A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County, Vol. II, Part 6

Author: Hill, Everett Gleason, 1867- [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1918
Publisher: New York, Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 986

USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County, Vol. II > Part 6

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John Feeter, the father of Mrs. Alden, was reared at the old Feeter homestead on Top Notch. which is now known as the Goodell and Pickett farms, in the town of Little Falls, where he was born November 30, 1804. On September 17, 1829, he was married, at St. Johnsville, to Nancy Failing. For many years they followed farming and in 1847 removed to Little Falls, where Mr. Feeter did considerable contracting. His brother, Adam Feeter, was the first post rider between Newport and Albany, and for three years his father, Col. Feeter, who was a close friend of Gen. Ilerkimer, maintained the expenses of this ancient mail service. John and Nancy Feeter had children as follows: Jacob, a prominent

DEXTER ALDEN

AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY

lawyer of New York city; Margaret E., Mrs. Alden; Parmelia, Mrs. French, of Buffalo; Gertrude, Mrs. Cruttenden; Cynthia, Mrs. Walker, of Utica; and Mary C., Mrs. Easterbrook. The descendants comprise seventeen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Dexter Alden came to New Haven when a young lad, and became associated with a Mr. Allis, proprietor of the leading hotel in New Haven, as his steward. In early manhood Mr. Alden went to Painesville, Ohio, with a party of settlers, but while there contracted the fever and was obliged to return East. Ile stopped at Little Falls, where he went into a joint stock company, composed of Gordon Trumbull, Washington Van Dreesen, Jamea Aldrich and himself, and organized for the manufacture of carpets and rugs. He was also Interested with Mr. Aldrich in a dry goods store at Little Falls, which they sold out after several years' successful management. Mr. Alden disposed of his interest in the factory about the same time and returned to New Haven, where he established a dry goods atore in com- pany with a Mr. Huntington, continuing with him until 1862. He then engaged in manu- facturing, forming the Elm City Ruffle Company. He was one of the originators in the formation of the American Fish Hook & Needle Company, the first industry of the kind whose work was done by machinery. Mr. Alden also had an interest in a hide and tallow- rendering establishment, which was very successful, and became a member of the United States Dairy Company, of New York city, individually purchasing the patent rights for Connecticut for the new process of making oleomargarine. In this business he was emin- ently successful, bis profita from this interest in the month of March, 1883, being over fifty thousand dollars and during that year over two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollara. Tbe ruffier business proved quite as satisfactory in its way. Mr. Alden also erected many fine residences that were an improvement and ornament to the city.

Mr. Alden was an upright and conscientious man, and during his residence in Little Falls was a deacon in the Presbyterian church. In New Haven be associated himself with the old Center Congregational church, and his daily living was in accord with his religious professione.

To Dexter and Margaret (Feeter) Alden were born the following children: Mary Eliza . beth is the wife of Charles Kingsbury Billings, of New York city, and they have six children, Charles Kingsbury, Margaret Louise, Mabel Frances, Julia Holmes, Mary Elizabeth and John Alden. Louise Gertrude is the wife of Lieutenant William L. Howard, U. S. Navy, who was at the battle of Manila, when the Spanish fleet was destroyed, being on the "Boston." In October, 1900, he was put in charge of the gunboat "Bancroft," as executive officer and navigator, was later at Colon, and lated on the "Illinois," which was the flagship to meet Prince Henry of Prussia on his visit. She was sent to England, to represent the United States at the coronation of King Edward VII. Mrs. Alden survived her husband some years. She is now deceased.

ION. HARRY A. LEONARD.

Hon. Harry A. Leonard. president and treasurer of J. N. Leonard & Company, well known contractors and builders of New llaven. is one of the city's progressive. wide-awake business men, whose activities in both civic and public life have been valuable factors in New Haven's growth and development. Mr. Leonard was born Angust 30, 1870, in West- ville, a son of John N. and Martha F. (Pardee) Leonard. the former also a native of West - ville, while the latter was born in Oxford. Connecticut. John N. Leonard became widely and favorably known through his activity in contracting and building lines in New Haven, where he ereeted many of the prominent structures which now beantify the city's business district and which stand as monuments to his ability as a craftsman. He learned his trade with the well known firm of Smith & Sperry and afterward established himself in the building and contraeting business. He was with the Smith & Sperry Company at the time of the out- break of the Civil war and, severing his apprenticeship relations with that firm, he joined the army, becoming a member of the Fiftenth Connecticut Regiment. with which he remained for four years, being promoted to the rank of sergeant. He long continued an active and honored business man of New Haven, where he passed away in 1914 at the age of seventy- two years. His widow is still living in this city and their three children. Harry A., Susie M.,

A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN

and Grace .A., the wife of Harry M. Bowman, survive. the last two being residents of Westville.

