508

CHAPTER XXXIII.

BIOGRAPHIES.

"To wryte of a Marines Lyfe mote bee enowe to saie of somme he was ybore and deceased; odher somme lacketh recytalle, as manie notable matters bee contained in yee storie."

Life of W. Canynge, bie Rowley.

DR. AARON ANDREWS

Was a Son of Denizen Andrews of Meriden, and was born in that part of Wallingford. He settled as a Physician in the first, or Old Society. He owned and occupied the house now owned by Samuel B. Parmelee Esq. Doct. Andrews when living, was regarded by his friends and. neighbors as a very skillful and able physi­cian, and as such won a highly enviable position with them and the profession, and it is to be regretted that a more extended notice of him could not be made.

DR. JOHN ANDREWS

Was a Son of Dr. Aaron Andrews, and was for many years an influential and very successful physician in Wallingford, and enjoyed an extensive practice with the confidence of the community. He was often called by the choice of his fellow citizens to fill important offices. He was a member of the Convention in 1818, which gave the State of Connecticut her present

509

constitution. He married Abigail Atwater, a daughter of Capt. Caleb Atwater, for his first wife, and Anna Noyes, daughter of Rev. James and Anna Noyes, for his second wife. After her decease he left Wallingford and went to Penfield, Ohio, to spend his old age with his son, and died at the house of his son William, aged 86 years. His remains were, at his request, brought to Wallingford for interment.

HON. SHERLOCK J. ANDREWS

Is the son of Dr. John Andrews, and was born in Wall­ingford, Nov. 17, 1801. He was graduated at Yale College in 1821, and studied law in the Yale Law School. He removed to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1825, and was a member of Congress from Ohio from 1841 to 1843. He was for several years Judge of the Superior Court of Cleveland, and in 1851 was a member of the convention that formed the present constitution of Ohio. He mar­ried in 1828 Ursula McCurdy Allen, daughter of the Hon. John Allen, late of Litchfield, Conn., and has five children; a son and four daughters.

HON. WILLIAM ANDREWS

Son of the late Dr. John Andrews, was born in Walling­ford, and is now a successful farmer at Penfield, Ohio. He has been honored by frequent elections to the Legis­lature of Ohio, and is a highly respected citizen of his adopted state.

HON. JOHN WHITING ANDREWS

Son of the late Dr. John Andrews, was graduated at Yale College in 1830. After finishing his law studies, he went to Columbus, Ohio, where he soon took high rank as a lawyer, and as such commands the respect of the people of the whole Community in which he lives.

510

JONATHAN ATWATER

Was a merchant of New Haven. In 1702, Feb. 12, he bought of Henry Cook of Wallingford, one hundred and eighteen acres of land, near the Honey Pat Brook in the western part of Wallingford, now Cheshire. The same farm has been in the family name ever since, and has come down as follows: first to Jonathan Atwater Jr.; second to his son Abraham Atwater; third to Samuel Atwater, and fourth to Flamen Atwater; and then recently to the heirs of Flamen, who had lived to the age of 70 or more years, and was born on the place. This branch of the Atwater family emanates from a different branch than others of the same name in Chesh­ire and Wallingford, although of the same original stock.

CAPT. CALEB ATWATER,

Son of Joshua and Sarah (Yale) Atwater, and grandson of John Atwater, the first of the name who permanently settled in the village of Wallingford, was born Sept. 5, 1741. At suitable age after the decease of his father, he articled himself as an apprentice to learn the art, trade and mystery of shoe and harness making and tan­ning leather. At the termination of his apprenticeship, he commenced business for himself, adopting as his motto, Be diligent, be honest, and owe no man. In the different branches of his business he was successful, and as soon as his means would permit he opened a store of goods. At this time his business rapidly in­creased, and for many years he was extensively and suc­cessfully engaged as a merchant. He was endowed with extraordinary good judgment and business talent. He seldom if ever failed of success in any of his numerous enterprises.

511

He was one of the Connecticut Land Company which purchased of the state of Connecticut the Western Re­serve or New Connecticut in Ohio; and though one of the largest purchasers, he found it convenient to pay cash in full for all of his purchases on receiving his deeds. Among other lands in the different counties of the Reserve, was the entire township of Atwater in Portage Co., which, with the exception of 200 acres set apart for religious purposes by him, he gave to his Joshua; and he afterwards caused a tract of land in Auburn, Granger Comity, to be surveyed into 65 lots of 100 acres each, giving one lot to each of his grandchil­dren, numbering over fifty, and the balance; of his western land to be divided among his children. He was at this time a man of great wealth.

For many years he was a worthy member of the Con­gregational church, and was highly esteemed and honored by all who knew him. At the advanced age of 91, in-the full enjoyment of his mental faculties, he died deeply lamented.

DEACON JOSHUA ATWATER

Was an only son of Caleb and Abigail (Jones) Atwater, and was born February 8, 1773. He was bred a merchant, and for several years occupied the old stand of his father, where he prosecuted quite an extensive business. He was a highly respected gentleman, honorable and honest in all his business transactions. He was a deacon of the Congregational church for many years, and occupied a highly respectable position among all classes of his fellow citizens in his native town and wherever known. He died at the age of 89 years, be­loved and respected by all who knew him.

512

CALEB ATWATER

Son of Joshua, and grandson of Capt. Caleb Atwater, was born July u, 1804; removed to Atwater, Ohio, in 1823, to take charge and dispose of Western Reserve Lands, and to engage in merchandize. That country at that date was quite new. For over forty years he resi­ded in the town of Atwater and city of Cleveland, an interested observer of the growth and advance of the Western Reserve and entire state of Ohio to its present greatness. In 1865 he removed from Cleveland to his native town, Wallingford, the oldest remaining member of his father's family.

DEACON JOHN ATWATER

Son of Joshua Atwater, born July 19, 1815, now resides at his father's old homestead, which was the home of his grandfather and great grandfather, it being the same farm originally owned and occupied by his great grandfather John Atwater, who was son of David Atwa­ter of New Haven, and who was one of the original Planters of New Haven, A. D. 1637.

HON. EDGAR ATWATER

Son of Joshua and Elizabeth Atwater, and grandson of Caleb Atwater, was a young man of more than ordinary promise and ability. As a public speaker he was en­dowed with an uncommon gift. In 1841 he was elected a Senator from the sixth Senatorial district to the Connecticut Legislature, and was a popular and a very influential member of that body. He died in 1850, at the age of 38 years, lamented by all who knew him.

JOHN BAULCOT

Of Farmington, Eng., came into Wallingford about the beginning of the last century, and settled in the eastern section of the town on an old road that formerly ran

513

south from the site of the late Col. Russel Hall's barn. This old road on which lived a number of families has long since been closed, and the dwellings they once occupied are now gone to decay. His will was dated Feb. 19, 1745-6, and is recorded in the books of the Probate Court at New Haven. The inventory of his property amounted to £1839, 10s. 2d. After giving to the Congregational Church at Wallingford the sum of £3 for a Silver Cup, he gave "all the remainder of his property to the Lord Jesus Christ, the interest of which to be expended towards keeping up two lectures in said first church, to be called Baulcot's Lectures, forever; but if any of his brothers' or sisters' children claim the property within forty years, then the estate shall go to them." He married Naomi Thorp, Dec. 20, 1710.

THOMAS BEACH

Was a son of John, of Stratford. He married Ruth Peck, May 12, 1680. He located on the farm late the property of Cephas Johnson, and built the old house that was taken down to make way for the present one built by Mr. Johnson on the old site. He died in Meriden May 13, 1741, aged 82 years, and was interred in the old burying-ground on burying-yard hill, about a mile to the south-west of Meriden center.

JOHN BEACH

Came from New Haven to Wallingford with the first company of Planters in 1670, and located himself in the southerly portion of the town, and I suppose him to be a brother of Thomas Beach above. He was a man of some consequence in the settlement, and was fre­quently elected to some of the offices in the gift of the people.

514

STEPHEN BEACH

Was born in Wallingford, March 15, 1790. Without the advantages of a collegiate education, but with a remark­able love of learning, and strong intellectual powers, he became a good scholar and an excellent preacher. He was admitted to Deacon's Orders in St. Michael's Church, R. I., by Bishop Griswold, on the twentieth of October, 1815. Immediately after his ordination he removed to the northern part of Vermont, where, for several years, he officiated in the three parishes of St. Albans, Fairfield and Sheldon. He was the only clergyman of the Epis­copal church of that day, north of Vergennes. He was admitted to Priest's orders by Bishop Griswold, in Holderness, N. H., August 20, 1817. In 1822 he removed from Vermont to take charge of the parish at Salisbury in the state of Connecticut. Here also he was known, as he had been in Vermont, as a successful founder of churches, and his name is gratefully remembered through­out that part of the State. In 1833 he removed from Salisbury to Essex in the same State, taking charge of that parish in connection with St. Stephen's Church, East Haddam. Under his zealous ministry, each of these parishes soon grew to require and be able to support the entire service of a minister; and in 1836 Mr. Beach resigned the parish at Essex and became pastor at East Haddam. His ministry in this place, abundantly blessed, was continued for two years only, when he died at the age of forty-seven, on the fourteenth day of January, 1838.

In 1814 he was married to a daughter of Amos Billings of Guilford, Vermont. Two of his sons are highly respectable clergymen of the Episcopal church; one, Amos Billings, rector of Christ church, Binghamp-

515

ton, N. Y., the other, Alfred Billings (now D. D.), rector of St. Peter's church, New York city.

Although called in the Providence of God to occupy positions in the church to which he belonged remote and comparatively but little known, yet it may be said with truth, that few of its ministers have been more useful, or have in the same period of time done more in this country for the extension of that church, and its permanent establishment in destitute places, than did Mr. Beach.

As a preacher, he was remarkably clear, earnest, plain and instructive. He excelled in extemporaneous preaching. Taking a strong hold of what he regarded as truth or duty, his conduct was always consistent with his professions and convictions. At the same time, he was singularly humble and charitable, and was therefore greatly respected and beloved by all who knew him, and not less by those who were not, than by those who were, of his own church and persuasion.

MOSES YALE BEACH.

The life of Moses Y. Beach, well known as the late proprietor of the New York Sun, the pioneer of the penny press, while it presents no remarkable variety of changes or incidents, is attractive in tracing the steps of a determined man.

His great grandfather and grandfather, both bearing the name of Moses Beach, each lived in succession on the same farm, to good old age, ranking among the more respectable men of the settlement; and when each in turn had answered the call of nature, their pos­sessions passed to Moses Sperry Beach, who married Lucretia Yale, a daughter of Captain Elihu and Lucretia (Stanley) Yale, a descendant of Thomas Yale, who

516

settled in Wallingford in 1670. Of this couple, Moses Yale Beach was an only son. When at the age of four months Mr. Beach was deprived of his mother by the hand of death; and as his father's business called him much from home, he was confided to the care of his step-mother. As soon as his age would permit he was taught to do "chores," and at the age of ten years he took charge of considerable of the outdoor work on the farm, besides going a long distance to school. From four o'clock in the morning until eleven o'clock at night he was generally up and doing, and yet found leisure to exercise his mechanical ingenuity in the manufacture of playthings for himself and others.

At a suitable age he was, at his own solicitation, bound an apprentice to Mr. Daniel Dewey, a cabinet maker at Hartford. His industry soon excited the attention of his master, who was a close man, but who finally made a contract by which young Beach was allowed two cents an hour for extra work. Mr. Beach afterwards said, that he never felt happier at any time during his life, at success in any thing, than he did on the occasion of closing that contract. Early and late he worked, and the pennies began to accumulate. Finally he made a bargain for his time after he should arrive at the age of eighteen years, for which he was to pay the sum of $400. This arrangement gave him new life, and when the time had come round he had saved between one and two hundred dollars more than enough to pay for his freedom, with which he commenced life.

He went to Northampton and worked a short time as a journeyman. After a while he formed a copartnership with a young man by the name of Loveland. Their work was much celebrated; in testimony of which they

517

received the first premium of the Franklin Institute. While thus employed under a fair sky, he married Nancy Day of West Springfield, Mass.

In 1835 he removed to New York, where he shortly after bought the interest of Mr. Wisner in the New York Sun, on a credit of $5,200. In the course of the following year, he bargained with Benjamin H. Day, his partner, for the remaining half, for the sum of $19,500. The first six months after he became the entire owner of the paper it did not prove as profitable as he had expect­ed, and he was ready to sell it out, and offered it and all the property he then possessed, if any one would take it off his hands and pay his obligations to Mr. Day; but not succeeding in effecting a sale, he went to work with renewed ardor and before two years had passed, the last dollar was paid off and he was once more in the ascendant.

From 1838 his course was steadily upward. His ability and enterprise in the management of his busi­ness excited the envy of some; but notwithstanding this, there are very few, if any, who knew him personally, who did not value him as a friend. Notwithstanding his many and severe labors, together with his failing health in middle life, he lived to the age of sixty-nine years, and died possessed of the largest estate of any native of Wallingford who had died in the town.

CHILDREN.

