A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County, Vol. II, Part 9

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 9

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REV. CHARLES O. SCOVILLE.

Rev. Charles O. Scoville, rector of Trinity Episcopal church, situated on the Green in New Haven, well known as one of New England's prominent ministers and orators, was born at Montpelier, Vermont, December 1, 1862, a son of James B. and Mary (Foster) Sco- ville. The father was born in Farmington and was a descendant of Rev. Thomas Hooker. one of the founders of the city of Hartford. He spent his early life in this state but after- ward removed to Montpelier, Vermont, where he took up agricultural pursuits, following farming to the time of his death, which occurred in 1883. His wife was born in North Conway, New Hampshire. and died in Chicago in 1894. In their family were nine children, seven of whom are still living: Mrs. John R. King, now a resident of Ohio; Mrs. Hattie Ram- dall, living in Chicago; Miss Julia Scoville, also of Chicago; James B., who is in Troy, New York; and Alice and Harry D., also of Chicago.

Of this family the Rev. Charles O. Scoville was the seventh in order of birth. In his boyhood he attended school in Montpelier, Vermont, and passed through consecutive grades to the high school. He afterward entered Yale University, where he pursued an academic course and won his degree in 1887. He then entered the Berkeley Divinity School at Middle- town, Connecticut, and was graduated therefrom in 1890. His first charge was the pastor- ate at Westville, Connecticut, where he presided over the Episcopal church of St. James from 1890 until 1892. He then accepted the position of curate of the Trinity Episcopal church on the Green in New Haven, acting in that position until 1908, when he was made rector. He has since had charge of the parish, covering a period of nine years, and under his direction the church has done splendid work in advancing the moral progress of the community. The different lines of work are thoroughly organized and its radiating force is proving a very strong element in moral progress.

Rev. Scoville is a member of the Graduates Club of New Haven. He has social qualities which are most valuable in his pastoral work and in all of his efforts he is ably assisted by his wife, who in her maidenhood was Miss Lena May Isbell, a daughter of Willis B. and Ida (Hotchkiss) Isbell, of Westville, Connecticut. He was married June 1, 1892, and they have one child, Helen, who was born in New Haven and is a graduate of the Hillhouse high

A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN

school and also of Wellesley College in the class of 1915. She is now in her sophomore year in the Yale Medical School.

It would be almost tautologieal in this connection to enter into any series of statements as showing Rev. Scoville to be a man of broad sehiolarly attainments for this has been shadowed forth between the lines of this review. He is well known as a writer of many interesting articles and is a historian of no mean ability. A public-spirited citizen, he stands for progress and improvement in all things that relate to the uplift of the indi- vidual and the upbuilding of the community. He possesses marked oratorical powers and his ability in that direction has won him the reputation of being one of the strongest representatives of the Episcopal ministry. His reasoning is always clear, he thinks deeply and his deductions are logical. He calls upon literature and experience for an apt illustration that carries his point home and he quickly reaches the hearts of his listeners.

HON. ROLLIN SIMMONS WOODRUFF.

Rollin Simmons Woodruff, since his youth a resident of New Haven, has grown up with the city's life and business progress, and by his admirable record in public and business life has gained the respect and honor of all his fellow citizens. His industry and integrity have placed his name in the front rank of the makers of New Haven, and a most distinguished service as governor of the state, crowning an honorable career in politics. has given him an enviable place on the roster of servants of the commonwealth. Though a native of New York state (he was born in Rochester, July 14, 1854) he came to New Haven at the age of fifteen, and he has caught fully the spirit and has always been loyal to the traditions of the state of his adoption.

Governor Woodruff's father was the Rev. Jeremiah Woodruff and his mother Mrs. (larissa Thompson, and he received his early education in the common schools of New York state, supplemented by a brief period in a school at Lansing, Iowa. Soon after coming to New Haven, he began his business career as an errand boy in a hardware store. He had the merit of industry and ambition which did not escape the attention of his employers, and his upward progress was steady. Ile went from one position to another, always im- proving his condition and prospeets, until he was able to make investment for himself, which was in the C. S. Mersick Company, then one of the most promising wholesale dealers in iron and steel in New Haven, now one of the most extensive in New England. Mr. Woodruff's progress and that of the firm had such connected significance that when the business was incorporated in 1905 he was elected its president, which position he still holds. Ilis sound business plan and foresight, his sterling business principles, have been much of the cause of the advance of The C. S. Mersiek & Company, as the name of the firm now is, to a position of national prominence among the concerns dealing in a wide range of plumbers' supplies and house fittings.

