previous to 1893 as a director in the Windham County National Bank. In that year he was chosen president to succeed John Palmer, who had resigned on account of failing health, and Mr. Burlingame has since held the position, his careful, conservative course meeting with general favor. At the time he entered upon these responsible duties the bank was located in Brooklyn, and was doing a very satisfactory business. However, as Brooklyn was not on a railroad line, its situation was not favorable for banking, and after deliberation the new president broached the idea of removing to a better location. This met with very bitter oppo- sition from many quarters, but the change could be demonstrated as so judicious a move that the energy and convincing reasoning of Mr. Burlingame finally succeeded, and 407 of the 500 shares were voted in favor of the change. Charles P. Backus, the cashier, was Mr. Burlingame’s able co-worker in this move- ment. At this period the bank had a capital stock of $50,000, having been previously reduced from $108,300, and deposits of $52,000. The*same year the bank was moved to Danielson, 1895, Mr. Bur- lingame, with other directors, in spite of opposition, bought the First National Bank of Killingly, at Danielson, which was soon liquidated, the business being taken over to the Windham County National Bank in about six months’ time; the deposits grew to about $250,000, the stock, which was formerly away below par, is not for sale, and since its removal to Danielson the bank has not lost a dollar through investments or loans’ on paper taken, while the profits to stockholders are increasing each year. Mr. Burlingame has the full confidence of the directors, stockholders and community. : Mr. Burlingame was one of the organizers of, and served for eight years as agent, manager and treasurer of, the Brooklyn Creamery Association, during that time doing about $150,000 worth of business, not losing one penny from bad accounts. He was a charter member of the Canterbury Grange, served as treasurer, and was afterward a member of the Brooklyn Grange. In addition to his manifold duties and responsibilities, he holds the position of clerk and treasurer of the local Unitarian Society, and since he has taken charge of its affairs the society has been very prosperous. Enthusiastic and earnest in whatever he attends to at all, Mr. Burlingame has been a very active politician, and wields a wide influence. During his residence in Canterbury he nearly always carried the town for the Democratic party, although for- merly and since the Republicans have carried the elections. Since coming to Brooklyn the town has been taken from a strong Republican majority to the doubtful side, and on several occasions the other party has been successful, owing to the able efforts of this leader. Mr. Burlingame never married. He is a quiet and unostentatious man, of courteous manner, and is very popular with all classes. Through his wide business connections and successes in the political field he has become widely known. Always full of energy, he has the directness of judgment, combined with the broadness of mind, which has made him a leader among men and a safe and reliable financier. EUGENE AUGUSTUS WHEELOCK, treas- urer and manager of the Putnam Woolen Com- pany, is one of the successful and influential busi- ness men of Putnam, Windham county. He was reared in an atmosphere of business, as both his father and grandfather were prominent manufac- turers before him. Of his ancestry, which is traced back many hundred years, he has occasion to be proud. The Wheelocks, an old ‘distinguished English family, intermarried in the early days with the Lev- ersages. In 1285, during the reign of Henry II, Hugh De Wheelock, through his Knight, Richard De Maston, secured from Roger Manning all claim to the village of Wheelock. To this estate Thomas De Wheelock fell heir and became lord of Wheelock Manor. The family possessed a coat of arms, de- scribed as follows: “Wheelock and Leversage of Wheelock.” Wheelock Arms: Argent, chevron between three Catherine Wheels, sable. Leversage Arms: Argent, chevron between three plowshares, sable. Crest, a leopard’s head, face jessant, a fleur de lis. (1) Ralph Wheelock, ‘the first of this family of whom we have much definite knowledge, was a rela- tive, possibly a brother, of Abraham Wheelock, who COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD VEE was the first professor of Arabic at Cambridge Uni- versity, and later, librarian. Ralph Wheelock was born in Shropshire, England, in 1600, and was edu- cated at “Clare Hall,’ Cambridge University, grad- uating in 1626, and taking his M. A. in 1631. He married in England, and his wife, Rebecca, bore him niné children: Gershom, Mary, Benjamin, Samuel, Peregrina, Rebecca, Record, Experience, and Eleazer. Among his descendants were two presidents of Dartmouth College. While at Cam- bridge, Mr. Wheelock became a confirmed Puritan, and -upon leaving the University, became a non- conformist minister; and with others he undoubt- edly suffered much from religious persecution. In 1637, in company with his wife and daughter, Re- becca, he came to America, and in 1639 was made a freeman. Here he followed teaching. He resided for a time at Watertown, but upon the settlement of Dedham came to that place, building a residence there in 1651 or 1652. There, in 1655, when the first school was opened, he became its master, and was thus engaged for some time. In 1649, previous to his settling in Dedham, he was appointed one of the founders of the village of Medfield, receiving there the first lot portioned out to settlers, the one at the corner of Main and North streets, where he built him a residence. He died in November, 1683, in his eighty-fifth year, and his wife passed away in 1680. Mr. Wheelock, one of the few honored with the title of “\Ir.,’ was one of the most influential men of Dedham, and held at different times almost every important office within the gift of the town. He was one of the first selectmen of the place, and served on the board for four yeers (1051-55), and for sev- eral years he represented his town in the General Assembly. He was also a signer of the famous Dedham Covenant. Though he gave up preaching after coming to America, he was active in religious affairs, and assisted in the establishment of the church in Dedham. Exerting an influence in educa- tional matters, he was one of the committee for collecting funds for Harvard College. (II) Benjamin Wheelock, Sr., born in Medfield, Mass., Jan. 8, 1640, married in 1668 Elizabeth Bul- len, of Medfield, and they had five children: Eliza- beth, born in 1671; Mary, in 1674; Abiel, in 1675; Benjamin, Jr., in 1678; and Obediah, in 1685. In 1685 Mr. Wheelock moved his family from Med- field to Mendon, where he passed the rest of his life. (III) Benjamin Wheelock (2), born in Med- field, Mass., died in Mendon. Dec. 9, 1700, he mar- ried Huldah Thayer, of Mendon, and they had eight children: Mary, born in January, 1702; Benjamin, in April, 1704; Daniel, in December, 1707; Huldah, in August, 1710; Jonathan, in July, 1713; Paul, in January, 1715; Silas, in March, 1718; and David, in January, 1720. (IV) Silas Wheelock, son of Benjamin (2), a farmer, was born in Mendon and died there. May 20, 1740, he married Hannah Albee, and they had ten children: Simeon, born March 29, 1741; Seth, March 21, 1743; Caleb, May 7, 1745; Ebenezer, Jan. 27, 1747; Hannah, Nov. 28, 1749; Perle, Aug. 6, 1752; Calvin, March 5, 1754; Luther, March 9, 1750; Eunice, May 8, 1758; and Rhoda, April 20, 1701. (V) Lieut. Simeon Wheelock, born in Mendon, Mass., March 29, 1741, moved to Uxbridge in 1762, during the early settlement of that place. Nov. 28, 1763, he married Deborah Thayer, of Mendon, and they had eight children: Eunice, born Feb. 13, 1765; Royal, July 16, 1766; Silas, March 26, 1769; Han- nah, Oct. 16, 1771; Rachel, June 10, 1774; Polly, March 11, 1779; Nancy, Nov. 19, 1781; and Jerry, who is mentioned below. Mr. Wheelock became prominent in the military affairs of our country. In the Crown Point ex- pedition of 1760 he acted as adjutant of a Rhode {sland regiment under the commands of Col. Christopher Harris and Gen. Amerest. July 6, 1774, he was appointed a member of the Uxbridge Revolutionary committee. When the war broke out he enlisted as lieutenant of a company of minute men under Capt. Joseph Chapin, and they marched from Uxbridge, April 19, 1775, upon the Lexing- ton alarm, and afterward took part in many en- gagements. Later he served in Shay’s Rebellion, and while thus engaged, at Springfield, met his death, which occurred from an injury received by a fall on the ice while descending Arsenal Hill. (VI) Jerry Wheelock, who was for many years a well-known manufacturer of Uxbridge, Mass., was born in that place, Sept. 19, 1784. In early life he learned machinery