Harry A. Leonard pursued his education in public and private schools of his native town and when about fifteen years began to learn the mason's trade, serving a regular apprentice- ship. He afterward worked for his father and subsequently took over his father's business, which was incorporated in 1914 as J. N. Leonard & Company, with H. A. Leonard as presi- dent and treasurer. He has contributed much to the improvement and upbuilding of New Haven, erecting a number of its most substantial and attractive buildings in recent years, including the Bijon Theatre, the Chestnut Street and other school buildings and a number of the fine business blocks and beautiful homes of New Haven. lle is also connected with other important business projects, being secretary and treasurer of the Griest-Leonard Realty Company. Mr. Leonard deals extensively in real estate and has handled some very high class property.

On the 30th of January, 1899, Harry A. Leonard was married to Miss Bertha Gorham, of New Haven, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick R. Gorham. Janice W., the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard. is now a student at Dana HIall.

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard attend the Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally he is con- nected with the Masons and the Elks. He is a well known member of the Quinnipiac, the New Haven Country, the Rock Brook and the Edgewood Clubs. In public affairs he has taken an active part and is one of the prominent republicans of the city. He served for six years as alderman from the thirteenth ward and did valuable service as chairman of the com- mittee on railroads and bridges and a member of the board of finance. Ile also served for three years as a member of the Westville Board of Education. In the session of 1917 he was a member of the state senate. representing the ninth district in that body, and served as chairman of the committee on railroads and a member of the committee on banks. lle gives careful and earnest consideration to all vital questions which come up for settlement and his support of a measure is the expression of his belief in its efficacy as a factor in good government or the protection of the interests of the commonwealth. In his business career Mr. Leonard has been successful, not because he has worked solely for that result, but because of his good judgment, business ability and. too. because of the course he has fol- lowed. which has won him the reputation for clean business methods.

HON ERASTUS ( LARK SCRANTON.

Whether the individual will or no. he leaves his impress indelibly for good or ill upon his day and generation. Time gives the perspective of all things and proves the right of tho individual to a place in the memory of his fellowmen. If he has contributed to the world's work. if his course has been honorable, his actions manly and sincere, and the results of his labors beneficial to mankind, his memory is cherished and reyered and his life work becomes an integral part of the history of his community. Such was the record of Erastus Clark Scranton, and though a half century has come and gone since he was an active factor in the business life of New Haven and this section of the state, he is yet remembered by reason of his genuine worth and his valuable contribution to the material, political, social. intellectual and moral upbuilding of his state. lle contributed to material progress through his establishment and conduct of various important business interests and promoted the welfare of the commonwealth through active service as a member of both houses of the Connecticut legislature.

Mr. Seranton was born in East Guilford. now Madison, New Haven county. November 16, 1807, his parents being Jonathan and Roxanna (Crampton) Scranton, who were also of Madison. The ancestral line is traced back through several generations to Captain John Scranton. In October, 1639. about twenty-five heads of families made a settlement at Guilford, Connecticut, coming from Kent and Surrey, England. Most of them were farm- ers and they were a pions, intelligent and industrions class. To this number belonged Cap- tain dolin Scranton, who concentrated his attention upon agricultural pursuits and also served as a member of the general court in 1669 and 1670. Ile was married twice. the first time probably in England. and this wife. Joanna. died in 1661. In 1666 he married Ada

