USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Litchfield County, Connecticut > Part 29
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73
principal town offices, and was elected a mem- ber of the legislature. His was a busy and useful life until its close, which occurred April 13, 1884, when he was seventy-five years old. His wife, who was born January 19, 1816, became the mother of five children. namely: Andrew, who died July 18, 1860; Emily; Sarah; Adelaide: and Eva. The mother lived to the age of seventy-eight years. and died August 13, 1894.
Adelaide Weller married Andrew Northrop. son of Waite and Polly (Ruggles) Northrop, born in Brookfield, February 2, 1817. Mr. Northrop's grandfather was Andrew Northrop. a prosperous farmer of Brookfield; and his son, Waite Northrop, succeeded to the owner- ship of the homestead. The latter was thrifty and energetic, and became the owner of a large and productive farm. His son, Andrew Northrup, the late husband of Mrs. Adelaide Northrop, when a young man settled near the Iron Works in Brookfield, where he purchased a quarry, and engaged in burning lime. He carried on a large and profitable enterprise for many years, and finally retired from business in affluent circumstances, his latter days being passed at his comfortable home in Brookfield. In 1891, while on his way to Johnstown, N. Y., accompanied by his wife. he met with an accident, being struck by an engine and having his foot crushed, and was taken to the Albany hospital, where he died. After the death of her husband Mrs. Northrop returned to the Weller homestead.
ENRY F. REYNOLDS, who owns and condnets a productive farm situ- ated at Reynolds Bridge in the town of Thomaston, was born where he now resides, December 4. 182D, son of Russell and Mary (Castle) Reynolds. The family is
264
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
of Scotch-Irish ancestry ; and Mr. Reynolds's great-grandfather, Samuel Reynolds, was among the early settlers of Watertown, where he followed agriculture prosperously for a greater part of his life. His last years were spent with his son in the part of Plymouth now called Thomaston, where he died at the age of ninety years. Mr. Reynolds's grand- father, Samuel, Jr., was a native of Water- town, and was reared to farm life. He re- sided at home until he attained his majority, when he purchased a small piece of land in the present town of Thomaston, near the home of his grandson. The property contained a blacksmith's shop, the upper story of which he fitted up as a residence; and he occupied it as such until 1796. Then he built the house that still stands upon the place, in a good state of preservation. He followed agriculture as an occupation during the rest of his life, and died in 1813. He married Sarah Foote, who was born in that part of Litchfield which is now called Morris; and she was the mother of nine children. She died at the homestead in Thomaston in 1827.
Russell Reynolds was born in Watertown in 1781. He became a resident of Thomaston when he was fourteen years old, and during his father's declining years, he took charge of the farm. He was a thrifty and industri- ous farmer and a prominent and useful man in the community. He died in May, 1869, aged eighty-eight years. He was an attendant of the Episcopal church, and acted as a Vestry- man, Collector, and chorister for many years. His wife, Mary Castle, was a representative of one of the earliest families that settled in Plymouth ; and she became the mother of five children, as follows: Pamelia, who died at the age of ninety-five; Clarissa, who died at eighty-four; Emeline, who died at seventy- five; George, who now resides with his
brother; and Henry F., the subject of this sketch. The mother died at the home of her son in September, 1869, aged eighty-eight years.
Henry F. Reynolds was educated in the common schools of Thomaston, and resided at home, assisting his father in attending to the farm until he was twenty-six years old. He then took charge of the property, which he has since greatly improved. He erected his present substantial residence in 1857. He built a saw-mill near the old homestead, which he operates in connection with farm- ing, manufacturing a large quantity of lumber for local consumption. He owns over two hundred acres of land, which he keeps for lumber purposes. In all of his business operations he has been successful. He is a Republican in politics, and has served with ability as a member of the Board of Select- men and as Assessor for several years. He has long been connected with the Thomaston Band, of which he was the leader for over twenty years; and he is widely known as a skilful musician.
In 1842 Mr. Reynolds was united in mar- riage to Lorinda Edwards, who was born in Hadley, Mass. She was formerly a resident of Ware in the same State, where her father, David Edwards, was employed in the fac- tories. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have one daughter; namely, Elizabeth C. She mar- ried C. F. Williams, a druggist of Thomas- ton, and has one son, named C. H., who mar- ried Martha Woodruff, and is now in business with his father. Mr. Reynolds was formerly an Episcopalian in his religious views; but with others he organized the Eagle Rock Society, and established a Congregational church at Reynolds Bridge, which he liber- ally supports, and has been active in develop- ing its usefulness. He has seen the locality
--
265
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
in which he lives expand from a thinly settled district into a thriving village, named in honor of his ancestors, who were the first settlers there; and the new bridge and railway station also bear his name. He occupies a promi- nent position in the community, and is re- garded with the highest respect by all.