making and the trade of “set workman.” Jan. 24, 1811 he married Suky Day, daughter of Daniel and Sylvia (Wheelock) Day, of Uxbridge, Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Wheelock had six children, all of whom were born in Uxbridge: Charles A., Feb. 27, 1812; Sylvia A., Feb. 3, 1815; Silas M., Nov. 11, 1817; Maria I., July 7, 1821, who died young; Maria, March 8, 1824; and Abbie E. R., Sept. 22, 1832. Mr. Wheelock was one of the first to manufacture and operate woolen mill machinery in Uxbridge, and in 1810 with his father-in-law, Daniel Day, he be- came a member of the first Woolen Company in that place. After several years he withdrew from this company, went to Holden, Mass., and engaged as manufacturer of woolen mill machinery for Ar- temus Dryden, Jr., continuing with him for many years. During this time he was often sent to sur- rounding places to set up machinery in new mills. He was in Falmouth in 1814, during its bombard- ment by the British warship, “Nimrod.” In this same year he purchased an interest in the Rivulent Manufacturing Company, at Uxbridge, Mass., and he continued as a member of this firm for about four vears. For the next sixteen years he gave his time almost exclusively to the manufacture and repairing of woolen mill machinery. So greatly 152 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD had his business enlarged in 1834 that he took in his sons as partners. Carrying on a prosperous industry, he continued his connection with the firm until 1846, when he retired. He died in Uxbridge, Mass., Oct. 10, 1861. (VII) Hon. Silas Mandeville Wheelock prob- ably did more for the upbuilding of manufacturnig industries in his section than any other individual. Born in Uxbridge, Mass., Nov. 11, 1817, he re- ceived his education in that place. His privileges were somewhat limited, being confined to an at- tendance of five months a year at the district schools, and three or four terms’ work in a select school; but under the tutorship of such wise in- structors as E. Porter Dyer, afterward Congrega- tional minister in Shrewsbury, Mass., and C. C. Jewett, afterward Prof. Jewett, librarian of Smith- sonian Institute and of the Boston Public Library, he received the foundation for a successful business career. Early in life, in his tenth year, he began work in a woolen mill, “piecing rolls for the billy,” at which he earned fourteen cents a day and board. From that time he was almost constantly engaged in some form of work connected with woolen man- ufacture. He served at different times as operator, foreman, and superintendent of mills; and as mana~ ger and financier of private companies and corpora- tions, having at one time the management of the woolen department in commission houses in Boston and New York. In 1846 he and his brother formed the firm of C. A. and S. M. Wheelock. They at first manufactured satinets, plaid linseys and tweeds. Later, in 1855, they enlarged the factory, put in steam power, and began turning out fancy cassimeres, discontinuing the making of other arti- cles. On May 5, 1841, he married Irene Taft, who was born in Unbridge, Mass., Sept. 19, 1816, daughter of Luke Tait, and a descendant in the sixth generation of Robert Taft, who is mentioned below. She was a woman of strong character, an earnest Christian, and possessed especially winning traits. She died in Uxbridge, Jan. 26, 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Wheelock had five children, all of whom were born in Uxbridge: Ellen Maria, born Sept. 2, 1842, married, June 6, 1866, Eben B. Haywood, of Uxbridge, and died in 1872; Eugene Augustus, mentioned below; Alice Augusta, born Jan. 22, 1849, who married, Oct. 21, 1874, Henry R. Smith, of Leominster, Mass., a piano case manufacturer, and is now deceased; Arthur, born March 26, 1851, now treasurer and manager of the Calumet Woolen Company of Uxbridge, Mass.; Henry, born Jan. 14, 1857, superintendent of the Putnam Woolen Company for about a year, who married, Nov. 3, 1880, Jennie G. Taft, of Uxbridge, where she now resides. He died in that place, Nov. 13, 1881. In 1870 Mr. Wheelock organized the Putnam Woolen Company and purchased the Harris Company’s property in Putnam, consisting of a factory, one-fourth of the Quinebaug river at that point, together with dwelling houses and other property. Of this new firm, Mr. Wheelock became treasurer and manager, and continued as such till 1887, when he resigned the treasurership, on account of more pressing business elsewhere. During this time, in 1883, he assisted in the organization and became treasurer and mana- ger of another corporation, the Calumet’ Woolen Company, at Uxbridge. This firm purchased the New Village mill property at that place, which, in addition to factory, machinery, houses, etc., em- braced the whole of the Blackstone river at that point. After repairing the mill and making many changes and additions, the company began the manufacture of fancy cassimeres. In 1886 this firm enlarged its capital stock, purchased the Uxbridge Woolen Factory, which they called the Hecla Mill, and began operating it in connection with their other business. For over sixty years Mr. Wheelock was con- nected with woolen mill companies, and always proved himself a wise manager. Every debt which he contracted was paid in full when due. Though conservative, he never lacked courage in undertak- ing new enterprises or meeting emergencies; as an employer he always held the good will and respect of his men, and while friendly, maintained at the same time a high degree of discipline. Besides be- ing a manufacturer, he was for many vears closely identified with the business of the Uxbridge Savings Bank, and was director of the Blackstone National Bank, of Uxbridge, from 1858 till his death. He survived his Golden Wedding, which he celebrated May 5, 1891, and died at his home in Wheelock- ville, Oct. 15, 1901, in his eighty-fourth year. He is buried in Prospect Hill cemetery. Mr. Wheelock rarely evinced ardent interest in politics, but served with conscientiousness on the Loard of selectmen for many years. He also acted on several town committees. In 1887, at the earnest request of his friends, he accepted the nomination for State Senator, and, being elected (by a very complimentary majority), afterward served two terms with marked ability and distinction. He also received the honor of attending as a delegate, the Republican national convention, which met at Phil- adelphia in 1900. (VIIT) Eugene A. Wheelock, born in Uxbridge, Mass., Feb. 15, 1846, received his secular education in the common and high schools of his town and in Williston Academy, East Hampton, Mass., which he attended for a short period. Strict attention to his studies enabled him to progress rapidly, so that by the time he was seventeen he was prepared to leave school. In the meantime, having given every spare moment of his vacations, since he was ten years old, to work in his father’s mills, he had laid the foundation for a successful business career. Now entering the Uxbridge factory as a steady hand, he remained there till 1867. Though but twenty-one years old, he was then put in charge of the S. M. Wheelock & Co.’s Wilsonville, Conn., COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 153 mill, which employed about one hundred men and women. There he remained for three years. Dur- ing that time, June 17, 1868, he married Sarah Smith Taft, daughter of Zodok Arnold and Mary Mowry (Brown) Taft, of Uxbridge, Mass. Mrs. Wheelock possessed many charming traits of char- acter and won for herself a host of friends. She died Dec. 20, 1901, in Putnam. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wheelock, all in Putnam. (1) Silas Mandeville, born March 10, 1871, grad- uated from the Putnam high school, attended Cush- ing Academy, at Ashburnham, Mass., for some time, and then, with the intention of becoming a manu- facturer, entered the employ of the Putnam Woolen Company, and, after acquiring sufficient knowledge of the business, Oct. I, 1901, was made superintend- ent of the company’s mills. Oct. 18, 1899, he mar- ried Ruth E. Shaw, daughter of George E. and Ellen S. Shaw, of Putnam. Mr. and Mrs. Wheelock have one child, Sylvia, born in Putnam, Nov. 26, 1g00. (2) Ellen Maria, born \larch 20, 1873, was graduated from the Putnam high school in 189go, and afterward attended the Bishop Hopkins Sem- inary, at Burlington, \Vt., and the Burnham school, at Northampton, Mass. She is a charter member of Elizabeth Porter Putnam Chapter, Daughters of American Revolution, and has served as cor- responding secretary for several years. (3) Mary Tait, born Aug. 8, 1875, attended the Putnam high school. She is a charter member of the Daughters of American Revolution, and their librarian. (4) Irene Taft, born April 7. 