ERASTUS C. SCRANTON

AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY

(or Adaline) Hill, the widow of Robert Hill, and her death occurred in 1685. Captain Seran- ton passed away in 1671. His son, also Captain John Scranton, was born as early as 1641 and became the first of the name in East Guilford. now Madison, Connecticut. On the 12th of March, 1674, he wedded Mary Seward, who was born February 28, 1652, and was a daughter of William Seward. On the 10th of December, 1691, he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Clark. a widow and a daughter of John Bishop. The death of Captain John Scranton (II) occurred September 2, 1703. The line of descent comes down through a third Captain John Scranton, who was born in Hammonassett about 1676 and resided in what is now the town of Madison through the greater part of his life, there devoting his time and energies to the occupation of farming until his death, which occurred March 21, 1758. On the 12th of December, 1699, he had wedded Mary Norton and his second wife was Mary or Sarah Everts, a daughter of John Everts. She died in October, 1749, after which Captain John Scranton (III) married Miss Mary Bushnell, a daughter of Deacon Francis Bushnell. The line of descent comes down through Captain Ichabod Seranton, who was born February 19, 1717, and who married Chloe Fowler, whose birth occurred March 3, 1723, and who was a daugh- ter of Abraham Fowler. of Guilford. Through active participation in the French and Indian war, including the battles of Louisbourg and Ticonderoga, Captain Ichabod Scranton won his military title. He was noted for his bravery and for his loyalty to his country and while returning home after his military service passed away December 1, 1760. His wife long survived him, her death occurring December 3, 1791.

Theophilus Scranton, son of Captain Ichabod Scranton and grandfather of Erastus C. Scranton, was born December 1, 1751, and having attained his majority was married to Abigail Lee, whose birth occurred July 11, 1754, her father being Jonathan Lee, of Madison. Like his forebears, Theophilus Scranton followed farming in Madison, where he passed away February 16, 1827, while his wife survived until December 23, 1840. Their son, Jonathan Scranton, was born October 10, 1781, and on the 27th of January, 1805, married Roxanna Crampton, who was born May 30, 1789, a daughter of Ashbel Crampton, of Madison. Her death occurred on the 27th of December, 1833, and in 1844 Mr. Scranton wedded Jemima Platt, a daughter of Daniel Platt. In addition to following the occupation of farming, which had engaged the attention of his ancestors, Jonathan Scranton became a contractor in the building of breakwaters and wharfs. Ile was also a prominent member of the church at Madison and passed away July 27, 1847.

Looking through the long perspective of the years, one sees Erastus Clark Scranton as a cabin boy, in which position he was found after completing a common school education in his native town. Through much of his life, however, he was identified with commercial and banking interests. He first became connected with mercantile pursuits in Georgetown, D. C., where he remained, however, for but a brief period. Almost from the beginning of his business career he prospered and soon became the owner and master of a vessel. In 1835 in company with Daniel M. Hand he established a wholesale grocery house at Augusta, Georgia, where he built up an extensive business which he conducted with success until 1842. He afterward became identified with banking at Apalachicola, Florida, and about 1844 returned to Connectient with a very substantial fortune, which he had won through the capable conduct of his business interests in the south. He then became associated with several New York gentlemen in South American trade and figured prominently in eommer- cial circles for a number of years, having an extensive coasting trade as far south as Florida. He was also interested to a considerable extent in a line of packets running between New York and Liverpool, England, and in ships making voyages to other ports. Strong and resourceful, his fellowmen recognized his marked business ability and songht his coopera- tion in other lines. He became one of the factors in railroad building and operation in this section of the country and was one of the active promoters of the Shore Line Rail- road. In 1854 he severed his busines connections with New York interests and in 1855 was elected to the presidency of the Elm City Bank. now the Second National Bank of New Haven, which had recently been organized. He largely formulated its policy and shaped its destiny. His plans were well defined and carefully executed and the soundness of his judgment was manifest in the success which attended the institution. In 1864 he took up his permanent abode in New Haven, with the business interests of which he had been iden- tified for a number of years previous, and in 1865 he was elected to the presidency of the New York & New Haven Railroad. To the problems of railroad management he brought Vol. II-3

A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN

to bear the same sound judgment which had made him a successful merchant and a pros- perous financier. Obstacles and difficulties in his path seemed to serve but as an impetus tor renewed effort and concentration on his part. His ideas and plans were always well defined and his progressiveness had as a foundation the most practical methods.

On the 4th of November. 1829, Mr. Seranton was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Stannard, who was born October 8. 1808, a daughter of Job Stannard, of Westbrook. They became the parents of the following named: Ezra Erastus, who was born Septem- ber 3, 1831. and died May 19. 1855; Mary Eliza, who was born September 27, 1837, and died December 16, 1839; Mary Eliza (11), who was born September 23, 1840; and Francis Rathbone, who was born March 14, 1831, and died November 7, 1853.