Drusilla Brewster, b. Nov. 30, 1820; m. Alexander Kursted of Tannersville, N. Y., Jan. 1, 1848. In 1849 they removed to Delaware County, N. Y. Moses Sperry, b. Oct. 5, 1822; m. Chloe Buckingham of Waterbury, in 1842. Resides in Brooklyn, N. Y. Henry Day, b. Aug. 8, 1824; m. Annie Fordham. Re-

518

sides at May's Landing, N. J. Alfred Ely, b. Sept. 1, 1826; m. Harriet E. Holcomb of Boston, Mass., June 30, 1847. Resides in Stratford, Conn. Joseph Perkins, b.

July 16, 1828; m. Eliza M. Betts of New York City, March 20, 1850. Resides in Cheshire, Conn. Eveline

519

Shepherd, b. July 27, 1830; d. Aug. 18, 1830. Mary Ely, b. Aug., 1834; d. 1834. William Yale, b. Jan. 7, 1836; m. Emma A. Munson of Wallingford, where he now resides.

REV. JOSEPH BELLAMY, D. D.

Was born in Wallingford, parish of Cheshire, 1719. He was a son of Matthew, and grandson of Matthew of Fairfield and Killingworth, Conn. He was graduated at Yale College-studied for the ministry, and settled at Bethlem in 1740. He married Frances Sherman of New Haven, April 27, 1744. She died August 30, 1785. He died March 6, 1760.

He was a large, well-built man of commanding appear­ance, had a smooth, strong voice, and could fill the largest house, without any unnatural elevation. He was possessed of a truly great mind, and generally preached without notes. He usually had some great doctrinal point to establish, and would keep close to his subject until he had sufficiently illustrated it; then, in an in­genious, close and pungent manner, he would make the application.

When he felt well, and was animated by a large audi­ence he would preach incomparably. Though he paid little attention to language, yet when he became warm, and filled with his subject, he would, from the native vigor of his soul, produce the most commanding strokes of eloquence, making his audience alive. There is noth­ing in his writings, though a learned and great divine, equal to what was to be seen and heard in his preaching; and it is difficult for any one who never heard him to form a just idea of the force and beauty of his preach­ing. He died at Bethlem in Litchfield County, Conn.

520

STEPHEN ROWE BRADLEY, LL.D.

Was born in Wallingford, Cheshire Parish, Oct. 20, 1754, and graduated at Yale in 1775. He was the aid of Gen. Wooster when that officer was slain. He settled in Vermont, and became one of the most popular men in that State. In 1791 he was elected to the Senate of the United States, and continued a member of that body for sixteen years. He died at Walpole, New Hampshire, Dec. 16, 1830, aged 75 years.

JOHN BROCKETT

Was one of the earliest settlers in Wallingford; was there with his friend John Moss in 1668, and possibly before, making preparations for the settlement of a vil­lage there, and was selected by the New Haven committee to act as one of the sub-committee to manage the affairs of the new settlement until such time as it should become strong enough to manage its own affairs. The lot which was assigned him and on which he located himself, was at the south end of the village, a short distance below the present residence of Constant Webb, and extending over to Wharton's brook, embracing a portion of the land of Giles Hall and the house of the late Edward L. Hall. He died March 12, 1689, aged 80 years. His eldest son John was born in England, and settled near Muddy River in North Haven, as a Physician. He died Nov. 1720, and was the progenitor of most of the Brockett families in that locality.

JAMES CARRINGTON, ESQ.

Was born in Wallingford and was during his whole life one of the most prominent of her citizens. He was the first post-master ever appointed for Wallingford, having the appointment in 1798, and continued in

521

the discharge of its duties until the close of his life. In person he was a large, well-built man, of commanding appearance and address. For many years he conducted the singing in the old Congregational meeting-house, until it was taken down in 1824, giving great satisfaction as a leader. He was superintendent of the gun factory for the late Eli Whitney, Esq., at Whitneyville, and such was the confidence of Mr. Whitney in his ability, that he gave him the entire charge of the business for many years. His death was lamented by a large circle of friends and neighbors.

LIVERIUS CARRINGTON, ESQ.

Studied medicine with Dr. Billions Kirtland of Walling-ford, but never practiced his profession. He entered into the mercantile business in early life as a partner with the late George B. Kirtland, and continued with him through life. He was remarkable for his fund of liveliness. He had a peculiar way of pleasing his patrons and friends, especially the young; and his many noble qualities will long live in their memories. The firm of Carrington and Kirtland, at the decease of Mr. C., was one of the oldest, if not the oldest, in New Haven county.

DANIEL CLARK

Married Elizabeth, daughter of James Miles of Wallingford. She died April 19, 1755. He was a sea captain, and engaged largely in the shipping business. Being successful, he built at the foot of town hill, a house which was then the largest in the township, being 40 feet square on the front, and three stories high. It was after­ward occupied by Nathaniel Hitchcock, and finally sold to Joel Rice, who caused it to be taken down. He died Aug. 17, 1774, aged 63.

522

COL. THADDEUS COOK

Son of Samuel, the son of Samuel, was born in that part of the town now embraced in the township of Cheshire. On the breaking out of the war of the Revo­lution he entered into the service of his country; was made Colonel of his regiment, and was under the com­mand of Gen. Gates during the memorable battle at Sara­toga in 1777, and greatly distinguished himself as a brave and skillful officer. He died in Wallingford, Feb. 28, 1800, aged 72 years.

SAMUEL COOK

Son of Col. Thaddeus, was born in Wallingford, and was eminently qualified for a public man. Although pos­sessed of a large real estate, he was ever ready to serve the public in almost any position to which he might be called. He was often a member of the General Assembly, and a selectman of the town. He was noted for his nat­ural gift in controlling those brought under his special authority. One look from him at one naturally indolent, was sufficient to arouse in him spirited action. A per­son once said to me, that he always loved and feared the presence of old Esq. Cook. He was active in the es­tablishment of the Union Academy, which flourished for some years after its charter was granted, and was an honor to the town. As a farmer he had few if any superiors in his town or State. He died Sept. 27, 1824, aged 66 years.

CAPT. JOEL COOK

Born in Wallingford in 1760. At the age of 16 he en­tered the army of the Revolution with his father, Col. Isaac Cook of Wallingford, and served to the end. In 1811 he was at the battle of Tippecanoe. In 1813 he

523

resided in New Haven, and in 1849 he removed from Yonkers to Deer Park, Long Island, where he died on the 18th day of Dec., 1831, aged 92 years. It was this man who built the small stucco house standing on the east side of East Street in the city of New Haven.

REV. BENJAMIN DOOLITTLE.

In the year 1718, Rev. Benjamin Doolittle, of Wallingford, preached in Northfield, Mass.; the people desired him to settle, and promised him £65 as annual salary, and quite a liberal amount of money and land as "settlement." Mr. Doolittle continued there until Jan­uary 9, 1748, when he died, in the fifty-fifth year of his age, and the thirtieth of his ministry. On the Northfield records, one of their highways is laid out, "from Pochaug meadow to a little brook where Mr. Doolittle's horse died. "The following is the epitaph on his tomb­stone:

"Blessed with good intellectual parts,
Well skilled in two important arts,
Nobly he filled the double station
Both of a preacher and physician.
To cure man's sicknesses and sins,
He took unwearied care and pains;
And strove to make his patient whole
Throughout, in body and in soul.
He loved his God, loved to do good,
To all his friends vast kindness showed,
Nor could his enemies exclaim
And say, he was not kind to them.
His labors met a sudden close:
Now he enjoys a sweet repose,
And when the just to life shall rise,
Among the first he'll mount the skies."

524

LIEUT. ABRAHAM DOOLITTLE

Was an innkeeper during the French war. His house was the most noted tavern on the main road between Boston and New York. Lord London, while on his way to Canada, put up at Doolittle's house with his coach and four splendid horses. The landlord was much in the habit of using large words out of their appropriate place and meaning. On this occasion he felt a special call for them. In the morning he carefully looked at the fine blooded team in presence of his titled guest and on each of the horses employed every superlative of a considerable character until he came to the fourth ani­mal. "What do you think of that one?" asked his lordship. " It is a precarious good horse," replied the landlord. The word precarious stuck to Mr. Doolittle as long as he lived. The house was removed from its old site, and is now the building on the south corner, opposite the Congregational church. It was placed where it now stands by Eben Smith, who occupied it as a hotel for several years.

DEA. THOMAS FENN

The son of Thomas Fenn of Wallingford, was born in Wallingford in the year 1735, and removed to Westbury in early life with his father, April 19, 1760. He represented the towns of Watertown and Waterbury, in thirty-five Sessions, beginning in 1778. He was a Justice of the Peace and a Deacon of the Congrega­tional Church of Watertown for many years. Through a long life he was an influential and much respected citi­zen. He married Abiah, daughter of Richard Welton of Waterbury, by whom he had six sons and two daughters. He was a captain in the Revolutionary army. He died August 1, 1818.

525

HON. SAMUEL A. FOOT, LL.D.

Was a son of Rev. John Foot of Cheshire, and was born Nov. 8, 1780. He graduated at Yale College in 1797, studied law, and commenced practice in his native village. He married Miss Eudocia Hull, daughter of Gen. Andrew Hull, of Cheshire, and became a part­ner with Mr. Hull in commercial business at New Haven. In 1819 he was elected a member of Congress, and re-elected in 1823 and 1834. He was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives of Conn, in 1825-6, and was chosen a Senator in Congress from 1827 to 1833. In 1834 he was elected Governor of Connecticut, and during that year received from Yale College the degree of LL.D. He died Sept. 16, 1846, aged 66 years. He left three sons, viz.: the Hon. John A. Foot, of Cleveland, Ohio; Rear Admiral Andrew H. Foot, U. S. N., who died at New Haven; Augustus E. Foot, Esq., of Cleveland, Ohio.

HON. LYMAN HALL

Was born in Wallingford. He graduated at Yale Col­lege in 1747, studied medicine, and located himself at Midway, Georgia. Having earnestly and zealously espoused the cause of his country in her struggle with the mother country during the Revolution, his efforts contributed much to induce the people of Georgia to join the confederacy. He was in May, 1775, elected to Congress, as a member of which he signed the Decla­ration of Independence, and continued in that body till the close of 1780. In 1783 he was elected Governor of Georgia. He died Feb. 1791, aged 66 years. He was a son of the Hon. John and Mary (Lyman) Hall, of Wallingford.

526

DANIEL HART

Was born in Wallingford, and removed to Goshen in early life. He owned and occupied when living in Wallingford the house now occupied by the heirs of Lyman Hall, and known as the Aaron Yale place. He was a man of worth, and much respected.

REV. LUTHER HART

Was his son, and was born at Goshen, July 27, 1783. His mother was a woman of superior mind. She came from a family on Long Island. In childhood he was distinguished for his great fondness for books and love of music. In his sixteenth year he became converted and united with the church at Torrington, where the family then resided. He felt a desire then to enter the ministry. The expense however was an effectual barrier to his desires, and he learned the trade of a house car­penter of his father. In the meantime he became acquainted with the rudiments of an English education, and acquired an intimate acquaintance of men and things, of human nature as seen in the affairs of common life, of which clergymen as a class are lamentably defi­cient. His trade he never forgot through life, and during his preparatory studies continued to exercise his skill as a worker on wood for profit, and at a later period for exercise and recreation. In the latter part of the year 1802, or early in 1803, he commenced his preparatory course of studies under the direction of his pastor, the Rev. Alexander Gillette. In September, 1803, he entered Yale college. He at once took high rank, and at his graduation in 1807, received one of the highest honors of the institution. After a year devoted to teaching, he commenced his theological studies under the Rev. Dr. Porter of Washington, Conn., and finished them at An-

527

dover, Mass. In a short time he was called to Plymouth, Conn., where he was ordained and installed over the Congregational church and society in Sept. 1810. He married a daughter of Gen. Daniel and Martha (Humiston) Potter. He was an interesting and able preacher, and few men in the State were more generally acceptable. He was lively and pleasant in conversation, easy and agreeable in his manners. He died April 25, 1834; left no children.

NATHANIEL HART

Of Wallingford, owned the farm on which afterwards lived Jeremiah Hall, who married his daughter. The old Hart house stood a little south of the one in which Mr. Hall lived. Mr. Hart was a carpenter and joiner, and when in advanced life, used to boast of having built eleven meeting-houses, one of which is now (1870) standing in Farmington. In his old age he went to Goshen to reside with his sons. He built the steeple on the old three story Congregational meeting-house in Wallingford, about 1745. He died some sixty years ago, aged ninety years.

GIDEON HOSFORD

Was an innkeeper in Wallingford, and is said to have built the house now known as the residence of the late Abijah Ives, on the plains, in which for many years he kept an inn. This house is still standing on its original foundation, on the corner of the old colony road and the road leading to Hosford's bridge, in a rather dilapi­dated condition.

DR. ZEPHANIAH HULL

Was a son of John and Sarah Hull, of Wallingford, and was born in what is now Cheshire, in 1728. Studied the profession of medicine at an early age; married

528

Hannah, daughter of --- Cook, March 28, 1749, and soon after removed to Bethlem in Woodbury, probably through the influence of Dr. Bellamy, who was a native of the same town and a few years his senior. He died Nov. 10, 1760, the same day with his wife, in the "Great Sickness." They were buried in one grave, and two of his children and a young man living in his house died a few days later. Soon after these deaths, and while others were sick in the house, a Deacon Strong, near by, raised a flock of eleven quails, which flew over the house and dropped in the garden. Immediately after, three of them rose and flew into the bushes, but the other eight were found dead, and in an hour afterwards putrified, became offensive and were buried. As a physician and as a man Dr. Hull ever sustained a high character, in the place of his adoption.