1881, was graduated from the Putnam high school in 1899 and attended Smith College two years. (5) Henry Arnold, born Aug. 27, 1883, was graduated from the Putnam high school in 1900 and spent two years in Phillips Academy, at Exeter, N. H. In 1902 he entered the Shefheld Scientific School of Yale College. In June, 1870, Mr. Wheelock was sent to Put- nam as superintendent and agent of the Putnam. Woolen Company's No. 1 mill, which they had re- cently purchased of the Harris Company. This uew company enlarged its business in 1880 by the purchase of the mill in Putnam, owned by C. F. ‘Jason & Co., and Mr. Wheelock became manager of both. In 1886, when his father resigned the treasurership of this company, he was elected to fill the vacancy. He has since acted both as man- ager and treasurer. Under his efficient management the company has carried on a highly flourishing business. The mills contain nineteen sets of ma- chinery, employ about three hundred and fifty men and women, and manufacture woolen cassimeres, overcoatings and suitings. The company owns its water power privilege, which is considered the best on the stream. Though Mr. Wheelock subordinates other inter- ests to his business, he is, nevertheless, a public- spirited man; for a number of years he has acted on th Republican town committee, and in 1888 and 1889 was a member of the State central committee from the sixteenth district. In educational affairs, too, he has long been active. He was a member of the first high school board, was one of the committee for the erection of the building in 1874, and acted on the town board of education for over twelve years. He is also a trustee of the Putnam Town Library. Fraternally highly connected, he belongs to Uxbridge Lodge, I. O. O. F., which he joined at the age of twenty-one; to Quinebaug Lodge, No. 106, F. & A. M., of which he was worshipful mas- ter for four years; to Putnam Chapter, R. A. M., No. 41; to Columbian Commandery, Knights Tem- plar, of Norwich, Conn.; to Aleppo Temple, Mystic Shriners, of Boston; and was a member of the Knights of Pythias of Putnam until they dis- banded. Tue Tarr Famity. Through his mother, Mrs. Silas M. Wheelock, Eugene A. Wheelock is de- scended from Robert Taft, who came to this country from England about 1678. Some think this family was of Scottish origin, as there is a tradition that he was a Scotch Puritan, an adherent of the Common- wealth, who, disgusted with the Cavaliers, sought refuge from their civil and religious tyranny in the forests of New England. There is, however, no authentic record to this effect. After coming to America he remained for some time in Braintree, Mass., where he owned a house and lot. But in 1679 he sold that property and moved to Mendon. There he afterward resided, becoming especially. prominent in the years succeeding the war of 1680 and the re-settlement of the town. His resi- dence, which he purchased upon coming there, was called ‘“‘Fortfield,” and stood near what is now Mendon pond, then called Taft’s pond. His wife's name was Sarah, and they had five sons, all of whom grew to manhood. He was a carpenter by trade, personally a plain. unlettered man, but ex- ceedingly well-to-do. When his children reached maturity he gave each of them a farm. Joseph Taft, Sr., son of Robert, sometimes called Lieutenant or Captain to distinguish him from a nephew of that name, resided at different times in Mendon and Uxbridge. The farm which he received from his father was in Uxbridge, and is still owned by one of his descendants, George Z. Taft, of that place. Mr. Taft figured prominently in the management of town affairs, both at Mendon and Uxbridge. He served on committees in both places to invest the quota of bills of credit. It is through Moses, son of Joseph, James and Luke that Mrs. Silas M. Wheelock traces her descent to the original Robert mentioned above. Mrs. Eugene A. Wheelock was also a descend- ant of Robert and Joseph Taft, and traces her de- scent through Aaron, son of Joseph; Zodok, and Zodok A. Many descendants of the Taft family have become illustrious American citizens. Armee | 154 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD HENRY §. MIARLOR. Among the most prominent, wealthy and highly respected citizens of the town of Brooklyn, Conn., is Henry S. Marlor, whose successful career as a financier is well known to the public, but who és still better known as a man of cultured tastes and a patron of art and literature. His business career was principally in the city of New York, where he successfully met the giants of Wall street, but his elegant and refined home is one of the most charming in Brooklyn, Windham Co., Connecticut. Henry S. Marlor bears his father’s name, and the latter was born in Hinckley, near Leicester, Eng- land, where his lite was spent until the age of forty vears. His business was that of boot and shoe dealer, and until he came to the United States, in 1840, he continued in that line. After reaching New York he engaged in a retail crockery business, on Upper Bowery, which is now Fourth avenue, associating himself with the firm of Dare & Webb, this firm being at that time the largest importers of crockery in New York. Ar. Dare, of that firm, was a brother-in-law of Mr. Marlor. Until 1860 Mr. Marlor continued in business, retiring from activity at that time, and for a season he lived at Yorkville, but later located in Brooklyn, Conn., and there spent his last vears, dving Oct. 2, 1886, at the age of eightv-two years. His last resting place is in the beautiful Greenwood cemetery, at Brooklyn. Mr. Marlor was a member of the Baptist Church, a de- vout Christian, and faithfully endeavored to follow. the teachings of the Bible in his every-day life. In politics he was somewhat independent, but usually voted with the Republican partv. Henry S. Marlor, Sr., was married in England to Jane Dare, who died in New York at the age of fifty vears. Their children were: Emma, who is the widow of Capt. Benjamin S. Halleck, a vessel owner and master engaged in the coasting trade, resides at Riverhead, Suftolk Co., N. Y.; Ann, who married E. P. Wheeler, who was in the grocery business in New York, died at Babylon, L. I.; John S., who married Jane Esterbrook, was engaged in the millinery and fancy goods trade on Bleeker street, New York, for a long period, but now lives in retirement in that city; Ruth, who is the widow of James H. Morrow, a builder, resides in New York; Henrv $.; Thomas S. is mentioned in full farther on; George W., who married Martha Mc- Clymont, began life as a clerk in the Metro- politan Bank, in New York City, and in 1868 was appointed to the Treasury service by Gen. Hill- house, at that time Assistant-Treasurer of the United States, and he has remained in the service ever since, and for several years past has been As- sistant Deputy Treasurer of the United States, at the Treasury department in New York City; Ellen married Frederick Coole, who for a long period was connected with the Lorillard Tobacco Company, and both died in New York; and Laura S., widow of George Sweezy, a farmer in Suffolk, L. I. resides where she is a noted teacher of music and a skilled performer on the piano. The second marriage of Henry S. Marlor, Sr., was to Jane Dearborn Minton. No children were born of the second marriage. Henry S. Mar lor, of Brooklyn, Conn., was born in Hinckley, England, May 10, 1835, and he was five vears of age when he accompanied his parents to the United States. After spending six years at public schoo! No. 17, in New York City, he then, at the age of eleven years, began to learn the trade of gold “watch-case making, under the supervision of EL. Preston, a native of Brooklyn, Conn., then engaged in that hisiness in New York. In 18544 he entered the Metropolitan National Bank, of New York, as one of the clerks. ° Many other voung men entered about the same time, but none advanced so rapidly as he, nor filled so many responsible posi- tions during his ten years of service there. His severing of most pleasant relations was on account of failing health. In 1862 Mr. Marlor spent three mouths in active military service as a member of the 22d N. Y. V.I. After resigning from the bank Mr. Marlor em- barked in the brokerage banking business, forming a partnership with a ] Mr. Blake, who was a former associate in the Metropolitan Bank, the firm doing business under the style of Blake & Marlor, their offices being located at No. 40 Pine street. Again failing health warned Mr. Marlor that a change would be necessary, and he was obliged, in 1868, although success was crowning every effort, to retire from the business field. During these years he had been a member of the old open Board of Brokers before its consolidation with the New York Stock Exchange, and so high was his ability rated that he was made its vice-president prior to its consolida- tion. Having accumulated a competency, Mr. Marlor now looked about for a pleasant home, where he