USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Litchfield County, Connecticut > Part 36
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UGUSTUS B. CAMP, a successful farmer and a prominent resident of Warren, was born in Kent, Conn., November 11, 1832, son of Miles and Cyrene (Beeman) Camp. Mr. Camp's grandfather, Chauncey Camp, was a prosperous farmer of New Preston, where the major portion of his life was spent. He married a Miss Baldwin, and both he and his wife lived to the advanced age of ninety years. Their children were: Jeremiah, Miles, Sheldon, Burr, Clarissa, and Comfort.
Miles Camp, father of Mr. Camp, born in New Preston, settled in early manhood upon a farm in Kent Hollow, where he enjoyed a prosperous career as a farmer for over seventy years. He was a prominent man in the com- munity, took an active part in political affairs, and was in his religious belief a Congrega- tionalist. He was an unusual instance of longevity, as he lived to the remarkable age of one hundred and three years. His wife, daughter of Daniel Beeman, of Warren, reared eight children, as follows: William, who died aged eight years; Henry P., who married three times; Charles, who married Ruth Strong, and has two children, named Fergus M. and Charles; George, who married Sarah Warner, and has two children, named Hattie and Ida; Harriet, who is now Mrs. Newton ; Daniel, who married Laura Hill, both of whom with their children, Isabell and Daniel R., are deceased; Augustus B., the subject of this sketch; and Augusta S., twin sister of Augustus B., now Mrs. Mark Ken- ney, and mother of four children, named Miles, Abner, Wall, and Burton. Henry P. Camp's first marriage was with Maria Strong, who died, leaving one child. His next was with Melissa Thomas, who with the seven children she bore him is now deceased; and his third marriage was with Cornelia Thomas.
The mother died at the age of ninety-eight years.
Augustus B. Camp, who was educated in the district schools of his native town, at an early age commenced to assist his father on the farm. He resided at home until his ma- jority, when he purchased a farm, upon which he settled, and engaged in general agricult- ure on his own account. He cultivated his land with success for a number of years, thereby attaining a high degree of proficiency in his calling. In 1882 he moved to Warren village, where he has since resided. In poli- tics he is a Republican, and has figured prom- inently in public affairs. He has displayed executive ability and good judgment of more than ordinary merit in the capacities of Assessor, Collector, Constable, member of the School Board, and grand juror.
On November 16, 1853, Mr. Camp was united in marriage to his first wife, who was before marriage Mary A. Peet, daughter of Riley Peet, of New Milford, Conn. She died at the age of twenty-four years, leaving one daughter, Mary, now wife of F. S. Gib- son, of Kent Hollow, and mother of one child, Julia. In 1858 Mr. Camp wedded for his second wife Julia Strong, daughter of David and Annis (Sutliff) Strong. David Strong died at the age of ninety and his wife at that of fifty-six years. The children reared by them were: William, Sarah, Noble, Julia, and Edward. Mr. and Mrs. Camp attend the Congregational church, and Mr. Camp is superintendent of the Sunday-school.
HARLES H. NICHOLS, an ener- getic and practical farmer of Wash- ington, was born in Bridgeport, Conn., November 18, 1850, son of William A. and Edna H. (Smith) Nichols.
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Mr. Niehols's great-grandfather on the paternal side was Edward Nichols, who was a resident of Woodbury, Conn., where he passed the greater portion of his life. His son Rus- sell settled in Bridgeport, where he engaged in farming, and where he resided until his death, which took place when he had reached an advanced age. He married Huldah Turner, and they reared a family of three ehil- dren ; namely, William A., John, and Delia. Mrs. Russell Nichols lived to reach the age of eighty-three years. William A. Nichols was born in Bridgeport. When a young man, he learned the carpenter's trade, which he fol- lowed successfully, becoming widely and favorably known as a skilled and reliable me- chanie; but his eareer was eut short by death at the early age of thirty-six years. His wife, Edna H. Smith, who was a daughter of Nathan Smith, of Roxbury, reared one son, Charles H., whose name appears above. The mother died at the age of fifty-three years. Charles H. Nichols was educated in the schools of Bridgeport, and after completing his studies entered mereantile pursuits, find- ing employment as a elerk, in which eapaeity he continued for eight years. He then re- linquished mereantile life, and settled in Washington, this county, where he purehased a farm of eighty aeres, and has since been prosperously engaged in agriculture. He has attained a prominent position among the farmers of Washington, and is a member of Washington Grange. In his political views he is a Democrat.