REDERICK W. KNOWLES, a pro- gressive farmer and an enterprising insurance agent of New Milford, was born in that town, October 26, 1859, son of Charles W. and Harriet L. (Bard) Knowles. Mr. Knowles's grandparents were Nelson and Eunice (Warren) Knowles. Nelson Knowles resided in Lanesville, where he owned and operated a grist-mill.
Charles W. Knowles, who was born in New Milford in February, 1836, purchased a small farm in Lanesville, where he engaged in farming and milling until he moved to Nor- walk. Here he remained until his death, which occurred in 1880, at the age of forty- four years. He was a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal church, and was prominent in church work. His wife was a daughter of Charles M. and Sarah (Judson) Bard, the former of whom was a son of Isaac and Abiah (Miner) Bard, of Derby, Conn. Isaac Bard settled in New Milford, where he purchased of his brother Daniel the farm now owned and occupied by Frederick W. Knowles, the subject of this sketch. He erected the pres- ent house, made other improvements upon the place, and resided there for the rest of his life. He died in 1844, aged sixty-one years. His first wife was Martha (Odell) Bard, who died young, leaving one daughter, named Athilia. He married for his second wife Abiah Miner, who became the mother of two children; namely, Charles M. and George.
Charles M. Bard was born in New Milford, and succeeded to the ownership of his father's farm. He remodelled the house, set out fruit trees, and cultivated the farm successfully during his active period. He continues to re- side there; and, although he has now reached the age of eighty-eight years, he is still bright and active. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah A. Judson, daughter of Morris Judson, and whom he married February 4,
1836, had one child, Harriet L., who married Charles W. Knowles. Mrs. Charles W. Knowles reared two children; namely. Fred- erick W. and Edwin M. The mother was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and lived to the age of twenty-eight years.
Frederick W. Knowles received his educa- tion in the schools of Lanesville and South Norwalk. In this town at the age of twenty- one he commenced work in a paper-box fac- tory, where he remained for five years. After running a tea wagon for a time, he took the agency of the Hartford Life Insurance Com- pany, a business which he still follows with considerable energy and success. In 1886 he returned to New Milford, and once more en- tered the paper-box business. This time he served as foreman of the Ives factory, and continued so employed until 1890. Then he moved to his present residence at the okl Bard homestead, which had become his by inheri- tance. Since taking charge of the property. he has enlarged it to seventy acres by the pur- chase of adjoining land; and he has re- modelled the building, besides otherwise im- proving the estate. In addition to general farming he conducts a well-equipped daing. and raises some fine horses. These various occupations bring him a satisfactory income at the same time that they are congenial to his tastes.
On December 4, 1881, Mr. Knowles was
1
266
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
united in marriage to Gertrude E. Martin, who died at the age of thirty-four years. On May 20, 1889, he wedded for his second wife Elizabeth Graft, daughter of Joseph and Christine Graft. By this union he has three children, namely: Charles Miner, who was born June 5, 1890; Christine Gladys, who was born June 14, 1893 ; and Gertrude Eliza- beth, who was born November 7, 1895. Mr. Knowles is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of New Milford, and both he and his wife attend the Episcopal church. He is an active, energetic farmer, a reliable insurance agent, and a worthy citi- zen. In politics he supports the Republican party.
¡DWARD J. TRESCOTT, whose por- trait is here given, is a well-known business man of Norfolk, Conn. He was born in the adjoining town of North Canaan, June 25, 1848, son of Wesley and Elizabeth (Kellogg) Trescott. Mr. Trescott's paternal grandfather, Jonathan Trescott, was a native and a lifelong resident of Massachu- setts. He was a citizen of influence, and represented his district in the legislature in Boston.