could find rest and refreshment and cultivate those tastes which the press of business had precluded. In 1869 he purchased his fine farm of 250 acres, in Brooklyn,.Conn., and there he has expended a for- tune in its improvement and adornment. Not only does he hire more labor than any other private in- dividual in Brooklyn, but he also treats his employes in such a manner as to have won their respect and willing service. Mr. Marlor retained his seat in the Stock Exchange until 1899. During his business career he transacted business with some of the ablest and best-known financiers of the country, and it is on record that he was the only known man who ever cornered the late Jay Gould, the occasion being upon the re-organization of the Texas Pacific Rail- road. Tr. Marlor is an enthusiastic lover of Nature, and one of his chief delights is to wander over his fine estate. accompanied by his favorite dog—an inseparable companion and faithful and valued friend. A friend to the birds and animals, none on at Riverhead, L. L, Wis Yy COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 155 his property need ever fear the sportsman’s gun. Although his early educational advantages were not extensive, the quiet, cultured, scholarly man of to-day shows no lack in speech or bearing, while his tastes, occupations and surroundings are those of the highest ideals of refinement. His magnificent library contains what is best in the world of litera- ture, with all of which Mr. Marlor is thoroughly and enjoyably familiar. One feature of this library is a collection of rare historical works and papers of value, not only to the reader but to the deep student, many of these having been purchased in other lands and collected with the real enthusiasm of a lover of literature. In political life Mr. Marlor has never taken a very active part, but the wise statesmanship of the late lamented President McKinley made of him, at least during his administration, an adherent to the Republican party. With his wife he attends the Episcopal Church, she being a devoted member of that body, his generosity in this direction being as noted elsewhere. In higher art and literary associations, especially in the city of New York, Mr. Marlor is well known and a conspicuous figure. His‘membership is valued in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, of New York; the Museum of Natural History; the Zoological Society, of New York; the Horticultural Club, of New York; the Reform Club; the Grolier Club, a very exclusive club for book lovers and literary men; Lafayette Post, G. A. R., of New York, which is the wealthiest post in that citv, and the one from which originated the idea of having the American flag float over every school house in the United States and her possessions; a life thember of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in which he is very active and enthusiastic ; and also of the Audubon Society of Connecticut, intended to act for the preservation of birds; and many other organizations of lesser degree in New York, in which city is Mr. Marlor’s home during the winter season, he owning a magnificent residence on Lenox Hill. In 1855 Mr. Marlor was married to Miss Har- riet J. Van Brunt, a descendant of one of the old Knickerbocker families of high estate. No children have been born to this union. Mr. Marlor is a man of strong character, firm and positive in his views, a kind and sympathetic friend, and a most formidable enemy. Outspoken, none are ever in doubt as to his opinion when it is a question of right or wrong, but few men are more capable of winning warm at- tachment. Mr. Marlor is a thorough business man, and all his work must be performed in a systematic manner and according to-contract, Mr. Marlor always doing just as he promises and expecting: others to do the same. Although an unusually suc- cessful man, he is singularly modest and unassum- ing, though his means have been accumulated en- tirely through his own efforts. To him his own hearthstone is the best place in the world, and there he finds that ease and companionship which make it an ideal home. THOMAS S. MARLOR, a practical philan- thropist and public-spirited citizen of Brooklyn, Windham county, who passed away in New York City, Dec. 21, 1898, was born Dec. 10, 1839, in Eng- land, and when six months old came to the United States with his parents, who were of exacting, truthful Puritan stock. They had a family of nine children, all of whom received thorough religious training. Thomas S. Marlor was educated in the public schools of the city of New York, where his parents located on coming to this country. At the age of twelve he was apprenticed to learn the trade of engine turning, and then passed to responsible posi- tions in the wholesale jewelry and dry goods busi- ness. At the age of seventeen he started in business for himself as a gold pen merchant. and respect he commands. He has been both enter- prising and public-spirited, and is an all around useful citizen. to his community. For some eight years he was the assessor of the town, six years in succession. His political affiliations are with the Republican party. Mrs. Elliott, well her part in the community. The family are members of the Congregation! Church. Their home has been blessed with five children, namely: (1) Myron H. is now carrying on the home farm. He married Alice White; and two of their three chil- dren, Ralph and Arthur, are living; the third died in infancy. (2) Charles, born May 17, 1859, on the homestead in Thompson, grew up on the farm, and after attending the district school of his native town entered Putnam high school. At the age of seventeen years he wént to New York, where he was clerk for a short time, and later became sales- man for the firm of Wallace, Elliott & Co., which position he filled for upwards of fifteen years. In 1892 he became a member of the firm of Merritt, Elliott & Co., wholesale shoe dealers, of which firm he is still an active member. He is a Republican in politics and in religious connection a member of Dr. Cadman’s: Congregational Church, Brooklyn, N. Y. Socially he belongs to the Arkwright and Union League Clubs of Brooklyn. He is unmar- tied. (3) George married Celetta B. Hussey, and has two children, Arlene and Bernice. They reside in New York. (4) Chester M. married Maude Joslyn,‘ and has one child, Harold Chester. They reside in Webster, Mass. (5) Fannie, who was liberally educated in Rrooklyn, N. Y., is at the homestead. ; Henry Etxiotr, son of Thomas and brother of Marvin D., born Julv 12, 1831, in Thompson, mar- ried, April 2, 1857, Mary A., daughter of William Whitehouse, of New Hampshire, then a resident of Brooklyn, N. Y. They have had three children, Clinton, Dexter and Augusta. Clinton, who is a resident of New York, married Miss Mai Launs- too, has played’ bury, of Brooklyn, and they have two children, Dorrity and- Clinton. Dexter, also a resident’ of’ New York, married Mary (May) Frances Adder-’ man, and they have one child, Frances. Mr. Elliott attended the schools of his neigh- borhood, his early boyhood being passed upon a farm, and for a time he was in school at Dudley, Mass. He was thrown upon his own resources ‘at an early age, beginning his business career at six- teen years of age as clerk in‘a store in the neighbor- | ing town of Woodstock. After an experience of - some two years as clerk he found a larger field for’ his growing ambition in a jobbing rubber boot and shoe house’in New York City, becoming in 1850 con-" nected with a business he followed from that time on > through his active business career. He began, however, at the very bottom of the ladder, and worked for the first six. months without remunera-. tion. His capability, industry and energy were soon noticed, and were recognized by promotions, ' and at the end of four years he was admitted to a partnership, but with the proviso, enacted by him= self, that the management of the business should rest exclusively with him. In 1858 he purchased the interests of his partners, and thereafter conduct- cd the business alone. He had, in the meantime, become a conspicuous ‘figure in the rubber goods field, where his sagacity and tact as a buyer and° skill as a salesman had made his presence felt in the market. He had also won a reputation as a finan- cier and a business man of exceptional judgmetit and ability." He became by appointment the agent ' in New York for threc of the largest rubber boot ° and shoe ‘companies in the United States, at the same time conducting his own extensive business, and in all met with remarkable success. In 1873 the large leather boot and shoe business of his ' brother-in-law, J. T. Whitehouse, ‘and his own were consolidated and the firm of Wallace & Elliott formed. ° To this firm, J. E. Jacobs, a nephew of Mr. Elliott, was admitted as a partner, and the title of the firm became Wallace, Elliott & Co. Subse+ quently Mr. Elliott’s son, Clinton, was taken into’ the firm, which concern has since ranked among the largest in the trade. These gentlemen own a num- ber of factories, and are extensive manufacturers of boots and shoes. One has but to read be-’ tween the lines to judge of the character and force ' of the man whose career is here briefly reviewed, and of his importance to the concern in his long active business life. He has now practically re- tired. Mr. Elliott’s political affiliations have been with the Republican party, and, while not a politician, ‘he is ever active and zealous in party interests as'a- citizen. He has never cared for the emoluments of office, and has declined opportunities in that ‘line: In his religious views he is a aia ea me Mr. Elliott resides in Brooklyn, N. Y., though he maintains a summer home in his sale town— Thompson, Connecticut. 