USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Litchfield County, Connecticut > Part 38
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present farm of sixty acres, he has since de- voted his energies to general farming and dairying, with good results. He keeps twenty cows, furnishing milk to the local dealers; and his crops are among the best raised in his locality. He is Republican in politics, is actively interested in local public affairs, has served three years as a member of the Board of Selectmen, two years as an Assessor; and he has been a Constable for eighteen years.
In 1874 Mr. Peck was married to Celia S. Judson, daughter of Thomas F. and Ann (Mil- lard) Judson. Thomas F. Judson was a na- tive of Woodbury, Conn., who settled in Watertown, and formerly owned the farm where Mr. Peck now resides. He moved to Illinois, and later to Texas, where he was a successful sheep dealer. He passed the last years of his life in Watertown, and died at the age of sixty-one years. His wife was a daughter of Charles Millard, of Woodbury, who died in that town at the age of ninety-one years. She became the mother of seven chil- dren, two of whom are still living, namely: Celia S., who is now Mrs. Peck; and Eliza, who married James G. Skilton. Mrs. Peck's mother still survives at the age of sixty-four years. Mr. and Mrs. Peck had two children, one of whom, Frederick, is living. They have an adopted daughter, named Rosalind. Mr. Peck is connected with the Patrons of Husbandry, being a charter member of the Grange in Watertown. Both he and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Peck is a member.
C. NEWBURY, a well-to-do-farmer of Litchfield and a veteran of the Civil War, was born in Litchfield, Conn., November 29, 1840, son of Joseph A. and Paulina (Willcox) Newbury. Mr. New-
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bury's father was a native of New York State. During his boyhood he came to Connecticut, where he found employment at farm work, and in his spare time attended the district schools. After reaching manhood, he pur- chased a farm, which was located near the present farm of his son in Litchfield, and became a thriving agriculturist. He was prominent in public affairs, and served as Se- lectman, both in Litchfield and Torrington. He died at the age of seventy years. His wife, Paulina Willcox, was born in the vicin- ity of Litchfield, and was a daughter of Abia- tha Willcox, a prosperous farmer of this lo- cality. She was the mother of seven children of whom but two are now living, namely : C. C. Newbury, the subject of this sketch, and Eva, widow of Warner Scoville. Mrs. Joseph A. Newbury still survives at the age of seventy-eight years.
C. C. Newbury resided in Harwinton during his early years. At the commencement of the Civil War he enlisted as a private in Com- pany I, Thirteenth Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers, and served four years, during which time he saw some hard fighting; but, although promotion was offered him, he de- clined, preferring to remain in the ranks. After being mustered out, he returned to Litchfield, and purchased his present farm of one hundred acres, which he devotes to dairy- ing interests. He also deals to some extent in cattle. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served as Selectman and Assessor. In 1868 Mr. Newbury was united in marriage to Emma Gilbert, who was born in Litchfield, and is a daughter of George Gilbert, a pros- perous farmer of this town. Mr. and Mrs. Newbury have had four children, namely : Iloward, who is married, and has one son, Joseph E .; Edgar; Alice M .; and Jessie, who died at the age of four years.
Mr. Newbury is liberal in his religious views, and his wife is a member of the Epis- copal church.
RANK FARRAND, whose valuable dairy farm is situated in the town of Washington, was born on September 22, 1864, on the homestead where he now resides. His parents were David N. and Sophia B. (Farrand) Farrand. Mr. Farrand's paternal grandfather, who was an industrious and thriving farmer of Washington, married Narcissa Gibson, and reared a family of three children, as follows: Rebecca, who became Mrs. Warner; Narcissa, who became Mrs. Atwood; and David N.
David N. Farrand was born at the home- stead in Washington, and here grew to man- hood. Succeeding to the ownership of the property after the death of his father, he fol- lowed agricultural pursuits during his active period, and was known as a prosperous farmer and a useful citizen. He died at the age of sixty-six. His wife, Sophia B. Farrand, who was a daughter of Charles Farrand, of Wash- ington, became the mother of six children. as follows: Charles; Robbins, who married Delia Logan, and has one daughter, named Marjorie : Burdette; William H., who married Florence Paul, and has two children, Paul and Helen ; Roderick M. ; and Frank, the subject of this sketch. The mother lived to reach the age of sixty-three.
Frank Farrand received his education in the public schools, and was reared to farm lite and healthful labors. Ile resided with his parents, assisting in carrying on the farm, and came into possession of the homestead at his father's death. His property, which is finely located, is well improved; and he cultivates the land and manages his various affairs with gratifying results. He is especially inter-
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ested in dairying, and in this direction dis- plays a great amount of energy and ability. He is a Republican in politics, and in his rc- ligious belief is a Congregationalist.