JAMES HUMISTON, ESQ.

Was a prominent citizen of Wallingford. He frequently represented his town in the Legislature of the State. Was often one of the select men of the town, and as proprietor of the old mill which to this day bears his name, conducted a large business. Subsequently he added to his milling business that of wool carding, dye­ing, dressing cloth, &c., continuing the same to the close of his life.

TURHAND KIRTLAND

Was born in Wallingford, November 16, 1755. He was a descendant of John Kirtland, who was one of the thirty-six heads of families who settled at Saybrook in 1635. In the year 1776 he was in the provisional service at New York, at the time of the defeat of the American army on Long Island, and was engaged on

529

board the boats which conveyed our retreating forces over to the mainland. He, with most of the company, was attacked with the malignant camp distemper, typhoid dysentery, and was discharged at Sawpits. After his recovery and return home, he pursued for a. number of years the occupation of carriage-making and farming, in his native town. He was one of the original members of the Connecticut Land company, which purchased the title to the Western Reserve, or New Connecticut. As agent for the company, he conducted a boat loaded with surveyors, emigrants and provisions up the Mohawk river through Wood creek, Oneida and Ontario lakes, into Niagara river; from thence hauled it around the falls on the Canada side, and navigated up the river and through Lake Erie into Grand river, a little above the present city of Painesville, in the year 1798. In the same capacity he annually visited the West until 1803, when he removed his family to Ohio, and located at Poland, where he resided until his death, August 16 1844. As agent or proprietor, he disposed of extensive tracts of new lands; and he took an active and influ­ential part in promoting settlements and introducing schools and various improvements. For a time he was a Senator in the State Legislature, and Associate Judge in the court of Common Pleas of Ohio. He was distinguished for his integrity and active business habits. As one of the earlier settlers, he saw the Connecticut Reserve in its primitive condition a perfect wilderness, and lived to see it thickly peopled by the best regulated and most intelligent population to be found in the Union out of New England. When in Wallingford he owned and occupied the house and farm of the late Amos Dutton.

530

GEORGE B. KIRTLAND, ESQ.

During his whole life was an example worthy of imitation. He was universally regarded as an hon­est, upright and intelligent merchant and businessman. He made it a principle never to recommend an article beyond what it would bear. He died in 1869, having lived out the full number of years allotted to man, greatly lamented by the whole com­munity, and especially by the Episcopal Church, of which he was a consistent and worthy member. He was the last male member of the once highly respectable Kirtland family in Wallingford.

JARED POTTER KIRTLAND, M.D., LL.D.

A son of Turhand and Mary Kirtland, and grandson of Dr. Jared Potter, a distinguished physician of Walling­ford. He was born Nov. 10, 1793, in the town of Wallingford. He received his classical education chiefly in Cheshire and Wallingford academies, and was for a time a pupil of Rev. Dr. Tillotson Bronson, the then Principal of the Cheshire Episcopal Academy. In 1810 he commenced the study of medicine, and became a private pupil of Drs. Eli Ives and Nathan Smith, of New Haven, until 1812, when he entered the first class in the Medical Department of Yale Col­lege, and was the first who signed the matriculation book in the charge of Prof. Jonathan Knight. At the close of the medical term, he with others formed a class for the study of botany and mineralogy, which, together with their medical studies, was pursued under Prof. Eli Ives and Benjamin Silliman. In 1814 he entered the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, and soon after passed an examination for a medical degree before the medical faculty of Yale College. The

531

subject of his Thesis was, "Our Indigenous Vegetable Materia Medica," a private subject of one of his teach­ers, Dr. Benjamin Smith Barton, and in consonance more with his own taste than other points of his pro­fession.

In May, 1814, he married Caroline, daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth (Cook) Atwater of Wallingford, and soon after commenced the practice of medicine in that place, which he continued until 1817, when at a town meeting held at Durham he was invited to locate in that town as a physician, which invitation he accepted. His practice here soon became large; but with it he found time to interest himself in the culture of fruits and flowers, of which he was very fond. In 1823 he re­moved to Poland, Trumbull Co., Ohio, where, although continuing to practice his profession of medicine when­ever called upon, he gave his time and thoughts mainly to the culture of his farm, garden and orchard.

In 1837 he removed to Cleveland, Ohio, and at first established himself in the town or city; but soon tiring of the confined limits of a city residence, he purchased one hundred and seventy-five acres of land about five miles west of the city of Cleveland, situated immediately on the Lake shore. Here, while at times continuing his professional labors, he has found time to examine and describe all the fishes of Ohio's lakes and rivers; to collect and compare innumerable fresh water shells, con­nected with which he made a discovery in the science, new and distinct, viz.: the sexual or male and female character of the muscle, which is indicated by the form of the shell. He found time to examine the native wild plants botanically, to examine and to study the geologi­cal formation of the State, to study and gather speci-

532

mens of birds by hundreds. He has investigated the habits of the honeybee, has found time to superintend and direct a large farm on which all the best grains and grapes, and the best breeds of cattle, sheep, hogs, &c., have been tried and compared, comparative values of manures tested, and their components analyzed.

In 1827 he was elected a representative to the Legis­lature of Ohio, and re-elected several times; was chair­man of the committee on the Penitentiary in the House. In 1835 he was elected Professor of the Theory and Practice of Medicine in the Medical College of Ohio. In 1841, having resigned his position in the Medical College of Ohio, he became Professor of the Theory and Practice of Medicine in the Willoughby Medical School; and afterwards, when the medical department of the Western Reserve College was established at Cleveland, he accepted a similar position in that college, which his health compelled him to resign in 1864. He was at one time President of the Ohio State Medical Society; and when in attendance at public gatherings has universally been called upon to assume the duties of the chair. In 1861 he received the degree of LL.D. from Williams Col­lege. Genial in spirit, full of intelligent conversational power, possessing the retiring manner and dignity of a well-bred gentleman of the old school, he wins the hearts of the old and young; while the intelligent and all who seek knowledge, rejoice in obtaining an hour in his society. He is now over 76 years old.

JARED LEWIS, ESQ.

Was born in Wallingford, and was for several years a justly celebrated hotel keeper and merchant in the vil­lage. He owned and occupied the lot on which now

533

stands the house and store of Lorenzo Lewis, his grand­son. He was a prominent politician. One of the parties at one time assumed the name of Lewis, and the oppo­sition that of Cooke. Politics never ran higher in Wallingford than at this time. He was the father of Isaac Lewis, who was keeper of a hotel and merchant at Meriden, and who was the father of the late Patrick Lewis, and of Isaac Lewis, who is and has been a very successful business man in Meriden for several years.

CHARLES BARNY MCCARTY

A native of Ireland, came to America in the latter part of the last century, and found his way to Wallingford, a peddler of small articles of drygoods. In making his trips about Wallingford, he formed the acquaintance of Miss Dacia Hall, a daughter of Charles and Sarah (Atwater) Hall, and married her. In a few years he was enabled by his industry and success in business, to build and stock a store with drygoods and groceries. His ambition led him to invest in real-estate quite too largely for his means, by which, with other matters, he became involved, from the effects of which he never fully recov­ered. He lived to an advanced age. His children were Dr. Charles B., who was a physician in Yalesville; Mary, died in Yalesville; Sarah, died unmarried in 1869; Ann, died unmarried; Henry Hobart, died April 23, 1870, from an injury received two days before.

JOHN MOSS

Was in New Haven as early as 1645, perhaps earlier, and was a member of the General Court during several sessions. In 1670 at the May session he was active in procuring the act of incorporation of Wallingford, and succeeded on the 12th day of May, 1670, at Hartford. He was evidently the leading man of the new settlement,

534

and was the pioneer of the settlers, being on the ground certainly as early as 1667. His house lot was situated at the extreme south end of the village, adjoining that of his friend (John Brockett) who was associated with him in promoting the interest and advancement of the settle­ment. He died A. D. 1707, aged 103.

ELISHA M. POMEROY, ESQ.

Came into Wallingford a tinner by trade, and married Lydia Mattoon. About the year 1820 he invented his justly celebrated Razor Strop, which soon became noted in every part of the United States. In this enterprise he was prosperous beyond his most sanguine expectations. He was a man of enterprise and good business talents, and of easy address and gentlemanly deportment. After his retirement from business he was chosen Judge of the Probate Court, and a Justice of the Peace. In the discharge of the duties of these offices, he was eminently well qualified, and his decisions compare favorably with those of any of his predecessors. He reared a large and highly respectable family of children, and died at the advanced age of 78 years, in Wallingford, the place of his adoption. His eldest son, George V. Pomeroy, is a merchant in New York city. The late Jerome B. Pomeroy M. D. is also a son of the Judge.

JARED POTTER, M. D.

Was born in East Haven, Conn., Sept. 25, 1742. His classical studies were commenced under the Rev. Phile­mon Robbins of Branford. He entered Yale College in 1756, and was graduated in 1760. His medical studies were begun under Dr. Harpins of Milford, and afterward pursued under the Rev. Jared Elliot of Killingworth. He commenced practice in East Haven in 1763, but soon removed to New Haven, where he established a fa-

535

vorable reputation and secured a good share of patron­age. The premonitory tumults of the approaching conflict with the mother country induced him to remove his family to a place of less exposure to impending dan­gers. Hence in the year 1773 he changed his location to Wallingford, where he went into professional practice and continued with the exception of the time spent in the service of his country, until his death, July 30, 1810.

He was a descendant of John Potter, who signed the plantation covenant of New Haven, June 4, 1639. At the commencement of the Revolution, when the first six regiments were raised by the Province of Connecti­cut, he was appointed surgeon of the fourteenth regi­ment under Colonel (afterwards General) Wooster, and went with them to Canada, and was present when the British port of St. John's was captured in September, 1775, by General Montgomery. From there he removed with the army to Montreal, where he was placed in charge of a hospital, and remained until our forces returned in the next summer. The term of enlistment having expired, he was immediately re-appointed surgeon, and was attached to Colonel Douglas's regiment, destined to re-enforce the continental army in New York City. He was in the battles of Long Island and White Plains, and at the close of the campaign, when the regiment was disbanded, he returned to Wallingford.

Too many physicians throw aside their books, or pay little attention to them after they are engaged in exten­sive practice. This was not the case with Dr. Potter. He was an uncommonly diligent student, not merely while acquiring the rudiments of his profession, but to the end of his life. For many years he kept a medical school, in which several of the most eminent physicians

536

of Connecticut were educated; and it is worthy of remark that the late Dr. Samuel Hopkins of Hartford, who was considered the most able practitioner of his county if not in the State, was his pupil. Dr. Potter imbibed much of the spirit of Elliot for philosophical investigations, and took pains to become well acquainted with the practice and opinion of all the most celebrated writers, ancient and modern, upon nearly every disease. His reading was consequently very extensive. He was in the habit of purchasing annually all of the new medical works which appeared; and was also well read in the reviews and other periodical literature of the day. As a physician he was a superior judge of symptoms, and was a very energetic and successful practitioner in acute diseases; but it is said that he was very skeptical of the power of medicine in most chronic complaints, and for that reason, his practice in such cases was rather inefficient and sometimes almost inert. Dr. Potter was well known as having had a peculiar fondness for discuss­ing questions of speculative theology and the politics of the day; and when conversing on these subjects his strict command of his temper and an uncommon urban­ity of manner, joined to a large share of wit and humor, usually gave him a decided advantage over most of his opponents. Like his preceptor Elliot, his practice and consultations were very extensive, and like him too for many years he was probably the most distinguished and influential physician in the State. He was one of the founders, and a Vice President of the State Medical Society. It is said that he was always able to recollect the name and face of any person who had once been introduced to him, and the circumstances of their meet­ing. His great colloquial powers, and the frankness and

537

candor with which he uniformly treated his medical brethren, made his presence and advice as a counselor always acceptable. He died in Wallingford, deeply la­mented by the whole community.

THOMAS RICHARDSON

Of Farmington in 1672, and of Waterbury in 1674, received and accepted a grant of land called the bache­lors' property in 1699. He was one of the eighty-four first proprietors of the town in 1692. He died Nov. 14, 1712. Mary, his wife, died one week afterwards, Nov. 21. Both were victims of the "great sickness" that then prevailed in the place.

Thomas, their second son and fourth child, received a grant of land in March, 1695, which he accepted as a bachelors' proprietor March 26, 1699. He remained in Waterbury long enough to secure his right, and then removed to Wallingford, and was there in July, 1705. After his father's decease he returned to Waterbury and was appointed a fence-viewer in 1713, grave-digger in 1714-15-16, hayward in 1714-17-18-19. March 30 he sold his house and six acres of land on the north side of West Main Street to Thomas Richards, and returned to Wallingford, where he was living in 1722, a farmer. He had brothers and sisters, viz., Mary, Sarah, John, Israel, Rebecca, Ruth, Johannah, Nathaniel and Ebenezer. He married for his second wife, Rachel, daughter of John and Hannah Parker, of Wallingford.