212 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD LEWIS ANGEL CORBIN. Among the re- tired builders and manufacturers of Rockville, who in the last half century has probably done more than any other citizen toward the developing of the business interests of that city, is Lewis Angel Cor- bin. From a most humble beginning, through the drudgery of toil, Mr. Corbin has gained the emi- nence he now enjoys, and his prosperity has been well earned. The earliest known ancestor of Mr. Corbin, was Lement Corbin, who lived in Dudley, Mass., a de- scendant of English ancestors. Elisha Corbin, great- grandfather of Lewis Angel, was born June 13, 1713. Joshua Corbin, son of Elisha, also of Dud- ley, was born July 16, 1757; he married a Miss Wood, and reared a large family: Cynthia, Rhoda, Matilda, Otis, Royal, Lewis, George, Joshua, Carle- ton and Bradford. Lewis Corbin, son of Joshua, was born in 1794, in Dudley, Mass., where he lived and pursued the trade of stone worker. His death occurred from lock-jaw in 1840. His political principles were those of the Jacksonian Democrat. His wife, Mary (Sayles) Corbin, was born at West Dudley, Mass., a daugh- ter of Royal Savles and his wife, who was a meta- ber of the Aldrich family. Royal Sayles was a farmer, who also owned saw and grist mills, a cider press and a cooper shop, while on his farm he fed cattle which he drove to Brighton, Mass., and there sold them; he was a prominent man and gave his sons farms of their own. After the death of: her husband, Mrs. Corbin removed to Rockville, Conn., where she died, her burial being at Grove Hill cemetery. To Lewis and Mary (Sayles) Corbin were born children who lived to maturity, as fol- lows: Lewis Angel: Mary, who married Orville Button, and died in Suffield, Conn.; John, who lives in Rockville; Sarah Ann Maria, who is the widow of George W. Goodrich, and resides in Rockville. Lewis Angel Corbin was born Sept. 18, 1822, in Dudley, where his ancestors have so long resided. The educational advantages afforded at that time were considered sufficient, although they appear meager to the students of the twentieth century. He was early required to engage in remunerative work of some kind, as he was the eldest in the fami- ly, and in 1840 was completely thrown upon his own resources on account of the death of his father. Farm work was the labor most in demand, and for two years he ploughed and hoed, tilling the soil as carefully and thoroughly as in after years he man- aged great business interests, but he was ambitious, and kept on the outlook for wider opportunities. In 1842 hé went to the State of New York in pur- suit of something which would prove of sufficient value to enable him to make of it a life work, apply- ing in Albany, Troy, Watertown and Glens Falls, but disappointment met him at every turn, and his money, although carefully hoarded, was getting low. Finally, tired but not discouraged, for his hopeful nature has carried him over many a diffi- culty, he reached Warrensburg, where he found a Mr. Warren, who needed a young man who would consent to work from 4 a, uM. to 9 Pp. M. for $9 a month, and with this generous owner of sawmills, timber lands, stock and store, he remained until the spring of 1843, when he became homesick and re- turned to Dudley. Here he found employment with his uncle, Sylvanus Wakefield, at S11 per month to work at stone cutting. Appearing very skillful at this trade, his uncle encouraged him to learn it, and here he remained for a year, and then hired out to Harvey Prince, receiving $1.25 per day. For the following three vears he industrious- ly worked on the great mills then in course of con- struction, in Wehster, Southbridge, Charlton, and in Oxford, Mass., also in Thompson, Conn. When Ebenezer Rich took charge of the building of the wheels for the Rock Mill, at Rockville, Mr. Corbin went to that place, Sept. 19, 1846, but did not take his family until in the spring of 1847. On April 1, 1847, he took charge of the stone work on the American Mills then building, and in the following year, on the Hockanum Mills, also doing much work in the neighboring towns. On Jan. 1, 1851, attracted by the golden tales from California, in the companionship of George Talcott, of Rockville, and Mr. Vaughn, of Tolland, he went by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and ior two years engaged in mining in the West, return- ing by the Nicaragua route. After his return home in 1853, he built the home where he now resides on High street, opposite Alarket street, and in 1854, built the Ellington Mills, for the manufacture of woolen goods. This property was partially de- stroyed by fire, and our subject rebuilt it for the owners. In 1854 Mr. Corbin thought he saw a future in the envelope manufacturing business, and for $100.00 bought the one-third interest of Milton G. Puffer in the envelope machinery, the other part- ners being J. N. Stickney and Cyrus White. Later J. N. Stickney’s interest was purchased by Cyrus White, and L. A. Corbin and the firm of White & Corbin was established for the manufacture of en- velopes, this firm being the pioneers in the business. The water power was bought of Albert Dart, and in 1856 the mill now owned by the J. J. Regan Manufacturing Company was built for the enlarged business. Previous to this it had been conducted on Main street in the old foundry building, as it had been regarded as a poor business. Sales were few, and the limited capital of the owners required the most careful moves. Their stock of paper was bought on time, and the business was a drag on account of want of means. As our subject had his excellent trade to fall back upon, he took contracts again in stone work, one of these being for the Con- gregational Church at Great Barrington, Mass.. and by dint of great care and economy, he realized a handsome profit, which went into the struggling envelope business. As an example of the energy SRR + + x ee ees oe oa Stn e a SARS SA aS Zi ee _ I _ yD LO Wes LEE COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 213 a rate Ss of Afr. Corbin, as to details, it eee — wae that before work, at this critical sak be = nself, sharpened his tools in the morning fee ere although performing his full duty vara see : oe . At the new mill beside envelope ane This a our and grain business was carried - oie rm pad the New England Mill, ae on the failure of that concern; and in SI, the Florence Mill, which was the largest brick building in Rockville, was bought by the firm, this being enlarged and made the largest manufacturing plant of the kind in the country. In 1808 Mr. Cor- bin retired from the firm when it was absorbed by the U.S. Envelope Company, but his natural abund- ance of energy and vigor would not permit him to be quiet, and he is still active in attending to his ex- tensive private interests, which include not only heavy real estate holdings in Rockville, but through the South and West. While for vears the practical head of the great firn of White & Corbin, in addition to the duties incident to that position, Mr. Corbin was a director in the Rockville Railroad, and in other business en- terprises and there has probably not been a move- ment dependent upon the support of the citizens of the town, but he has been solicited for aid, and it just as surely received liberal support if its merits proved to be of advantage to Rockville. Mr. Corbin cast his first presidential vote in 1844, for Henry Clay, and in 1856 joined the Re- publican party, but has never posed as a politician. In 1867 he served as selectman of Vernon, and has heid local offices, but the demands of an enormous business required his attention too closely for him to accept office to any extent. On Sept. 18, 1845, Mr. Corbin was married in North Grosvenor Dale, in the town of Thompson, Conn., to Miss Mary Upham, a native of Thomp- son, who was born Dec. 10, 1822, a daughter of Asa and Olive (Jordan) Upham; she died in Rock- ville, July 21, 1900. Their children