A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County, Vol. II, Part 8

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 8

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A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN

Samuel Andrew Bassett acquired his early education in the Glendenning Academy at Seymour and afterward attended the William II. Russell Military School at New Haven, from which he was graduated. He was first employed in his father's paper factory and after working there for a few years went to New Milford, where he became a clerk in the store of A. W. Mygatt. After a brief period he removed to New Haven and found a position in the shoe store of Bristol & Hall. shoe manufacturers and dealers. When the business was sold out to W. B. Fenn, Mr. Bassett remained with the house and when it became known as the New Haven Shoe Company, he became one of the stockholders and was quite active in the management of the business. He was associated with the shoe trade for over a half century and was very active in the control and direction of the store with which he was connected. Ile was a thoroughgoing business man, noted for his honorable dealings and his spirit of enterprise. No one ever questioned the reliability of his methods, for integrity was synonymous with his name.

Mr. Bassett was much devoted to his home and family. In Christ church, on the 24th day of January, 1865, the Rev. Joseph Brewster performed the wedding ceremony that united the destinies of Samuel Andrew Bassett and Miss Sophia Phillips, of New Haven, a daughter of Thomas and Sophia (Humphrey) Phillips, the former a well known resident of this city. Mrs. Bassett is now residing on Edgewood avenue and has many friends in New llaven, who know her as a lady of culture and refined taste, a devoted wife and mother. She was a member of Christ Episcopal church for a number of years, later trans- ferring her membership to Trinity Episcopal church. By the marriage there were two children. The daughter, Mary Elizabeth, became the wife of Joseph Leon Langbank and now resides with her mother. Thomas Andrew was married October 30, 1895. to Natalie Wilson, of Bridgeport, and they became the parents of two children, John IFumphrey Phillips and Sophie Louise Bassett, but the latter died young. Thomas Andrew Bassett passed away October 6. 1905.

The death of Samuel A. Bassett occurred at his home on High street in New Haven, August 1. 1906, when he was approaching the seventy-third milestone on life's journey. He was a citizen of the highest type, a man of sterling character and actuated in all that he did by a stalwart Christian spirit. le hell membership, first, in Christ Episcopal church and, later, in Trinity church, of which he was a communicant for many years, and he also belonged to Brooks Club of Trinity church, which was named in honor of Bishop Phillip Brooks, Ile belonged to Wooster Lodge, A. F. & A. MI .. of New Haven, and also to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Seymour. In politics he was an ardent republican but not an office seeker. He was on the contrary a man of domestic taste, devoted to his home and family and finding his greatest happiness at his own fireside. He was also a lover of nature and fond of things beautiful. He enjoyed yachting and fishing. and was a great lover of the arts. Ile was also much interested in music, possessed a splendid voice and for many years was a member of Christ Church Choir. He also belonged to the Mendelssohn and Gounod Societies, excellent choral organizations of New Haven, and he was one of the organizers of the Apollo Club, a well known musical male club of New Haven. He thus did much to further the interests which remove man from the sordidness that entire concentra- tion upon business often brings and he did much to further an interest in those lines which uplitt the individual and bring a breadth of thought, interest and purpose. He stood as a high type of American manhood and chivalry, and his was the nobility of a refined nature and of Christian character.

HON. JAMES DUDLEY DEWELL.

For forty-four years a resident of New Haven, James Dudley Dewell was closely Identified with business and social interests there. He traced his lineage from good ancestral stoek on both sides. His paternal ancestors :-

(I) William Devill, the first of this line in America, was in Duxbury in 1640; Brain- tree, 1643; Rehoboth, 1645-1651; Newport, 1653-1680. His descendants have varions spellings of the name-Devol, Deval, Duel, Deuel, Dewell, Duval, ete.

HON. JAMES D. DEWELL

AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY

(II) Jonathan, son of William, was in Newport, Little Compton and Dartmouth. He died between 1737 and 1742. He married Hannah Audley.

(Il1) Jonathan, Jr., son of Jonathan, was a resident of Dartmouth and died in 1709. He married Mary Clark, who survived him, and they are known to have had children, as follows: William, who is mentioned below; Hannah, born January 29, 1699; Jonathan, born May 1, 1702; Alfyah; Meribetb, born October 21, 1707; and Mary, born February 26, 1710.

(IV) William, son of Jonathan, born in Dartmouth April 16, 1698, died in 1760. He married Elizabeth Whitehead, who died before April 21, 1759, the date of his will, which is recorded in Taunton. Their children were: Apphia, born March 6, 1718; Jonathan, who le mentioned below; and William, born March 4, 1728, who died June 22, 1814.

