USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Litchfield County, Connecticut > Part 17
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George L. Foskett was trained to the wagon and carriage making trade by his father. He had obtained an education in public and pri- vate schools and at the Fort Edward Collegiate Institute in Washington County, New York, from which he was graduated in 1865. His first business experience, however, was as a clerk for B. F. Marsh, who kept a general store in Winsted. He remained with him for three years, and then took the position of agent for David Howard & Co., in which firm he was a silent partner. Three years later the firm wound up their business and Mr. Foskett moved to his present home, then the property of his father, becoming identified with the latter in his business and succeeding him therein. The farm on which he lives is noted for its fine spring water, and was the source from which the east part of Winsted for some
time derived its supply. Mr. Foskett was associated with his father in the breeding of Jersey cattle, in which he still continues. He also breeds the Shropshire grades of sheep. He has been a member of the Board of Agri- culture for the past two years, and is Secretary of the State Cattle Commission. He is also interested in building enterprises, being a stockholder in the Winsted House Company, and general agent for same. He is besides prominent in various social orders. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, in which he has been Chaplain five years, District Deputy of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and member of the Grand Lodge, member of the Grange, and Master of the Mountain County Pomona Grange. He is also one of the Directors of the Winsted Park. In poli- tics he is a Republican, and is a man who takes a keen interest in the welfare of his town and locality.
Mr. Foskett was married on November 24 (Thanksgiving Day), 1870, to Miss Mary E. Bird, of Winsted, daughter of James Bird, of Bethlehem, Conn. Mr. and Mrs. Foskett have lost one infant son. The living children are as follows : George Herman, born July 30, 1873, who was educated in Winsted and at the Robins School at Norfolk, and who,- after some time with an uncle in Chicago, returned home on account of poor health and is now engaged on the farm; Charles Lewis, born September 25, 1876, now in the Storrs Agri- cultural College of Connecticut; and Eliza- beth, born June 21, 1882, a bright and promis- ing girl of thirteen years.
HARLES M. CHASE, a successful merchant and a highly respected and influential citizen of Winsted, Conn., was born in Millbury, Mass., January
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29, 1863, son of David B. and Sarah (Newton) Chase. His grandfather, Paul C. Chase, was also a native of Millbury, where he was born about 1803. Like the majority of his contem- poraries in his town, Grandfather Chase was reared to the business of farming, and when he started out in life for himself he adopted it tor his regular occupation. He married Miss Mary Blood, and their union was blessed by the birth of two sons and four daughters. All the children lived to marry and rear families. Two now survive, namely: George L. Chase, who is President of the Hartford Fire Insur- ance Company at Hartford, Conn. ; and David B. Their father died in Millbury, Mass., in 1883 ; and their mother passed away about five years later. Both rest in the Millbury cemetery.
David B. Chase learned the trade of a machinist, at which he worked for a time; but during the past sixteen years he has been suc- cessfully conducting business as a hardware merchant in Winsted, having a store at 309 Main Street. He was married in 1850 to Sarah Newton Chase, a daughter of William Newton, of Wilkinsonville, Mass., engaged in business as a millwright. Four children were born to them, namely: George F. Chase, a builder of Millbury; a daughter who died in infancy ; and Charles M. and Agnes J. Chase, who reside at home. Agnes J., assisted by her brother Charles, is successfully engaged in the florist's business. She has established a thriving trade, and makes a fine floral display in their garden and greenhouse. Their mother died in 1868, over forty years of age. After a time their father remarried, his bride being Miss Augusta Newton, a sister of his former wife. They reside at their pleasant home at 5 Prospect Street.