were: (1) Louisa, born in Dudley in 1847, married in 1867, in Rockville, Sydney A. Grant, of Springfield, Mass. ‘They have two children, Helen; and Lewis Corbin, who married Hattie Somes, deceased, and has one child. Sydney Somes. (2) Imogene, born in Rockville in 1851, married in 1871, Edwin Wood- ford, and their only daughter, Grace, was married in 1897 to Thurston Wilcox, by whom she has two children, Marjorie Edmond and Thurston Wood- ford. Mrs. Imogene Woodford died June 21, 1901. (3) Mary. A., born in Rockville in 1856, married in 1877, Walter E. Payne, and has two sons, Leslie and Clarence. On June 12, 1902, Mr. Lewis A. Corbin was married to Mrs. Laura (Lord) Ellin- wood, daughter of Abel Lord, a successful lumber dealer at Athol, Mass. The Lords were one of the oldest and most highly respected families in north- ern Massachusetts. Since 1866 Mr. Corbin has been the efficient president of the board of trustees of the Methodist Church of Rockville, and he has made the interests of the church second to no other. His substantial gifts have aided the charitable and benevolent ob- jects of this religious body, while the example he has set has given encouragement to both pastors and people. Many thousands of dollars have been given by him in money, but it is his lofty character which has made him one of the most esteemed of the citizens of Rockville. JUDGE CHARLES NELSON DANIELS, who is a prominent politician and influential citizen of Willimantic, Windham cotinty, descends from an old New England family, whose first American ancestor was John Daniels. (I) John Daniels was recorded at New London in April, 1663. In 1664-5 he was married to Mary, a daughter of George Chappell, who, in 1635, when about twenty years oid, came from London in the ship “Christian,” and who was at Wethersfield, Conn., from 1637 to 1649, when, with his wife Margaret, he came to Pequot, where he died in 1709. John Daniels died about the same time. (iI) John Daniels (2), son of John the settler, was born about 1665-6, and in 1685 married Agnes, the daughter of Samuel Beebe, who came to New London about 1649. Mr. Daniels died in 1756, being about ninety vears old at the time. (III) Jonathan Daniels, son of John (2), is of the third generation in direct line. (IV) Lemuel Daniels, son of Jonathan, married Hannah Fuller, and settled in the eastern part of Middle Haddam parish from Colchester. (V) Asa Daniels, son of Lemuel, married Eli- zabeth Fuller. (V1) Lemuel Daniels, son of Asa, married Mar- tha Lamont, of Hillsboro, Columbia Co., New York. (VIL) Archibald L. Daniels, son of Lemuel, married Lavina Beebe. (VIIT) Nelson Fitch Daniels, son of Archibald L., married Alenda Clark, and lived at Barre, Or- leans Co., N. Y. Mrs. Alenda (Clark) Daniels was a daughter of Chester and Mary (Williams) Clark, a granddaughter of Gideon and Jemima (Newcomb) Clark, and a great-granddaughter of Jonathan Clark. Through her grandmother, Jemi- ma (Newcomb) Clark, she was a lineal descendant of William Bradford (afterward Governor of Ply- mouth Colony), of the “Mayflower,” 1620, the line being through Maj. William Bradford, Thomas Bradford, Jerusha (Bradford) Newcomb, Peter Newcomb, and Jemima (Newcomb) Clark. Nel- son Fitch Daniels was the superintendent of the Orleans County (N. Y.) poor house, and in his later years occupied a position of responsibility on the Erie Canal. He died at Eagle Harbor, N. Y. After his death his widow and son, Charles Nelson, came back to Columbia, Conn. The former died when she was over seventy years old. Charles Nelson Daniels, Judge of Probate for the district of Windham, Conn., was born at Barre, 214 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Orleans Co., N. Y., July 2, 1849, a son of Nelson Fitch and Alenda (Clark) Daniels. When he was but eight years of age he lost his father by death, and then with his widowed mother located in Co- lumbia, Conn., where his preliminary education was acquired in the local schools. He afterward attend- ed the Willimantic Institute, kept by D. P. Corbin, and also the preparatory department of Shurtleff College, in Upper Alton, Ill, where he remained about a year and a half, beginning in the fall of 1864, and returning to Connecticut in 1866. The Rev. Daniel Reed was the distinguished president of this school, and he was an intimate friend of the family of Judge Daniels. When young Daniels had reached the age of sixteen vears, he left school, and for a time was engaged in farm work, being in the employ of his grandfather, Chester Clark, and his uncle, Charles Clark. Soon after coming of age he entered the service of the Hartford, Providence & Fishkill Rail- toad, as a switchman, and continued with it in various capacities until it became the Boston, Hart- ford & Erie Railroad. 'In May, 1879, he gave up railroading to become a bookkeeper for Lincoln & Smith, lumber dealers in Willimantic. In May, 1882, he engaged with George K. Nason, who had bought the lumber and coal business of Hyde Kingsley, with whom he remained until May, 1880, when he was appointed postmaster at Willimantic, entering upon the active duties of his office, in March, 1890, under President Harrison. Four years later President Cleveland appointed Joel B. Webb in his place. On leaving the postal service he entered the employ of Lincoln & Boss, lumber dealers, with whom he was found until January, 1897, when he assumed the duties of Judge of Pro- bate for the Windham district, to which office he was elected the preceding November. ‘Judge Daniels has served in numerous public capacities, including that of clerk. He was treas- urer of Willimantic from 1880 to 1889; treasurer of the water fund in 1885; burgess of the borough from 1889 to 1890; chief engineer of the Williman- tic Fire Department from September, 1885, to March, 1890, when he resigned; and he is now serving his second term as Judge of Probate. For some five years Judge Daniels was con- nected with the military service of the State of Con- necticut. In 1877 he was quartermaster sergeant on the staff of Col. William H. Tubbs, who com- manded the Third Regiment, C. N. G., and so continued until 1882. Judge Daniels is a prominent Mason, being past master of Eastern Star Lodge; a member of Trini- ty Chapter, Olive Branch Council, St. John’s Com- mandery, and a charter member of Sphinx Temple, Mystic Shrine, at Hartford. The Judge is also a charter member of Obwebetuck Lodge, I. 0. O. F., Willimantic Council, R. A., and Willimantic Lodge of the A. O. U. W. In his political relations Judge Daniels has al- ways been a pronounced Republican, having voted for Gen. Grant in 1872, and since 1876 has taken an active part in the work of the party. In 1884, 18g0, and in 1894 and 1898, he was chairman of the Republican town committee. In 1896, and again in 1898, he was a member of the Republican State Central Committee from the 17th District, and he is now serving his third term on that body. On Dec. 28, 1877, Judge Daniels was married in Columbia, Conn., to Susie E. Howard Little, who was born in Pawtucket, R. I, Aug. 4, 1850, a daughter of Henry Howard and Alice (Rollin- son) Little. Mrs. Daniels was but a little girl when her parents moved to Willimantic, where she was reared and had her education, and where she was married. To this union have come two children: Nelson Archie, born April 7, 1879; and Grace Lillian, Sept. 21, 1881. HALL (Pomfret, Conn., branch). Through the courtesy of John Partridge Jepson, of New York, a lineal descendant of Rev. David Hall, D. D., of Sutton, Mass., we are enabled to give from reliable family ‘records, in connection with other data gleaned from Massachusetts and Connecticut publications, the genealogy and a part of the history of the distinguished Hall family of Sutton, Mass. es and Pomfret, Windham Co., Conn., among whom was Rev. David Hall, D. D., of Sutton, Mass., from whom descended, many distinguished persons, not- ably Dr. David Hall, of Pomfret, Conn., and later of Vermont; his brother, Dr. Jonathan ‘Hall, of Pomfret, and the latter’s sons—Hon. Jonathan Pres- cott, a jurist and eminent lawyer of New York, Hon. Charles Henry, also a prominent lawyer of New York, Dr. David Priestly Hall, and their sister Miss Anne Hall. an artist of celebrity. (1) John Hall, the progenitor of this branch of the Halls, came from Coventry, England, in 1630, and settled at Charlestown, Massachusetts, Bay, New England. He afterwards married a Larned (Miss Bertha, says one authority) and settled at Yarmouth on Cape Cod, where twelve sons were born to them, seven of whom, namely, John, Gers- ham, William, Joseph, Nathaniel, Elijah and Ben- jamin, the late Rev. David Hall, D. D., of Sutton, said he had seen, and two of whom were alive in 1733, aged about eighty years. (II) John Hall .