USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Litchfield County, Connecticut > Part 40
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was a man of great nervous energy, who hardly knew what it was to rest, until at the age of seventy he was called to rest forever. His wife, Charity (Edwards) Bostwick, was born December 27, 1788, and died February 9, 1866. She was the mother of four children : Betsey A., Evander, Isaac B., and J. Eliza.
Isaac B. Bostwick, the father of Henry B., was born November 7, 1814. He received a good education in the schools of his native town; and, when a boy, hc became familiar with farm work. Succceding to the ownership of the homestead, besides carrying on gencral farming, he worked the marble quarries to cvcn better advantage than his father had donc, burning the refuse for limc and cutting and marking his own marble. He died Janu- ary 19, 1892. On November 7, 1836, he was married to Lavinia A., daughter of Justin and l'hebc (Maine) Sherman and grand-daughter of Eli and Polly (Phelps) Sherman, all natives of New Milford. Her grandparents were carly residents of New Milford. They were engaged in farming. They subsequently moved to Vermont; but Mrs. Bostwick's father remained in New Milford, occupied in agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death, which occurred when he was fifty-three years of age. His wife lived to be sixty-six years old. They reared nine children: La- vinia A., Eli, Lucy A., Henry D., Emily II., Julia M., Polly (., Celia, and Rachel J. Mrs. Bostwick is still living. Besides her son, Henry B., the subject of this sketch, she has one daughter, Marion B., born June 25, 1844, who married M. B. Healey, and has two children, Lavinia A. and Henry B. She resides in Brooklyn, N. Y.
studies, he was obliged to leave school, and re- turn home to attend to the affairs of the home stead, where he has since remained. He has made many radical improvements on the es- tate, remodelling the buildings and otherwise using the land to the best advantage. He is now successfully engaged in general farming, making a specialty of tobacco and keeping a first-class dairy .- Mr. Bostwick is a well-in- formed man, and pursues his calling according to the best methods. He stands high in the estimation of his neighbors, and ranks among the most valued citizens of New Milford. His political crccd is Republican, while his religious belief is Episcopalian. Mr. Bost- wick is not married.
ILAS D. DAVIS, a highly esteemed resident of Kent, was born in Wes. ton, Conn., February 21, 1827, son of Silas D. and Lucinda (Bronson) Davis. Ilis grandfather was Ebenezer Davis, a native of Weston, who lived to reach the advanced age of ninety years.
Itis son, Silas D. Davis, Sr., was a life- long resident of Weston, where he was suc- cessfully engaged in farming. He possessed many estimable qualities, but died in 1827 in comparatively early manhood, aged thirty five years. His wife, Lucinda Bronson, who was a daughter of Silas Bronson, of Kent, became the mother of three children, namely: Polly. who became Mrs. A. Rolla Merwin, and was the mother of three children; Betsey, who be came Mrs. Mansfield Morgan, and had siv children; and Silas D., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Silas D. Davis, Sr., married for her second husband Truman Hawley, and by this union there was one son, Edward. Ile was twice married, first to Susan Young, who
Henry B. Bostwick received a good educa- tion, attending school in his native town, in Middletown, and in Bridgeport. His father's health failing while he was pursuing his | died leaving one daughter, Rosetta, and second
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to Mrs. Dotha (Wedge) Harrington. Mrs. Silas D. Davis, Sr., died in 1884, aged eighty-six years.
Silas D. Davis came to Kent in early child- hood, and received his education in the schools of this town. When a young man, he learned the harness-maker's trade, which he followed for several years, including five years in New Preston. He then for two years followed the same occupation in New Haven, after which he returned to Kent, where he has since re- sided. He has most of his life been an active and energetic man, but for the past few years has suffered from disability. On January 24, 1853, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Amarinda Beardsley, daughter of Horace Beardsley, of Kent. He has two children liv- ing, namely : Scott, who married Flora Dwy, daughter of Nelson Dwy, of Kent, and has one son, Frank by name; and John, who married Cora Dwy, daughter of Nelson Dwy, and has two children, named Raymond and Hattie, re- spectively. Another child, the eldest, Hattie A., born June 6, 1857, died September 9, 1863. Mr. Davis's wife died in 1892, aged sixty-one years.