Governor Woodruff has other important business connections, being a director of the Mechanies Bank of New Haven, the American Hardware Company of New Britain and the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company of New York. He has been active in many public business enterprises, among which should be counted his valuable service on the New Haven permanent paving commission. He has long been a member of the Chamber of Commerce and was at one time its president.

Always deeply interested in politieal affairs, Governor Woodruff nevertheless resisted the temptations of office until 1898, when Governor George E. Lounsbury named him an aide de camp on his staff, with the rank of colonel. In 1902 he was elected a state senator and made so good a record at Hartford that his nomination and election, two years later. as lieutenant governor seemed a natural promotion and was welcomed by the senate over which he presided. Again his cleetion, two years after that, as governor was in the line of that natural, steady progress which has been characteristic of his career. He carried his ideas of business sense and business integrity to the governor's office-not altogether to the liking of some of the politicians. He enforeed them upon the legislature, and though a veto power that was only nominal kept him from effecting his purpose in all legislation, his acts had a moral influence which the state still feels. His administration

Rollin S. Woodruff

AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY

was an effort for reform against obstacles; it was a healthy protest. His standing in the state is well summed up by the expression of one leading newspaper, which said: "Popular. honest, honorable, spotless in character, a plain man of the people, a devoted citizen of the state, unostentatious but true blue always-that is Rollin S. Woodruff."

In January, 1885, Mr. Woodruff was married to Miss Kaomeo E. Perkins, who was born in New Haven, July 25, 1856, daughter of Nathaniel Perkins. Two children were born to them, both of whom died in early years.

Governor. Woodruff has been prominent in Masonry, having membership in Hiram Lodge, No. 1, F. & A. M .: Franklin Chapter, No. 2. R. A. M .; Harmony Council. No. 8. R. & S. M .: New Haven Commandery, No. 2, K. T .; and Lafayette Consistory, S. P. R. S. He is a member of the Union League Club, the Quinnipiac Club and the Young Men's Republican Club. Since 1896 he has been a member of the Second Company, Governor's Foot Guard, and served as lieutenant for about two years. In 1908 Wesleyan University conferred on him the degree of LL.D.

WILLIAM WOOSTER BUCKINGHAM.

William Wooster Buckingham, who occupies a place in the front ranks among the wholesale merchants of New Haven, is now vice president of the F. E. Fowler Company, wholesale dealers in wooden ware and glassware. Commercial enterprise finds expression in his life. for he has made rapid advancement, rising to a most creditable position, and the course which he has followed and the policy which he has pursued are such that New Haven is proud to number him among her native sons.

Mr. Buckingham was born April 4, 1863, and represents one of the old Connecticut families, his great-grandparents being Nathan and Silena (Lewis) Buckingham. Their son. Nathan Lewis Buckingham, was born about 1792 and married Clarissa Wooster. Henry Buckingham, who was one of their six children, was born February 29, 1828, in Oxford, Connecticut, and acquired his education in the public schools there. He was a youth of seventeen when he came to New Haven, where for several years he was employed by D. W. Buckingham and later by Jeremiah Atwater. He afterward engaged in the retail butcher- ing business in Derby, Connecticut, but soon returned to New Haven, where he established a grocery store. At the time of the Civil war he went to the south as sutler with a Rhode Island regiment and after the close of hostilities turned his attention to the real estate busi- ness in New Haven, where he resided for more than forty years, and spent the last six years in retirement from active business. He married Abbie Ogden (Phillips) Curtis, the widow of Reuben Curtis. She was born in Fairfield, Connecticut, July 16, 1830, and died while visiting in Boston, January 28, 1901. For several years she had survived Mr. Buck- ingham, whose death occurred November 7. 1893. They were the parents of four sons.