(2) married a Boyse, of Barn- stable, and had three sons and many daughters, the sons being Joseph, John and Nathaniel. These sons and two of the daughters were alive in 1733. at Lovetown, near Philadelphia; Nathaniel settled in the province of Pennsylvania, or in Maryland. (III) Joseph Hall settled on the paternal in- heritance and married Hannah Miller, daughter of Rev. John Miller, the first minister of the Gospel in that place. She died-in September, 1710, and he afterward married AMlrs. Mary Morton, a widow. His children born to the first marriage were Joseph, Daniel, Josiah, David and Hannah, Priscilla and COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD ors Margaret; and those born to the second marriage were Mary, Peter, John and Barthsheba. (1V) Rev. David Hall, D. D., was born Aug. 5, 1704, and received his education at Harvard Col- lege, from which he was graduated in 1724. He was ordained to the pastoral charge in Sutton, Mass., in October, 1729. He received the degree of D. D. from Dartmouth College in 1777. On June 24, 1731, Rev. Mr. Hall was married to Eliza- beth Prescott, of Concord, Mass., a daughter of Jon- athan Prescott, Esq., of that town, a near relative of Col. William Prescott, of Bunker Hill fame. Dr. Hall was an able and learned divine. He died in the eighty-fifth year oi his age and the sixtieth of his ministry. He had twelve children: (1) David Hall, born Alay 5, 1732, married Sept. I1, 1755, Mrs. Mary Barret. He studied medicine, was a physician in Sutton and later removed to Pomiret, Conn. The following reference to him is from the “History of Windham County’: “Dr. Thomas Morton, the first physician of Pomfret, is believed to have removed his residence prior to 1760. His place was filled by Dr. David Hall, of Sutton, who removed to Vermont after the loss of his wife and several children, and was succeeded in practice by, Albigence, son of Zachariah Waldo.’ Dr. Hall was a poet as well as physician. He was the author of the witty epigram on Ethan Allen ascribed to Dr. Hopkins in Goodriche’s ‘Poets of Connecticut.” (2) Elizabeth Prescott, born in February, 1734, married Dr. Hale, of Concord, N. H. (3) Rebecca Hall, born Sept. 1, 1736, married Rev. Aaron Put- nam, of Pomfret, Conn. She was killed when under thirty years of age in a runaway, and left three daughters, who settled in Cherry Valley, N. Y. (4) Mary Hall, born Dec. 4, 1738, married Col. Putnam, of Sutton, Mass. (5) Hannah Halli, born Aug. 31, 1740, married Asa Grosvenor, of Pomiret. (6) Sarah Hall, born Dec. 5, 1742, mar- ried Gen. Chase, of Vermont. (7) John Hall, born Feb. 27, 1744, died in childhood. (8) Benjamin Hall, born Feb. 27, 1745, married a Morgan, and resided at St. Albans, Vt. (“The History of Sutton” has it that he married Elizabeth Mosley and re- moved to Cornish, N. H.). Seven children were born. to them, among them Charles Hall, a physician of eminence in St. Albans; and Benjamin, also a physician, who settled in 1812 in Canada. (9) Lucy Hall, born March 19, 1748, married Capt. Paine, of Vermont, thought to be a native of Ash- ford, Conn. (10) Joseph Hall, born Sept. 8, 1751, married Chloe Grosvenor, of Pomfret, daughter of Eleazer Grosvenor, of that town. Their children were Joseph, who became a physician and lived at Northville, Tenn.; David, of Sutton, also a physician; Lemuel Grosvenor, a minister; and Lucy, who married Dr. Smith, of Sutton, Mass., a son of Professor Smith, of Dartmouth Col- lege. (11) Jonathan Hall, born Jan. 20, 1754, is referred to below. (12) Deborah Hall, born March 5, 1756, married Rev. Daniel Grosvenor, of Grafton, Mass. Many distinguished persons de- scended from this highly honorable family. (V) Dr. Jonathan Hall was born in Sutton, Mass., Jan. 20, 1754. He was bred to the profes- sion of medicine under his brother-in-law, Dr. Hale, of Concord, N. H. He settled in Pomfret, Conn., where he was married, lived a highly useful and honorable life, and died Aug. 19, 1815, when in his sixty-second year. “‘Dr. Jonathan Hall,” says a “History of Windham County,” “was at the same time [about 1790] settled in Pomfret and in the early years of his practice gave promise of iuture eminence. He was held in high repute at home and abroad, both professionally and socially, and his children, as they came upon the stage of action, were shining ornaments of that polite and refined society which distinguished Pomfret at that day.” Dr. Hall measured up to the early predictions. He became an eminent physician—one of celebrity. He was married at Pomfret to Bathsheba Mumford, daughter of Peter Mumford, of Newport, R. IL, who had retired to Pomfret during the Revolution- ary war, and they reared a remarkable family, eleven in number, all of whom made their mark in the world. Their children were: (1) Charles Henry Hall, born Dec. 26, 1781, married Sarah Mullet, daughter of Thomas Mul- let, of London, England. Mr. Hall was bred to the law and became a shining light in the profes- sion. He was a speculator in real estate and owned at one time nearly the whole of Harlem, N. Y., and in its purchase gave evidence of a correct idea of New York's future, but death claimed him ere he could take advantage of his own ideas. He died Jan. 8, 1852. Mr. Hall was also a breeder of fine horses and sheep and imported to this country or owned the first blooded horses of his day. The first Merino sheep in this country were imported by him. He owned flocks in Pomfret, many thousand sheep, and many so valuable as to be protected by cloth covering to keep the dirt out of their wool. To his marriage with Miss Mullet were born chil- dren as follows: Charles Mullet, who died at Har- lem, N. Y., when aged twenty-five years: Mary Jane, born in 1819, who died in New York, Jan. 20, 1893, aged seventy-three years, unmarried ; and Eliza Ann, born Jan. 19, 1822, who married Dr. Louis A. Sayre, an eminent physician and surgeon of New York, had four children, Charles, Louis, Mary and Reginald Hall, and died in New York, Jan. 7, 1894. (2) Hon. John Mumford Hall, born Aug. Io, 1783, was never married. He died at Cadiz, Spain, March 11, 1823, while serving as United States consul at that point. (3) Peter Prescott Hall, born May 9, 1785, died Jan. 11, 1787. (4) Bath- sheba Hall was born Jan. 4, 1788, and in 1806 was married to George W. L. Partridge. To this mar- riage came children as follows: George S., born Nov. 7, 1807, who died May 15, 1876; Ellen M., July 1, 1811, who died Nov. 12, 1888; Eliza Ann, in 1818; Emily, in 1816, who died July 22, 1881: 216 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD and John M. H., Feb. 15, 1820, who died Oct. 12, 1845. The mother of these died Oct. 13, 1864. (5) Eliza Hall was born Nov. 30, 1789, and died \arch 16, 1872. She married Henry Ward, eldest son of Col. Samuel Ward and his wite Phcebe Greene, and resided at No. 23 Bond street, New York. They had one son, Henry Hall Ward, born in New York April 19, 1820, who died at Saratoga, Aug. 27, 1872. He was a Knight Tem- plar. (6) Ann Hall was born May 31, 1792, and died Dec. 11, 1863, at No. 23 Bond street, New York City. She was an accomplished woman, and an ar- tist of rare ability. Her miniatures are surprising- ly beautiful and probably cannot be excelled by any in this country. old homestead after the fashion of the farmer lads | of the time, which meant much work and a tittle schooling, during the winter term of the neighbor- ing district school. While his father was still liv- ing, he concluded to go West, and had gone as far as Albany with congenial company. In that city, with others of his party, he attended the seance of a clairvoyant, and was advised to give up his Western journey and return home, as his presence would be shortly needed there. bee was so impressed by this that he did go back to Ashford, where his father soon passed away, leaving a heavy burden on his shoulders. Col. Bugbee was first married, Sept. 9, 1816, to Miss Mary Dunham, of ‘\lansheld, who bore him one child, that died in infancy. of his first wife Col. Bugbee was again married, Mr. Bug- . On the death © April 15, 1822, to Eunice Richmond, who was born Feb, 25, 1798, in Wocdstock, Conn., daughter of Abner and Eunice (Dewing) Richinond. Soon after 1800 her father removed to Westford parish, in the town of Ashford, where he was engaged in business as a farmer and a merchant, doing much business also in the manufacture of shoes. His death occurred Sept. 17, 1834, when he was aged seventy-three, and his widow died Dec. 19, 1839, at the same age; both are buried in the Ashford cemetery. Abner and Eunice Richmend had the following named children: (1) Michael, born Nov. 13, 1786, was a farmer, merchant and shoe manufacturer in Ashford, where he married Polly Byles. (2) Charles, born April 12, 1789, was a farmer and merchant in Ashford. (3) Esther, born April 7, 1792, was married in 1812, to Silas Potter, who died in Wisconsin, after having lived near Buffalo, N. Y., for some years. (4) Dan- ford, born March 5, 1795, was