THOMAS RUGGLES

Came to Wallingford about 1812, and purchased the old homestead of Mr. Joel Hall. He was a gentleman of means, and a graduate of Yale College. He soon after purchased the house of Salmon Carter in the village, and became the principal of the Union Academy. He

538

continued in charge of the Academy until the death of his father-in-law, Mr. Charles Hall, which occurred in 1817, at which time he by his will became the possessor of one-half of Mr. Hall's estate. Having repaired the buildings, he occupied them during the rest of his life. He had by his first wife a child, Hannah, who died young.

SAMUEL GEORGE SIMPSON

Son of Robert, alias Samuel George, and Mary Simpson, was born in New Haven in 17-. Samuel G. sen., came to America a lieutenant in the British army, about the year 1767, on a mission from the King of England to persuade the people of the colonies to receive the Stamp Act and other measures of the English government, which were then looked upon as odious and burdensome by the people. Mr. Simpson was a relation of the King by his marriage into a German family, Mr. Simpson himself being a German, and of a highly respectable and wealthy family. After taking up his residence in New Haven under the assumed name of Robert, he married Mary Johnson, daughter of a reputable family. Of this marriage Samuel George was an only child. After the decease of Mr. Simpson in 1776, his widow married Josiah Merriam of Wallingford, in the parish of Meriden, and removed to that place, taking her little son along with her, who, when about twenty years of age, married Mary, daughter of John and Eunice Yale of Meriden. She died April 2, 1799. After a suitable lapse of time he married Malinda, daughter of John and Lois Hall of Wallingford. He purchased and settled on the Dr. Russel or Henry place, situated on the old Tankhood road, a short distance east of the residence of Mr. Hall. He disposed of this place and removed to Ohio, but after a residence of a few years he returned

539

to Wallingford, where he died, highly respected for his honesty and integrity.

Children: Alfred, Henry, George, Harmon, Samuel. The latter married Martha Benham and is a successful manufacturer in his native town; has had one son, Sam­uel G., and two daughters.

EBEN SMITH

Was a man of some note in Wallingford sixty years ago. He bought the old Doolittle hotel that formerly stood a little to the west of the Dr. Potter house, lately Rice Hall's, and placed it upon the corner of Main street and the street running east and west past the Congregational meeting-house, and in front of the same, and occupied it as a hotel. At that time there were three hotels in the village, viz.: Jared Lewis's house, Chauncey Cook's, now Dwight Hall's, and Eben Smith's house. He was the father of Mrs. Lyman Carmon.

TITUS STREET, ESQ.

Son of Samuel, was born in Wallingford. In early life he went to Cheshire, where he commenced business in a small store, with his friend Samuel Hughs (after­wards his partner) as clerk. Here he was married to Miss Amaryllis, daughter of Reuben and Mary Atwater, by whom he had two children, Augustus Russell and Mary, the wife of Gov. Hoppen of Rhode Island. He afterward located in New Haven with Mr. Hughs as partner, and after a few years' successful business in the city he retired with a large fortune, and continued in retirement until his decease. He was a descendant of the Rev. Samuel Street, the first settled Congregational minister in Wallingford. Augustus Russell Street, son of Titus, was the founder of the Yale Art Building on the grounds of Yale College in New Haven.

540

CAPT. WILLIAM TODD

Was born in North Haven and came to Wallingford a young man. He became acquainted with Miss Harriet Johnson, and in due time married her. He was a house joiner and carpenter, and as a builder was deservedly popular. Being possessed naturally of a good constitu­tion, he was enabled to continue the business of his trade until near the close of his life, which occurred in 1869, at the advanced age of 83 years. After the death of his first wife, he was married twice; first, to the widow of Capt. Joel Rice, and secondly, to the widow Merrit Tuttle. He had a large family of children, most of whom are living.

JOHN TYLER

Was a native of Wallingford, and was graduated at Yale College in 1765. He was educated a Congregationalist, but having embraced the doctrines of the Church of England, prepared for Holy Orders under the care of Dr. Johnson of Stratford. In 1768 he went to England to receive ordination, with a view to becoming Rector of Christ Church, in Chelsea, Norwich, Conn.; and having accomplished this object he returned the next year and entered on the duties of his office. For three years during the Revolution, owing to the popular excitement which prevailed against Episcopacy in New England, (it being regarded almost synonymous with Toryism), Mr. Tyler's church was closed; and from April 1776 to April 1779 not an entry was made in its records. He how­ever, during this time held divine service in his own house, and was never molested in the performance of it. At one time he was afraid to drink the water of his own well; and yet he was regarded as a man of great benevo­lence and liberality. As an evidence of the kindly feeling which both he and his church maintained toward

541

their Congregational neighbors, it may be mentioned that when the Congregationalists in 1794 lost their place of worship by fire, the Episcopalians at once prof­fered them the use of theirs on the following condition: "The Rev, John Tyler, our present pastor, to perform Divine service one half the day on each Sabbath, and the Rev. Walter King, pastor of said Presbyterian Con­gregation, to perform Divine service on the other half: of said Sabbath, each alternately performing on the first half of the day." The offer was gratefully accepted, and this amicable arrangement continued for three months. Mr. Tyler died Jan. 20, 1823, aged 81 years. He pub­lished a sermon preached at the opening of Trinity church in Pomfret, 1771; and a sermon preached at Nor­wich on the Continental Thanksgiving, 1795. Mrs. Sigourney writes thus concerning him: "He was an interesting preacher; his voice sweet and solemn, and his eloquence persuasive. The benevolence of his heart was manifest in daily acts of courtesy and charity to those around him. He studied medicine in order to benefit the poor, and to find out remedies for some of those pe­culiar diseases to which no common specifics seemed to apply. During the latter years of his life he was so infirm as to need assistance in his clerical duties."

ADOLPH WILHELM AUGUST FRIEDRICH,

BARON VON STEINWEHR

Was born at Blankenburg in the duchy of Brunswick, Sept. 25, 1822. His father was a major in the ducal service, and his grandfather a lieutenant-general in the Prussian army. He was educated at the military acade­my of the city of Brunswick, and entered the army of the duchy as a lieutenant in 1841. In 1847 he resigned and came to the United States for the purpose of offer-

542

ing his services to the government in the Mexican war; but failing to obtain a commission in the regular army, he returned to Germany after marrying a lady of Mobile. In 1854 he again came to America and purchased a farm in Wallingford. At the commencement of the civil war he raised a regiment, the 29th New York Vol­unteers, which he commanded at the first battle of Bull Run, forming part of the reserve under Col. Miles. On Oct. 12, 1861, he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, and appointed to the command of the 2d brigade of Blenker's division. This division was attached in May, 1862, to the Mountain department under Gen. Fremont. When Sigel assumed command of the corps after the organization of the army of Virginia, General Steinwehr was promoted to the command of the 2nd division, and participated in the campaign on the Rapidan and Rappahannock in August.

ANDREW WARD

Was admitted a Freeman in 1638 at Boston. In 1638 he was at Wetherfield, and with twenty others pur­chased the town of Stamford. He also with others purchased Hempsted on Long Island, but in consequence of difficulties with the Dutch government, removed to Fairfield, and died Oct., 1650, leaving a widow Esther and children. He was a man of great worth and con­sequence in the colony, and was frequently called upon by the Governors and members of the Legislature to act with them on important committees. He was the ancestor of those of the name in Hartford, and the father of Andrew, who was the father of William, who married Lettice, daughter of John Beach of Wallingford, and had Zenas, who settled in Woodbury, and Macock, who was a lawyer in Wallingford.

543

ELISHA WHITTELSEY

Was a merchant in Wallingford, and for many years was Town Clerk, in which office he gained the esteem and confidence of all who had business with him. He was a highly respected and honored gentleman, and a man of strict integrity and usefulness. At his death he was greatly lamented by all. He was born July 1, 1753, and died Sept. 16, 1822, aged 67 years.

JARED POTTER WHITTELSEY

Was the third son of Elisha and Sarah (Jones) Whittelsey, and was born in Wallingford, March 8, 1787. In 1808, being then in his twenty-first year, he commenced business in Catskill, N. Y., where he remained four years. In 1812 he removed to New York city, where he carried on the wholesale flour business, retaining his flour-mills and his store in Catskill, Cairo, and Schoharie, until the year 1832, when he removed his family to Wallingford and erected the present buildings on the ground where he was born; and during the remainder of his life he de­voted his time to improving and beautifying the streets of his native town, by setting out shade trees, opening walks and highly improving his own grounds. He was a man of sterling worth, very methodical in habit, of thorough business qualities and a finely balanced mind. During his residence in Wallingford, he gave largely to the Episcopal Church, and gave more to erect the present Congregational church than any of its members. In his religious belief he was a Unitarian. His donations were made during his lifetime, and yearly he gave to the fol­lowing societies, viz.: Children's Aid Society, Five Points House of Industry, Association to improve the condition of the Poor, and other societies. During the war he gave largely to the sanitary commission. He never

544

spoke of his donations, and they were not known until after his death. Mr. Whittelsey was frequently offered positions of trust in private and public, but he refused them, for he wished to be quiet after a busy life. Mr. Whittelsey was the father of ten children, only two re­maining at the time of his death; six died between the ages of nineteen and twenty-seven. He married Oct. 22, 1814, Lydia G. Archer of New York city, who lived with him fifty-five years, and died only a month before him. Mr. Whittelsey died January 25, 1869, in the eighty-second year of his age.

CAPT. THOMAS YALE

Son of Thomas the emigrant, was one of the original settlers or planters of Wallingford, and was one of the most active and efficient among them. As selectman or townsman, he was ever ready to work for the interest of the village. He was frequently elected to represent the people in the General Court, and was greatly dis­tinguished for his devotion to the interests of his constit­uents, whom he ably represented for a number of successive years. He married Rebecca Gibbons, daughter of William, of New Haven. She died Dec. 11, 1667. After her decease, he married Sarah, daugh­ter of John Nash, of New Haven. She died May 24, 1716; and he then married Mary Beach, of Wallingford, July 31, 1716. He had by the two last no children. He was chosen one of the number to assist in the formation or gathering of a church in the place, after the Congre­gational order; and was a signer to the call of the first and second ministers, viz.: Rev. Samuel Street and Rev. Samuel Whittelsey. In 1710 he was, with the exception of Mr. Street, the only surviving signer of the Plantation covenant of Wallingford. He was a Justice

545

of the peace, and a Captain of the train-band, &c. He died at the age of 89 years, July 26, 1736.

CHARLES YALE, ESQ.

Was born in Wallingford, parish of Meriden, April 20, 1709. He married Huldah Robinson of Meriden, and commenced the manufacture of japanned and tin ware, for this and the southern market; and for several years kept a depot for the sale of his goods at Richmond, Virginia, in connection with his brother Selden. In, this enterprise they were very successful, and in a few years they each had accumulated a very handsome property. The failing health of Selden compelled him to retire from the firm. Upon this, Mr. Yale formed a business connection with his son-in-law, under the name of Yale and Dunby, and soon after purchased in his own name the old Mills at the first falls on the Quinni­piac River, which had borne the name of Tyler's Mills for more than one hundred years. He repaired and remodeled the whole concern, and changed the name to Yalesville. Here he entered largely into the manu­facture of britannia wares and teapots, which found a ready sale in New York and elsewhere. In this business he continued until the close of his life. He died Nov. 2, 1835, aged 47 years.

HON. ELIHU YALE

Of New Haven, son of the late Ira and Harriet (Cook) Yale of Wallingford, was born July 25, 1807, in the house built by his grandfather Elisha Yale in Yalesville district, and resided at home with his parents until Jan. 6, 1824, when he left his home to learn a trade in the city of New Haven. After the term of his apprentice­ship was concluded, he returned to his native town, where he was soon after made a freeman and elected a consta-

546

ble. The year following he went to Cheshire, where he married Julia Ann, daughter of the late Capt. Thaddeus Rich, formerly of Bristol, Conn., May 25, 1830. He was appointed post master at Cheshire in 1832, and continued in the office with the exception of a few months until 1851, when he removed to New Haven. He was a Jus­tice of the Peace for about 18 years, and a selectman in Cheshire five consecutive years, clerk of the school soci­ety for about fourteen years, and judge of the Probate court in 1850-7, and was in 1853 elected a member of the common council of New Haven, and was re-elected for five consecutive years. In 1859 he was elected chief of the Police of the city of New Haven, and was re-elected to the same office in 1864. After serving nearly two years he resigned the office, believing that he had contributed his share to the public service.

In 1750 he prepared and published a genealogy of the Yale family, from the first of the name who appeared in this country down to 1850. He has in manuscript a genealogy of the Cook family, which he has carefully prepared and hopes soon to publish. Besides he has collected a large amount of genealogical matter for this work, and many of the Biographical notices which appear in this work, have been prepared by him. He was elected a member of the New England Historical and Genealogical Society, on the 7th of May, 1856, and is a member of the New Haven Colony Historical Society.

547

MERIDEN BIOGRAPHIES.

HON. WALTER BOOTH

Was born in Woodbridge, Conn., Dec. 8th, 1791. When about sixteen years of age, he came to Meriden and spent his first night in this town at the old white house on the Hanover Road, which stands first northwest of the old residence of the late J, C. Breckenridge. The greater part of his life since then has been spent here, a few years excepted which he spent in business in Baltimore. But it is not only as a citizen of Meriden, that Deacon Booth was known; he was widely known throughout the state. At one time he was appointed to fill the office of General of our State Militia, both as a Brigadier and a Major General. In 1850 he was sent to Washington to represent the State of Connecticut in the House of Representatives, which position he held for two years; besides having previously held sundry minor offices in both town and state. At twenty-two years of age he was elected deacon in the Center Congregational Church in this city, which office he had held at the time of his death 56 years. He had also been a director in the Meriden National Bank for twenty years, and at one time its President.