William Wooster Buckingham, the third in order of birth, acquired a public school education and in early manhood went to Georgia, being engaged in manganese mining at Cartersville for two years. He afterward returned to New Haven and became connected with F. S. Bradley, a wholesale hardware merchant. In time the business became that of Buck- ingham, Clark & Jackson and eventually the Buckingham Hardware Company, the two for- mations dating from 1900, at which time William W. Buckingham became the treasurer and general manager. He continued to act in that capacity until 1903, when the business was sold to the Bronson & Townsend Company of New Haven. Mr. Buckingham afterward went upon the road as a traveling salesman, representing a New York house for two years. He was afterward with the William Filene's Sons Company of Boston in an executive posi- tion for three years and in 1910 he became one of the incorporators and the vice president of the F. E. Fowler Company, wholesale dealers in wooden ware and glassware in New Haven. Through the intervening period a business of considerable magnitude has been de- veloped and the methods employed rank the institution with the leading commercial inter- ests of New Haven. Well defined plans and purposes underlie the gradual development of the business and intelligent direction of effort has brought forth gratifying results. The proprietors have ever been careful to conform their interests to the highest standards of commercial ethics, have thoroughly studied general trade conditions as well as conditions Vol. II-4

A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN

bearing directly upon their personal interests and by their enterprising methods and close application have developed one of the leading wholesale activities of the city.

Mr. Buckingham was married on the 24th of September, 1888, to Mrs. Laura Stevens Morey, of Mayville, New York, and they have become the parents of three children, Len- ora Bishop, Charles Wooster and Waitstill William.

Mr. Buckingham has long taken an active interest in military affairs and was a member of the New Haven Grays from 1885 until 1890 and of the Second Company of the Gover- nor's Foot Guard from 1893 until 1900. He is now a member of the Second Regiment of the Reserve Company of the Ilome Guard of New Haven with the rank of captain. He belongs to the Sons of the American Revolution and to the Grays' Veteran Association. ITis political endorsement is given to the republican party. His interests thus cover a wide range and his activities have always been directed in channels through which flows the greatest good to the greatest number.

HERRICK PAYNE FROST.

Herrick Payne Frost. late of New Haven, where for many years he was one of the useful citizens and substantial business men of that city-first as a wholesale grocer, and then as a telephone projector, as well as manager-was descended from the Frost family, of Wolcott, Connecticut.

Mr. Frost was born January 16, 1835, in the town of Wolcott, a son of Sylvester and Philanda (Tuttle) Frost, and was in the fourth generation from David Frost, of the same town. David Frost was born September 5. 1742. and his wife. Mary, was born December 22, 1740. They had their home three miles east of Waterbury, on the Southington road, at what is now called East Farms. His death occurred December 15, 1812. and that of his wife, Febru- ary 6. 1819, when she was aged seventy-nine years. From this David Frost. Herrick P. Frost's lineage is through David Frost (2) and Sylvester.

David Frost (2) was born March 1, 1767, and was married June 14, 1790, to Mary Ann. a daughter of David Hitchcock, of Southington. Mr. Frost settled on Southington Mountain, north of Capt. N. Lewis, and hecame a man of influence and responsibility in the town. He died March 18, 1950, and his wife. November 24, 1832. Sylvester Frost, his son, was the father of Herrick Frost. and was born May 8, 1802. He married Philanda Tuttle, and was engaged in farming in Wolcott. His death occurred in Southington, Connecticut.

llerrick P. Frost passed his boyhood for the greater part at the home of his unele, Herrick Payne, and was educated at the academy. In his seventeenth year he secured a team and wagon and went on the road selling goods of various kinds through a number of states and in this manner soon became self-reliant and confident, as well as experienced. For a number of years he was engaged in this line, and in 1856 made his home in New Haven, where after several experiments in various enterprises, in 1858 he formed a partnership with Julius Tyler, Jr., establishing the wholesale grocery house of Tyler & Frost, on State street. This business Mr. Frost prosecuted with great energy and varied success for nearly twenty years, the partnership being dissolved in 1876, at about the time the telephone was just coming into publie notice. The attention of Mr. Frost was turned to it, and after a careful examination of its merits, its practical character was quickly revealed to him. Associated with George W. Coy, an electrician and at one time a telegraph manager, Mr. Frost and his partner, in January, 1877, projected the first telephone company ever formed for a general exchange business in New Haven, under the name of the New Haven Telephone Company. and the first telephone exchange. it is said, that the workl ever saw, was estab- lished. The new enterprise attracted general attention, and in less than three months after its inauguration it had one hundred and fifty subscribers, and within a year over four hun- dred. Mr. Frost and his partner were thus instrumental in giving to New Haven the eredit of leading the world in this important line. By 1880 capital had become interested in the further development of the system, and the New Haven Telephone Company was merged into the ( onnectient Telephone Company, with the late Marshall Jewell, of Hartford, as president. and llon. Charles L. Mitchell and Morris F. Tyler as directors. This company in 1884 under. went another change, becoming the Southern New England Telephone Company, with a

AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY

capital of one and a half million dollars. Through the foresight, energy and ability of Mr. Frost, to whom was committed the general management of this great and growing corpora - tion, the lines of the company were carried into nearly every town, hamlet and school district. within the territory in which they operated, and until a very few years ago there was no district in the world with so many telephones in use, in proportion to its population. as Connecticut.

The Boston Electric Light Co., of Boston, was also projected by Mr. Frost. The New Haven Electric Light Co. and the New Haven Steam Heat Co. were also projects of his, and he was interested in the Chesapeake and Potomae Telephone Co., Washington, D. C .; and he was director and stockholder in thirty-four electric light and telephone companies. He was also one of the organizers of the opposition line of steamboats.

Mr. Frost commanded the esteem and respect of his fellow citizens. He had been con- nected with the city government in various relations-as a councilman, alderman, police com- missioner, as well as in other capacities. For a number of years he was chairman of the city board of finance, and in all official relations acquitted himself with credit.

Mr. Frost was married April 22, 1858, to Miss Olive Amelia. a daughter of Ashbel Mix, a highly respected citizen of the town of Bristol, and to this union were born: Lonie Herrick, who married Clara Drake: Helen Louise, who died when five years old; Pauline Amelia, who married Archibald Ward Ives, of Boston; and Dwight S. M. Mr. Frost died Nov. 3, 1888. and was interred in Evergreen cemetery, New Haven. '

EDGAR BEADLE.

Edgar Beadle, a wagon manufacturer of Cheshire, has been engaged in that line of busi- uess for many years and his shop has always enjoyed the reputation of turning out excel- lent work. He was born in Cheshire, September 26, 1848, a son of Benajah Beadle, also a native of Cheshire, who likewise devoted his life to carriage and wagon making. He was a democrat in his early manhood but later became an adherent of the republican party. He held several offices and was at all times faithful to the trust reposed in him by his fellow citizens. His father, Alfred Beadle, was the son of John Beadle, whose father. Nathanich Beadle, settled in Wallingford in the carly days. John Beadle served as captain of a horse company in the Revolutionary war and during the dark days of that conflict was unswery- ingly loyal to the cause of the newly formed Union. The family first located at Salem, Massachusetts, and the name has been held in high honor. Benajah Beadle was united in marriage to Miss Julia Ann Ihitchcock. a daughter of Gaius Hitchcock and a grand- daughter of Captain David Hitchcock, who was in the army during the entire eight years of the Revolutionary war. Captain Hitchcock was a son of Peter Hitchcock, whose father was John Hitchcock, the first of the name to settle at Cheshire. He removed here from Wallingford and previous to living at that place had been a resident of Morris Cove. Peter Hitchcock erected the old family residence in which four generations of the family had lived. Benajah Beadle passed away about eight months after the death of his wife, who died in April, 1890. Both had reached the age of seventy-five years. To them were born three children: William, who served in the Civil war and died shortly after his discharge from the army: Henry, deceased, who was for many years deputy sheriff of New Haven county ; and Edgar.

As a boy Edgar Beadle attended the public schools of Cheshire and later was a student in an academy conducted by Dr. Horton, after which he entered his father's carriage and wagon shop. Father and son conducted the business in partnership for a number of years but at length the older man retired and left the entire management of the business to our subject. It is one of the oldest commercial enterprises of Cheshire, having been established in 1836, and it has always been conducted in accordance with the highest standards of business ethics. Before the advent of the automobile the business of the shop covered a wide territory but with the general adoption of motor cars for both commercial use and for pleasure the demand for wagons and carriages has declined, but such is the high reputation of the Beadle shop that it is accorded a large share of the remaining patronage along that line. The owner has throughout the years managed his affairs well and has accumulated a competence.