EVI E. CURTIS, the hospitable pro- prietor of the Woodbury Hotel, was born in the town of Sherman, Fair- field County, Conn., May 25, 1840. His par- ents were Stiles and Amelia (Munrowe) Curtis. William Curtis, the earliest known ancestor, with his four children, Thomas, Mary, John, and Philip, embarked from Eng- land in the ship "Lion" on June 22, 1632, and landed at Scituate, Mass., on December 16, 1632. He subsequently removed to Strat- ford, Conn. Many of this name in New Eng- land and other parts of the United States are descendants of his. Stiles Curtis, the grand-
father, was born in Stratford, but settled in early life in the town of Sherman, where he was known as a progressive farmer. His wife was Fanny (Paddock) Curtis; and they had six children - Stiles, Abner, Ross, Hannah, Phebe, and Mary.
Stiles Curtis, father of Levi E. Curtis, was born in Sherman, and there became a cattle dealer to quite an extent. Later he gave up that business, devoting his time to farming in New Milford, where he owned an excellent farm. He married Amelia, a daughter of David and Amelia (Munrowe) Munrowe. They had two children: Levi, the subject of this biography ; and George H. Curtis.
Levi E. Curtis was educated in New Mil- ford. At the age of twenty he began dealing in cattle, which he fattened and butchered, shipping the carcasses to the city market. After spending four years in this business, he engaged in the manufacture of hats, which proved to be profitable. The confinement im- posed upon him by this occupation became objectionable, and after five years he began dealing in horses. He handled a great many fine roadsters each year, which he broke and sold for fancy teams. This business he fol- lowed for four years in Danbury, meeting with much success. Mr. Curtis at the same time carried on the produce business, buying and shipping to the city market. In 1874 he undertook the management of a hotel at Corn- wall Bridge, where he continued for eight years, until 1882, when he sold out. He then bought the McMurtree estate, known as the Woodbury Hotel, at Woodbury. This house was built for a hotel in 1754 by Anthony Stoddard. Mr. Curtis has remodelled it, and erected an addition thereto, putting in modern conveniences and refurnishing. The house is very comfortable, and exceedingly well patron- ized. The many city boarders who visit it
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each season say that the management thereof could not be better. Attached to the house is a fine livery, supplied with first-class turn- outs, which attract admiring attention from all patrons of this popular establishment.
On November 3, 1870, Mr. Curtis and Eliza Knapp were united in marriage. His wife was a daughter of John and Minerva (More- house) Knapp. Her father, a farmer in l'em- broke, Conn., was a son of Levi and Lizzie (Hamilton) Knapp. Levi Knapp was born May 1, 1777, and died at the age of ninety. His wife was born in 1781, and lived to be seventy-eight years of age. Their children werc: Florinda, Maria, Ann, Gregory, John, Ruth, Laura, James, and Alexander. John Knapp, the father of Mrs. Curtis, died at the age of forty-one. The mother lived to the age of fifty-seven years. Their children were: George and Florinda, who were twins; Susan ; and Eliza. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis have had seven children: Levi, born August 23, 1874, who died September 22, 1874; Grace E., born September 10, 1875; Rossie, born June 19, 1878, who died March 9, 1881; Leah Edna, born March 24, 1881; Edith Estelle, born June 20, 1884; Tessie, born on September 5, 1886, who died July 19, 1887; and Johnetta E., born January 12, 1889. Mr. Curtis is a Republican. He is also interested in Ma- sonry, being a member of King Solomon's Lodge, A. F. & A. M., No. 7, in this town. He served twenty-three months in the Civil War under General Banks, having enlisted in 1862 in the Twenty-eighth Connecticut Volum- teer Infantry.