But above all he was eminently a good man, a man of strict integrity and a Christian man. Up to his last illness he was active in all his church duties, and seldom was he absent from his place in the sanctuary and the Sabbath school where he was a teacher, and of which he was the first superintendent, and also in the social prayer-meetings. Many will recall the fervor of his prayers and the unction of his exhortations in the social

548

meeting; and the testimony of all who knew him, is uniform as to the steadfastness of his Christian principle, and the purity of his Christian character.

He was a man of great simplicity and plainness of manners, and was averse to all pageantry and parade, and strictly economical in his expenditures. He showed himself ever ready to aid any enterprise, either in business, or civil and religious affairs, which promised to promote the secular or religious interests of his native town.

His illness, which lasted little less than two weeks, was a malignant form of erysipelas; first indicating itself in his face, and from there creeping to his brain, rendering him delirious for a greater part of the time. His friends, however, and physician, Dr. Catlin, did not deem him dangerous until Wednesday of the week in which he died. Dr. Townsend of New Haven was called in as counsel on Tuesday, and did not then think his chances for recovery were doubtful. But notwith­standing the tender nursing of his wife and friends who were continually by his bedside, and in spite of the skill and faithfulness of his physician, the destroying disease made headway, and on Saturday morning, April 30, 1870, lapsing into unconsciousness, he gently and with­out a struggle or a groan breathed his life away.

FENNER BUSH

Son of John and Bathsheba (Dodge) Bush, was born in East Lyme, Conn., in the year 1791. His father died when Fenner was quite young, and as the family were in very poor circumstances, he was put out to live when but six years of age. He was employed in assisting on the farm and at house-work. When eleven years old he was put in the family of a shipbuilder, and was to be taught the trade when old enough; but soon after, his master

549

ran off with his wife's sister, and the boy was returned to his former master. In his twelfth year he went to live with a joiner, with a view to learn the trade. When eighteen years old, his master furnished him with a new suit of clothes, and for the first time he attended church. The last four years of his apprenticeship (he served nine years), his master treated him with less rigor, but his situation was far from being respectable.

FENNER BUSH.

When he was twenty-one, he had no home or proper­ty, except a right in a small piece of land that his father left, worth perhaps two hundred dollars. He worked for his master three months, at fourteen dollars per month, and at the close of this term, he took his forty-two dollars and started off on foot to a neighboring town, to make purchases of some tools. On his way he lost his money, all he had in the world; but by good luck found it again, purchased his tools, and returned and set up business in opposition to his former master, who politely told him that he was "a -- fool, for he would not earn enough to pay his board." But he was

550

ambitious, and moreover a good workman, and soon had so much to do, that his former master offered to sell out to him. Fenner accepted the offer, and hired help to meet his engagements.

He now found the necessity of something which had been entirely neglected; for he could neither read nor keep accounts. He therefore gave up business, hired a room, and for two winters devoted himself to study, three months of which were given to learning to read. He again commenced business, and pursued his trade with considerable success. In 1816 he married Eunice Kirtland of Saybrook, and commenced keeping house, taking two apprentices to board. About this time he was taken sick with typhus fever, and for a long time was very sick; and for nearly two years was unable to work. During his sickness he spent all he had earned from the beginning, and got into debt several hundred dollars. But by diligent attention to business he paid up his debts and bought the house that he lived in.

In April, 1824, he removed from Saybrook to Meriden and became interested in the comb business in connec­tion with Mr. Julius Pratt. He worked here with untiring industry twelve hours a day, at $1.25 per day; after a few years the time was reduced to eleven hours, and the wages increased to $1.75 a day. For twenty years he labored here, when the shop was destroyed by fire, and he lost the earnings of twenty years. It was through his management that the shop was re-built and the machinery introduced early in the July following the fire. Mr. Bush has been interested in the comb business up to this time; is now one of the largest stockholders, and until within a few years, was one of the directors. By steady and persevering industry and

551

economy he has accumulated considerable property.

Mr. Bush is a whole-souled, liberal man, loved and respected by every one who has met him. He has contributed largely to benevolent objects, assisted lib­erally to build three churches and five school-houses, and paid liberally for the support of the Anti-Slavery cause and of Christianity.

Mr. Bush served in the war of 1812, and in 1848 was elected senator from the 6th district to the Connecticut Legislature.

His two daughters, Temperance Janet and Eunice Kirtland, married respectively Randolph Lindsley and P. J. Clark.

LIEUT. COMFORT BUTLER

Son of John and Sarah (Foster) Butler, was born in Middletown, Nov. 16, 1743. He was the sixth genera­tion from Richard Butler, one of the original proprietors in Hartford in 1639, and who was admitted freeman in Cambridge, Mass., in 1634. Comfort Butler was appren­ticed to the shoemaking business in Middletown at an early age, and being much troubled by a fellow apprentice of a quarrelsome disposition, he told his master that if he must fight, he preferred to fight the enemies of his country rather than one of his mates; and that if he would allow him to enlist in the army he would serve out the balance of his time after his return. His master consented, and young Butler enlisted, although only about sixteen. To his great surprise he found his fellow apprentice was a member of the same company. But it seems that their fighting propensities found ample scope without troubling each other, and they became fast friends and remained such until the close of the war, when Comfort returned home, fulfilled his agreement

552

with his master, finished his trade, married Mary, daughter of Divan Berry, in 1765, and removed to Wallingford in the Meriden parish. He had nine children, viz.: Samuel, John, Hannah, Lemuel, Esther, Asa, Divan, Mary and Phebe. He died February 19, 1826.

JOHN BUTLER

Son of Comfort and Mary (Berry) Butler, was born in Meriden, Sept. 5, 1770. He was early in life apprenticed to a shoemaker, and subsequently engaged in the tanning and shoe-making business on his own account, and was the principal shoemaker and tanner in Meriden for nearly sixty years. He was considered by all who knew him an honest, upright man in all his intercourse with

JOHN BUTLER.

the world. He was "Uncle John" to everybody. He was remarkable from a boy for his industrious and frugal habits. After he had arrived at an age when he was subject to military duty, his residence was in the center of the town; and on training days he would manage to have his work where he could see the military move-

553

ments, and when the time of roll-call arrived, he would leave his work and go and answer to his name, drill a while with the company, and return to his work again, thereby making the most of his time. He was very regular in his habits, rising before the sun and re­tiring before nine in the evening. He was very exact in his accounts, and when he gave his apprentices money he always wanted to know what use it was put to, and usually made a note of it. For instance, I find in his account-book among others, the following entry: "Gave Stephen Seymour twenty-five cents to see a striped jackass." He raised a numerous family of children, most of whom are residents of Meriden at this date, and are universally esteemed by the community. Mr. Butler married 1st, August 17, 1796, Ruth Parker, who died Sept. 30, 1799; m. 2d, March 15, 1800, Philomela Cowles, who died March 25, 1807; m. 3d, April 17, 1810, widow Susannah Hall. His children were Albert, Ruth A. (m. Morris Stevens), Henry C., Philomela, Lyman, John, Levi, Susan (m. Sydney P. Hall), and Isaac. John Butler died Oct. 6, 1852, ae. 82 years and 21 days, in the full hope of a blissful immortality.

LEMUEL BUTLER

Son of Comfort and Mary (Berry) Butler, was born in Meriden, Feb. 3, 1775. He was a farmer, a plain, unas­suming man, perfectly reliable at all times. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and raised a numerous family, most of whom now reside here, and are very estimable citizens, some of whom are occupying responsible po­sitions both in religious and secular affairs. Dec. 4, 1810, he married Salina, daughter of Jesse Merriman, who was born March 20, 1786, and died Sept. 25, 1842. Their children were: Joel I., Eli, Hiram, Harriet, (m.

554

Andrew A. Bradley), and George. Lemuel Butler died Dec. 11, 1852.

LEMUEL BUTLER

HENRY C. BUTLER

Son of John and Philomela (Cowles) Butler, was born in Meriden, March 6, 1807. By honest and persevering industry, Mr. Butler has accumulated a large property,

HENRY C. BUTLER.

and for his moral worth he is highly respected by his fellow citizens. Though often solicited to accept offices

555

of trust in the town, he has always refused, with the exception of acting as moderator at every annual town meeting since the town hall was built. He married 1st, July 1, 1832, Sophronia Hotchkiss, who died April 17, 1841. He married 2d, Nov. 25, 1841, Elizabeth Foster, who died June, 1847. He married 3d, May 31, 1848, Mrs. Mary L. Woodruff, widow of Dr. Isaac Woodruff. His children by his 1st wife were: Lucy C. (m. Wm. L. Squires), Mary P. and John H.: by 2nd wife: Henry W. and Aaron C.

JOEL I. BUTLER

Son of Lemuel and Selina (Merriman) Butler, was born in Meriden, Nov. 12, 1811. He has occupied numerous positions of trust and responsibility in matters pertaining

JOEL I. BUTLER.

to the government and the town. He is President of the Meriden Bank, and U. S. Internal Revenue Assessor, and a man in whom the people have the most implicit confidence in every respect. Mr. Butler married 1st, Aug. 27, 1835, Mary A. Morton, who died Aug. 21, 1837. He married 2nd, July 27, 1840, Sarah A. Hotch-

556

kiss, who died Sept. 11, 1853. He married 3d, Jan. 17, 1855, Ursula M. Hart. By his 2nd wife he had two chil­dren, Mary Ann and Emma S.

BENJAMIN HOPKINS CATLIN

The eldest son of Benjamin and Rhoda Catlin, was born in Harwinton, Litchfield county, Conn., Aug. 10, 1801. His advantages for education were limited to the district school near his father's residence, till his sixteenth year, when an academy was built in his native town, in which he had the opportunity of pursuing the higher branches of study not then taught in our common schools. At this academy and under the tuition of the Rev. Luther Hart of Plymouth, he pursued his preparatory studies. He studied medicine and surgery nearly four years under the instruction of different physicians and at the Medical Institution of Yale College, where he received his diploma, March 4, 1825. July 13th of the same year, he opened an office in Haddam, Middlesex County, there being a vacancy occasioned by the death of Dr. Andrew Warner. The first week he had patients to attend, and in two or three months was in full practice. He remained here more than sixteen years, his practice extending into all the adjoining towns. The last day of March, 1842, Dr. Wyllis Woodruff of Meriden died. The same evening a messenger was sent to Dr. Catlin by some of the leading citizens of Meriden, requesting him to come to Meriden to fill the vacancy. He came up the next day, April 1, made arrangements for his removal, and commenced practice in Meriden April 5. He was elected a Fellow of the Connecticut Medical Society, and in 1840 received the honorary degree of M. D. from Yale College. In 1854 he was elected Vice-President of the Connecticut Medical Society, re-elected

557

in 1855, appointed President in 1856, and re-elected in 1857. He has been a permanent member of the Ameri­can Medical Association since May, 1853, and has since that time attended most of the annual meetings as delegate from the New Haven County Medical Society, or from the State society. In 1860 he was elected an Honorary Member of the New York State Medical Society, and in 1869 a Corresponding Member of the Gynaecological Society of Boston. When the first Con­gregational society removed to West Meriden, Dr. Catlin was elected deacon, which office he has held until the present time.

TIMOTHY FISHER DAVIS, M. D.

Was the son of Eliphaz and Hannah (Sawyer) Davis, and was born in Marlboro, Mass., March 13, 1810. After receiving his early education at the common schools of his native town, he was apprenticed to a trade in Springfield, Mass. In 1837, having then a wife and two children, he entered the office of Dr. Riley of Goshen, Conn., to pursue the study of medicine, still working at his trade during his spare hours, for the support of his family. After leaving the office of Dr. Riley he prac­ticed his profession for a time in Goshen, and then concluded to remove to Litchfield as offering a wider field for his business. In Litchfield he remained several years, engaged in a constantly increasing and lucrative practice; but hearing that there was a better opening in Plymouth, and being urged by a number of influential persons in that town, he removed his family there and commenced practice about the year 1846. Here he opened a drug store, built a house, and obtained an ex­tensive practice in the town and beyond it, being frequently called to the neighboring towns of Wolcott,

558

Bristol, Bethlem, and Watertown. These long rides in a hilly country soon wore upon his health, and he began looking for some easier field of practice. At this time his old friend and fellow student, Dr. William H. Alien of Meriden, died, and his widow wrote to Dr. Davis a letter urging him to remove to Meriden and take her late husband's practice. This was just the field that he was looking for, and accordingly in 1850 he removed to Meriden, and the year following removed his family.

DR. TIMOTHY FISHER DAVES.

For nearly eighteen years Dr. Davis practiced his pro­fession in Meriden with success. He was a skillful and prudent operator, a careful and discriminating prescriber, ever improving the lessons of experience. In 1843 he received a diploma from the Botanic Medical Society of Connecticut, and in 1850 an honorary diploma, he being at that time Vice President of the Society. He after­wards held the office of President. He was one of the founders of the State Eclectic Medical Society, and held the offices at different times, of Secretary, Treasurer,

559

Vice President and President, and was for several years one of the Board of Censors.