Wesley Trescott, son of Jonathan, was born in Massachusetts, and was brought up to work at farming. He remained at home with his parents until attaining his majority, when he came to North Canaan, Conn., where he pur- chased a farm, and successfully engaged in agricultural labors. He was active in politi- cal affairs, serving in many of the important town offices, and was a Trial Justice for thirty consecutive years, during which time not one of his decisions were ever reversed by a higher court. He served as a representa- tive in the Connecticut legislature, once at New Haven and once in Hartford, before -
that city became the sole capital of the State. Wesley Trescott died at the age of seventy years. His wife, Elizabeth Kellogg, a daugh- ter of Albert Kellogg, became the mother of five children, who were named as follows: Jane, Martin, Edward J., Elizabeth, and Henry. Mrs. Wesley Trescott, like her hus- band, passed away at seventy years of age.
Edward J. Trescott resided with his par- ents until reaching the age of twenty-seven. He was engaged in the meat trade in Great Barrington, Mass., for four years, and also had business interests in Norfolk and Canaan, Conn. In 1891 he established his residence permanently in Norfolk, and has since con- ducted business with marked ability and with prosperous results. In 1889 Mr. Trescott was united in marriage with Genevieve Clark, daughter of Nelson Clark, of Canaan. Mr. and Mrs. Trescott have one son, named Wesley E.
Mr. Trescott is a Democrat in politics, and in 1884 represented the town of North Canaan in the legislature. He is a member of the Board of School Visitors, and is at present Justice of Peace, an office to which he was elected in 1894. In Masonry Mr. Trescott has advanced to the thirty-second degree. He is a member of Housatonic Lodge, No. 61, of Meridian Chapter, Royal Arch, Tyrian Council, Washington Commandery, Knights Templars, and of the Bridgeport Consistory and Mystic Shrine.
ENRY N. CAMP, a leading farmer and extensive cattle dealer of Bridgewater, was born in New Mil- ford, October 4, 1826, son of Elijah J. and Adeline (Northrop) Camp. Mr. Camp's great-grandfather was Jonah Camp, a resident. of Milford, Conn .; and his grandfather, John
-
EDWARD J. TRESCOTT.
269
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Camp, was likewise a native of the town. John Camp settled upon Second Hill in the town of New Milford, where he purchased a large tract of land, and became a prosperous farmer. He served as a musician in the Rev- olutionary War, and died at an advanced age. He married Annis Clark, daughter of Thomas Clark, and reared three sons; namely, Elijah J., Nathan H., and Gerardus W. The grand- mother lived to a ripe old age.
Elijah J. Camp, Mr. Camp's father, was. born in New Milford in 1792. He conducted a wagon manufactory, and also became quite an extensive maker of drums, the heads for which he tanned and prepared himself. In the Second Hill district he owned a good farm, which he cultivated successfully until his death, which occurred when he was seventy-five years old. His wife, whom he married October 19, 1820, was born October 19, 1804, daughter of Solomon Northrop. She bore him seven children, as follows : George, who was born September 21, 1824; Henry N., the subject of this sketch; Mary, born August 17, 1830; John, born January 21, 1833; Frederick, born February 28, 1836; Edwin, born January 29, 1841; and Martha, born August 3, 1843.
Henry N. Camp attended the district schools of his native town until he reached the age of twelve years, when he commenced work as a farm laborer at four dollars per month. He continued in this occupation for ten years. After his marriage he purchased a farm of forty acres, located near his father's property, built on it a new barn, and there re- sided for twelve years. At the expiration of that space of time he sold it, and bought a larger farm of one hundred acres, known as the Babbitt estate, where he now resides. Since then he has increased his land by the purchase of sixty valuable acres in the town
of Brookfield, has remodelled his buildings, and otherwise improved the property. In ad- dition to the customary products of general farming he raises from one to two tons of tobacco per year. For a number of years he dealt extensively in cattle, buying principally in Canada, and driving his herds to Eastern markets, where he sold at prices which brought him handsome returns for his labor and investment. He is a Democrat in poli- tics; and, though not anxious for political notoriety, he served the town with ability as a member of the Board of Selectmen for two terms.
On December 25, 1848, Mr. Camp was united in marriage to Julia E. Frost, daugh- ter of Curtis and Sally (Briscoe) Frost. They have one daughter, Mary F., who was born October 5, 1849. She wedded Gideon W. Northrop, a prosperous farmer and real estate owner of Bridgewater, son of Grant and Rebecca (Camp) Northrop, and has two chil- dren : Henry C., born May 8, 1873; and Emma R., born October 15, 1876. Mrs. Camp died in 1892, aged sixty-two years. She attended the Episcopal church. Mr. Camp has attained success through careful management and close application to busi- ness.