ARSHALL STRAIGHT, whose portrait accompanies the present sketch, is a retired farmer and a highly respected citizen of New Milford, Litchfield County, Conn. He was born in the adjacent town of Kent on April 22, 1816, son of Henry A. and Abigail (Sherwood) Straight. Mr. Straight's paternal grand- father, Henry Straight, who resided in Kent, and was a farmer by occupation, was twice married. His first wife, Mary Straight, died in 1777, aged twenty-nine; and his second wife, Olive, died in 1811, aged sixty-one years. Henry Straight died in 1818, aged seventy-five, having reared but one child, Henry A., Mr. Straight's father.
Henry A. Straight was born in Kent, and was reared to agricultural life. He succeeded to the ownership of the homestead, and hence- forth devoted his entire attention to agricult- ure, purchasing more land, which he added to his estate until he owned over five hundred acres. An ablc, energetic, and progressive farmer and a useful citizen, he lived to reach the age of eighty-four years. He was a Re- publican in politics and a Quaker in religion. His wife, Abigail Sherwood, who was a daughter of Reuben Sherwood, became the mother of four children, as follows: Marshall, the subject of this sketch; Olive, who married William Hoag; Henry, who died in 1887, agcd sixty-three; and John, who died August 22, 1893, aged nearly sixty-two. Mrs. Abi- gail S. Straight lived to reach the age of eighty-four years.
Marshall Straight received his education in
the best schools of the vicinity, and at an early age became proficient in all branches of agriculture. He resided at home, assisting in the farm duties until reaching the age of twenty-two, when he settled upon a farm which his father bought for him. This place he improved by the erection of a new house and barn; and for many years he conducted general farming with good results, making a specialty of dairying interests, keeping a fine herd of Durham stock. In 1875 he rented the old farm, and purchasing another of thirty acres, upon which he now resides, conducted it success- fully until his retirement from active labor.
In 1838 Mr. Straight was united in mar- riage to his first wife, whose maiden name was Mary Buckingham. She died in 1862, leaving four children, as follows: Alice, who was born August 13, 1840, married Mr. Wickwire, and is now deceased; Henry Carr, born November 18, 1841, and killed in the Civil War at the battle of Cold Harbor; Frederick G., born August 18, 1846, who married Emma Beach, and has two children, Frank B. and Frederick M .; and Orrin, born in February, 1850, who is no longer living. Having been bereft by death of his second wife, Asenath Wilbur, his third wife, Hannah Wilbur, and his fourth wife, Sophia Terrell, Mr. Straight married his present wife, whose maiden name was Josephine S. Wakelee.
Mr. Straight is a Republican in politics, and has served with ability as Assessor and in other town offices. He has long occupied a position of prominence in the community, and has led a busy and a useful life.
LBERT SYLVESTER HILL, a lead- ing business man of New Milford, was born on Long Mountain, in that township, July 1, 1821, son of Noah I.
MARSHALL STRAIGHT
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and Aurila (Stilson) Hill. His great-grand- father, Silas Hill, who was born in 1733, moved from Sherborn or Holliston to New Fairfield, where he was married, and later set- tled in New Milford. In 1756 he enlisted for service in the French and Indian War, re- maining in the army one year. In 1760 he purchased land on the plains in New Milford, where Charles Hatch now lives, and there made his home during the rest of his life, dying in 1798, at the age of sixty-six years. He married Sarah Leach, of New Fairfield, who died in 1792, in her fifty-seventh year. Ten children were born to them; namely, Solomon, Sarah, Silas, Keziah, Polly, . Johanna, Perthena, Ebenezer, Mercy, and Aurila. The eldest son, Solomon, who was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1759. He settled in the Aspetuck District, Fairfield County, purchas- ing a large farm, and for many years was suc- cessfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. In religious belief he was an Episcopalian, and was Vestryman of St. John's Church, to which he left a legacy of five hundred dollars. He died in 1839, at the age of eighty. His wife, whose maiden name was Amy Stone, died in 1836, in her seventy-fourth year. They reared seven children; namely, Solomon, Noah I., Sally, Silas, Joyce, Gardner, and Amy M.
