USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Litchfield County, Connecticut > Part 12
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children, of whom Edwin P., the subject of this sketch, is the only survivor. She died in Litchfield at the age of fifty-four years. Both parents were members of the Episcopal church.
Edwin P. Dickinson was educated in the public schools. At the age of fourteen he began life for himself as a farm laborer, an occupation which he followed until he reached the age of seventeen, when he commenced to learn the trade of a carriage-maker. He worked at that trade for fourteen years, and then moved to his present farm, where he has since resided. His property, containing two hundred and fifty acres, is devoted to general farming, and yields him a satisfactory income. He is a Republican in politics, and has served as Grand Juror and Assessor. He is a mem- ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was formerly a member of the Lodge in Litchfield. He is also connected with the Grange.
On July 3, 1848, Mr. Dickinson was united in marriage to Emma Gilbert. She was born in Litchfield, daughter of Truman Gilbert, who was a well-to-do farmer and a representa- tive of an old and prominent family of the neighborhood. Both he and his wife are now dead. Mrs. Edwin P. Dickinson became the mother of two children, namely: Gilbert Amos, who died at the age of nine years; and Ithamer T. Mr. Dickinson's wife died in 1876, aged forty-nine years. She was a member of the Episcopal church. Edwin P. Dickinson also attends that church, and has served it as Warden.
Ithamer T. Dickinson was born upon the farm where he now resides, November 17, 1854. He received his education in the pub- lic schools, and at an early age commenced to assist his father in attending to the farm duties. He has always remained at home, and now devotes his time and energies to conduct-
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ing the farm, thereby relieving his father of all care and responsibility during his declining years. He married Celia Pratt, daughter of Edward Pratt, of Litchfield, and has two chil- dren; namely, Lulu E. and Edith Louise. Ithamer T. Dickinson is a Republican in poli- tics, and was a Selectman for three years. He is an active member of the Grange. In his religious views he is an Episcopalian, is secre- tary and treasurer of Trinity Church, and also a Vestryman.
HARLES A. McNEIL, who is now living in retirement in Litchfield, was born upon the farm where he now resides, May 3, 1819, son of John and Polly (Catlin) McNeil. Mr. McNeil's great-grand- father, Archibald McNeil, was a native of the north of Ireland. He was of Scotch ancestry, the family having established their residence in Ireland during the reign of Robert Bruce. In company with two brothers, his father, mother, and an infant, he sailed for America ; and they were shipwrecked in the vicinity of Newport, where his father, mother, and the infant were lost, as well as all he and they possessed. One of the brothers returned ; while he and the other brother remained in America. They settled in Litchfield, where they bought land for the cost of survey, and cleared a good farm, which was located upon what is known as McNeil Hill. They en- gaged in mercantile business, and later intro- duced the manufacture of linen and woollen goods. They passed the remainder of their lives in Litchfield, and both died at about the age of seventy years. Mr. McNeil's grand- father, Archibald McNeil, was born in Litch- field, and was a lifelong resident of that town. He had a family of seven children, of whom Mr. McNeil's father was the only son.
John McNeil was born in Litchfield and
passed his boyhood at the homestead there. He was reared to farm life, and after the death of his father he succeeded to the ownership of the property. He followed agriculture suc- cessfully, and lived to the age of eighty-one years. His wife was a native of Litchfield, daughter of Able Catlin, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and died in Farming- ton at an advanced age. His family consisted of three sons and four daughters. Mrs. John McNeil became the mother of nine children, of whom Charles A., the subject of this sketch, is the only survivor. She lived to the age of eighty years. Both parents were mem- bers of the Congregational church.
Charles A. McNeil resided at home, assist - ing his father in carrying on the farm, until he was twenty-one years of age. He then purchased a small piece of property in Litch- field, which he cultivated for a time. Subse- quently he engaged in the manufacture of woollen goods in Goshen, but shortly after re- turned to agriculture, which he followed until 1851. In this year he caught the gold fever and went to the diggings in California, where he remained for two years. Upon his return he engaged in mercantile pursuits in Litch- field until 1859, when he went back to Cali- fornia. In 1862 he returned again and ran a store in his native town for seven years, atter which he sold out and engaged in farming with his brother upon the property he now occupies. He resided there for one year ; and, after culti. vating his cousin's farm for five years, he en gaged in trade to some extent in Torrington for a time, and then settled on his present estate, where he has since resided. The prop erty, which is known as Mountain View Fann, consists of one hundred acres; and its elevi- tion makes it a desirable and healthy location in which to reside. Mr. MeNeil is a Demo crat in politics. He is a member of St.