ENRY H. BARTLETT, general manufacturing agent and general superintendent of the Heminway & Bartlett Silk Company of Watertown, was born in Williamsburg, Hampshire County. Mass., February 11, 1849, son of Thaddeus and Evelyn ( Bannister) Bartlett. His grand- father, who was a farmer, resided for many years in Williamsburg, and died there at an advanced age; and his grandmother, whose maiden name was White, lived to be ninety- two years of age, rearing eight children.
.
270
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Thaddeus Bartlett, father of Henry H. Bartlett, was born in Willliamsburg, and reared on his father's farm in that town. On reaching man's estate, he entered the world of trade, and became well known as a trades- man. He was for many years a dealer in meat and fish in Hampshire County, Massa- chusetts, and died in Goshen, that State, at the age of seventy-six. His wife, who was a daughter of Jonathan Bannister, of New York State, is now living in Bridgeport, Conn., and is a member of the Methodist church, which her husband also attended. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett were the parents of eleven chil- dren, six of whom are living; namely, Martha, Harriet, Frank, Henry H., Mary, and Edward. The latter is in the silk manu- factory under the charge of his brother.
Henry H. Bartlett went to work in the silk factory when a boy of eight years, in the mean time also attending school. He finished his schooling at the age of seventeen years, and when but eighteen was given charge of a room in the silk works. When he was twenty-two years of age, he was made superin- tendent of the William Skinner factory, in which he had worked as a boy, and acceptably filled the position till 1874, the year of the destructive flood. At that time he went to Holyoke, and took charge of a factory which he assisted in organizing ; and two years later he removed to Watertown, and was made superintendent of the old factory of Hemin- way & Sons. After holding this position for twelve years, he was taken into partnership by Buell Heminway, the son of General Hemin- way, proprietor of the old factory, and assisted in organizing the present establishment, which has been in successful operation since 1888. Mr. Bartlett acts as general manager, manufacturer's agent, and executive officer of the company. As the establishment is one
of the most extensive silk factories in the United States, his position is one of great responsibility. Starting as a boy, obliged to earn his own living at an age when most boys are perfectly free from care, Mr. Bartlett steadily won his way to a foothold on the heights of prosperity. His sterling char- acter, clear understanding, and ripe judgment win for him respect from all with whom he comes in contact.
In 1874 Mr. Bartlett was united in marriage with Lucretia E., daughter of Joseph Reece, a skilled mechanic of Florence, Mass. Their union has been blessed by the birth of one daughter, Florence. M. Politically, Mr. Bart- lett is independent, but inclined to favor the Republican party. A member of the Masonic fraternity, he is Senior Warden of Federal Lodge, No. 17, and belongs to Granite Chap- ter, No. 96. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the American Me- chanics' Association, belonging to Terry Council of Watertown. In religious belief he is an Episcopalian, and his wife and daughter are members of the church of that denomina- tion in Watertown.
RS. SARAH A. SABIN, widow of the late Charles C. Sabin, of New Milford, was born in that town, March 12, 1813, daughter of Ebenezer and Philotheta (Lessey) Hill. She is a rep- resentative of one of the most prominent fam- ilies of New Milford. Her grandparents were Silas and Sarah (Leach) Hill, the former of whom was born in 1733, and first settled in Fairfield, Conn. He later moved to New Milford, where he purchased land and devel- oped the property which is now owned by Charles Hatch. In 1758 he enlisted as a private for service in the French War; and,
271
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
after serving one year, he returned to his home, and passed the remainder of his life in attending to his farm. He died in 1798, aged sixty-five years. His wife, who died in 1792, aged fifty-six, was the mother of ten children, of whom Ebenezer, Mrs. Sabin's father, was the eighth born and the youngest son. Ebenezer Hill, who was born December 15, 1778, succeeded to the possession of the homestead. He became a prosperous farmer, and was prominent among the leading people of the district. He died in 1856, aged seventy-eight years. His wife, whose maiden name was Philotheta Lessey, daughter of John F. and Ann Lessey, became the mother of four children, as follows: Amy, Maria, Eliza A., and Sarah A. She died in 1862, aged eighty-two years.