(V) Jonathan, born January 16, 1721, died 1781-84. He resided in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, in Tiverton, Rhode Island and in Nine Partners, New York. In the Dart- month town records the intention of marriage of Jonathan and Mary Lawton was entered September 3, 1745, and they were married that year. Of their children we have record of John, Patience, Robert, Peaceable, Mary, Lydia, Deborah, Elizabeth, Barjona and Jonathan.

(VI) Jonathan Duel born Mareh 20, 1765, died in 1831. He resided in Tiverton, Rhode Island, Nine Partners and Pine Plains, New York. He married Sarah Rider, who died in 1841, aged seventy-five years, and we have mention of their eleven children, Ruth, Lydia, Mary, Deborah, Eleanor, Charlotte, Sally, Hannah, James, Jonathan, Jr., and John. Jonathan and Sarah (Rider) Duel are buried in the Knickerbocker cemetery some three miles east of the village of Pine Plains.

(VII) John Dewell, eldest son of above named Jonathan and Sarah, and the father of James D. Dewell, was born in Pine Plains September 3, 1795, married January 1, 1826, at Norfolk, Connecticut, Mary Humphrey, daughter of Dudley and Mary (Phelps) Humphrey, born October 7, 1803. John Dewell was a merchant and manufacturer in Norfolk, where he died October 2, 1871, a respected and highly esteemed citizen of the community. His wife survived many years, dying April 24, 1891. To their union eame children, as follows: John H., born in 1827 was married (first) in 1848 to Cynthia Hiteheoek; for his second wife he married Harriet Austin; he was a merchant in the town of Norfolk, Conneetieut, and died at Plymouth, Conneetieut, in 1896. He served as a captain in the Civil war. Mary E., born in 1829, was married in 1856 to Robert C. Peck, who became a merchant in New Haven, where he died in 1869. Sarah was born in 1832. James Dudley is mentioned below. Mattie A., born in 1842, was married in 1869 to Theron S. Swain, who is a merchant in Boston. Charles G., born in 1844, died in 1846.

Mrs. Mary (Humphrey) Dewell, noted above as the mother of James D., is a descendant in the seventh generation from (I) Michael Humphrey, the emigrant aneestor of the family, who was at Windsor, Connecticut, prior to 1643, when he and Sergt. John Griffin were engaged in making turpentine in what is now Simsbury. Priscilla, daughter of Matthew Grant, of Windsor, became his wife in 1647. Her father was the ancestor of Gen. U. S. Grant. From Michael Humphrey Mrs. Dewell's descent is traced through Sergeant Jolin, Dea- eon John, Deaeon Michael, Asahel and Dudley Humphrey. Dudley Humphrey, son of Asahel, born in 1775 at Norfolk, was married October 16, 1798, to Mary Phelps, daughter of Darius and Mary (Aiken) Phelps, born in Norfolk. April 4, 1780. They settled at Norfolk, where their children were born: Harriet, John, Mary (Mrs. John Dewell), Griswold, Merrill, James and Caroline.

James Dudley Dewell eighth in line from William Devill, was born September 3, 1837, in Norfolk Connecticut. In 1858, after some experienee as a clerk in a country store, he left his home and eame to New Haven to take a position as salesman for Bushnell & Com- many, wholesale groeers. His serviees soon commended him to the house, and in 1860 he was admitted to the firm, the name becoming Bushnell & Dewell. In 1879 it became J. D. Dewell & Company. The enterprise, public spirit and force of eharaeter of Mr. Dewell soon became manifest, and as the years passed pushed him to the front rank of the business men and citizens of the community. He held elose to his heart the best interests of New Haven, and all measures for the good of the community found in him a hearty supporter. Mr. Dewell was one of the principle movers in organizing the state board of trade in 1890, becoming its first president. For many years Mr. Dewell was president of the chamber of commerce of New Haven, and he was at the head of the movement for good roads throughout the

A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN

atate. For twenty years or more he was a director and contributor to the needs of the Young Men's Institute in New Haven. Mr. Dewell was a direetor in the Evergreen Cemetery Association, vice president of the Security Insurance Co., a director of the New Haven Water Co., a director of the City Bank, of New Haven, a director of the New Haven Trust Company, and vice president of the National Savings Bank. He was owner and manager of the Sutton fleet. embracing six large three, four and five masted vessels, plying between southern ports and New England. Ile was a member of the New Haven Colony Ilistorical Society and of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Society of Founders and Patriots. Fraternally he belonged to Hiram Lodge, No. 1, F. & A. M., of which he was worshipful master in 1869. In religious connection he was a member of the Church of the Redeemer, Congregational.