Noah 1. Hill, the father of Albert Sylves- ter, was born in New Milford, December 16. 1785. He was a farmer and a cattle drover, owning considerable property on Long Moun- tain, and was very successful in his business projects. He died about the year 1820, while on a trip to Delaware. His wife was a daugh- ter of Rivees Stilson, of New Milford. She died in 1862, at the age of seventy-nine. Four sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hill; namely, Solomon B., Silas H., Noah, and Albert Sylvester.
Albert Sylvester Hill received his early education in the district schools of New Mil- ford, completing his studies at Amenia Semi- nary. As a first business venture he purchased a farm near Northville, New Mil- ford, and in company with E. P. Barton bought the Taylor Mill, fitted it for a paper-mill, and started it in 1852. After conducting this enterprise successfully for twenty years, Mr. Hill in 1872 purchased his partner's interest. In 1888 he converted the establishment into a creamery, the first in the county, which he conducted successfully for two years. He then went to Roxbury, where he ran a mill for nineteen months. After this he returne.l to New Milford, and retired from active busi- ness. The creamery was destroyed by fire in 1895. Mr. Hill now lives quietly on a small farm in Northville. He owns considerable other property in the town, and ranks among the foremost men of the place.
On November 16, 1845, he was married to Elizabeth S. Wells, born October 23, 1826. daughter of Philip and Nancy ( Watson) Wells. Their children were: Agnes E .. born August 3, 1847, who married Jarvis E. Wheaton, of Washington, Conn., and has one child; Horace A., born October 3, 1849, who married Florence B. Morchons, has one child. Daisy T., and lives at Bridgewater; and George W., a farmer in New Milford, born July 4, 1854, who married Abbie M. Conch. and has one child, Albert S. Mr. Hill votes the Democratic ticket. He represented the district in the legislature in 1867. 1808. 1869, and 1881, was First Selectman of the town eleven years, served on the School Com- mittee for some time, and has filled many other offices within the gift of his townsmien. In religious belief he is an Episcopalian, and has served as Warden of St. John's Church for thirty-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Hill were
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the first couple married in that church. At the celebration of their golden wedding, No- vember 16, 1895, they received many beauti- ful presents from members of the parish, accompanied by expressions of regard that made the occasion one long to be remembered.
ONATHAN B. BALCH, an enterpris- ing citizen of Harwinton, who is widely and favorably known as a builder, a carriage manufacturer, and a first- class undertaker, was born in the village of Harwinton, October 26, 1822, son of Jonathan and Minerva (Brace) Balch. His father was a native of West Hartford and his mother of Harwinton. Our subject is the third Jonathan Balch in line of descent, his grandfather hav- ing also borne that name. Jonathan Balch, first, was born in West Hartford, and there passed his life, engaged in farming. He was a Deacon of the West Hartford church for many years. His son, father of our subject, was also a farmer, and spent some years in Harwinton when a young man. After his marriage, which took place early in the pres- ent century, he returned to his native town, and in 1820 moved again to Harwinton, pur- chasing the farm on which his wife was born. There he spent the rest of his life, dying at the age of seventy-eight. His wife, Minerva Brace, was the daughter of Esquire Brace, the leading man of the locality, a Trial Justice, and for many years a Justice of the Peace. He died in Harwinton in 1823. His daughter, Mrs. Balch, lived to attain the age of seventy-three years. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Balch was brightened by six children, four of whom reached maturity. Of these two are now living, James S. and Jonathan B. One son met with a tragic death, being killed on the railroad.
Jonathan B. Balch left home at the age of fifteen to learn the builder's trade, at which he worked, after completing his apprentice- ship, for about thirty-five years. Many of the houses in Harwinton and this vicinity were erected by Mr. Balch, among them his own home, which, though built in 1846, is as firm and well-conditioned to-day as when first completed. Mr. Balch subsequently built a carriage shop, and for years has been success- fully engaged in the manufacture and repair- ing of carriages; and in addition to his other business he has for twenty-five years been manager of a first-class undertaking establish- ment, personally answering calls from Litch- field, Plymouth, and other large places, besides attending to those in his native town.
Mr. Balch has been twice married. In 1843 he was united to Harriet N. Gibbs, a native of this county and daughter of Alaric Gibbs, a well-known farmer. She was called to rest in 1852. Our subject married for his second wife Charlotte Warner, daughter of Isaac Warner, a manufacturer of Middletown. She reared the following children: Charles W., an expert stenographer in New York City, who married Arabella Wickstead, of that city, and has two children, Howard and Clarence; George H., an engraver in Waterbury, who married Nettie Cook, and has seven children; Walter, a market owner in Harwinton, resid- ing next door to his father, who married Nellie Fisher, and has three children - Maud and Mabel, twins, and Walter; and Carrie, who married Dennis Baker, of Waterbury, and has one child, Addie. Mrs. Baker resides with her father. Mrs. Charlotte W. Balch died April 15, 1895.