ILLIAM D. STONE, a progres- sive farmer of the Lower Merryall District in the town of New Mil- ford, Conn., was born May 7, 1863, upon the farm near by which is owned and occupied by
his father, Duane Stone. Mr. Stone is a de- seendant of Benajah Stone, who came from Branford, New Haven County, to New Milford in 1742, and bought seventy aeres of the North Purchase.
In 1749 Benajah Stone bought a tract of land situated north of Park Lane, upon which he settled and engaged in agricultural labors with energy and suecess. He inereased his acreage by the purchase of more land, and be- came one of the leading farmers and prominent citizens of the town. He and his wife reared a family of eight children. Their son Ithiel settled in 1753 in that part of New Milford known as the Upper Merryall Distriet. He was a man of influence in the town and an honored and patriotie citizen, rendering much valuable serviee in the cause of independence by recruiting soldiers for the Continental army. He married Martha, daughter of The- ophilus Baldwin, and reared but one son, Julius, who was Mr. Stone's great-grand- father.
Julius Stone owned and conducted the farm where Duane Stone now resides, being a pro- gressive farmer and a useful citizen. Ile served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and died in 1835, aged eighty-one years. His wife, Esther Sperry Wheaton, widow of Joseph Wheaton, died in 1847, at the ad- vanced age of ninety-nine years. The chil- dren of Julius Stone were: Chauncey, Julia, and Naney.
Chauncey Stone, Mr. Stone's grandfather, was born at the homestead, September 22. 1788. Ile succeeded to the ownership of the farm, and built the present residence. He improved his land, upon which he conducted general farming with success, but devoted a greater part of his time to the rising and breaking of oxen for teaming purposes. He was prominent in local public affairs, with
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which he was closely identified for many years ; and in religion he was an Episcopalian. He died in 1856, aged sixty-seven. He mar- ried Amy Wadhams, and had seven children, namely: Benjamin J .; Julia; Esther; Albina; Nancy; Duane and Delia, the last two being twins. Mrs. Amy W. Stone lived to reach the age of eighty-two years, and died in 1875.
Duane Stone, son of Chauncey and Amy Stone, was born at the Stone homestead, where he now resides, January 1, 1835. He re- ceived a district-school education; and at the age of nineteen he commenced teaching school, an occupation which he followed for some years. He later went to Jefferson, Ky., where he was employed in a freight office for three years, at the end of which time he re- turned to New Milford, and bought the home- stead. He has added more land to the estate and made various improvements, having erected a spacious barn and wagon house, and has at the present time one of the finest set of farm buildings in his locality. He is en- gaged in tobacco-raising and in cattle deal- ing, keeping an average of seventy-five head, which he fattens for the market, and also de- voting considerable attention to breeding fancy steers and oxen. He is a Republican in politics, and has served with ability in vari- ous town offices. He attends the Episcopal church. His wife, whom he married on May 7, 1861, Anna E. Hawley, a daughter of Ben- jamin and Emeline (Glover) Hawley, has had three children, as follows: William D., the subject of this sketch; Clarence, who died in 1891, aged eighteen years; and Florence, who is now a teacher.
William D. Stone was educated in the pub- lic schools of New Milford; and, after com- pleting his studies, he assisted his father in general farming and in the cattle business. In young manhood he settled upon a farm in
Newtown, which he successfully conducted until 1891, when he returned to New Milford, and purchased the Nickerson farm of fifty acres, which is situated in the Lower Merryall District, where he has since resided. He has improved the land and buildings; and aside from general farming he has a dairy, and deals in stock to some extent. He possesses the vigor and ambition of youth, which, together with the ability he displays in managing his farm, are sufficient assurance of his future prosperity.
On April 8, 1886, Mr. Stone was united in marriage with Ellen Hall, daughter of John and Frances J. (Clark) Hall. They have three children: Anna F., Marian E., and Clarence. Mr. Stone is a Republican in poli- tics and an Episcopalian in his church affilia- tions.
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RS. MARY L. ALVORD, a most estimable lady residing in Win- sted, Conn., is the widow of the late James R. Alvord, who died there Febru- ary 17, 1890, aged sixty-six years four months and ten days. Grandfather Alvord was a farmer in the town of Haddam, Conn., where he married a Miss Hall, who reared him three sons and four daughters. He died when a young man. One of his sons, who followed a seafaring life, perished at sea.
The mother died in Utica, N. Y., where she had lived for many years with a bachelor son.