Charles C. Sabin was born in Naples, On- tario County, N. Y., January 12, 181I, son of Huram and Olive Sabin. His father was an early settler in Ontario County, where he be- came a farmer; and both he and his wife lived to an advanced age. Charles C. Sabin learned the millwright's trade, which he fol- lowed as an occupation for the greater portion of his life. In early manhood he settled upon a farm in Lanesville, town of New Mil- ford, and improved the property by erecting new buildings, among them being the house in which his widow now resides. He was a Republican in politics. He is well remem- bered for his upright and conscientious prin- ciples. He died December 21, 1884. On December 15, 1835, he was united in mar- riage to Sarah A. Hill, the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Sabin has had four children, namely: Charles H., born March 20, 1837, who married Laura Throp, and died May 5, 1875, leaving a widow and one daughter, named Harriet, the latter now the wife of H. D. Warner; Philotheta L., born April
II, 1842, who died July 1, 1861; Cornelia R. M. B., born December 15, 1847, who married Albert T. Smith, and has one daugh- ter, named Sarah A. S .; and William F., born March 2, 1850, who died April 24, 1871.
Early in life Mrs. Sabin united with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which she was a member for twenty years. Influenced by a change in her religious opinions, she then left the Methodist Episcopal church, and now attends the Friends' Society, of which she has since been a devout member. Al- though she has reached an advanced age, she is enjoying good health, while her mental faculties are vigorous. She is an extensive reader, is well informed upon current relig- ious and political questions; and her opin- ions, which she freely expresses, are sound and well founded.
NDREW G. BARNES, one of New Milford's most prominent farmers and a member of the Connecticut legislature, was born in Sherman, Conn., November 15, 1838, son of Albert and Cath- erine (Gaylord) Barnes. Mr. Barnes's great- grandparents were Stephen and Ann Barnes, residents of Lyme, Conn. His grandfather. Andrew Barnes, who was born in Lyme in 1773, resided for some time in the town of · Sherman, and later bought a farm situated upon Stilson's Hill, in the town of New Mil- ford, where he lived for the remainder of his life. He became a very prosperous tarmer and a prominent man in the community, and died in 1858. He married Polly Giddings, daughter of Jonathan Giddings, of Sherman, and she reared six children; namely, Albert, Loretta, Samuel 11., Sarah, Mary, and Laura. Albert Barnes, father of Mr. Barnes, was
272
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
born in Sherman, August 6, 1805. He was reared to agricultural life; and, when a young man, he purchased and subsequently cultivated a good farm in Sherman. He subsequently became an extensive land-owner, was a promi- nent figure in public affairs, and filled various town offices, which he administered with abil- ity and good judgment. He was widely known and highly respected for his many commendable traits of character. Both his public and private career was marked by a sturdy adherence to right principles. He died at the age of seventy-four years. His wife became the mother of three children; namely, Andrew G., George A., and Hiram S.
Andrew G. Barnes received his education in the schools of Sherman and Danbury. When but thirteen years old, he commenced to develop the spirit of industry which has since been a prominent trait in his character by planting and successfully raising the first crop of tobacco ever attempted in the neighbor- hood, upon the land which his father had given him for the purpose. At the age of nineteen years he engaged in burning brick upon his father's farm, in addition to his cultivation of tobacco. In due time he realized enough money to purchase his grandfather's farm in New Milford, upon which he commenced gen- eral farming and tobacco raising. Later he engaged in the cattle business, buying for the market, eventually becoming an extensive dealer in Western cattle, which he first brought East in droves, but later shipped them by rail. After making various improve- ments in his farm on Stilson's Hill, he sold that property, and bought his present estate, which was known as David Noble's farm. In 1891, his barns having been destroyed by fire, he built upon their sites much more spacious and convenient structures. He has also re-
modelled and enlarged his residence, and built a large tobacco warehouse. He raises about twelve acres of the weed annually, which amounts, when packed, to seventy-five cases. He owns a finely located farm upon the op- posite side of the river, which, like other land in the Housatonic valley, is of much fertility. Here he keeps from sixty to one hundred full-blooded Holstein cows, whose milk he ships direct to New York City. He is President of the New Milford Hat Com- pany, in which he is a heavy stockholder; and the success of that enterprise is in a measure due to his energy and business abil- ity.
Mr. Barnes married for his first wife Hattie Seeley, daughter of Gregory Seeley. She died, leaving one son, named Albert Sher- wood, who also died in 1893, aged twenty- three. He married for his second wife Mrs. Jennie Weaver, daughter of Sheldon Baker. In politics Mr. Barnes has always supported the Republican party. In 1894 he was elected a representative to the legislature by a large majority, being the first Republican to represent New Milford in that body. As a legislator, he is alive to the best interests of his town and State.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.