USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Litchfield County, Connecticut > Part 33
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rator. In 1858 Mr. Stevens was united in marriage to Antoinette Stevens, daughter of Nathaniel Stevens, of Canaan, and has one son, Nathaniel S. by name, who is now en- gaged in teaching school.
EORGE D. WORKMAN, President and largest stoekholder of the War- renton Woollen Company at Torring- ton, Conn., was born July 23, 1835, in Gloucestershire, England, where his father, Samuel Workman, son of James, was born, bred, and married. James spent the larger part of his long life in England, his native country, being there employed in a mill, but eventually eame to America. He made his home in Torrington, dying at the venerable age of eighty-four years.
Samuel Workman emigrated with his family to this country in 1836. He had previously worked in a woollen-mill, was there employed for a time, and after his arrival in New York City he worked as a wool grader. The follow- ing winter he came to Torrington, here begin- ning work as a wool sorter in a mill, continu- ing thus engaged for some years. Having by industry and economy saved considerable money, he purchased an interest in what was then known as the Union Manufacturing Com- pany, and in 1865 bought still more of the same stock, beeoming its largest owner. He con- tinued as wool buyer for the establishment until 1861. He died in 1879, at the age of three- seore and ten years. The maiden name of his wife, who died in Torrington at the venerable age of eighty-three years, was Caroline Frank- lin. She was a native of Gloucestershire, England, where their marriage was solemnized. They reared five children; namely, James S. (deceased), Annie, George D., John, and Caro- line. Another child, Henry, died in infancy.
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George D. Workman was an infant when he came with his parents to this country, where he received his education. He remained at home through the days of his youth and man- hood, and when the infirmities of age began to creep upon his parents he devoted himself to their care, and has succeeded to the ownership of the old homestead, where he still resides. On leaving school Mr. Workman entered the mill, and under his father's wise instruction became familiar with the practical part of the woollen business, and at length took his father's place as wool buyer for the company, continuing in that position until 1872. En- tering the office in that year, he was made agent and treasurer of the company, and proved so competent a manager of affairs that in 1886 he was elected president of the company.
The plant was established as a woollen-mill on its present site as early as 1820, and has always made a fine grade of goods, formerly manufacturing an excellent quality of doeskin cloth. This company, now under the leader- ship of Mr. Workman, with his brother John as treasurer and his nephew, Samuel C., as secretary, was changed in 1894 from the Union Manufacturing Company to the Warren- ton Woollen Company, and is engaged in the manufacture of superior woollen material, de- signed expressly for making policemen's and military uniforms of every description. The company carries on an extensive business, giv- ing employment to a force of one hundred or more hands, it being one of the substantial and leading industries of this thriving manu- facturing village.
Enterprising, liberal-minded, and upright and honorable in all his dealings, Mr. Work- man has the respect and esteem of the entire community. He worships at the Episcopal church, of which his parents were prominent
members, his father having been one of the organizers of that society and very influential in its support and management.
A portrait of Mr. George D. Workman ac- companies these brief biographical notes.
FORGE P. CRANE, Deputy Sheriff of Litchfield County and one of the leading citizens of Woodbury, was born in New Milford, January 14, 1837, son of Henry S. and Betsey J. (Bishop) Crane. HIc belongs to an old Connecticut family, tracing his descent from Benjamin Crane, of Wethers- field, one of the first settlements in the State. Joseph Crane, a descendant of Benjamin, had a son Stephen, who was the great-grandfather of George P. Crane. He settled in New Mil- ford, marrying Mary Chapman, of that town, whose father, a blacksmith, was a commissary of artillery at the time of the Revolution. Stephen Crane died May 10, 1814; and his wife passed from life ten years later. Their children were named: Ezra, Abigail, Isaac, Stephen, Noah, Mary, Joseph, Thalia, Jared. Baldwin, Sally, Irad, and Ann. Stephen Crane, Jr., grandfather of George P., settled on Pumpkin Hill, New Milford, and was one of the leading farmers of his day, occupying a prominent place in the community. A Demo crat in politics, he took a prominent part in public affairs. He acted as Trial Justice and filled other important offices, and he died in New Milford at an advanced age. He was twice married. His first marriage was with Hannah Baldwin. She left the following children : Susan, Anna B., David B., Laura, Arma, and Horace. His second wite, Chloe (Averill) Crane, of Washington, Conn., bore him seven children ; namely, Heman, Henry S., Hannah M., George E., Mary, Caroline M., and Jemette.