REDERICK HOFFMAN, a prosperous farmer of Washington, was born in Rudolstadt, Germany, March 5, 1833. son of John and Elizabeth (Souerbrici) Hotf- man. His father, who was a native and life-
long resident of Rudolstadt, died at the age of sixty-five years. He reared a family of five children, namely: Herman, who married and has two children - August and Emma; Fred- erick, the subject of this sketch; August, who married and died at the age of fifty years, leav. ing five daughters; Charles, who died when twenty-two years old; and William, who is married, and has four children. Mrs. John Hoffman accompanied her sons William and Charles to this country, and died at the age of eighty-three years.
Frederick Hoffman received his education in the national schools of Germany, and after completing his studies he learned the trade of shoemaking. At the age of twenty-five he emigrated to the United States, landing in New York City. After following his trade in the metropolis for six years, he moved to Marbledale, where he continued in the same occupation for a similar length of time. He then settled upon his present farm in Wash- ington, where he has since remained. He is an energetic and practical farmer with a constant eye to the improvement of his property, culti- vating his land with diligence and directing all the business of his farm with foresight and good judgment. He is esteemed by his fellow- townsmen as an upright and useful citizen.
In 1855 Mr. Hoffman was united in mar riage to Frederica Kuhn, a native of Germany and daughter of Mathew Kuhn. Mrs. Hott- man's parents reared the following children : Caroline, who became Mrs. Schonheit, and has two daughters - Amelia and Henriette ; William, who is married and has two children ; and Frederica, wife of Mr. Hoffman. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman have two sons, namely: Harmon A., who is a director of the Reform School of Connecticut and Revenue Collector at Waterbury. He married Martha Richards, of Kent, and has four chikhen Charles,
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Ella, Edward, and Kenneth. Charles F., the other son, owns a fine farm in Washington. He married Tillie Richards, of Kent, and has three children - Florence, Herbert, and Eva. Mr. Hoffman is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In his religious views he is an Episcopalian.
ETER DUFF, JR., is one of the most successful business men of Thomas- ton, Litchfield County, where he is engaged in the grocery and feed business. He was born on the farther side of the Atlantic in Old Meldrum, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, March 5, 1852, and is a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Dieck) Duff.
Peter Duff, Sr., who is still living, is a native of the place in which his son was born. He has followed farming all his life, and is still hale and active, although seventy-three years of age. His wife, Elizabeth Dieck, was also born in Scotland. She has borne her husband nine children, all of whom are now living: William is in Australia; and Peter, Jr., John, Mary, George, and James reside here. Both parents are communicants of the Presbyterian church.
Peter Duff, Jr., remained with his parents only until reaching the age of nine years. He then found employment, but continued to at- tend school during the winters until he was twenty years old. He then came to America and settled in Thomaston, which has since been his home. His first work in this country was in a brickyard; but he had remained there but a short time when he secured a posi- tion as journeyman in the case department of the Thomaston Clock Company, by which firm he was employed for a dozen years. In 1885 he established his present business, beginning at first in a very small way ; but his trade has
steadily increased until reaching its present satisfactory dimensions. He employs two clerks, in addition to his daughter, who acts as book-keeper. Mr. Duff carries an excellent line of groceries and provisions, and also deals in feed, grain, baled hay and straw. In 1877 he was joined in marriage with Miss Margaret Band, of Perthshire, Scotland. A son and daughter live to bless their union, namely : Lizzie, a bright, intelligent young business woman, who is of great assistance to her father as book-keeper ; and George, at present attend- ing school.
Mr. Duff is a loyal Republican in his polit- ical views. He is a man who takes a keen interest in the welfare of the town, which he has served as Constable for five years ; he has also been a member of the Board of Relief for one year. He is prominently connected with the secret societies, being a member of Union Lodge, No. 96, A. F. & A. M. ; the Knights of Pythias, in which Lodge he is treasurer, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He and his wife and daughter are useful and influ- ential members of the Congregational church of Thomaston, his wife and daughter being actively interested in the Sunday-school.