Charles M. Chase, who has always lived at home, attended the common school until he
was seventeen years of age. He then spent six years learning the tinsmith's trade in his father's shop, after which he continued to work for his father up to the spring of 1895, when he succeeded, to the business. He is a thorough business man, and was practically manager for the past eleven years. He carries an excellent assortment of stoves, and tin and sheet iron ware. Mr. Chase has thus far chosen the life of single blessedness. In political mat - ters he is a Republican. He has been Warden of Winsted since May, 1894. He is a charter member of Waramaug Tribe of Red Men, and an enthusiastic, active, and efficient worker in that noble band. He is also a member and Past Grand Master of Clifton Lodge, No. 30, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
OHN C. RICHMOND, a well-known public official and prosperous farmer of North Canaan, was born in that town March 29, 1839, son of John H. and Betsey A. (Curtis) Richmond. Mr. Richmond's grandfather was Dr. John Richmond, a prac- tising physician of Haddam, Conn. John HI. Richmond was born in Haddam, and came to Canaan at the age of fifteen. He moved from Canaan to Salisbury, Conn., in which latter place he resided eight years, and at the expira. tion of that time returned to North Cannan. He purchased the farm on which his son, John C., resides, and engaged in agriculture with prosperous results until his death, which took place when he was sixty-three years old. Itis wife, Betsey A. Curtis, was a daughter of James Curtis, of Sheffield, Conn. She be came the mother of two children, John C. and Charles H. Her death occurred when she was in her fifty-fifth year.
John C. Richmond was trained to an agu cultural life, and remained for some years on
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the home farm. He was later for several years engaged in teaming for the Barnum & Rich- ardson Company, but finally resumed farming. After his father's death he came into posses- sion of the homestead, on which he has since resided. The farm, which is situated about a mile from the village, originally consisted of one hundred acres, to which Mr. Richmond has added twenty acres, and now has a well- improved farm, which he cultivates with satis- factory results. Mr. Richmond is a veteran in the public service, having held the office of Deputy Sheriff for twenty-three years and that of Tax Collector for twenty years. He has also acted as Constable, Grand Juror, and Justice of the Peace. In 1876 he was united in mar- riage to Elizabeth Roraback, daughter of John C. Roraback, of Sheffield, Conn.
ILLIAM HENRY VINING, whose features are portrayed on the adjoin- ing page, and something of whose family history is given below, is an intelligent and prosperous agriculturist of Colebrook, Conn., and one of the most valued and es- teemed citizens of the town. He was born March 10, 1840, in the town of Birmingham, New Haven County, Conn., and comes of excellent English ancestry. His father, Will- iam Vining, was a son of Thomas Vining, both being natives of Simsbury, Conn. The latter, who married Mary Wesley, was a car- penter ; and in addition to following his trade he also carried on general farming, his home- stead being in Simsbury.
William Vining learned the carpenter's trade when a young man, but after his removal to Birmingham engaged in the manufacture of wire, then one of the principal industries of that place, and also carried on farming to
some extent. A few years later he returned to the place of his nativity, and, buying a farm, there engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, at the age of sixty-nine years. His wife, Orpha Hart Vining, bore him eight children, as follows: Albert; Wealthy; Rob- ert; Mariette; William H., of whom we write; Julius; Elizabeth ; and Alice. Mrs. Orpha H. Vining was a daughter of Titus Hart, of Colebrook, and spent her last years on the Simsbury homestead. Her father was twice married. His first wife, Lucy Johnson, who was born September 22, 1803, died at the age of thirty-eight years, leaving eight children. His second wife was Betsey An- drews, a daughter of Elijah Andrews; and of their union nine children were born, making. seventeen of the two marriages, all but one of whom grew to adult life.
Mr. Hart was born in Wallingford, Conn., and was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. After the declaration of peace he came to Colebrook, where he bought a tract of wild land, upon which he built a good set of build- ings and cleared a homestead for himself and family, living here until his death, July 27, 1844, four days to the decease of his second wife.
William H. Vining was reared and edu- cated in Simsbury, residing there until twenty- one years old, when he went to New York City, where he was engaged in the livery busi- ness for three or four years. Going from there to Springfield, Mass., he was employed for some time in the United States Armory, coming from there to Colebrook, where he has been engaged in general farming on the Hart homestead. Mr. Vining was united in mar- riage November 26, 1867, with Jane S. Hart, who was born on the farm where she now resides, August 15, 1847. Her father, Tim- othy Hart, was born on the same farm, and was
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WILLIAM H. VINING.
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a son of Titus and Betsey (Andrews) Hart, mentioned above.
Timothy Hart was for many years identified with the agricultural interests of this town, having always resided on the paternal home- stead, at the death of his parents buying the interest of the other heirs. He lived to cele- brate the eightieth anniversary of his birth. He was quite prominent in local affairs, being an influential member of the Democratic party, and serving one or more terms in the State legislature. The maiden name of his wife was Margaret Wakefield. She was born August 9, 1806, on the adjoining farm, the birthplace of her father, Adin Wakefield, who came into the world on November 25, 1773. His father, Patershall Wakefield, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Vining, was formerly from Ashford, Conn., but removed from there to Windsor, where he married Margaret Phelps. From Windsor he came to Colebrook and bought a tract of land near the centre of the town, being one of the original settlers of the place. A few years later his wife was taken sick and returned to her relatives in Windsor, where she died. He subsequently married Sarah Barnard.