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Henry S. Crane, the father of George P., was born in New Milford, Conn., June 16, 18II. When a young man he was successfully engaged in general farming in New Milford for some years. He afterward bought a farm in Warren, Conn., which he disposed of later in order to purchase an estate in Woodbury. He died in the latter town, April 22, 1858. His wife, who was born July 19, 1810, in New Milford, was a daughter of Nathan Bishop, a well-to-do farmer. She died June 2, 1884. Their children were : Horace B., born August 5, 1834; George P., the subject of this arti- cle ; and Stephen H., born September 6, 1843.
George P. Crane received a good common- school education. Reared on a farm, it was natural that he chose agriculture for his life occupation. He purchased a small farm shortly after attaining his majority. Besides tilling the soil he engaged in cattle dealing, buying in New York and Canada and driving the animals to Connecticut for sale. In 1874 he bought the Benedict farm in the village of Woodbury ; and some time later he purchased the pleasant home on Main Street where he now resides, then known as the L. J. Allen place. Mr. Crane is now practically retired from agricultural pursuits, giving all his time and attention to his public duties. A Repub- lican in politics, he has taken part in the town government as Constable, First Selectman, and in other important capacities. He represented Woodbury in the legislature in 1870, and is now serving his second term as Deputy Sheriff of the county. On January 15, 1861, Mr. Crane was united in marriage with Susan C., daughter of Thomas and Wealthy (Allen) Root, of Woodbury. Mrs. Crane also belongs to an old New England family, being a de- scendant of Thomas Root, of Salem, Mass., who came from England in 1636. From him the line is traced through Josiah, Joseph, and
Thomas to Joseph Root, who was born in Woodbury, Conn., May 7, 1761, and married Abigail Hurd. This couple were the grand- parents of Mrs. Crane. Their son, Thomas Root, her father, was born in Woodbury, May 9, 1791, and there spent his life, profitably engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Crane have reared the following children : Henry R., born August 14, 1863, a produce merchant of Oakland, Cal., who married Louise Hille- brand; George H., born April 15, 1869, a book-keeper, who married September 6, 1893, Lilla Munson, and lives in Waterbury, Conn. ; and Stephen T., born September 15, 1872, a book-keeper of Waterbury.
Mr. Crane takes an active interest in educa- tional progress. He is a Trustee of the Con- necticut School for Boys at Meriden. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is Past Master of King Solomon's Lodge, No. 7, of Woodbury. In religious belief he is a Congregationalist.
EV. JOHN P. HAWLEY, who dur- ing the past seven years has faithfully ministered to the spiritual needs of the Congregational church of New Hartford, Conn., and has won the respect and esteem of the people of this community, was born in Norfolk, Litchfield County, on April 24, 1833. His parents were Philo and Alma (Wheeler) Hawley, the former of whom was also a native of Norfolk.
His paternal grandfather, Elisha Hawley, was born in Simsbury, Hartford County. After acquiring his education he was engaged for several years in teaching school. In Nor- folk, where he taught for a time, he met the young lady who afterward became his wife and the mother of nine children, one being Philo, who is named above. Philo Hawley grew to
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manhood on his father's farm. He then trav- elled through a portion of the Southern States on business; and later on he opened a store in Charleston, S.C., where he spent his winters for a number of years, his summers being passed on the old homestead, which he pur- chased after his father's decease. He died in Louisiana in the seventy-fifth year of his age. His wife, Alma Wheeler, was a daughter of Nathan Wheeler, an early settler of Winsted, Conn., who was accidentally killed there when but forty-two years old. Four sons were born of their union, but the Rev. John P. Hawley is now the sole survivor. His mother died in Norfolk in 1858, at sixty years of age.
John P. Hawley acquired his early education in the schools of Norfolk, and supplemented it by a course in the academy at Winsted and other special study. After he left school he taught for a time in Norfolk and also in the district schools of New Jersey, from which State he went to Illinois, where he obtained a situation in a law office. Obliged to leave that position on account of trouble with his eyes, he returned to the East. He was next employed in a store in Norfolk as clerk, and later on became a partner of N. B. Stevens, and still later was in business with others, until he sold out his interest. He afterward removed to New York, and was in business there until 1866, when he entered the Hart- ford Theological Seminary, from which he was graduated in the class of 1869. .