Dr. Davis was most genial, kind and companionable in his social relations. Fond of society, with a genial humor which led him to enjoy the present and not be too careful of the future, quick in his perceptions, liber­al in pecuniary matters, and despising money-hoarding, he lived in as much enjoyment as falls to the lot of most men, and was personally esteemed as a friend and physician throughout the community. He was not a man of fluent speech, and of consequence not what we call a great talker. But he was a capital listener, and would attend with great eagerness and delight to hear men of sense talk. He was fond of horticulture, and evinced much taste and skill in the cultivation of his land. He had the true idea of success in this business, viz.: that "a little land should be well tilled."

In 1866 a small pimple on his lower lip began troub­ling him, and soon proved to be a cancer. At that time he was very busy, and thinking that he could not neglect his patients, he was careless of himself and suffered the disease to make great progress before he could be pre­vailed upon to do anything for it. He had at different times two operations, one by Dr. Ellsworth of Hartford, and the other by Dr. Gurdon Buck of New York; but the operations were undertaken too late. He lingered until the 24th of February, 1870, when he passed away in his sixtieth year. At the funeral services, the atten­dance of the most prominent citizens in the city testified to the high esteem in which he was held. The funeral services were performed by Rev. M. I. Steere. The rector of the Episcopal Church and the pastor of the Methodist Church were also present. His pastor said

560

of him, "During his long and distressing sickness I do not think so much as a shadow of distrust or fear passed over his soul. He steadfastly contemplated death as though it were life. He saw light in its darkness, and the Father's love shining within its shadows. He felt that his life was with Christ in God, and that death could not disturb it. His language ever was, 'I am ready; I am sinking into the arms of Jesus.' And the pressure of his hand as I rose from his bedside, often told me how, deeper than I, he felt the sentiments of hope and goodness." Dr. Davis was a member of the order of Free and Accepted Masons, and was buried with Masonic honors. He married Miss Mary Parsons, November 1, 1832. She died April, 1834, in Pleasant Valley, Conn., leaving one child, Mary Markham Morehouse, who married Edwin Miner in 1853, and is now living in New Haven, a widow. Dr. Davis mar­ried for his second wife, Miss Moriva Hatch of Spring­field, Mass., in 1836, and had: Julia, born April, 1838; died December, 1839; Charles Henry Stanley,1 born March 2, 1840; Julia Moriva, born July, 1844; Wilbur Fisk, born Sept., 1846, died July 15, 1847; Wilbur Fisk, born July, 1848; a graduate of the Cambridge Law School in 1870.

1 Charles Henry Stanley Davis was born March 2, 1840. He was pre­pared for college in the public schools of Meriden, and pursued the studies of the Freshman and Sophomore classes under Rev. Messrs. Wilder and Foster. His plans for entering college were broken up by the war, and in 1862 after a short residence in Springfield, Mass., he removed to New York and entered the medical department of the New York University, where he was graduated in the spring of 1865, attending the last course of lectures ever delivered by Dr. Valentine Mott. After attending a course of lectures at the Bellevue Hospital Medical school and following hospital practice, he removed to Boston, attending the summer course at the Har­vard University Medical school. During his residence in Boston he edited

561

JACOB EATON

Was a graduate of Harford University, Pennsylvania, and of the New Haven theological seminary. His first and only pastorate was over the Hanover Congregational Church, where he was ordained May 28, 1857. This church, then in its infancy, enjoyed a revival of religion at the beginning of his ministry, which continued after his ordination, and was the means of increasing the membership and the strength of the church by an addition of about twenty-five new members. This re­lation was sustained harmoniously till the outbreak of the rebellion. The following pastoral note, under date of September 30, 1861, copied from the records of the church in Hanover, speaks for itself:

"The Congregational church in Hanover has been subjec­ted to many changes since my settlement as pastor. God has blessed it by adding to its numbers from year to year. These additions have averaged ten each year dur­ing my ministry here. But our church and society have been greatly weakened by numerous removals. The darkest hour has arrived. The terrible rebellion in our Southern states

the first volume of the Boston Medical Register. In the fall of 1866, he removed to Baltimore, where he remained through the winter attending the lectures in the medical department of the University of Maryland and following hospital practice. In 1867 he returned to Meriden, succeeding his father in the practice of his profession. In 1863 Rev. Dr. Brown, Rev. Messrs. Duer, Jones, Post, Owen and others organized the American Philological Society, and Dr. Davis was elected the first corresponding Secretary and afterwards one of the Vice Presidents. In September, 1868, he was elected member of the N. E. Historical and Genealogical society of Boston, and during 1868 and the following year was elected correspond­ing member of the Wisconsin, Minnesota and Chicago Historical societies. In 1870 he was made a member of the New Haven Colony Historical so­ciety. He is also a member of several medical and scientific societies, and has contributed largely to the medical and periodical press. He married September 23, 1869, Carrie E. daughter of George W. Harris, Esq.

562

has seriously affected our manufacturing and pecuniary interests. We feel it most deeply. My mind and heart have been deeply interested in our national conflict. After mature reflection, I have asked of my people a leave of absence for one year, that I may enlist in the Grand Army of Freedom. May God be with those I shall leave behind. May He save me through His grace, and may He save our beloved country and our government, from anarchy and dissolution.

"Signed, jacob eaton."

In accordance with the purpose here expressed, he enlisted in the 8th Connecticut Regiment, sharing its fortunes under Burnside on the Atlantic coast as a pri­vate. He was promoted at length to a Lieutenancy, and served as an officer till wounded on the bloody field of Antietam, a musket ball entering his hip and disabling him for many months. Incapacitated thus for service in the ranks, he received an honorable discharge and re­turned to his people again to break unto them the bread of life and fight the good fight. His heart more than ever was with the country in its trial, and with the brave men who were fighting our battles. After preaching about a year, again he enlisted in the 7th Connecticut Regiment, and was promoted to a chaplaincy. Here he did valiant service for Christ and his country. He died at Wilmington, N. C., March 20, 1865, of typhoid fever, induced by fatigue and over exertion in ministering to the wants of the recently rescued federal prisoners in the hospital at that place. Mr. Eaton was a man of strong affection and love of home, of most deep and tender sympathies, and of ardent devotion to the cause of Christ and the country. He was a warm friend, when once friendship was estab­lished, and self-sacrificing for others weal. His charac­ter was impulsive. He was strong in his detestation of

563

whatever he thought wrong, and bold in his defense of what he deemed right.1 Humble as was the life and death of this man, it may be doubted whether any of all the martyrs of the Great Rebellion offered a truer sacrifice to their country than his. Twice he left his peaceful pro­fession for the camp and the battlefield; but he finally died, not in the work of death, but as a minister of mercy.

joel h. guy

Son of Orchard and Lois (Hall) Guy, was born in Meriden June 4, 1804. He attended the district school winters, until he was sixteen years old. At the age of twenty he commenced teaching, and taught for ten win­ters at an average salary of eight dollars per month and board. He then acted as salesman for Meriden manufac­tures for four or five years. After this Mr. Guy, in connection with his brother, bought a store in Middle-town where he carried on business until 1840, though residing in Meriden most of the time. In 1840 he built the store now standing east of his present residence, and under the title of J. H. Guy & Co., he carried on the grocery business, the Company being the firm of Julius Pratt & Co. In 1846 Mr. Guy bought out his partner and carried on the business until about 1850. Mr. Guy has been a very energetic businessman, honest and straightforward in all of his dealings. Since 1844 he has held the office of postmaster at different times for twelve years. He was President of the Meriden Bank thirteen years, and has been President of the 1st Nation­al Bank seven years. He has also held the office of con­stable, deputy-sheriff, assessor and collector, justice of the peace and alderman. He has also acted more than

1 Funeral Discourse by Rev. H. C. Hayden.

564

any other man in Meriden as administrator and trustee of estates. Mr. Guy married Nov. 9, 1830, Semira Wetmore of Middlefield, and has one daughter born in 1833. He has been extensively engaged in the insurance busi­ness about twenty years.

JULIUS HALL.

The oldest house in Meriden is now standing about three miles east of the center. It was built by Daniel Hall in the earlier part of the last century. He was the grandson of John Hall, the first emigrant, and was born January 27, 1689. His son John was born Jan. 29, 1724, and died May 13, 1795, leaving twelve children. Joseph, the fifth son, born Oct. 8, 1770, succeeded to the old homestead. He died March 13, 1831, leaving six chil­dren, of whom two, Sherman, born April 26, 1806, and

Jpeg JULIUS HALL.

Julius, the subject of this sketch, born June 7, 1813, still survive. They are the fourth generation born in this old house. Julius Hall married Laura L. Parker, May 1, 1852, and has six children. Some years ago he built the house in which he now lives, just north of the old house.

565

The immense timbers and old stone chimney, in the fire­place of which a load of wood might easily be placed, bid fair to stand for several generations to come. Mr. Hall is a plain, unassuming man, whose whole attention is given to his farm. Respected by his friends and neigh­bors for his moral worth, he never sought after office, or mingled in town affairs, but lives as did his ancestors for four generations in this town, a tiller of the soil, happy and content in the bosom of his family.

EDWARD WALKER HATCH, M. D.

Was born in Blandford, Hampden Co., Mass., Aug. 31, 1818. His parents were Timothy Linus and Sarah Walker (Shepard) Hatch. He was graduated at the Berkshire Medical College, Pittsfield, Mass., in the class of 1842. He was married Oct. 15, 1846, to Miss Nancy C. Boies, daughter of David Boies Esq., of Blandford. He was then in the practice of his profession in New Jersey. He removed from New Jersey to Meriden in December, 1849.1 In 1853 he built and occupied the house on the corner of Main and Butler streets, now occupied by Henry, C. Butler, Esq. He was appointed trustee of the State Reform School by the Legislature of 1838, and in July, 1859 was appointed by the trustees superintendent. He still occupies that position. He made a public profession of his faith in Christ in 1853, and in 1853 he connected himself with the First Congregational church of Meriden, at West Meriden, and still retains his connection there. His success as

1 His children are Edward Walker Hatch Jr., born at Little Falls, N.J., Jan. 12, 1848, died July 28, 1849; Sarah Elizabeth, born at Blandford, Mass., Nov. 2, ,1849; Caroline Bigelow, born Sept. 30, 1852.; Mary Boies, born March 6, 1859; Frances Catharine, born Sept. 6, 1863, died April 9, 1864.

566

superintendent of the Reform School is well known not only to the people of this town, but to the people of the State and to all in the country at large who are interested in the success of such institutions. Dr. Hatch was a warm and earnest advocate of the Union all through the war of the rebellion. He has always been interested in the cause of education, and is well known as an able, zealous advocate of total abstinence.

EDWARD WALKER HATCH, M. D.

He is active as one of the executive committee of the Connecticut Temperance Union, is earnestly interested in sabbath schools, and is one of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Industrial school for girls, just established at Middletown.

DR. ISAAC I. HOUGH

Was born in Wallingford, in the parish of Meriden, in 1781. His father, Dr. Ensign Hough, commenced practice in this town in 1769, and died in 1813. The parents of Dr. Isaac Hough were small in stature and weight. His mother especially was a feeble, delicate woman. Their son Isaac was large from his birth, and

567

in childhood was so heavy that his mother could not lift him; and when no one was near to raise him into her lap, she would stretch out her limbs and roll him up. When ten weeks old he weighed twenty pounds, and previous to his death had attained the weight of about three hundred and fifty pounds. He studied medicine under his father, and under the instruction of Dr. Hall of Middletown. His father requested him not to marry

ISAAC I. HOUGH, M. D.

early, as several members of the family would be dependent upon him. The result was, he did not marry at all.

At the time he commenced practice, Meriden contained about twelve hundred inhabitants; but his practice extended to all adjoining towns, and was for several years quite extensive. He was a very efficient practitioner and believed fully in the power of medicine and administered it freely. He had a good library of medical and miscellaneous works, and in his earlier years his reading was extensive. He took and read for many years the North American Review and most of

568

the medical journals published while he was in practice. For a person so large and fleshy he was remarkably active in body and mind. He always kept some of the best horses in the country and drove them rapidly. He was an early riser, up and off to see his patients earlier they were ready to receive him. He spent but little time investigating cases, but would see at once the prominent points of acute cases, and prescribe with skill and good judgment. His prognosis of a cure was generally very correct. He had no taste for the management of chronic cases, and no patience to listen to the multitudinous complaints of chronic patients. He much preferred to laugh at what appeared to him their absurd notions, and consequently would often lose their confidence. He had great faith in the medical properties of opium, and prescribed it freely in fevers and in acute and chronic cases. His presciptions unfortunately led some of his friends and patients to its habitual use. His charges for professional services were very moderate, he accumulated no property from that source.

For many years he kept a public house in the building standing on the corner of Broad and Main streets; during a portion of the time he found it very profitable, especially during the war of 1812. From this source he accumulated considerable property, and retired from active business at the early age of fifty-three. It is believed that this was an unfortunate movement for him. When Dr. Catlin moved to Meriden in 1842, Dr. Hough took a deep interest in his welfare, and rode in consultation with him more than he had done for several years previous. For several of the latter years of his life he read but little, as it affected his head unpleasantly, and he thought it imprudent to indulge in this pleasure. He

569

always took a deep interest in the welfare of his friends and neighbors, and was sometimes so minute in his in­quiries as to cause offense, though he never did it from bad motives; it was only that he might rejoice in their prosperity, or sympathize with them in their adversity.