The death of Mr. Scranton was accidental. Attempting to step onto a moving train at South Norwalk, he was killed in so doing, December 29, 1866. The community had occasion for deep regret at his passing because of the important part which he had played not only in the business life but in public affairs. Throughout the period of the Civil war he was one of the stanch supporters of the national government and was very generous and active in the work of organizations that made contributions to the U'nion cause. In 1845, again in 1846 and in 1850 he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature on the democratie ticket. In 1856 he was reelected on the American ticket and in 1862 his name was placed on the republican ticket as the candidate for the state senate and he was sent to the upper house of the legislature. He was ever deeply interested in the welfare and progress of Madison, of New Haven and, in fact, of the entire state and in 1863 he was elerted mayor of New Haven. His daughter, Miss Mary E. Seranton, has always mani- fested a deep interest in Madison and she gave to that city a public library as a memorial to her honored father. His life record is indeed one which any individual may stop to con- sider. He was a man of well balanced capabilities and powers and long occupied a central place on the stage of action. lle never allowed personal interests or ambition to dwarf his public spirit or activities. llis breadth of view not only saw possibilities for his own advancement but for his city's development and his lofty patriotism prompted him to utilize the latter as quickly and as effectively as the former.

WALTER C. SKIFF. M. D.

Dr. Walter C. Skiff. a prominent homeopathie physician of New Haven, was born on the 22d of September, 1857, in Kent. Litehfield county, Connecticut, of which place his father, Peter Skiff, is also a native. Hle belongs to an old and honored Connecticut family of English origin, which was founded in America by James Skit, who came to this country prior to the Revolutionary war, and in that struggle some of his descendants took part with the colonial troops. He was an agriculturist by occupation, and Peter Skiff, the Doctor's father, also followed farming with good success throughout his active life but he is now living retired in Cheshire, Connecticut, at the age of ninety-two years, having been born on the 24th of June, 1825. He still enjoys good health however, and seems to have the vitality of an average man of fifty years, being able to take hunting trips and similar recreation. in early life he was a democrat but now supports the republican party and in 1866 repre- sented his district in the state legislature. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Phoebe Jane Tanner, was born in Dutchess county, New York, February 11, 1825, and belonged to an old Virginia family that early settled in New York state. Her mother's people, the Duncans, were quite prominent in the Old Dominion. Mrs. Skiff died in 1912 at the age of eiglity-seven years, and two of her six children have also passed away, those living being Walter C., Charles, Henrietta, and Gertrude, the wife of Reno Swift.

Dr. Skiff began his education in the publie schools of Kent, and later attended the Fort Edward Institute at Fort Edward, New York. Having decided to enter the medical fra- ternity he matriculated at the New York Homeopathie Medieal College, from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1883. After his graduation he began practice with his uncle, Dr. Paul C. Skiff, who was one of the leading physicians of New Haven for fifty- three years, and our subject has since remained in active practice in this city. He stands high in the esteem of his professional brethren and is an honored member of the New

AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY

Haven County Homeopathic Medical Society, the Connecticut Homeopathic Medical Society and the American Institute of Homeopathy. The Doctor is also a director and charter member of the Grace Hospital of New Haven and is one of the most prominent physicians of the city. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity and is a member of the Congre- gational church. Politically he is not bound by party ties but votes an independent ticket, supporting the men whom he believes best qualified for office.

FRANK LEWIS BIGELOW.