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Paul's Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Litchfield, and was formerly a member of the Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows.
In 1840 Mr. McNeil was married to his first wife, whose maiden name was Matilda Wheeler. She was one of the nine children of William Wheeler, formerly a prosperous farmer of Stonington, who moved to Litch- field, where he passed the remainder of his life. By this union there were three children, two of whom are still living; namely, Emily and George S. Emily married B. C. Sweet, a merchant of Hill's Grove, near Providence, R. I., and has three children, named Arthur, Mabel, and Harry. George S., who is a dyer in Lynn, Mass., is married and has two chil- dren, named Charles and Archibald. Mr. Mc- Neil's first wife, who was a member of the Episcopal church, died at the age of thirty- nine. He wedded for his second wife Mrs. Seraphina (Wheeler) Warner, daughter of Prentice and Seraphina Wheeler, of Stoning- ton, the former of whom was a shoemaker by trade. He had settled in Litchfield with his father, William Wheeler, and they passed the remainder of their lives in that town. Sera- phina Wheeler, who was twice married, had five children by her first husband, three of whom are still living ; namely, Mrs. McNeil, Emily, and Ansel. The mother still survives. Mr. and Mrs. McNeil have one daughter, named Ida B., who is now the wife of Clarence Way, a jeweller of Brooklyn, N. Y., and has one son, named Charles McNeil Way. Mr. McNeil is not connected with any religious denomina- tion, but assists liberally in supporting the various churches. He has lived a busy and industrious life. He is liberal and hospitable, an interesting conversationalist, with an intel- ligent conception of public matters, and is now enjoying a well-earned rest from the active labors of life.
RANK A. CASE, a prosperous mer- chant of New Hartford, who conducts a large country store in the Pine Meadow district, was born in Barkhamsted, September 9, 1847, son of Horace and Louisa (Blakelee) Case. Mr. Case's great - grand- father, Simon Case, was an early settler in Litchfield County. His son, Obed Case, Mr. Case's grandfather, was a resident of Barkham- sted, where he successfully engaged in agri- cultural pursuits for many years. He lived to
the age of eighty-four years.
Horace Case, father of Mr. Case, was born in Barkhamsted, and received his education in the district schools of his native town. He was reared to agricultural life, and became the owner of a farm in Barkhamsted, which he cultivated with profit for the greater part of his life. He was widely known as a skilful musician and band-master, being connected with different bands in the State. He was director of several bands in adjacent towns. His last public appearance as a musician was at the dedication of the Clark House in Win- sted. Mr. Case took an active interest in public affairs, and represented his town in the legislature two terms. He was made a Mason when twenty-two years old, and was a member of the fraternity for sixty years. He lived to the age of eighty-two. His wife, in maiden- hood Louisa Blakelee, was a native of Hart- land, daughter of Samuel Blakelee, an early settler in that town. She became the mother of four sons, as follows: C. H. Case, who for the past thirty years has been a well-known jeweller of Hartford; Dwight, who is superin- tendent of the Gilbert House in Winsted; Frank A., the subject of this sketch; and Hubert B., a retired farmer and merchant of Barkhamsted. She died in Barkhamsted, aged forty-four years. Mr. Case's parents attended the Universalist church.