In politics Mr. Dewell was a stanch republican. Among the charter members of the Republican League, now the Union League, he maintained a lively interest in its welfare and served several terms as its president. In 1896 he consented to become a candidate for the position of lieutenant-governor, to which he was trimphantly eleeted. The duties of this oflice were discharged by him with ability, dignity and grace. Socially Mr. Dwell was genial and atfable, and popular wherever known. Mr. Dewell was first lieutenant of the New Haven Grays from 1865 to 1867.

On July 2, 1860, Mr. Dewell was married to Mary E., daughter of Aaron and Mary A. (Winch) Keyes, of Norfolk, Connecticut, and to this union were born six children: Jessie K., who graduated from Vassar in 1883; Charles K .; James D., Jr .; Robert P .; and Franklin W. and Edward H., twins born in 1877, the latter of whom died in 1878. Mr. Dewell died April 19, 1906.

GEORGE A. BOOTH.

George A. Booth is proprietor of the Booth Preparatory School of New Ilaven. which since June, 1917. has been located at its present quarters and which from the standpoint of convenience and modern adaptability is the best equipped school of the kind in the city. Mr. Booth is a native of Peacedale. Rhode Island. born February 11. 1855. His father. George A. Booth, now deceased, was a native of Manchester, England, and in his boyhood came to America in the '40s. He took up the business of manufacturing woolen goods and was quite successful. His death occurred in 1907 when he had reached the age of eighty-six years. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Hudson and she, too, was a native of England, her birth having occurred in London. She came to America with her parents during her child- hood days and she passed away in 1912, at the advanced age of eighty-five years.

In the family were six children, of whom George A. Booth was the second in order of birth. He pursued his education in the public schools and in Russell's Military School of New llaven, which he attended for five years. He was also a student at the Bellevue College at Bellevue, Nebraska, where he was graduated with the Ph. B. degree, and later he entered Yale. After completing his education he became connected with large textile manufacturing interests as superintendent and designer and devoted eleven years of his life to such inter- ests.

During that period he was located much of the time in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in New Jersey. From 1892 until 1897 he was connected with educational work as a teacher in the high school of New Haven and then established the Booth Preparatory School. which was originally located at the corner of Church and Chapel streets, where he contin- ned for twelve years. Hle then removed to No. 124 High street, where the school was eon- ducted for six years, and later his location was for two years at No. 134 High street. Each removal was necessitated by a sale of the property. The Booth Preparatory School is now located in its new quarters at No. 584 Chapel street. where there is class room for fifty students. This is a splendidly equipped school supplied with every convenience necessary tor instruction of that character. The school began with an enrollment of six pupils and today it is taxed to the limit. having an enrollment of fifty pupil -. The school gives special work in preparing students for any college in the country. for civil service positions or for entrance to the Annapolis and West Point academies.

AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY

On the 8th of June, 1880, Mr. Booth was united in marriage to Miss Anna Dixon, a native of Rhode Island and a daughter of Anthony Dixon, a Civil war veteran. They have become parents of three children, two sons and a daughter; Ethol, who is the wife of Ed- mund Greaeen, of New York city; George, who resides at Vancouver, British Columbia, and is an electrical engineer with the Vancouver Electrie Company; and Ellsworth, who is a vivil engineer with the American Telephone & Telegraph Company of New York.

Mr. and Mrs. Booth are members of the United church and Mr. Booth is a Knight Tem- plar Mason, exemplifying in his life the beneficent spirit which underlies the eratt. In poli- ties he is a republican, well versed in the questions and issues of the day, but does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his undivided attention upon the upbuilding of the school. the high standards of which have made it one of the leading institutions of this character in New England.

FRANK AUGUSTUS MONSON.