Adin Wakefield was reared to mature years by his maternal grandparents in Windsor. After his marriage he bought a tract of unim- proved land in the south part of Colebrook, on which he erected good buildings. He there carried on farming until his death, June 16, 1857, at the age of fourscore and three years. The maiden name of his wife, grandmother of Mrs. Vining, was Susannah Barney. She was born June 11, 1774, and died November 23, 1856, leaving six children. Of the union of Timothy Hart and Margaret Wakefield but one child was born, Mrs. Vining. Mrs. Hart died September 14, 1875, some years before her husband.
The pleasant household circle of Mr. and Mrs. Vining has included six children ; namely, Adin W., Roscoe W., Leon H., Lil- lian J., Florence M., and Henry H. Roscoe W. Vining is now attending the Folts Mission Institute at Herkimer, N. Y., as a member of the class of 1896. Leon H., the third child, died on October 3, 1878, at the age of two years. Since reaching his majority Mr. Vin- ing has been a prominent and useful member of the Democratic party, serving with faithful zeal in the various town offices, having been a member of the Board of Health, of the School Board, Assessor, Collector, and thirteen years a member of the Board of Selectmen. In 1879 he was elected to the State legislature, where he voted for William Eaton for United States Senator. Socially, Mr. Vining is a member of the Colebrook Grange, No. 82.
Mr. Vining has in his possession the first deed for the land he lives on, dated November. 1780, to Titus Hart, by Samuel Mattoon. At that time this town was a part of Waterbury.
ILLIAM BISSELL, M.D .. one of the leading physicians of Lakeville, was born in Litchfield, Conn .. March 15, 1830, son of Amos and Lydia B. (Hall) Bissell. Amos Bissell, who was also a native of Litchfield, owned a large farm about two and a half miles west of Litchfield village, and spent many years of his life in the successful pursuit of agriculture. He lived to be eighty seven years old. His wife died at sixty-four years of age. They were the par ents of four sons and three daughters ; namely, Edward, William, Elizabeth, Julia, Mary, Dwight, and Lyman. The last-named died in infancy.
William Bissell received his early education in Litchfield under the instruction of the Rev.
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C. G. Eastman. Later on he attended Yale College, graduating in the class of 1853. He then took up the study of medicine at the New Haven Medical College, and graduated from there in 1856. That same year he began the practice of his profession in Elizabeth, Union County, N. J. After six months he came to Lakeville, where he now has quite an exten- sive practice. He has also frequent calls from the surrounding towns.
In 1858 he was joined in marriage with Miss Mary G. Biddleman, of Bloomsbury, N. J. She is now sixty years old. They have three sons and a daughter, as follows: Joseph B., who is now a practising physician in New York City; William B., a successful physi- cian of Lakeville; Edward C., who is studying law; and May B. Dr. Bissell is an honored member of the State and County Medical Soci- eties, and is held in high estimation by the community in which he lives. His office is in his residence on the principal street of Lakeville.
RS. HARRIET D. (WADS- WORTH) KILBOURNE, widow of the late Dr. Charles J. Kil- bourne, is a cultured and refined woman, whom it is a pleasure to meet in social circles. She was born in Litchfield, a daughter of James C. Wadsworth, who was one of Farmington's favored sons. Her grandfather, Luke Wads- worth, a lifelong resident of Farmington, was well known and respected in Hartford County. He married Abigail Cowles, who, likewise, spent her entire life in that town; and they reared a family of eight children, of whom James C. was their second child.