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Frank A. Case commenced his education in the common schools of his native town. Sub- sequently he took a course at the Wesleyan Academy, and then became a clerk in a gen- eral store in New Hartford. After spending two years in this employment he took an addi- tional course at a business college in New Haven. He next secured a position as clerk in the large dry-goods establishment of Lord & Taylor in New York City, and remained there one year. During the succeeding four years he was employed as a clerk in the store of S. Allen in Pine Meadow, at the expiration of which time he went to Ohio, where he was engaged in selling machinery. He was absent one year, when he returned to Pine Meadow and became proprietor of a hotel known as the Willcox House. He carried it on for four years ; and then, in company with his brother, he conducted a general store in Barkhamsted for eight years. At this time he bought the New Hartford Hotel, which after three years he sold, and took charge of a hotel in Tariffville for one year. In 1885 he once more returned to Pine Meadow, purchased the large general store in which he had worked as a boy, and has since continued mercantile business. He now conducts one of the most extensive general country stores in the county; and, besides the usual line of goods carried in such an establish- ment, he deals in clothing, gentlemen's fur- nishings, drugs, and patent medicines, with which he supplies a large and constantly in- creasing patronage. Mr. Case is prominently identified with public affairs in New Hartford. He has served as Deputy Sheriff, was in the legislatures of 1875 and 1879, and has been a member of the Board of Relief. Pressure of business has forced him to decline other important offices. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, being a member of Amos Beecher Lodge of New Hartford, the Cohmm
bia Chapter in Collinsville, Tyrian Council of Winsted, Washington Commandery of Hart- ford, and the Consistory and Mystic Shrine of Bridgeport. His brothers are also members of the Masonic fraternity, C. H. Case being advanced to the thirty-second degree. Mr. Case is likewise connected with the Order of Red Men in Winsted, and is Past Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias of New Hartford.
In 1868 Mr. Case was united in marriage to Emma J. Willcox, only daughter of Sherman Willcox, who was formerly a hotel-keeper of Pine Meadow. Mrs. Case's grandfather was a well-known tavern-keeper there, and a very prominent man in his day. Her father was successful in the hotel business, and favorably known to the travelling public. He died at the age of forty-seven, and his wife died at the age of thirty-two. Mr. and Mrs. Case have two children; namely, Hattie and Lulu B. Hattie was educated at the New Hartford High School, and was engaged in teaching for some time. She married Harry E. Gates, an undertaker of New Hartford, and has two chil- dren, named Catherine and Susan 1. The family attend the Episcopal church, and Mrs. Case is connected with the various church societies.
1.BERT G. WILSON, ex-Judge of Pro- bate and a prominent resident of Har- winton, was born in Marion, Perry County. Ala., February 4. 1840, son of Sam uel and Julia ( Baldwin) Wilson. Mr. Wilson is a descendant of John Wilson, who was born February 7, 1711. John Wilson's son. Eli Wilson, who was born November 30. 1740, was Judge Wilson's great-grandfather. Sam uel Wilson, the grandfather, was born in Har winton. December 29, 1782, and during his early manhood was engaged in agricultme in that town. He moved to New York State,
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where he was employed in the manufacture of salt, and resided for a time in Syracuse. He finally returned to Harwinton, where he passed his declining years and died. He was a prom- inent man in the community, and a Deacon of the church for many years. Samuel Wilson married Nancy Moody, a native of Connecti- cut ; and she became the mother of six chil- dren. She died in Illinois.
Samuel Wilson, Jr., Mr. Wilson's father, was born in New York State, August 25, 1805. When a young man he came to Har- winton, and after residing upon a farm for a time he moved to Alabama, where he engaged in mercantile business with success for many years. He had a farm in Harwinton, upon which he resided during the summer, his win- ters being passed in the South, attending to his business there. He finally abandoned trade, and, returning to Harwinton, resided there permanently until his death, which oc- curred October 29, 1878, aged seventy-three years. His wife, in maidenhood Julia Bald- win, who was born in Harwinton, became the mother of six children, of whom Albert G., the subject of this sketch, is the only survivor. Another son was in the Confederate Army dur- ing the Civil War, first serving in a cavalry regiment, and later in the ordnance depart- ment. The mother died in Harwinton, Sep- tember 16, 1876, aged seventy-one years.
Albert G. Wilson resided in Alabama until he was four years of age, at which time he came to Harwinton, where the primary branches of his elementary education were re- ceived. After attending the public schools for a time he spent one year at a boarding- school in Orange, N. J., and completed his studies in Hartford, Conn. He then went to Texas, where he remained for three years, at the expiration of which time he returned to Harwinton and engaged in agricultural pur-
suits upon the farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres formerly owned by his grand- father. He followed farming prosperously from 1862 to 1887; and then renting the prop- erty he removed to the village, where he has since resided.
For many years he has been closely identi- fied with public affairs in Harwinton. He is a Democrat in politics. Although his party is in the minority, he has been elected to important official positions. He has been a member of the School Board for several years, was elected a Representative to the legis- lature in 1877, and served as Judge of Probate in Harwinton for two years. He lias also been Secretary of the Torrington Creamery for two years, was a charter member of the Grange, of which he was Master for four years and is now Secretary.