Politically, Mr. Balch favors the Repub- lican party. He takes an active interest in town affairs, and has served as Justice of the
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Peace at different times. With his children he attends the Congregational church, of which his wife was a member, and of which he was Treasurer many years. Mr. Balch is a man of unusual intelligence, and is a fine workman, believing in the motto, "What is worth doing at all is worth doing well." He is one of the oldest residents of Harwinton, and his life record entitles him to the respect which is universally accorded him.
AMUEL CLAYTON KINGMAN, a highly esteemed resident of Washington, this county, was born in South Reading, Mass., May 15, 1830, son of Samuel and Sarah R. (Pope) Kingman. His first ancestor in America was John King- man, who settled in Massachusetts; and his son, John Kingman, Mr. Kingman's grand- father, was born in that State. John King- man, second, reared a family of six children ; namely, George W., Abner, Hannah, Samuel, Warren, and Sybil. Samuel Kingman was born in Hingham, Mass. He learned the tailor's trade, which he followed for many years. He subsequently settled in South Reading, Mass., and for the last twenty years of his life was Postmaster of that town. Ile was a Democrat in politics, and repre- sented his district in the General Court of Massachusetts for two terms. Aside from his political prominence, he was a progressive and useful citizen. He died at the age of seventy- eight years. His wife, Saralı R. Pope, who was a daughter of Jesse Pope, of South Read- ing, became the mother of eight children, as follows: Abner A., who married Sarah King- man; Samuel C., whose name heads this sketch; William W .; Charles E., who mar- ried Martha Woodruff; Lucy E .; Orlando P'., who married Eunice L. Lyman : Arthur H. ;
and Evelyn, who is now Mrs. Sweetser. Mrs. Samuel Kingman was a lady of more than or- dinary intelligence, and was especially famil- iar with the Scriptures. In 1818, when a girl of ten years, she was awarded a prize for being able to recite from memory the greatest number of verses. She lived to reach the age of eighty-two, dying in . 1890.
Samuel C. Kingman, our subject, married Emily Eustice Brooks, of Kingfield, Me. They are the parents of five children; Ella P., wife of Horace L. Eames; Mary H., Mrs. F. S. Buckingham: Carrie E., Mrs. H. B. Loomis; Katie B., Mrs. E. S. Buckingham; and Evely C., who resides at home.
SAAC C. CROFUT, who owns and con- ducts a productive farm in Washington, this county, was born in New Milford. Conn., November 8, 1818, son of Josiah and Anna (Northrop) Crofut. Mr. Crofut's father was a native of Danbury, Conn., and a farmer by occupation. He was for some time a resi- dent of New Milford, but subsequently settled in Kent, where for forty years he successfully carried on farming. His death took place when he was sixty-nine years old. His wife. Anna Northrop, became the mother of ten children, namely : George, who married Anna Morehouse, and died, leaving five children: Annis, who became Mrs. Flower, and had three children: Israel, who married Lunna Gunn; Clara; Betsey, who became Mrs. Iluntley : Isaac C., the subject of this sketch ; Chloe, who became Mrs. Cone, and had three children; Harriet; Charlotte, who became Mrs. Lane; and Elizabeth, who became Mrs. Wedge, and had two children. The mother. Mrs. Anna N. Crofnt, died at the age of eighty-five years.
Isaac C. Crofut removed with his parents
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from New Milford to Kent when quite young, and received his education in the district schools. In early manhood he learned the mason's trade, an occupation which he fol- lowed steadily for forty-six years, and was widely and favorably known as a skilled and reliable workman. He settled upon his pres- ent farm in Washington in 1843, and has en- gaged in agricultural pursuits with satisfactory results. His life has been a busy and pros- perous one, and to his industry and fore- thought may be ascribed in a large measure his success.
In 1843 Mr. Crofut was united in marriage to Sally Carpenter; and they reared one daughter, Ellen, who became the wife of the Rev. Mr. Judd, a Methodist minister of Long Island. Mrs. Crofut died January 26, 1891, aged seventy-one years. Mr. Crofut is inde- pendent in politics and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
AMES G. WELTON, a retired farmer and prominent resident of Bridge- water, Conn., was born in this town, January 21, 1822, son of Horatio N. and Anna A. (Treat) Welton. Mr. Welton is a direct descendant of John and Mary (Upton) Welton, who were the first ancestors of the family in America. They emigrated from England in 1667, and. in 1669 located in Waterbury, Conn., where they were among the first settlers.