A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN

On the 3d of December. 1891. in Cheshire. Mr. Beadle was married to Miss Cora A. Som- mers. Her father, Charles Sommers, was a native of Woodbury and removed first to Windsor Locks and later to Cheshire. MIrs. Beadle passed away February 16, 1914, leaving a daughter, Cora Eloise

Since attaining his majority Mr. Beadle has been a stanch supporter of the republican party and has been called to office a number of times, having served as assessor, as member of the board of relief and in other positions of trust. Fraternally he is a Mason, and his many excellent qualities have gained for him a large circle of friends within and without the order.

JOIN BALDWIN KENNEDY.

John Ballwin Kennedy, coming from a stock whose excellence New Haven frankly honors, has by his own record in the community abundantly approved his ancestry. As head of an old but progressive manufacturing institution, as president of one of the young but successful banks of the city, as a public official whose record of unselfish service for the publie good is unchallenged, as comander of a historic military organization which under him has renewed and strengthened the traditions of its fine old past, as citizens foremost in every cause that calls for uplifting influence and earnest work, he has won an enviable place in the city of his adoption.

Mr. Kennedy is descended on his father's side from the Galloway Scottish clan of Kennedy: on his mother's from the Baldwins of Milford, his father having been John Kennedy, born in Cockermouth, in the north of England, but coming directly from Galloway that is northwest across the border of Scotland. His mother was Cornelia Baldwin, a descendant in the eighth generation of John Baldwin, one of the original settlers of Milford, whose name is on that town's Memorial bridge. John Kennedy, who came to this country in 1847, married Miss Baldwin in Connecticut.

John Baldwin Kennedy was born at White Plains, New York, February 24, 1864, and was named for his mother's ancestor. His parents removed to New Haven when he was quite young, and he was educated in the public schools of New Haven, completing his grammar school course with the class of 1880 in Dwight school. He entered the office of English & Mersick, of which firm he is now president, as a clerk soon after leaving school. Ilis rise has been due chiefly to intelligent application and hard, consistent work. It was in 1×95. following the death of James G. English, its senior partner, that he was admitted to the firm. Three years later, at the death of Edwin F. Mersick, he was made president. In his administration great opportunities have come to the firm, and that they have been improved its present prosperity and its standing among the manufacturing institutions ot New Haven and the country abundantly show.

Major Kennedy was one of those who, in 1913 and the years preceding, most clearly saw the needs of the growing business interests of the northern part of the city for a bank in their vicinity. He was one of the leading organizers of the Broadway Bank & Trust Company and was chosen its president. Under him it has become a strong institu- tion, more than fulfilling the purpose for which it was organized. Major Kennedy's other business interests are with the New Haven Trap Rock Company, of which he is a director, and with a number of other manufacturing and commercial concerns.

On October 2, 1888. in New Haven, Mr. Kennedy was married to Miss Katherine C.' Clark, daughter of Joseph W. and Jane (Hline) Clark, of Orange, Connecticut. Mrs. Kennedy is of ohl Connecticut stock and is following in the footsteps of her ancestors by her activity in the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Daughters of Founders and Patriots, and the Daughters of the Society of the War of 1812. Major Kennedy is a member of the General David Humphreys branch of the Sons of the American Revolution and has mem- bership in the Union League, the Quinnipiac. the Racebrook Country and the New Haven Country Clubs, and is connected with Wooster Lodge, F. & A. M. His church membership is with Dwight Place Congregational.

In 1904 he enlisted in the Second Company. Governor's Foot Guard, and rose rapidly through the grades until in 1915 he was made major and commander. His enthusiasm for

. B. Kennedy

AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY

the company has been earnest from the first, and under him it has had a splendid record of service and progress. He is a republican but has not participated in politics in the ordinary sense. His keen interest in public and civic affairs has, however, brought to him responsibilities. He was a member of the New Haven civil service commission from 1910 to 1912 inclusive, after which he was made a member and then president of the board of police commissioners, which position he had filled with honor for five years.

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A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County, Vol. II, Part 9

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