Deacon Joseph H. Alvord, the father of James R. Alvord, was born in Haddam, Hartford County, Conn., about the year 1779. He followed the trade of a harness-maker and saddler, conducting the business in Haddam and subsequently in Winsted, to which town he removed in 1811. Soon after his removal he built a comfortable and substantial cottage at the east end of Winsted, where he passed
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the remainder of his life. He gave to his children all the educational advantages it was in his power to furnish. In 1804 Joseph H. Alvord was united in marriage with Miss Lucy Cook, who was born in Haddam in 1784. Twelve children were born of this union, of whom three accompanied them when they removed to Winsted. They buried two young sons and a daughter. The latter, Mary Cook Alvord, was twenty-one years of age when she died. There were seven sons, all of whom are deceased except Jabez Al- vord, the youngest of the family, who re- sides in Winsted. He has never married, and is a retired machinist. John W. Alvord, who was a Congregationalist minister and Secretary of the Boston Tract Society, was also prominent in the Freedmen's Bureau, in which he was succeeded by Fred Douglass. He died in Denver, Col., where he was stay- ing temporarily, and is buried in the family lot in Winsted. He was well advanced in the seventies at the time of his death, and left a widow; who resides in Chicago, and two sons, and a daughter. George Alvord, who con- ducted a printing establishment in Winsted, died in middle life, leaving a widow but no children. Charles Alvord left a widow, who resides in Winsted, and four children, two sons and two daughters.
James R. Alvord, who was born January 31, 1821, received a good practical education, and at fifteen years of age began his business career as a salesman. On December 3, 1849, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Landon, daughter of the Rev. Seymour and Phebe (Thompson) Landon, the former of whom was a Methodist clergyman. The mother was a native of Ticonderoga, N. Y., boru near the fort, October 4, 1796. The Rev. Seymour Landon's birth occurred May 3, 1798. Mrs. Alvord was one of four chil-
dren, two sons and two daughters; and she and her brother, Thompson H. Landon, the young- est, who is in his sixty-fifth year, are the only survivors. The latter is a Methodist preacher, and at the present time is at the head of the Military School of Bordentown, N.J. Their mother died at the home of Mrs. Alvord, and their father in Jamaica, L. I., at the home of his adopted daughter, in 1880, eighty-two years of age. He was in the itin- erancy from his twenty-first year up to a date near the time of his death, and was a member of the New York Conference when it extended from New York City to Canada. He lived to preach his half-century anniversary sermon. Mrs. Alvord has lost three children: Elliott B., who died August 19, 1859, aged one year and seventeen days; James R., who died August 18, 1865, at fifteen years of age; and Louise Landon Alvord, whose death occurred on January 4, 1870, when seventeen years of age. The last named was a promising young student, and possessed a lovely character. The living are: Charles L. Alvord, who re- sides with his mother, is married, and has two sons, D. Fletcher and Elliott L .; Sey- mour L. Alvord, who is married, and has three children -Louise L., Edith Owen, and Russell; George Stevens Alvord, a silk sales- man for the Aimstrong Silk Company in Boston; Amanda M., wife of Deacon John Ilinsdale, who has two children. John W. and Mary; and Mrs. Susan Rice, whose husband. Asahel Rice, died in Winsted about 1803. leaving her with one daughter, Harriet. Charles L. and Seymour L. Alvord are cu gaged in the Empire Knife Company, which was established by Beardslee & Alvord forty - three years ago. Mrs. Alvord resides at 2; Meadow Street, which has been her residence for forty-four years. She and her husband were both members of the Congregational
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Church of Winsted. They spent forty-one years of happy wedded life together.
ILLIAM H. HINE was born in New Milford, Litchfield County, Conn., June 19, 1816, son of Lyman and Hannah (Roberts) Hine. His birth occurred in the house located next to his late residence, the present home of his widow, Mrs. Elizabeth G. Hine, which is situated upon Candlewood Mountain, where he died on December 11, 1893. Lyman Hine was en- gaged in manufacturing fire brick; and after he retired from business his sons, William H. and George, conducted the enterprise until 1883, when the former relinquished active pursuits.
In early manhood William H. Hine pur- chased a farm of one hundred and fifty acres, which he carried on in connection with his brick business; and in 1842 he erected the house in which Mrs. Hine now lives, besides making other improvements in the property. He was particularly interested in stock-rais- ing, always owning some of the best cattle in the town ; and he carried on general agricult- ure with the most gratifying results. In politics he was a Republican, and held several of the important town offices of trust, in which he displayed a zealous desire to forward the best interests of the community. He also served as a Justice of the Peace. He was an active member of the Congregational church, of which he was Deacon for over thirty years ; and he was a leading spirit in promoting the religious welfare of the town.