His first ministerial charge was at South Coventry, Conn., where he remained five years, going from there to Talcottville in the town of Vernon, Conn. After four years' efficient service in the latter place he was established for fifteen months in Chester, Conn., before he accepted a call to Westerly, R. L., and re- moved thither. He remained there four years and then went to Stafford Springs, Conn., from
which place he came five years later to New Hartford. During the seven years that he has been a resident of this place he has, by his broad intelligence, kindly sympathy, and his exemplification of practical Christianity, not only endeared himself to the hearts of his parishioners, but has won the respect and con- fidence of the community at large.
He was married in 1855 to Miss Imogenet Brown, who was born in Winsted, Conn., and is a daughter of the late Harris Brown, a man- ufacturer of hand forks. Her parents both lived to the age of threescore years and ten. She bore her husband three children, one of whom, John Stevens Hawley, died when an infant. The two living are: Mabel W., who married Mr. G. L. Keeney, formerly of South Manchester, Conn., but now of Monson. Mass. ; and Alfred M. Hawley, a bank cashier, who married Miss Jennie Dick, has one child, Florence, and resides in Colorado.
The Rev. John P. Hawley usually casts his vote with the Republican party. lle has served three terms as a Representative to the State legislature, first in 1862, from Norfolk. when he was appointed a member of the Com- mittee on Claims; second, in 1874. from Cov- entry, at which time he was a member of the Committee on Education ; and third, in 1885. from Stafford, when he was House chairman of the Committee on Humane Institutions. At the close of this session the Hartford Times, in speaking of the members, said of him, "Mr. Hawley, of Stafford, was, perhaps, the best general debater (and a level headed one) on the Republican side." Mr. Hawley has also served as a member of the School Board of Coventry, Stafford Springs, and New Hartford ; and while a resident of Norfolk he acted as Constable, Selectman, and Justice of the Peace. For many years he was a Trustee of Hartford Seminary, also of the Hale Fund
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in Tolland County, which position he now holds; and he is also a Trustee of Monson, Mass., Academy. He was formerly a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Sons of Temperance, and is now affiliated with a Masonic Lodge at Norfolk and the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons at Winsted, Conn. He is a seventh degree member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and Chaplain of the Mountain County Pomona.
ORNELIUS COLT, a prominent citi- zen of Harwinton, who owns and man- ages a farm about a mile and a half from the village, was born in this town, on the old Colt homestead, February 1, 1833. He is the son of Wolcott and Polly (Tomp- kins) Colt, and belongs to a family that has been well and favorably known in the vicinity for many years, his great-grandfather, Jona- than Colt, who was born October 13, 1735, having been one of the early settlers of the place.
John Colt, son of Jonathan, spent most of his life on the farm now occupied by his grandson, the subject of this sketch, dying at an advanced age. John's son Wolcott also passed his days here, living to be fifty-four years of age. His wife, Polly Tompkins, who was a native of Plymouth, Conn., survived him some years, attaining the age of seventy-three, the latter part of her life being passed in Birmingham, Conn. They were both members of the Congregational church. Mr. and Mrs. Wolcott Colt reared twelve children, seven of whom are living; namely, Charles, Cornelius, Charlotte, Eliza, Julia, Martha, and Ruth.
Cornelius Colt received his education in the common schools of his native town. He spent his youth and early manhood, with the exception of a year, in which he worked in
Meriden, on the home farm, acquiring a prac- tical knowledge of husbandry. In 1861 he enlisted in the Fourth Connecticut Regiment, which was later known as the First Heavy Artillery, and was in active service three years, participating in some of the most momentous battles of the Civil War. He was under General McClellan's command in June and July, 1862, when in six days the Union army lost over fifteen thousand men and the Confederate about nineteen thousand, and took part in the battle of Malvern Hill, which the Confederate General Magruder described as follows: "The battlefield was enveloped in smoke, relieved only by flashes from the con- tending troops. Round shot and grape crashed through the woods; shells of enormous size, which reached far beyond the headquarters of the commander-in-chief, burst amid the artil- lery in the rear. Belgian missiles and minie balls lent their aid to this scene of stupendous grandeur and sublimity." Mr. Colt was dis- charged at Bermuda Hundred with the rank of Corporal, and, returning to the old homestead, has resided here up to the present time. The farm consists of one hundred and thirty acres, and is well managed by Mr. Colt, who under- stands thoroughly the best methods of farming and is recognized as an authority on agricult- ural subjects. He has been president for many years of the local agricultural society.