James C. Wadsworth was reared and edu- cated in the town of his birth, and began to earn a living when quite young. He was first
employed as a clerk at a store in Lansingburg, where he afterward established himself in busi- ness on his own account. He subsequently removed to Litchfield, here opening a store with his brother Amos, and continuing in business with him for a number of years. Re- moving then to Danbury, Mr. Wadsworth be- came a leading merchant of the place. He had been there about seven years when a disas- trous conflagration consumed his store and stock. Deeming himself too far advanced in years to then start another establishment, he returned to this town, and thereafter lived retired from active business until his demise, at the venerable age of ninety-two years. His wife, whose maiden name was Sally Cooke, was a daughter of Thomas Cooke, and a grand- daughter of Colonel Joseph P. Cooke, an officer in the State militia and in the Revolu- tionary army. Colonel Cooke was an inti- mate friend of General Washington, who visited him at his home by invitation on two different occasions. A graduate of Yale, he was a man of many accomplishments, was a member of the First Congress, and was other- wise prominent in public life for twoscore years. Thomas Cooke was twice married. Mrs. Wadsworth had two own brothers, James H. and William Cooke, both prominent mer- chants of New York City, the latter being a large cotton and dry goods dealer. She also had two half-brothers and one half-sister. Of her union with Mr. Wadsworth two daughters and four sons were born. They were: Harriet D., the subject of this review; James C. L. ; William Cooke; George, a resident of Buffalo ; Henry, deceased; and Caroline, deceased, widow of General Henry Wessells, formerly an officer in the regular army. The mother spent her last years in New York City, dying in 1869, aged seventy-five years. She was a woman of true Christian spirit, and both she
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and her husband were sincere members of the Congregational church.
Mrs. Kilbourne spent a few of her childhood years in Danbury, and then came to Litchfield with her parents, where she received her edu- cation in a private school. She received an excellent training in the domestic arts from her wise mother, remaining beneath the paren- tal roof until her union with Charles J. Kil- bourne, June 25, 1844. Mr. Kilbourne was born in Litchfield in 1820, son of Truman Kilbourne, who was then one of the foremost merchants of this town. Mr. Truman Kil- bourne subsequently removed to Naugatuck and thence to Waterbury, where he followed his business throughout the remainder of his life. He was quite prominent in financial and religious circles, highly respected by all, and a worthy member of the Congregational church, of which he was Deacon for many years.
Charles J. Kilbourne received his prelimi- nary education in Litchfield, and began the study of medicine with Dr. Beckwith, a noted practitioner. He subsequently removed to Stanford, Dutchess County, N. Y., where he entered upon the practice of his profession, becoming one of the leading physicians of that place. He was very successful in his work, winning the confidence of the people and the thorough respect of his professional brethren. In 1851, owing to overwork and exposure, his health failed and he went South, hoping that rest and the mild breezes of a genial climate would restore his physical powers. Not find- ing the hoped for relief he returned to the place of his nativity, remaining here until his demise in January, 1853, at the carly age of thirty-two years. A man of broad and liberal views, eminently charitable, with a heart abounding with love of God and his fellow- men, he was a true Christian, although con- nected with no religions denomination by
membership. Mrs. Kilbourne is a member of the Congregational church, having united with it many years ago, and is one of its most faith- ful adherents. She occupies the house which was purchased by her father some seventy years ago, and was built in 1812. It was at one time occupied by Colonel Talmadge, a well-known citizen, as a store and post-office. One of her brothers, James C. L. Wadsworth, makes his home with her. He was reared in this town, afterward going to Danbury, thence to Buffalo, N. Y., where he clerked in a hard- ware store for some time. Mr. Wadsworth then visited California, making his home on the Pacific Coast for several years, and return- ing to Litchfield in 1892, since which time he has resided with Mrs. Kilbourne.
HINEHAS R. BALDWIN, a well- known farmer of Cornwall, was born in that town, June 19, 1819, son of Captain Phinehas and Nancy (Rexford) Bald- win. Mr. Baldwin's father, who was the sixth in a direct line to bear the name of Phinchas, was born in Milford, Conn. He came to Cornwall when quite young, to live with his uncle, Captain John Miles. He learned the carpenter's trade, an occupation which he tol. lowed in connection with farming. He was prominently identified with local affairs, and rendered much valuable service to the town. He held the rank of Captain in the State militia, and was always interested in military affairs. He lived to the age of eighty fom years. His wife, who was a daughter of Sam uel Rexford, of Cornwall, became the mother of eight children ; namely. Samuel Rexford, Lydia M., Phinchas R., John Franklin, Sarah Elizabeth, Harvey Woodruff, Nancy Abigail, and Thaddeus Robert. The mother died aged fifty five years.