The descent continues through their son, George Welton, whose son Peter was Mr. Welton's great-grandfather. Peter's son, George Welton, Mr. Welton's grandfather, who was born in Waterbury, served as a pri- vate in the Revolutionary War, and after retir- ing from the service settled in Bridgewater. He was a nail-maker by trade, an occupation
which he followed with success; and he also did a profitable business in general black- smithing and the making of points for the old- fashioned ploughs used in those early days. He bought a house lot at the Four Corners, in the vicinity of Mr. Welton's present residence; and he continued to add to his real estate until he possessed a valuable farm. Grand- father Welton was a prominent man of the town and an active member of the Congrega- tional church. In 1789 he married Elizabeth Botsford, and had seven children, as follows: Thirza, who married Stephen Treat; a son who died in infancy; Minerva, who married Curtis Warner; Harriet, who married David Young; Horatio; George S., who married Louisa Magraw; and Eliza, who died young. George Welton died November 12, 1837, aged seventy-six years. His wife, Elizabeth, died at the age of sixty-two years.
Horatio N. Welton, Mr. Welton's father, was born at the Four Corners, in Bridgewater, October 21, 1798. He adopted agriculture as an occupation, and settled upon a farm situ- ated in the lower or southerly part of the town of Bridgewater. He was a thrifty and suc- cessful farmer and a worthy citizen. He died at the age of seventy years. In politics he was originally a Whig, but later joined the Republican party, and held various town offices, being a member of the School Com- mittee for several years. His wife, Anna A. Treat, whom he married November 20, 1820, was a daughter of John H. Treat. They reared three children, as follows: Janies G., the subject of this sketch; Walter B., who married Jane Foot; and Eli H., who married Laura Jessup.' The mother lived to reach the age of sixty-eight years.
James G. Welton was educated in the schools of his native town, and at home early began to take lessons in practical farming.
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JAMES G. WELTON.
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At the age of twenty-two he bought the Charles French farm of eighty-eight acres, which he managed for m ny years with profit- able results. He remodelled the buildings, improved the land, and by persistent labor succeeded in making his farm a productive and valuable piece of property. Besides devoting considerable attention to running a dairy, he was for some years engaged in butchering and heavy teaming. He has now rented his farm and retired from active labor, feeling that he has earned a rest. In politics Mr. Welton has always acted with the Republican party. He has served with ability many years as School Committec, and as Assessor for sixteen years, at the expiration of his last term declin- ing to remain longer in office, feeling that he has done his part in the public service.
Mr. Welton and Eliza Castle, daughter of Harvey H. and Lucinda (Young) Castle, were united in marriage on December 25, 1844, and became the parents of three children, as follows: George H., who died at the age of ten months; Julia E., who married Lester A. Worden, a broker of Syracuse, N. Y., and has four children, namely - G. Welton, Ruth W., Jessic, and Frank B .; and Annic L., who married Phincas E. Clark, a prosperous farmer of New Milford, and has two children, namely -- Sidney V. and Irving W. Mrs. Welton died in January, 1892, aged seventy-two years.
A portrait of Mr. Welton is here given.
ing, became a large land-owner, and resided until his death, which took place when he was fifty-three years old. He was a prominent and influential man in the town, and served as a Selectman for several years.
Ezra Lockwood, Jr., Mr. Lockwood's father, was born in Watertown in 1803. He was reared to farm life, and resided with his par- ents until he reached the age of twenty-one, when he bought the farm which is now owned and conducted by his sons. He followed agri- cultural pursuits with energy and success, making various improvements, thereby greatly enhancing the value of his property. He died in the prime of life, aged forty-eight years. His wife, Julia E. Beccher, was a daughter of Hezekiah Beecher. The latter was a native and lifelong resident of Prospect, and died there at the age of sixty-three years. lle married Temperance Bronson, who was born in Waterbury, Conn., and reared ten children, three of whom are still living, namely: Har- rict, who became Mrs. Bristol; Abigal, who became Mrs. Gaylord; and Julia E., who mar- ried Ezra Lockwood. The mother lived to the age of eighty-seven. Mrs. Ezra Lock- wood has reared a family of six children : and of these there are three survivors: Ella M., Edson B., and Charles E. The mother, who has reached the age of seventy-one years, re- sides at the homestead with her son, and is a member of the Episcopal church. Her hus- band was a member of the same church, and served as a Vestryman for many years.
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