On January 4, 1843, Mr. Hine was united in marriage to Elizabeth Gaylord, daughter of Nathan and Irene (Downs) Gaylord. Mrs. Hine is a lineal descendant of Deacon Will- iam Gaylord, who with his wife and children
came from England on board the "Mary and John" in 1630. He was the first Deacon of the church in Dorchester, Mass., but after- ward moved to Windsor, Conn. The line of descent continues through Walter and Mary (Stebbins) Gaylord, Joseph and Sarah (Stan- ley) Gaylord, to William and Joanna (Miner) Gaylord, the former of whom was the first member of the family to settle in New Mil- ford. He was a prosperous farmer and the owner of large tracts of land in what is now Gaylordsville, which was named on account of his being the first white settler there. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and the records of the family contain accounts of his interesting experience with the Indians. Mrs. Hine's great-grandparents were Aaron and Phebe (Smith) Gaylord; and her grand- parents were Ebenezer and Catherine (Chit- tenden) Gaylord, who were all natives and lifelong residents of New Milford. Nathan Gaylord, Mrs. Hine's father, was born No- vember 10, 1783, and became an energetic and progressive farmer. He resided in New Milford until his death, which occurred in 1865. His wife, Irene Downs, became the mother of seven children, all of whom grew to maturity.
M. and Mrs. Hine became the parents of three children, as follows: Helen L. was born August 18, 1848, and died March 19, 1850; Henry D., born January 19, 1852, married Ella A. Beach, and is now a painter in New Milford; and Mary E., born March 26, 1855, resides with her mother. Mrs. Hine possesses a vigorous constitution, and is blessed with good health. She is among the most promi- nent of the old residents of New Milford, and is highly esteemed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
On the opposite page will be seen a portrait of the late Deacon William H. Hine, who is
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WILLIAM H. HINE.
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held in honored remembrance as a public- spirited and eminently useful citizen.
AMES G. SKILTON, a successful farmer of Watertown and a representa- tive of a prominent family in that sec- tion, was born in this town, March 3, 1856, son of George F. and Abigail (Wilcox) Skil- ton. The original ancestor of the family in America was Dr. Henry Skilton, who emi- grated from England, and settled in Groton, Conn., where he practised medicine for many years. Besides following his profession he engaged in agriculture, was a large land- owner, operated a mill, and carried on other business. He also ably officiated as a preacher upon various occasions in South- ington. The last years of his life were passed in Watertown. The descent continued through his only son, Avery, who followed farming in Watertown and Bethlehem. Mr. Skilton's grandfather was Captain James Skilton, who was born in Bethlehem, and settled in Watertown when he was seventeen years old. He was a school-teacher of note in his day, and was also an able and success- ful farmer. He labored industriously during the active period of his life, the major part of which was passed in Watertown, where he died in 1848, aged over seventy years. He was the father of seven sons, of whom George F., Mr. Skilton's father, was the youngest.
George F. Skilton was born at the home- stead in Watertown, and was reared to an agricultural life. He commenced at an early age to assist in carrying on the farm; and after the death of his father he succeeded to the property, which he managed with energy during the rest of his life. He died in the house where he was born, in July, 1895, aged over seventy-five years. He was a prominent
member of the Methodist Episcopal church for fifty-eight years, having served as a class leader, Steward, and Trustee. He was first married to Wealthy M. Munn, of Watertown, who died at the age of twenty-eight, leaving one daughter, named Emily, who married Charles J. Cook, of Cheshire. He entered matrimony a second time with Abigail Wil- cox, who was born in Wolcottville, now Tor- rington, December 16, 1827, daughter of George W. and Elmira (Richards) Wilcox. Her father, who was engaged in the woollen factory in that town, subsequently moved to Ohio, and later to Michigan, where he resided for the rest of his life, and died at the age of seventy-five. He and his wife, who was a na- tive of Canaan, Conn., reared six children, four of whom are living, namely: Abigail, who became Mrs. Skilton; George T., Albert J., and Merritt C., who are residents of Mich - igan. The mother died in Michigan, at the age of seventy-five. Mrs. George F. Skilton has been the mother of five children, of whom four are now living, and are as follows: Nellie, who married S. H. Jones; James G., the subject of this sketch; Albert W .: and Carrie M. The mother, who still survives, is living with her children.