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Phinehas R. Baldwin received his education in the common schools, and was brought up to farming, which has been his occupation through life. He settled upon a farm situated near the village, where he has since resided, occupied in the profitable cultivation of his land. He has always displayed a great deal of energy and ability as a farmer, and is known and recognized as a conscientious and fair-minded citizen.
Mr. Baldwin has been twice married. In 1854 he wedded for his first wife Sarah Jane Stone, daughter of Ira and Nancy Stone, of Warren, Conn., both of whom died at the age of seventy-eight years. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Stone were : Mary Eliza, Sarah Jane, James A., Nancy Maria, Fanny C., Hannah Elizabeth, and Henry Daniel. Mr. Baldwin's first wife died at the age of twenty-five, leav- ing one son, Frank Stone Baldwin, who is a well-known resident of Cornwall and a Deacon of the Congregational church. In 1858 lie wedded for his second wife Fanny C. Stone, his first wife's sister.
Mr. Baldwin is a Republican in politics ; and both he and his wife attend the Congregational church, of which they are members.
EORGE W. HALL, Postmaster and a general merchant of Falls Village, was born in Sheffield, Mass., Sep- tember 20, 1843, son of Select and Caroline (Bartholomew) Hall. Mr. Hall's father was a prosperous farmer of Sheffield, and died at the age of fifty-one years. His wife, daughter of Willis Bartholomew, became the mother of five children; namely, Mary J., Paulina E., Martha, William E., and George W. She died at the age of fifty-five years.
George W. Hall received his education in his native town, and at the age of fourteen
started in life as a clerk. He continued in that occupation seventeen years, and then en- gaged in mercantile business in Falls Village. After conducting this enterprise for fifteen years he formed a stock company known as the George W. Hall Company. The business steadily grew in proportions, proving a profit- able investment for all concerned. The com- pany has now a branch store in Lakeville, Conn. They carry a large stock of goods. Mr. Hall is held in high estimation, and has secured a wide reputation as a man of busi- ness. He was Postmaster in Falls Village for twelve years, and is now serving his second term as Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. In 1868 Mr. Hall was united in marriage to Caroline Randall, daughter of A. C. Randall, of Falls Village.
HARLES W. BARNUM, Vice-Presi- dent of the Barnum & Richardson Company, of Lime Rock, Conn., was born here October 30, 1855, son of William H. and Charlotte A. Barnum. Hon. William H. Barnum was extensively engaged in iron manufacture and was the originator of the well-known firm of Barnum, Richardson & Co. He was a stanch Democrat, and took an active part in political affairs, representing the Fourth Connecticut District in Congress, 1867-76, being then elected to the United States Senate to fill the term ending March 4, 1879. He died in 1889, at the age of seventy years. His wife, whose maiden name was Charlotte A. Burrell, was a daughter of Charles Burrell. She lived to be seventy-five years old. They reared the following children : Charles W., Laura C., William M., and Lucy.
Charles W. Barnum received his early edu- cation in a private school at Lime Rock. At the age of seventeen he went to work in his
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father's office, and in course of time became one of the members of the stock company of which he has now been Vice-President many years. This company does a large manufact- uring business. In 1875 Mr. Barnum was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of the Rev. George Nickelos, of Hoosick Falls, N. Y. Two children have blessed their union, Richard N. and Charlotte.
In politics Mr. Barnum is a Democrat. In religion he is an Episcopalian, his wife also being a communicant of the Episcopal church. He is prominent among the business men of Lime Rock, and is very popular with all classes, being a gentleman of liberal ideas, affable, and kindly. He has a beautiful resi- dence in the eastern part of the town, situated on the side of a hill.
We are happy to present in connection with this brief biographical notice a portrait of Mr. Charles W. Barnum as the representative of one of the leading families of Litchfield County, a family whose influence has been widely felt in business circles and in State and national politics. .
REDERICK U. NEWCOMB, a promi- nent boot and shoe merchant of Litch- field, was born in Goshen, Conn., December 2, 1861, son of George W. and Mary S. (Wheeler) Newcomb. Mr. New- comb's grandfather, Coville Newcomb, fol- lowed agriculture and resided upon a farm situated on the line between Goshen and Litchfield. He became the father of twelve children, and died at the age of eighty years. George W. Newcomb, a native of Goshen, was reared to agricultural life. In carly manhood he learned the trade of a house painter. He followed that occupation in Goshen until 1877, when he moved to Litch-
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