The news of the demise of Frank Lewis Bigelow brought a sense of personal bereave- ment into the homes of many of New Haven's citizens. He was equally widely known and honored throughout the state, for he belonged to one of its oldest and most prominent families and his entire life record was cast in harmony with that of a most distinguished ancestry. The ancestral line was traced back to John Bigelow, who was the founder of the family in the new world and who passed away at Watertown. July 19, 1703, at the age of eighty-six years. His son, Samuel Bigelow, was born in Watertown, October 28, 1653. He married Mary Flagg and their son, Samuel Bigelow, Jr., was born at Watertown, September 18, 1679. The latter wedded Ruth Warren and their son, Cornelius Bigelow, was born at Marlboro. Massachusetts, November 24, 1710. He served as a sergeant in the French and Indian war, and he wedded Mary Graves. The next in the line of direct descent was their son, Paul Bigelow, who was born at Westboro, Massachusetts, January 21, 1741. He is said to have been with General Wolfe at the capture of Quebec. He served in the American army throughout the period of the Revolutionary war and was a drummer at Cambridge on the 19th of April. 1775, with the Westboro Company of Minute Men. Paul Bigelow married Hannah Ober and on the 30th of January, 1780, they became parents of a son, Elisha Bigelow, who was the great-grandfather of Frank Lewis Bigelow of this review. He married Elizabeth Cheney and they had a son, Levi L., who was born December 13, 1802. He married Belinda Pierpont, of North Haven, Connecticut, who was a descendant of the Rev. James Pierpont, the second minister of New Haven and one of the founders of Yale College.

Hobart Baldwin Bigelow, son of Levi L. and Belinda (Pierpont) Bigelow, was born in North Haven, Connecticut, May 16, 1834, and removed to South Egremont, Massachusetts, in 1844. He was educated in the district schools and in the South Egremont Academy. In 1851 he left there and afterward learned the machinist's trade at Guilford, Connecticut, with the Guilford Manufacturing Company, and also with the New Haven Manufacturing Company of New Haven. Later he was foreman with Ives & Smith until 1861, when he purchased the business that was later conducted under the name of the Bigelow Manu- facturing Company. The business was then conducted for a time under his own name and later became Il. B. Bigelow & Company, while in 1883 the interests were incorporated under the name of The Bigelow Company, of which Hobart Baldwin Bigelow remained the president until his demise. This company engaged in the manufacture of boilers and plate steel work and also of heavy special machinery, and the extent and importance of their business ranked the company with the leaders in this line in the state. Mr. Bigelow was not only a very capable successful and prominent business man but was also a recognized leader of public thought and action and left the impress of his individuality indelibły upon the history of his state. He served as councilman of New Haven from 1863 until 1864 and in the latter year entered upon a year's service as alderman. He was super- visor from 1871 until 1874 and was fire commissioner during the two succeeding years. In 1875 he was called upon to represent his district in the Connecticut general assembly and in 1879 he was elected to the office of mayor of New Haven, serving as its chief executive for two years. In 1881 he was chosen governor of Connecticut and filled that office for two years, most wisely and capably directing the welfare of the state. Over his record there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. Few men were so long continued in public life and the career of none has been more faultless in honor, fearless in conduct or stainless in reputation than was that of Governor Bigelow. Before he retired from the office of chief executive he was elected to the presidency of the Merchants National Bank of New Haven in 1882 and continued at the head of that institution until 1889. It was in 1857 that Governor

A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN

Bigelow wedded Eleanor Lewis, a daughter of Philo Lewis, of New Haven. His death occurred October 12, 1891. To Mr. and Mrs. Hobart B. Bigelow were born four children: Frank L .; Eleanor M .; Walter P .; and Philo. All have now departed this life.

Frank Lewis Bigelow, born September 21, 1462. in New Haven, began his education in the schools of New Haven, pursuing a course in the Hopkins grammar school, while later he became a student in the Sheffield Scientific School, completing his course at Yale in 1881, at which time the Bachelor of Philosophy degree was conferred upon him. He made his initial step in business in connection with his father, entering the plant and acquainting himself with every feature of the trade in all of its departments. In 1883 he was chosen secretary of the company and continued in that position until 1891, when he assumed the duties of the president and remained in the office until his demise. He was thus active in the control of one of the most extensive and important productive industries of New Haven, for under the guidance of his father and later of Frank Lewis Bigelow the business developed to extensive proportions. In addition to his management of the boiler manu- facturing interests Frank L. Bigelow was president of the National Pipe Bending Company of New Haven, was vice president of the Yale Publishing Company, was a director of the Merchants National Bank, a trustee of the National Savings Bank and a director of the New Haven Water Company. He was a forceful and resourceful business man. ready to meet any emergency and discriminating with notable promptness between the essential and the non-essential in all business affairs.

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A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County, Vol. II, Part 6

Author: Hill, Everett Gleason, 1867- [from old catalog] Publication date: 1918 Publisher: New York, Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company Number of Pages: 986

Author: Hill, Everett Gleason, 1867- [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1918
Publisher: New York, Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 986