James G. Skilton received his education in the common schools; and at the age of nine- teen he commenced teaching school in Water- town, which he followed as an occupation for six seasons. At the age of twenty-four he began farming upon his own account; and after the death of his wife's father he moved to his present farm, where he has since re- sided. This property consists of eighty acres of desirable land. This with another farm of his is devoted to general farming and dairy purposes, for which he also keeps a herd of twenty-five cows. Ile is a progressive man, and conducts his agricultural operations with
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the degree of liberality that is a guarantee of success. He is a Republican in politics, and has served with ability as Tax Collector and grand juror. He is also agent of the Hu- mane Society.
In 1880 Mr. Skilton was united in mar- riage to Eliza A. Judson, daughter of Thomas F. and Ann B. (Millard) Judson. The former, who was a native of Woodbury, and became a prosperous farmer and cattle dealer of Watertown, died at the age of sixty-one years. His wife, who was born in Cornwall, has reared seven children, and is now living with her daughter, Mrs. Skilton. She is a bright, intelligent lady and exceedingly active for one of her years. Mr. and Mrs. Skilton have four children, as follows: Ada M., Alice M., Edna A., and Lora Agnes. The family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which Mr. Skilton has long been connected as Steward, Trustee, a member of the official board, and superintendent of the Sunday-school. He is also a member of the Watertown Grange.
ISS ISABELLA ELDRIDGE, of Norfolk, is a daughter of the late Rev. Joseph and Sarah (Battell) Eldridge. The Rev. Joseph Eldridge was born in Yarmouth, Mass., July 8, 1804. He prepared for college at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., and in September, 1825, en- tered Yale University, from which he gradu- ated with second honors in the class of 1829. He immediately commenced his theological studies at the same university. After com- pleting his course he was ordained as a minis- ter September 25, 1832, and installed as pas- tor of the Congregational church in Norfolk. During his long term as pastor of this church, which extended through a period of forty-two
years, Mr. Eldridge exhibited a love and ca- pacity for the Christian ministry that gained for him a reputation extending far beyond the limits of his pastorate; while his zeal for the increase and development of the church in general was highly appreciated by a large number of Christian workers. He always manifested a deep interest in educational matters, and assisted many young men to pro- cure an education, both by counsel and finan- cial aid. Mr. Eldridge continued as pastor of the church in Norfolk until 1874, when failing health forced him to retire from active labor. He reluctantly resigned his pastorate on November I of that year, being at that time the oldest minister in active service in the State. He died in Norfolk, March 31, 1875. The New York Independent in notic- ing his death alluded to him as a man of fine culture, keen wit, and sound sense, command- ing a strong influence throughout his section and maintaining a home which was the centre of all that is beautiful and gracious in the Christian ministry.
The Rev. Joseph Eldridge married Sarah Battell, daughter of Joseph Battell, who was a native of Milford, Conn., and moved from there to Torrington, and subsequently to Nor- folk, where he passed the remainder of his days. Mrs. Eldridge died in June, 1878, leaving six children; namely, Sarah, Irene, Mary, Joseph B., Isabella, and Alice Brad- ford. Irene is now Mrs. Edward T. Swift; and Alice Bradford is now Mrs. Henry H. Bridgman. Mrs. Swift has three children, namely: Edward E., who married Florence Wilson, daughter of J. Wilson, of Philadel- phia; Irene B .; and Mary E. Mrs. Bridg- man has one child, named Eldridge.
Isabella Eldridge has presented the village of Norfolk with a public library, which she also maintains. The building, which was de-
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signed by George Keller, of Hartford, was commenced in 1888, and completed and opened in March, 1889. It contained seventy- five hundred choice books; and it is under the efficient charge of Mr. H. H. Eddy, a gradu- ate of Williams College in the class of 1893. He came from the Pratt Institute Library of Brooklyn, N.Y. The library is open daily from 9 A. M. to 9.30 P.M., and is much ap- preciated by the residents of this town and vicinity.
Upon Norfolk Green stands a beautiful fountain, which was presented to the village by Mary Eldridge in 1889, in memory of her uncle, Joseph Battell. It was designed by Stanford White; while the design for the fish, which ornaments the top of the structure, was furnished by the famous sculptor, St. Gaudens. Both the fountain and the library are supplied with pure water from a hill, situ- ated about one mile and a half distant. Miss Eldridge occupies a beautiful home, the sur- roundings of which are constantly kept in a pleasing condition.
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