On October 12, 1865, Mr. Colt was mar- ried to Virginia E., daughter of Peleg and Eliza (Buell) Wheeler, of Litchfield. Peleg Wheeler, who spent the greater part of his life in Litchfield, was a painter by occupation. Mrs. Colt died in September, 1894, in her sixty-sixth year, leaving two children, Jennie W. and Robert Morris. The latter is a painter by trade and also manages a farm.
Mr. Colt votes the Republican ticket. He still keeps up the associations of army life,
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being a prominent member of Russell Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of Thomaston. He attends the Congregational church in Har- winton, of which his wife was a member and to which his children also belong, the family tak- ing a prominent part in parish matters. Mr. Colt is possessed of fine social qualities and is well informed on subjects of current interest. He is highly esteemed in Harwinton, and is a fine representative of that noble band, whose numbers are yearly lessening - the Grand Army of the Republic.
ON. REUBEN ROCKWELL, a rep- resentative citizen of Litchfield County, is one of the most extensive land-holders of Colebrook, where he was for many years Postmaster and is now Town Clerk. He was born within the limits of this town, August 24, 1818, being a son of Reuben Rock- well, Sr., a native of East Windsor, who was born in East Windsor, October 1, 1765, and the grandson of Samuel Rockwell, a native of the same place. The family is descended from substantial English stock, coming in a direct line from Deacon William Rockwell, the emi- grant progenitor. (For further ancestral his- tory see the Genealogy of the Rockwells. )
In 1766, Mr. Rockwell's grandfather, San- uel Rockwell, removed to Colebrook. In this connection we will refer to Trumbull's His- tory of Connecticut, which says : "Just previ- ous to the coming of Sir Edmund Andros, in expectation that the charter would be revoked, the Connecticut legislature granted to the towns of Hartford and Windsor the towns of Winchester, Torrington, Barkhamsted, Cole- brook, New Hartford, Hartland, and Harwin- ton. Later these towns divided equally, and the towns of Barkhamsted, Colebrook, Tor- rington, and the west half of Harwinton was
Windsor's share. This was afterward divided among the freeholders of the town, and quite a tract came in this way to Samuel Rockwell." In 1765 Grandfather Rockwell visited this locality and erected a frame house, into which he moved the following year, as above stated. In 1794 he made a large addition to this dwelling, the house which he had first built becoming the L. The entire house still stands, in excellent repair, occupied by his grand-daughter, Elizabeth Rockwell.
Mr. Samuel Rockwell lived in his native town a while after his marriage with Hephzi- bah Pratt ; and when the removal to Colebrook was made she accompanied him to their future home on horseback, with her infant son in her arms. He came with an ox team and sled with their household goods, they being the third family to locate in the town, which was then a wilderness, where deer were occasion- ally seen and wild turkeys were quite plenti- ful. Toiling day after day with the coura- geous energy and the indomitable perseverance that characterized the early pioneer, he cleared a large farm, on which he resided until his death in 1795. He reared six sons, namely : Samuel, Jr. ; Timothy; Solomon ; Reuben, Sr. ; Alpha; and Martin. Samuel, Jr .. be- came a physician, practising first in Salisbury and later in Sharon, where he spent his last years. The other five sons became associated in business with their father, under the firm name of Samuel Rockwell & Sons, and in addition to farming erected and operated a saw-mill.
After the death of the father the brothers continued business under the name of Solomon Rockwell & Brothers, enlarging their opera- tions by the erection of a flour-mill, a wool len-mill, and an iron forge, and engaging in the manufacture of woollen goods and of iron and steel. In 1810 the brothers divided the
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real estate; and a few years later complications arose, owing to the fact that much of the land was overflowed, heavy law-suits being the result. Shortly after the War of 1812 they closed out the manufacturing business here, and Solomon went to Winsted, where he erected an iron forge, which was one of the first established industries in that now busy borough. He engaged in the manufacture of scythes, continuing thus employed until his decease. Timothy, the second son, passed away from earth a few weeks before his father. Alpha removed to Winsted, and erected a resi- dence on the site of the present Beardsley House, there spending his last years. Martin was a lifelong resident of Colebrook. Reuben Rockwell, Sr., who was engaged with his brother in farming pursuits for a number of years and afterward carried on the same occu- pation by himself, died June 14, 1840.