Dr. Hough's knowledge of men was very extensive, and his judgment of character very accurate. Keeping a public house on one of the great thoroughfares of the State, half way between Hartford and New Haven, all of the prominent men of the State and many of the nation were more or less frequently his guests. Being very social and inquisitive he formed a very extensive acquaintance. He knew something about, not only every Doctor in the State, but the ministers, lawyers, judges and politicians. Six or eight four horse stages stopped daily at the Doctor's inn. He was so remarka­ble in personal appearance that he was always noticed and remembered by those who saw him. According to the custom of those days his house was well stocked with the best of liquors (none of the mixed poisonous liquors so much used now), but he never tasted them himself, and at the commencement of the temperance reform in 1828-30, he sold out his tavern for $6,000 and removed across the street to the house now occupied by Wm. Merriman. A student of Yale College, while passing through Meriden, called at the Doctor's bar and said, "Doctor, I have a bad cold, what is best for me to take?" The Doctor handed him a glass of water. Dr. Hough never united with any church, but he was a con­stant attendant upon the service of the Congregational church and a liberal supporter of its institutions, and a friend of good morals.

I have said that it was unfortunate for him that he

570

gave up business so early in life. It affected his health and mind unfavorably. Being naturally so active, he suffered from ennui. At the best he was a poor sleeper, and his wakefulness was increased by his lack of employment of body and mind during the day. He has been known to take his horse and wagon and ride twenty or thirty miles till he was thoroughly fatigued, when he would sleep well. He almost uniformly called himself well, except to his most intimate friends. He never could bear to have people talk to him of their bodily complaints; so he seldom troubled other people with a recital of his own. Says Dr. Catlin (to whom I am indebted for most of the facts in this sketch of Dr. Hough): "I knew that he suffered much pain in his limbs, and for several years he had an organic affection of the heart. He expected to die suddenly, and was not disappointed. He had been unwell more than usual for a few days. I was called in to see him several times; he was sometimes in his chair, at others on the lounge. I was in one afternoon, when he appeared more comfortable and quite cheerful. Early the next Monday (I think), word was sent me that he was dead. I found him on the floor. He had apparently got up, put on his dressing-gown, slid down by the side of his bed, and died alone, evidently from dropsy of the heart. He was fearful he should give his friends trouble, either by being confined by sickness, when his great weight would be burdensome, or after he was dead. To provide against the latter event, he went to Hartford some years before his death, and was measured for his coffin, which he had made, boxed up and sent home. He told me he did not suppose the maker expected he would examine it, but he had a desire to see how the work was done. He appeared satisfied with its appearance. It

571

was kept in the loft of a carriage house." Dr. Hough died in the building now occupied (1870) by the 1st National Bank.

He was very sensitive in regard to his weight. He once drove on to the hay-scales, and while engaged in conversation, a bystander endeavored to weigh the doctor with his horse and gig, hoping afterwards to weigh the horse and gig, thus getting his exact weight; but the doctor happened to look around, and discovered what was going on, and he instantly whipped up his horse and left the scales before the operation was completed. Dr. Hough died Feb. 26, 1852, ae. 71 years, I remember hearing the following verses when I was a boy:

"Dr. Hough, he keeps good stuff,
And lives just under the steeple;
By hook or by crook, he keeps his good looks
And takes the cash from the people."

These lines so pleased the doctor that he was often in the habit of repeating them.

LEVI SILLIMAN IVES

Was born in Meriden parish on the 16th of September, 1797. At an early age he removed with his parents to Lewis County, N. Y., where he lived until he was to the academy at Lowville. During the last months of the war with Great Britain he served, in the army, but upon the return of peace went back to school, entering Hamilton College in 1816. At first he studied for the ministry of the Presbyterian Church, but before he was ordained, illness compelled him to leave the college, and upon his recovery to health, his religious views became changed and he allied himself with the Protestant Episcopal denomination. In 1820 he removed to New York,

572

where he studied theology under Bishop Hobart, who ordained him in August, 1822. Three years later he married Rebecca, a daughter of the Bishop. After his ordination his first mission was to Batavia, Genesee Co.; subsequently he took charge of Trinity church, Philadelphia, where he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop White, and in 1827 removed to Lancaster, Pa., and officiated at Christ church. During the next year he returned to New York and served as assistant minister at Christ church for about six months, when he became rector of St. Luke's church. Here he remained until he was consecrated Bishop of North Carolina in 1831. While in North Carolina he became quite popular for his efforts in behalf of education and his success in providing for the spiritual welfare of the slaves. He also became widely known as a theological author from his works on the "Apostles' Doctrine and Fellowship," and the "Obedience of Faith," published in New York in 1849.

When the Oxford tract excitement broke out in the Episcopal church, he strongly sided with the tractarian movement, and this position caused his alienation from his diocese. The fact was that he doubted the truth of the Protestant faith for along time, and in 1852, while on a visit to Rome, openly renounced his faith and was admitted to the Catholic church. This conversion on his part was severely denounced by the Protestant religious papers in the United States, and upon his return he de-fended the act in a work entitled "The Trials of a Mind in its Progress to Catholicism." (London and Boston, (1864). After his return to America, he became Professor of Rhetoric in St. Joseph's theological seminary, and lectured in the convents of the Sacred Heart and the Sisters of Charity. He also occasionally lectured in

573

public, and served as an active president of a conference of St. Vincent de Paul. In 1857 he conceived the idea of founding a home in New York for vagrant and children of Catholic parentage, and, having obtained, the approval of Archbishop Hughes, set energetically to work to carry out his design. The result of his philanthropic labors was the establishment of the Catholic Male Protectory, and the house of the Holy Angels, two of the most deserving charitable institutions in New York, Dr. Ives died at Fordham, N.Y., Oct. 13, 1867.

isaac c. lewis

Son of Isaac and Esther (Beaumont) Lewis of Walling- ford, was born Oct. 19, 1812. When he was eleven years old his father died, and five years after his mother died. He attended school until the death of his father. About a year afterwards he was sent to live with Mr. Levi Yale, and the following summer Moses Andrews in the west part of Meriden. At the end of the summer he went to live with his grandfather Jared Lewis of Wallingford, who soon after died. Isaac returned to Meriden to live with his brother Patrick Lewis. When in his fifteenth year he returned to Wallingford and was apprenticed to Hiram Yale to learn the britannia trade. His employer died when he was nineteen years old. He remained with the family a short time, then returned to Meriden and worked about two years for Lewis and Holt. In 1854, being then in his twenty second year, Mr. Lewis formed a copartnership with George Cowles under the title of "Lewis and Cowles, and hired rooms in a factory in East Meriden for the manufacture of britannia metal goods. They remained here about two years, when they closed up business, Mr. Cowles going north, and Mr. Evans west.

574

This was in the summer of 1836. Mr. Lewis returned in the fall and commenced business again with Mr. Lemuel Curtis as partner, under the name of Lewis and Qurtis, in a factory belonging to Mr. Samuel Cook in East Meriden. After about two years the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Curtis coming to Meriden center. Mr. Lewis soon after purchased a house and small farm about one mile east of Meriden center, and built a shop and put in a horse-power. Business increased to such an extent that a small engine was put in; but that proving to be insuffcient, he bought the factory where he first commenced business with Mr. Cowles. He soon after associated with Daniel B. Wells, a former apprentice, under the name of I. C. Lewis & Co. Mr. Wells died soon after, and Mr. Lewis bought his interest. In 1852 the Britannia Company was formed, with Mr. Lewis as President. He remained President of the company about twelve years, when he declined holding the office any longer. He is still a member of the company, and takes an active interest in the business. Mr. Lewis married in 1836, Harriet, daughter of Noah Pomeroy and has had six children, viz.: Melissa N., Martha E., Henry J., Isaac, Frank, and Katie A. Three are now living. Mr. Lewis represented the town in the Legislature in 1848, 1859, 1862, and 1866. He has given largely toward the support of the Universalist society in Meriden, and for fifteen years has been superintendent of the Sunday-school. Mr. Lewis commenced life without a dollar, and by his own exertions and strict attention to business has accumulated a large fortune. He never had a note protested, never was sued, nor has he ever entered a suit against any man. Universally loved and respected, he affords another example

575

in this town, of what honest industry and enterprise can accomplish.

WILLIAM W. LYMAN

Son of Andrew and Anna (Hall) Lyman, was born in Woodford, Vt., March 29, 1821. When seven years of age his father died, and he removed to Northford, Conn. where he lived six years. In 1836 he came to Meriden and learned the trade of making Britannia ware, of Griswold & Couch, serving five years. In 1844 he went into business on his own account, manufacturing britannia spoons in connection with Ira Couch, but after a short time bought him out. The shop stood a few rods north of his present residence. He remained there two years, and then removed his works to the Twiss factory in Prattsville. He was in business here for a short time with Lemuel J. Curtiss, but finally dissolved partnership and removed to the Frary shop, near the present works of the Malleable Iron Co. He was there about five years. He has been a member and director of the Meriden Britannia Co. since its organization. In Dec. 1858 he patented a fruit can which is known throughout the country as "Lyman's Fruit Jar." One house in Delaware has bought over 60,000 of these jars. He has patented an ice pitcher, copper bottom teapot, butter dish and numerous other articles. Mr. Lyman represented Meriden in the Legislature in 1849 and is President of the Meriden Cutlery Co. In 1844 he married Roxanna G. Frary, and has one daughter, who married Henry Warren, of Watertown, Conn.

JOHN PARKER

Son of Stephen and Rebecca Parker was born in Cheshire, Conn in 1805. Receiving his early education

576

in the common schools of his native town, he at an early period of life took a decided stand on the side of Christ, and even then it was his earnest desire to prepare for the ministry and devote his life to preaching the gospel. To this end he entered upon the study of theology at the Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn., where he was graduated in 1831. He then removed to Massachusetts and was stationed at Webster two years. He afterwards supplied the pulpit at Newtown in 1833-4; Holliston, 1835, Lowell, 1836-7; Lynn, 1838-9; Holliston, 1840. In 1840 he came to Meriden and entered into business his brother Charles.

In 1843 the Second Adventists were making a great of excitement and had quite a large number of followers in Meriden. Mr. Parker collected a number of these together and formed a society of Primitive Methodists. They assembled for worship in the building now used by the Messrs. Parkers as a spectacle-shop. It then stood where the office is now situated. It was through the exertions of Mr. Parker that the Methodist church grew and prospered in the town; and he, with his brother Charles, jointly contributed between thirty and forty thousand dollars toward the erection of the present church edifice. During his residence in Meriden, Mr. Parker enjoyed the confidence and respect of the people and has always been looked to as a friend and counselor. He has filled acceptably the offices of Selectman, Justice of the Peace, and Judge of Probate; and in 1870 was elected a Representative to the State Legislature. Mr. Parker was married in March, 1832, to Miss Emily Ward of Ashfiield, Mass. She died June 1, 1867. He married for his second wife, Grace A. Belden, January 22, 1868. The following children were

577

by his first wife; Emily, born November 2, 1842, died December 17, 1843; George White, born September 19, 1846; Mary, born. July 28, 1848, died Aug. 4, 1848, Frank Milton, born July 7, 1850, died October 7, 1850.

NOAH POMEROY

Was born March 1,1786, in Saybrook, Conn., and was the youngest of five children, three sons and two daughters. His father, Charles Pomeroy, was a merchant of that place, and died a short time previous to the birth of his youngest child. If a long and; honorable line of ancestry is capable of conferring dis­tinction, the subject of this sketch could scarcely have desired a more auspicious birth for his family trace their ancestry into the eleventh century, to a distinguished Norman Knight, who fought at the battle of Hastings, under William. One of the descendants of the knight, Eltwood Pomeroy, emigrated to Massachusetts in 1630, from England, and was well known in the early Indian wars of New England; and the history of the Indian, French and Revolutionary wars, bears honorable of the bravery and patriotism of many of his descendents.

Noah Pomeroy was descended from Eltwood, and his only inheritance was the good name and strong physical and mental capacities of his ancestors. After the death of his father, his brothers and sisters were kindly cared for by his paternal grandfather, a man of considerable of property and good standing in Colchester, Conn. while he from necessity remained with his mother who removed him to Meriden. When he was about five years old, his mother contracted a second marriage, which to him proved of little advantage. He continued to live with his mother and stepfather until he was ten

578

years old, when penniless and scarcely possessing a knowledge of the English alphabet, he commenced the world for himself.

His first great object was to secure an education which would enable him to transact the common business in­cident to a life of action and enterprise, such as his youthful preception had already foreshadowed as his destiny. In attempting to accomplish this, he was obliged to struggle with difficulties which those alone can rightly estimate who have had the same to contend with. The meagre earnings of the summer, with the most rigid economy, afforded a bare surplus to apply to the purpose of his education during the winter and often this was lawfully claimed and obtained by his stepfather.