a merchant in Tol- land at one time, and was later in business in the West. His death occurred in Ashford. (5) Eu- nice, born Feb. 25, 1798, married Amos Bughee. (6) Abner Thompson, born Oct. 25, :801, ched at the age of fourteen years. (7) Jared Dewing born March 30, 1804, was a lawyer, and lived and died in Ashford. (8) Mary Ann, born Sept. 22, 2806, married Elnathan Paul, and snent her life in St. Thomas, Ontario. (9) Susan Potter, born April 27, 1811, married Amasa Carpenter, of Woodstock, where she died in 1835. Col. Bugbee died in 1869, and his wife the pre- vious year. He was over eighty-six, and she over seventy years old at the time of death. They had the following family: (1) Mary Emeline, born Jan. 31, 1823, married William H. Breed, of Nor- wich, in 1855, and is now a widow, residing in that place, where her son, William A., has his home. (2) Edwin, whose name heads this writ- ing, was born June 30, 1825. (3) A. D. Carlos, born July 6, 1827, married Lavinia Boylan, of Joliet, Ill., where he lived for a number of years, and died in Racine, Wis., leaving a large family and the record of a successful and honorable busi- ness career. (4) Patrick Henry, born Sept. 17, 1829, was engaged in the manufacture of shoes in company with his brother Edwin, and died unmar- ried at Ashford, Jan. 19, 1862. (5) Jane Antoi- nette, born April 17, 1832, died in Ashford, unmar- ried, Dec. 17, 1861. (6) Louisa Josephine, born May 2, 1834, died in 1839. (7) John C. Calhoun, born April 24, 1837, is a merchant in Willimantic. (8) Henrietta Angell, born June 28, 1839, died March 18, 1848. (9) Susan E., born July 23, 1843, died July 28, 1846. When he married Amos Bugbee “settled down” on the old home farm where his useful life was passed. He was an active and industrious man, and became very wealthy for his day. At different times he was a merchant, a farmer, a steelyard manufacturer, owned and operated a flaxseed mill, COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 379 got out lumber, manufactured iconium, and raised cattle. He belonged to the old State militia, and presented an imposing figure when mounted and in command of the regiment. He was active in all local affairs, especially in promoting road construc- tion. In the town of Ashford he held many local positions, his opinion carrying weight, his judgment being held as most excellent, and he was regarded throughout the town as a. valuable man, and his influence was great. He held to the cardinal tenets of the Christian faith, was a liberal supporter of the church, and religious practiges prevailed in his home, which was the headquarters for the minis- ters, of all denominations, who traveled through Ashford. His home was near the western part of the town, near Warrenville. In the cemetery of that place he and his wife were buried. Edwin Bubgee attended school in the Knowl- ton District, in Ashford, the school being a mile and a half from his home. Jn his later youth he attended McLean’s high school, at Willington Cen- ter, where he prepared himself for teaching, an occupation which he followed several years. His first salary as a teacher was earned in the Corbin District of Ashford, where he received ten dollars a month and was “boarded round.” When he taught in the Reidsville District in Thompson, Conn., he received sixteen dollars a month, and was making satisfactory progress when he con- cluded to go to sea on account of his somewhat delicate health, and journeyed to Gloucester, Mass., for the purpose of joining the fishing fleet. Ar- riving too early for the season, he returned home. Stopping on his homeward journey in Boston, he accidentally discovered a new indusiry which was destined to play an important part in his life— the making of fancy webbing. It struck him that the material could be used in making shoes, and he bought a quantity which he took home and worked up into shoes, the completed shoes being taken back to Boston and offered in the market. After con- siderable difficulty the young and enterprising Mr. Bugbee found a market for his goods, Everson, Cochran & Co., then extensive wholesaiers of shoes, becoming his patrons. This was in 1852, and for the ensuing five years a very satisfactcry business was maintained. With Mr. Bugbee was asso- ciated his brother, Patrick H. Bugbee, and they did a very good business until the panic of 1857 caused them to discontinue. Edwin Bugbee and his brother, A. D. C. Bug- bee, went West, and made large investments in land in northern Illinois, which have proved ex- tremely profitable. Our subject returned from the west in 1867, made his home in Hartford, and _in 1868 removed to Willimantic, where’ he bought property on the corner of Jackson and Valley streets. He was connected with the grain and lum- ber business for a number of years, being asso- ciated at different times with Ansel Arnold, J. C. Bugbee and W. D. Grant, the latter in 1891 suc- ceeding Mr. Bugbee, who since that vear has de- voted his time to his private interests, which are extensive and varied. Still hale and hearty, his long and highly successful life has not broken his spirit nor quenched the ardor of his strong and in- tense nature. In politics he is a Democrat, and takes much interest in the success of his party. Mr. Bugbee and Sarah M. Preston were mar- ried Sept. 18, 1866, in Ashford. Mrs. Bugbee was born there Sept. 6, 1839, daughter of Silas and Betsey (Wright) Preston. To this union has come one son, Edwin Frank. Mrs. Bugbee is a member of the Baptist Church. She is a charter member of Anne Wood Elderkin Chapter, D. A. R., at Willimantic, of which she was regent for three years, and representative at the National Congress in Washington, D. C., in 1901; she is also eligible for membership in the order of Daugh- ters of Governors. The handsome residence of Mr. and Mrs. Bugbee, at the corner of Turner and Prospect streets, was erected in 1876. Epwin FRANK BucBEE, noted above as the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Bugbee, was born Jan. 21, 1868, in Willimantic. He was graduated from the local high school in 1886, after which he took a course in banking and bookkeeping at the Eastman Business College, in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., completing this course in 1887, and the same fall matriculating at Williston Seminary, in the scientific department. In 1890 he was graduated from the Law Department of Yale, and the same year was admitted to practice in New Haven. For a time he was associated with J. L. Hunter, at Wil- limantic, in the practice of law, and on the retire- ment of that gentleman continued alone in his pro- fessional labors. In May, 1897, Mr. Bugbee was appointed prosecuting attorney of the city police court at Willimantic, a position he has very suc- cessfully filled to the present time. Mr. Bubgee was married, in October, 1896, to Miss Alice Monroe Johnson, daughter of Marcus M. and Emeline (Hall) Johnson, of whom a sketch may be found elsewhere. Silas Preston, maternal grandfather of E. Frank Bugbee, and the father of Mrs. Sarah MI. Bugbee, was born Feb. 29, 1798, in Ashford, son of Deacon John and Persis (Works) Preston, and grandson of John and Sarah A. (Eastman) Pres- ton. John Preston was born in 1737, and was married in 1759, in Ashford, to Sarah A., daugh- ter of Capt. Peter Eastman. John Preston served in the Revolutionary army, and was among the gallant band who marched from Ashford under Col. Thomas Knowlton for the relief of Boston in 1775. He afterward became a member of Col. Chester’s regiment, Sixth Battalion, Gen. Wads- worth’s Brigade, which hastened to reinforce Gen. Washington in New York. In 1777 he was in the Connecticut militia, and served on the Hudson, being a sergeant in Capt. Aaron Foote’s Company, of the regiment commanded by Col. Hooker. 380 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD John Preston, the father of this veteran of the Revolution, married for his second wife Mary Haynes, granddaughter of the first governor of Connecticut, and by her had twelve children. He bought a large tract of land in Ashford, for which he paid twenty-five cents an acre, and which was the home of the family down to the time of Silas Preston. The old Preston homestead, which be- longed to Silas Preston, was in Westford Parish. Silas Preston was there engaged in custom shoe- making on a considerable scale, having several apprentices under him, and carrying on an exten- sive business. The cultivation of the farm was carried on under his direction. Twice he repre- sented the town in the General Assembly, and he was long a prominent man in the community. He organized the bank at Eastford, and served as its first president. For a number of years he was also connected with the bank at Stafford. \s the eldest son of his parents, when his father and Thomas, "who isa ptoviiment busi-’ nié¥s’ citizen of Lubee,