He married Rebecca Bebee, a native of Litchfield, Conn., a daughter of Bezaleel Bebee, a veteran of the Revolution. Mr. Bebee enlisted as a private in the Fourth Com- pany, First Regiment, at the time of the siege of Boston. He was shortly commissioned First Lieutenant, and for gallant services and meritorious conduct was successively promoted till before the close of the war he held the rank of Colonel of the regiment. Five chil- dren were born of the union of Mr. Reuben, Sr., and Rebecca Rockwell; namely, Julius, Louisa, Bezaleel B., Elizabeth, and Reuben. The mother outlived her husband several years, dying in 1851.
Reuben Rockwell was the youngest child born to the parental household. On reaching manhood he was engaged in mercantile busi- ness for about ten years, but has been more especially interested in agricultural pursuits, being a large holder of real estate. In 1858 Mr. Rockwell married Miss Aurelia Eno, who
was born in. Colebrook, a woman of rare per- sonal qualities. Characterized by the same mental vigor, business aptitude, and high moral rectitude that distinguished his ances- tors, Mr. Rockwell holds a prominent position among the leading citizens of Colebrook, and has served in the various offices of trust with marked fidelity. He was elected to the office of Town Clerk in 1853, and served continu- ously until 1877, and in 1888 was again elected to that office, which he still holds. From 1841 until 1857 he served as Postmaster of the town, being again appointed in 1861, when he resigned to accept the office of Asses- sor of Internal Revenue, to which he was appointed immediately after. He continued Assessor for the Fourth Congressional District until the office was abolished, when he again became Postmaster, remaining in the office until 1893. Mr. Rockwell has also served in the State legislature, having been a representa- tive in 1857 and a member of the Senate the following year. He cast his first Presidential vote for General Harrison in 1840, and has voted at every town, State, and national elec- tion since that time. On the formation of the Republican party he joined its ranks, and has since been faithful to its interests.
HERMAN BENEDICT, a prosper- ous Litchfield County farmer, owns and occupies the ancestral farm in the town of Kent on which he was born, Au- gust 7, 1818. His parents were William and Hannah (Hitchcock) Benedict. The father of William was Elijah Benedict, who resided for a greater part of his life in the south part of Kent, where he followed the trade of a shoe- maker in connection with farming. He lived to about the age of eighty years, as did also his wife, Molly Benedict. Their children
SHERMAN BENEDICT.
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were: William; Nathan; Sylvia, who became Mrs. William Turrill; and David.
William Benedict was born in the south part of Kent, and was a lifelong resident of this town. He conducted the home farm with profitable results, and was known as an intelli- gent and useful citizen. He and his family attended the Methodist church. In politics he was a Democrat, and took a prominent part in public affairs, serving in various important town offices with marked ability. His first wife, Hannah Hitchcock, of Washington, Conn., became the mother of three children, as follows: Harriet, who became the wife of Ralph Howland, and reared one son, Sherman Howland, who is married and has six children - namely, Evelyn, Sherman, Mary, Justina, Mark, and Flora; Sherman, the subject of this sketch ; and Barbara, who became the wife of Edwin R. Roberts. The first wife died aged thirty-one, and William Benedict's second wife, Amanda Hallock, daughter of William Hallock, of New Milford, died at the age of sixty-four, leaving two children, namely : Eliza, who became the wife of George L. Page; and Sylvia (deceased), wife of Edwin Barnum.
Sherman Benedict acquired his education in the common and select schools of his native town, and subsequently pursued a course of study at the academy in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. At the age of seventeen he took charge of the home farm, and has since followed agricultural pursuits with an energy and perseverance which have resulted in an ample reward for his labors. He is a Democrat in politics, has served the town with fidelity and good judgment as a member of the Board of Selectmen and a Justice of the Peace; and in 1880 he was elected a Representative to the State legis- lature, in which capacity he displayed a zeal- ous desire for the maintainance of good government.
Mr. Benedict was united in marriage with Laura Noble, daughter of Jonathan Noble, of Kent, in 1840, and has had three children : Andrew H., Ellen, and Vesta. Andrew H. Benedict has been twice married. By his first wife, Flora Platt, he has a son Otis and a daughter Edith. His second wife, formerly Julia Jones, has had but one child, a son, Sherman J., who died aged twenty-three years. Otis Benedict married Eliza Austin, and has two daughters, Flora and Charlotte. Ellen is the wife of Samuel R. Hill, and has two chil- dren, Randolph and Laura. Vesta, the wife of William B. Burnett, has one daughter, named Cora. Mr. and Mrs. Benedict attend the Methodist Episcopal church, of which both are members.
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