On March 18, 1862, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Helen Lucretia Wilson, daugh- ter of Lyman and Lucretia (Bull) Wilson, the former of whom was born in Harwinton, June 18, 1813. He was a well-known farmer, and died February 12, 1875, aged sixty-two years. His wife was born in Harwinton, April II, 1815, daughter of John Bull, Jr., and Dotha (Austin) Bull. Mrs. Albert G. Wilson is a direct descendant of Captain Thomas Bull, who was born in England in 1606. He came to America on the ship "Hopewell " in 1635, becoming a resident of Connecticut in 1636. He raised a family of seven children, and died at the age of seventy-eight. His son, Thomas Bull, was born in 1646, and was the father of John Bull, who was born in Hartford in 1696, and settled in Harwinton in 1733, there being but three or four families residing in the town at that time. Thomas Bull, second, died in Harwinton. His son, Samuel Bull, was a farmer and a lifelong resident of Harwinton. He raised a family of ten children, and died
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in 1794, at the age of seventy-two. His son, John Bull, Mrs. Wilson's great-grandfather, was born in 1759, and was a lifelong resident of Harwinton, where he followed the occupa- tions of shoemaker and tanner. He was a Captain in the Revolutionary War, and died in 1837, aged seventy-eight. Mrs. Wilson's grandfather, John Bull, Jr., was born in Har- winton, October 10, 1786. He followed tan- ning and shoemaking as well as agriculture, and was prominently identified with public affairs. He was a Whig in politics, served as a member of the Board of Selectmen, and was a Representative in the legislature for three terms. John Bull, Jr., died at the age of ninety. His farm, which was a part of the original grant deeded to his ancestors in 1733, is now in the possession of the family. His wife was a descendant of General Wadsworth, who concealed the charter in the historical oak- tree at Hartford. Mrs. Wilson's mother, who still survives, has always lived in Harwinton. She is bright and active, possessing a great fund of general information, and is well ac- quainted with the genealogy of the principal families in that section. She is often con- sulted on matters relating to family history. Although she is now eighty years of age, her memory is good ; and she has kindly furnished valuable data for this sketch.
Mr. and Mrs. Albert G. Wilson have had six children, five of whom are still living, namely : Helen Dotha, who attended school in New Britain, and is now the wife of Newman Hungerford, a commercial traveller of Hart- ford; Anna HI., formerly a school teacher, who married Walter B. Leavenworth, a farmer, and has two children - Vera W. and Lizzie Bar- ber; Mary B., who has been a well-known school teacher in Harwinton for several years; Julia C. and Lucy I .. , who reside at home ; and Adeline, who died at the age of thirteen
years. The family attend the Congregational church, of which Mrs. Wilson and her daugh- ters are members, and are actively engaged in church work.
EORGE T. JOHNSON, a druggist of Norfolk, was born in Watertown, Conn., June 29, 1853, son of David S. and Sophia (Stone) Johnson. Mr. Johnson's grandfather, Ebenezer Johnson, was born in Newtown, Conn., August 13, 1775. He first located in Sharon, Conn., where he resided for a time, settling later in Watertown, where he passed the remainder of his life, and died May 19, 1833. Ebenezer Johnson married Lucy Allen, who was born November 1, 1777. She died in 1838, having borne her husband seven children ; namely, Henry, John B., William A., Sarah M., David S .. Chester A., and George B.
David S. Johnson, Mr. Johnson's father. was born in Watertown, February 16, 1808. He was a farmer in his early manhood. He subsequently moved to the State of Texas. where he was engaged in mercantile business with his brother, and died July 14. 1861. His wife, whom he married September 21. 1852, was a daughter of David Stone, of Mid- dlebury. She was born January 29. 1825, and reared a family of four children ; namely, Mel- ville S., Benton O., George T., and Dwight D. She still survives.
George T. Johnson commenced to learn the business of a druggist and apothecary in 18;1. becoming thoroughly proficient in the handling of drugs and the compounding of medicines. In 1876 he established himself in business in Norfolk, where he has been successful from the start, and is now conducting a prosperous trade. He carries a large and varied stock of drugs, chemicals, druggist's sundries, paints, oils, etc., and also deals in crockery ware.