At fifteen he commenced peddling tin ware, but this gave offence to some of his nearest relatives. After repeated solicitations by other members of the family, he was induced about three years afterwards to commence an apprenticeship with a carpenter and joiner; a trade in those days being esteemed next to a profession. He continued, however, but a short time in this employment. He had already selected the business most congenial to his feelings for his future occupation, and returning to his peddling wagon, he made use of it as the most direct and honorable means within his power, by which he could eventually make himself master of that business, and establish himself in the manufacture of tin ware. Accordingly at twenty, he apprenticed himself to a tin­smith for six months, for which he paid a stipulated sum, and in that almost incredibly short period, gained such an insight into the business as to enable him to become a complete master of the trade, which usually required

579

four or five years to learn. In the succeeding year he engaged in the manufacture of plain tin ware. During the same year he married Miss Mary Merriman, a lineal descendant of Lieut. Nathaniel Merriman, who was one of the first settlers of Wallingford, and who commanded in the early Indian wars. During the eleven years succeeding, he prosecuted a small yet successful business at various localities. In the Autumn of 1807, he removed to Plymouth, Conn., where he continued his business until 1815, with the exception of one winter spent at Baltimore. It was during his residence at Plymouth that the second war with Great Britain commenced, of which he was an enthusiastic supporter. He was tendered a lieutenant's commission in the regular army, which however he did not accept. In 1815 he returned to Wallingford, from whence he removed to Meriden in 1818, where he permanently established his business and purchased a farm on which he ever afterward lived. From this time he continued gradually to increase the yearly amount of his manufactures, yet not so fast as to endanger his credit. He was among the first to engage extensively in the manufacture of japanned and ornamented tin ware in this country. In 1839 he retired nominally from his business, which he left to his sons, and applied his energies, which were not in the least abated, to the improvement of his farm.

During his residence in Meriden he exercised a con-trolling influence in its affairs. He held all the offices within its gift, and that of selectman repeatedly until he declined an election. He filled the office of justice of the peace by appointment of the State Legislature, as long as it possessed the power to appoint. During his whole residence in Meriden he was scarcely ever removed

580

by a change in party politics. His knowledge of com­mon law, and his impartial judgment may be estimated by the fact, that of all the cases which were ever brought before him, an appeal from his decision was never carried to the county court. An ardent advocate of pro­gression and reform, and contending for the broadest religious and political liberty, he earnestly urged the necessity of calling the convention which remodeled the constitution of the state, and expunged many of those statutes which have been known as "blue laws." In 1832 he was elected a member of the House of Repre­sentatives, and in 1837 he was chosen senator from the sixth district, and in that capacity exerted his influence for the abolition of the law which imprisoned for debt. In 1833 when the Meriden Bank was established he was appointed one of the directors, and in 1849 was chosen president, which office he shortly after resigned. Mr. Pomeroy died Nov. 23, 1868, in the eighty-second year of his age.

JULIUS PRATT

Was born Nov. 24, 1791, at Saybrook, Conn., and was the son of Deacon Phineas (and Hepsibah) Pratt, who was the son of Azariah, (born Aug., 1710), who was the soil of John Jr. (born Sept. 5, 1671), who was the son of John (born Feb. 20, 1644), who was the eldest son of William, who came to this country with Rev. Thomas Hooker in 1633. Julius Pratt married Lydia, daughter of John De Wolfe of Westbrook, January 9, 1817. She was born March 18, 1795. His father's residence, where he himself lived in early life, was about one mile west of Pautapaug Point At the age of fifteen he com­menced work with his brothers Abel and Phineas, in ivory-comb making, and at the age of twenty-two engaged

581

with his brother Philo in the silversmith business in Pautapaug. In February 1818 he removed to Meriden, and in connection with Messrs, Bush, Williams, Howard, Reed, Starkey, Rogers and Spencer, soon commenced the manufacture of ivory combs on Harbor brook, a little south of the Middletown and Waterbury turnpike bridge. Finding his water-power too small for his increasing business he removed to what is now called Prattsville. Joined with Mr. Webb he continued to be a leading member of the ivory comb business, and his energy and enterprise contributed in a large degree to the development of this branch of manufactures, which in a few years distanced foreign competition, and at the present time is a large and important business, the goods being exported to nearly all parts of the world. While Mr. Pratt was heavily engaged in business at Prattsville, he was also interested in another company at Crow Hollow, afterward at Hanover, where much of his time was occupied. He was one of the pioneers in the manufacture of cutlery, and had the pleasure while living, of seeing that business well established on a firm and profitable basis. He was a stockholder and director in the Home National Bank of Meriden from its commencement. In this connection, as in all other business relations, his counsel was sought and relied upon at all times.

As a citizen he always enjoyed the respect and confidence of the community where he lived. Uncompromising in principle, unflinching in the discharge of duty, sagracious as an adviser, modest in demeanor, active and liberal in private and public charities, and affectionate towards his family and friends, it maybe said that the best blood of the Puritans flowed in his

582

veins. He never sought for preferment, but was called to represent his town in the State Legislature of 1852, and was elected Senator of the Sixth District of Con­necticut in 1854. In his business intercourse he may have left the impression at times that he was austere; but his apparent sternness arose from the promptness and decision with which he always transacted bis busi­ness. His language was direct, final and rigidly busi­ness like. He was seldom misunderstood, and but few ever attempted to swerve or cajole him. Beneath his apparent harshness was an inner life as gentle as a dove. He loved with a woman's heart, but he spoke with the promptness of a business man, and in all his movements there was a kind of military precision which, to the unobserving, might easily be misapprehended. He died August 31, 1869. His children are, Harriet Melinda, born April 24, 1818; Julius H., born August 1, 1821; William McLain, born December 12, 1837.1

BENJAMIN TWISS

Was born in Meriden Oct. 31, 1798. He early com­menced the manufacture of wooden clocks in Prattsville, and did a large business. Later in life he manufactured coffee-mills at the same place. He was one of the most active men of the day in town affairs, holding at different times the offices of constable, justice of the peace, select­man and assessor. He was appointed postmaster in

1William McLain Pratt graduated at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Insti­tute, at Troy, N. Y., with the degree of civil engineer, in the class of 1857. He visited South America in 1860 and 1861, crossing the continent from Buenos Ayres to Valparaiso, via Mencloza and the Andes. He enlisted as a private in the 8th Regiment of Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, in May, 1862, and was wounded in the battle of Antietam, September 17, 1862. He was promoted to the office of second lieutenant in November, 1862, and that of first lieutenant and adjutant in June, 1863.

583

1853, but resigned. He took an active interest in the establishment of the Reform school; also in the Air-line railroad. He married March 7, 1832, Miss Lucy G. Francis of Wethersfield, Conn. Mr. Twiss died January 23, 1854.

HON. DEXTER R. WEIGHT

Was born in Windsor, Vermont, on the 27th of June, 1821. His ancestors were among the first settlers of Vermont, and one of them was killed in the frontier wars with the Canadians and Indians. Alpheus Wright, his father, held a commission in the war of 1812, and was severely wounded in the battle at Plattsburg.

During the boyhood of Dexter, his father removed to the northern part of New York, where he carried on the milling and lumber business, together with a woolen factory. All of his sons were employed in these various branches of business, and each learned some useful trade. Dexter, however, being of a studious turn of mind, pre­pared himself for college and entered the University at Middletown, from which he graduated in 1845. In the same year, he became principal of the Meriden Academy, and continued, as such for nearly a year and a half; having given instruction to many youths who are now-among the energetic and successful business men of Meriden. He was noted for his firm discipline and thor­ough teaching; and the Academy flourished under his administration.

In the year 1846, he entered the Yale law school at New Haven, from which he graduated in 1848. During his studies at Yale, as well as throughout his collegiate course, he gave great promise of future eminence in his profession; and particularly in that branch of it per­taining to advocacy. In 1848 he commenced the

584

practice of law in Meriden, and soon after married Miss Maria H. Phelps, daughter of Col. E. L. Phelps, of East Windsor, Conn.

In 1849 he was elected senator for the 6th senatorial district, and was the youngest man that had ever been elected to the state senate from that district. He served with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. After the adjournment of the Legislature, he sailed for California, where he remained for two years practising in the territorial courts and taking part in the early political history of that state.

In 1851 he returned to Meriden and continued the practice of his profession until 1862, when he entered the Union army as colonel of the fifteenth regiment, Connecticut volunteers. His practice in Meriden during this period was large and successful, and he had the confidence and esteem of all men as a thorough lawyer, an honest man, and a good citizen. The people of Meriden are largely indebted to his cultivation and taste as a pioneer in beautifying the village, and in urging forward general public improvements, and his spirit in those matters has become, largely from his example, the prevailing spirit of the people of the present city.

He was commissioned Lieut. Col. of the 14th Regiment of Connecticut Volunteers, early in 1862; and he assisted in raising a company for that Regiment. He had also aided in raising companies for every preceding regiment, for that purpose speaking in different parts of the State. Owing to his zeal in the cause of the Union, Gov. Buckingham, without consulting Col. Wright's wishes, commissioned him Colonel of the 15th Regiment of Connecticut Volunteers; thus promoting he entered the field. The latter Regiment

585

he recruited to its full number and six hundred in excess in an unprecedentedly short time, by his personal exer­tions and great influence and popularity. His regiment went to Virginia in August, 1862, where for several months he commanded a brigade. He par­ticipated in the battle of Fredericksburg, Dec, 13, 1862, under Burnside. After about a year's service in the field, he was discharged upon surgeon's certificate of disability, and subsequently, upon special request of Gov. Buckingham, he was appointed commissioner on the Board of Enroll ment for the 2nd Congressional District, the duties of which he discharged with marked ability and zeal in the cause of the nation. In 1863 he was elected to the General Assembly of Conn, as a representative from the town of Meriden.

Having served in the field and as commissioner for three years with great pecuniary sacrifice, Col, Wright removed, at the close of the war, to New Haven, Conn.; where he resumed the practice of the law, and has con­tinued therein to the present time. He has served as United States assistant District Attorney for a term of years, and discharged the duties of that office with ability and satisfaction to the public.

His present law partner is H. Lynde Harrison, Esq., who is himself somewhat identified with the history of Wallingford. Mr. Harrison taught school in Walling-ford in 1858-9, and represented the 6th senatorial district, of which Meriden is a part, in 1865 and 1866; and he is a young man of ability and promise.

Mr. Wright is a thoroughly educated man. His studies are not confined to the legal profession alone; but he is well read in every department of general litera­ture and national science. He has even pursued his

586

studies into medicine; and several years ago, the hono­rary degree of M. D. was conferred upon him by a medical college in the city of New York. His maxim is that of Lord Bacon, "All knowledge is my province;" and he is not satisfied with the mastery of one profession only. His personal integrity has never been questioned, and his professional honor is fully up to the high stand­ard always maintained by the Connecticut bar. His mind works quickly and logically, and has been well trained for the successful practice of the most drastic profession pursued by men. His diction is at all times polished and elegant; his command of language and power of characterization is almost wonderful; and his manners are dignified and well calculated to please all with whom he comes in contact. As a lawyer he is remarkably strong; as an examiner of witnesses he is powerful; in the presentation of facts in argument to court or jury, he is clear and forcible; in the preparation of his cases for trial, thorough and exhaustive; and, in his drafting of pleadings, neat, clear and logical.

Since his removal to New Haven in 1864, he has, by strict attention to his business, built up a large and lucrative practice. He is a laborious worker, and is devoted to his calling, and has attained a position in his profession, which his many friends are glad to see him occupy.

Col. Wright, though a republican in sentiment, participates but little in politics; yet the republicans have few men in Connecticut who could shed more honor upon their party than he, were he to actually enter upon political life. Though not a native of Meriden, he has been for so many years identified with her interests and progress, that this notice of him is due more to the town

587

than to him; and the people of Meriden can never feel less than a strong interest in his future success and welfare.

WILLIAM YALE

Son of Samuel and Eunice (Payne) Yale, was born March 13, 1784. He attended the schools of the town until he was old enough to work, when he was appren­ticed to learn the tin business, and finally went into the business on his own account. It was his custom to go to Boston and purchase a box of tin; then with the assistance of a sail-maker, he would make two bags in which he would put the tin; then swinging it across his horse's back, he would bring it to Meriden, and make it into long tin combs, pint-cups and other articles.

In 1817 he bought the farm of Benjamin Merriam, which comprised nearly the whole of what is now West Meriden. The land was purchased for $2500, he giving a note for $1800 for one year, and paying the remainder in cash. Previous to the note coming due, he learned that it was the intention of Mr. Merriam to demand the payment of it in specie, and he prepared himself accordingly, by gradually accumulating the whole amount in sixpence and one shilling pieces. As he brought the coin home, Lyman Collins and Joel Hall counted it and put it in bags, upon which they put their private seal. This was continued until the whole amount was deposited in the bags. The day that the note became due, Mr. Yale stationed his son at the hotel, to watch for any stranger that might come. In the after­noon a gentleman drove up to the hotel, and enquired where Esq. Yale lived. The boy at once informed Messrs. Collins and Hall, and they repaired to Mr. Yale's to meet the stranger, who soon made his appearance.

588

After a few remarks, the decanter with sugar, lemons, etc., was brought out, according to the custom of the times, and all took a drink. The stranger then remark­ed, that he was the sheriff of Hartford county, and had come to demand payment of the note which was due that day, and that he was ordered to demand specie pay­ment. "Very well," replied Mr. Yale, "I have anticipated your demand, and am prepared to meet it." He then told Messrs. Collins and Hall to bring out the bags and examine the seals, and they were found all right. Mr. Yale then untied the bags and emptied the conten