In the passing of Frank Augustus Monson in New Haven on the 30th of June, 1908, the city mourned the loss of one who in every relation of life had conducted himself with such dignity and honor as to win a most enviable position in publie regard. His life re- fleeted credit upon a distinguished ancestry whose name has been handed down untarnished through generation atter generation. Frank A. Monson was a representative of the descendants of Thomas Monson, of Stratford and of New Haven. He was born about 1612 and was in Hartford in 1637, in which year he participated in the Pequot war with the rank of captain. About 1640 he was in New Haven. He followed the carpenter's trade, filled various public offices and took an active and helpful part in the work of the Congregational eburch, passing away in that faith May 7, 1685, while his wife, Joanna, died on the 13th of December, 1678. Their son, Samuel Monson, was baptized August 7, 1643, and on the 26th of October, 1665, married Martha, daughter of William and Alice (Pritchard) Bradley. Mr. Monson was a shoemaker and tanner by trade and resided at different periods in New Haven and Wallingford. He, too, was of the Congregationalist faith and his death occurred in 1693. His son, Theophilus Monson, was born September 1, 1675, and married Esther Mix. He was a locksmith by trade and he held to the religious faith of the family. He also occupied various positions of publie trust in New Haven and he passed away November 28, 1747, while his wife died September 16, 1746. Benjamin Monson, son of Theophilus Monson, was born March 28, 1711, and in June, 1732, married Abigail Punderson, a daughter of John and Abigail (Alling) Punderson. Benjamin Monson engaged in school teaching and resided in New Haven and in Branford, Connecticut. His son, Eneas Monson, born January 13, 1734. was married March 15, 1761, to Susannah, daughter of Stephen and Susannah Howell. She died April 21, 1803, and on the 24th of November, 1804, Eneas Monson wedded Sarah Perit, a widow. Eneas Monson was a Yale graduate of 1753 and became a minister, while later he engaged in the practice of medicine. He served as chaplain to Lord Gardner in the French and Indian war and in 1756 he located for the practice of medicine in Bedford, New York. He was a Congregationalist in religious faith and a whig in his political views, and during the period of the Revolutionary war he was seven times chosen to represent New Haven in the legislature. His death occurred in New Haven, June 16, 1826.

Dr. Eneas Monson, son of Eneas Monson, Sr., was born September 11, 1763, and on the 6th of May, 1794, married Mary Shepherd, who was born April 28, 1772, a daughter of Levi Shepherd, of Northampton, Massachusetts. Eneas Monson was graduated from Yale and in 1780 was commissioned surgeon's mate in Colonel Swift's Seventh Connecticut Continental Line. The following winter the regiment was on the Hudson, opposite West Point, and in June, 1781, was detached to assist Surgeon Thatcher, of the Massachusetts Line, in Colonel Seammell's Light Infantry Corps. Later the command to which Dr. Monson belonged went to Yorktown, Virginia, participating in the siege of that city. Dr. Monson afterward re- turned to the north and rejoined his regiment, which in 1781-82 was the Fourth Connecticut, under Colonel Butler, thus serving until the command was disbanded in June, 1783, follow- ing the elose of hostilities. He afterward became a prominent physician and leader in public affairs in New Haven and after practicing medicine for a number of years he en-

A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN

gaged in merchandising and banking. His wife died February 6, 1848, while his death ocenrred August 22, 1852. His son, Alfred S. Monson, was born September 23, 1795, was also a Yale graduate, of 1815 and in 1819 was graduated from the University of Pennsyl- vania with the M. D. degree. Ile practiced medicine for a time in New Haven but retired from the profession many years prior to his death. He made extensive and judicious in- vestments in real estate and left valuable property holdings to his family. He was offered the professorship of botany in Yale College and also a professorship in the Yale Medical School but declined both. He was married May 22, 1822, to Mary Ann Patten, a daughter of Nathaniel Patten, of Hartford. They were members of the Congregational church. Dr. Alfred S. Monson passed away May 22, 1870, wbile his wife died in April, 1887.