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Since starting in business "he has erected a new store and residence. Mr. Johnson has reached his present position of prosperity by diligent application to business, and so win- ning the confidence and patronage of a large number of customers. He is a member of Western Star Lodge, No. 31, A. F. & A. M., of Meridian Chapter, Tyrian Council, and of Washington Commandery, Knights Templars. . He is also connected with Clifton Lodge, In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows.
On January 1, 1879, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Annie Humphrey, a daughter of Deacon J. Humphrey. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have three children, namely : Lila H., who was born November 19, 1881 ; Fred J., born January 7, 1883 ; and George D., born December 9, 1888. Mr. Johnson is a Republican in politics, and represented his town in the legislature during the session of 1895. The family attend the Congregational church.
RS. EDWARD H. HOLLEY, the leading milliner of Torrington, is a highly intelligent and able busi- ness woman, and is held in general respect throughout this locality, wherein she has a host of friends. She is a native of this State, born in Avon, Hartford County, which was the birthplace also of her father, Amos Wheeler, Jr., and of her paternal grandfather, Amos Wheeler, Sr., who died there at the age of forty-five years.
The father of Mrs. Holley obtained his edu- cation at the common schools of Avon, and afterward completed his studies at the Colches- ter Academy. He was Postmaster of the town for many years, in addition to managing a store of general merchandise. After the construction of the Canal Railway he was appointed station agent. By the faithful
performance of his duties in both positions he gave general satisfaction. In 1869 Mr. Wheeler disposed of his store and came to Torrington, which he afterward made his home until his decease in 1882, aged sixty years. He continued in mercantile occupations during his entire life, and was travelling salesman for a Hartford firm during his last years. He was very firm in his political opinions, which favored the Republican party. The maiden name of his wife, mother of Mrs. Holley, was Martha Chidsey, a native of Avon, born in 1824, being a daughter of Jacob Chidsey, a highly respected citizen of that town. Mr. Chidsey was a man of integrity, very strict in regard to the observance of the Sabbath, and a regular attendant of the Congregational church. He lived to the advanced age of seventy-six years, retaining his faculties un- dimmed, and is still held in loving remem- brance by his grandchildren. His wife, grandmother of Mrs. Holley, whose maiden name was Martha Baldwin, was a native of Branford. Her father was the only one that returned home of the seven men of Branford who fought in the War of Independence. Mrs. Wheeler was one of a family of four brothers and two sisters. She reared seven children, six of whom are now living ; namely, Frank M., Perley W., Nellie W., Lillie (the wife of E. T. Coe), Homer C., and Leonard D. She is a valued member of the Congrega- tional church.
Mrs. Edward H. Holley received her ele- mentary education in the common schools of her native town, afterward attending the New Britain High School. At the age of sixteen years, having taught school the previous year in Avon, she came with her parents to Tor- rington and completed her studies at the high school. After that she resumed teaching in this vicinity, and had been so employed for
Mr. and Mrs. HENRY SANFORD.
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five years, when in 1876 she married Edward Holley. Mr. and Mrs. Holley then went to Pennsylvania and lived on a farm for six years. They returned to Torrington in 1882, on the death of Mr. Holley's father, when they took possession of the old Holley homestead, where they have since resided. In 1892 Mrs. Holley, who has great artistic taste as well as business tact, opened her present millinery business. She has met with unqualified suc- cess, and has won a large patronage among the foremost residents of the locality. She was brought prominently before the public a few years ago, when she sued the town for damages claimed on account of the road cut in front of her house. By her indomitable pluck and per- sistence she won her case in spite of all the opposition of the town, made through the best of legal talent obtainable. In private life Mrs. Holley is a true and loyal friend, a devoted wife, and a loving mother.
Mr. Holley is a native of Torrington, and was here reared to man's estate, acquiring an excellent education in the high school of this place, in a New York school, and later finish- ing his studies at the Williston Seminary. For some years thereafter Mr. Holley was engaged in this vicinity and in Bridgeport as a dealer in boots and shoes. After his mar- riage he engaged in agriculture. He owned a fine farm, which he devoted to dairy purposes, manufacturing some fifteen hundred pounds of butter per week, and also conducting a large creamery. On the death of his father, Francis N. Holley, he returned to the home of his youth and invested his money in a knife shop; but, his health breaking down shortly after, he was obliged to give up active labor.
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