Frank Augustus Monson, one of a family of six children born to Dr. Monson, received his early education in the Russell Preparatory School of New Haven and afterward studied in the Brown Academy of West Haven. He was still pursuing his studies there when the Civil war was inaugurated and he put aside his textbooks in order to aid in the preserva- tion of the I'nion. Writing of this period of his life work, a contemporary biographer said: "With six of his schoolmates he left West Haven and, making his way to New York, en- listed his services in the United States government. He was about eighteen years old at the time and not only was his heart in the cause of the Union which he had espoused, but he possessed a talent in military matters and a personal bravery that augured well for rapid advancement. Nor was the augury unfulfilled, the gallantry he displayed in many engage- ments marking him out for promotion. Captain Frank A. Monson entered service as private in Company B, First New York Lincoln Cavalry, July 19, 1861; attached to defenses of Washington, to October, 1861; Franklin's Division, Army of the Potomac, to March, 1862; First Division, First Corps, Department of Rappahannock, to May, 1862; First Division, Sixth Corps. Army of the Potomae, to August, 1862; service duty in defenses of Wash- ington, D. C., August. 1861. to March. 1862; actions at Falls Church, Virginia, September 8 and December 15, 1861: Fairfax Court Honse, September 29 and November 27, 1861; ex- pressed to Fredericksburg. April 3-19, 1862; detached as courier at headquarters of General McDowell. commanding Department of the Rappahannock, until June; rejoined regiment on the Peninsula, Virginia; seven days' battles before Richmond; battle of Mechanicsville, June 26; battle of Gaines' Mill, June 27; June 30, Malvern Hill; July 1, commissioned second lieutenant, Company L, Fifth New York Volunteer Cavalry, First Ira Harris Guard, to date from May 3. 1862: first lieutenant, October 24, 1862; and captain, September 14, 1863; attached to cavalry command, Department of Washington, to June, 1863; First Brigade, Third Division Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, to July, 1864; participated in the battle of Warrenton Junction, Virginia, May 3, 1863, where he was wounded in the shoulder ; absent with wound until September 10, 1863; took part in battle of Brandy Station, Vir- ginia. October 11, 1863; battle of Buckland's Mills, October 19-20. 1863; battle of Stevens- burg. Virginia. November 8. 1863; Mine Run campaign, November 26 to December 2, 1863; battle of Raccoon Ford. Virginia. November 26-27, 1863; Kilpatrick's raid on Richmond, Virginia. February 28 to March 4, 1864; fortifications of Richmond, Virginia. March 1, 1864; detached on staff of General Kilpatrick during spring of 1864; Rapidan campaign, May-June, 1864: battle of Parker's Store, Virginia, May 5; Todd's Tavern, May 5-6; the Wilderness, May 6-9; Mattapony River, May 15; Milford Station, May 21; Ashland, May 30; White Oak Swamp. June 13; Malvern Hill, June 14: White House Landing, June 19. and took part in fifty-eight other engagement -; disabled by reopening of wounds and sent to hospital at Annapolis, Maryland, June 20. 1864; resigned July 12, 1864, on account of disability from wounds received in action and honorably discharged from service."

After his military service was over Mr. Monson became a resident at Paterson, New .Jersey, and was prominently identified with the silk industry of that place, there remain- ing until 1870. when on account of the death of his father he disposed of his business in- terests in Paterson and returned to New Haven. He afterward concentrated his energies upon the real estate and insurance business and operated most extensively along those lines. Ilis business affairs were at all times wisely and carefully conducted and substantial results accordingly accrued.

On the 15th of May. 1873, Captain Monson was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte M. Bishop, also a native of New Haven and a daughter of Elias Bradley and Grace (Atwater) Bishop and a descendant of some of the most prominent families of the state. Mr. and Mrs.

AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY

Monson became the parents of a daughter, Nellie Bishop, who became the wife of Roger Ells- worth Alling, of New Haven.

The death of Captain Monson occurred in New Haven, June 30, 1908, and he was laid to rest in the Evergreen cemetery. His widow still makes her home in this city, residing at No. 317 St. Ronan street. The death of Captain Monson was deeply deplored not only by his immediate family but by many friends, for he had figured prominently in connection with public interests and with social activities of his city. He was identified with various vet- eran and military organizations, including Admiral Foote Post, No. 17, G. A. R .; the New York Commandery of the Loyal Legion of the United States; the Societies of the Army of the Potomac, of the Fifthi New York Cavalry and the First New York Lincoln Cavalry; the Army and Navy Club of Connecticut; and David Humphreys' Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. He was also well known in Masonic circles and he became one of the organizers of the Quinnipiac Club of New Haven. His religious faith was that of the Epis- copal church and he was long identified with Trinity parish. He gave most generously to the support of the church in its various activities and was a man of philanthropie spirit whose broad humanitarianism reached ont in helpfulness to all mankind. His life ever measured up to the highest standards. He was patriotic and loyal in citizenship, valorous in military service, honorable and upright in every relation. In business affairs he displayed initiative as well as enterprise and never stopped short of the successful accomplishment of his purpose. While he won success in business, he also found time for the finer things which many men are prone to overlook- aid in money and personal attention to schools and churches, collection of rare objects of beauty and the artistic adornment of his city and of his home. His life and his character were as clear as the sunlight. No man came in con- tact with him but speedily appreciated him at his true worth and knew he was a man who cherished not only a high ideal of duty but who lived up to it.

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A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County, Vol. II, Part 8

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