HARLES S. BARBER, whose portrait is herewith presented, is a prosperous farmer of Harwinton, Conn., and a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in this town, October 13, 1835, son of William B. and Bede M. (Frisbie) Barber. Mr. Bar- ber's great-great-grandfather, Reuben Barber, came from Windsor and settled in Harwinton at an early date. Simeon, son of Reuben, was born in Harwinton, and followed agriculture as an occupation. He was prominent in town affairs, and served in the Revolutionary War. His son, Norris Barber, Mr. Barber's grand-
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CHARLES S. BARBER.
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father, a farmer and a lifelong resident of Harwinton, who died in that town at the age of sixty-seven, served in the War of 1812.
William B. Barber was born upon the farm where his son now resides. He followed agri- cultural pursuits until his death, which oc- curred when he was but thirty years old. His wife, Bede M. Frisbie, who died at the age of forty-seven, was a daughter of Deacon Frisbie of the Congregational church, a farmer and nurseryman of Harwinton. Mr. and Mrs. William B. Barber were the parents of three children, as follows: Charles S., the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, who married Shel- don A. Barber; and Erosabeth, who married Burnett Leavenworth.
Charles S. Barber was but eight years of age when his father died. He lived with his grandfather, and was educated in the district schools and at the Harwinton Academy. At the death of his grandfather he succeeded to the ownership of the old Barber homestead, which he has since carried on with energy and success. The property, which is now known as the Orchard Stock Farm, consists of two hundred acres; and it has been under cultiva- tion for one hundred and seventy-five years. Mr. Barber makes a specialty of stock-raising and fruit growing, and has taken several prizes for fine displays of stock and fruit at different agricultural fairs in this locality. Early in the Civil War Mr. Barber enlisted in the Nineteenth Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, from which he was transferred to the Second Heavy Artillery, and was in active service three years. After his discharge he returned to the cultivation of his farm. He was a Representative to the legislature in 1874, being elected at that time as a Republican, though now a Prohibitionist. He was one of the organizers of the Harwinton Agricultural Society, of which he was president for nine
years, and was president of the local insur- ance company of Harwinton from 1872 to 1880. He was an active organizer of the Grange, is a member of the Connecticut Sheep-raising Association, and also a comrade of the Thomaston Post, Grand Army of the Republic.
In 1863 Mr. Barber was united in marriage with Ellen Jones, a daughter of Julius Jones, late a well-known farmer and a prominent citi- zen of Harwinton, a lay reader in the Episco- pal church. Mr. Jones died in Harwinton at the age of sixty. His wife, Maria Scoville, who was a native of Harwinton, died at the age of seventy-two.
Mr. and Mrs. Barber have had five children. William J., the only one now living, began his education in the schools of his native town, and after continuing his studies in Massachu- setts pursued a course at the Normal College in Connecticut. He then entered the New York Medical College, but failing health caused him to relinquish his studies, and he is now assisting his father upon the farm. He married Julia Ulrich, of Hartford, Conn. He is at present Master of the Grange of Har winton.
Mr. and Mrs. Barber are members of the Congregational church, and both have been teachers in the Sunday-school. Mr. Barber was a delegate to the Prohibitionist National Convention held in Cincinnati, Ohio, that nominated Mr. Bidwill for President.
HARLES E. TROWBRIDGE, one el the largest and most successful farmers and cattle dealers ot Hotchkissville. and an es member of the legislature, was born near Weller's Bridge in the town of Rosbun. May 8, 1835, son of Charles S and Eliza (Clark) Trowbridge. Mr. Trowbridge's grand
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father, John Trowbridge, who was born in Bedford, N. Y., in 1752, settled in the south- ern part of the town of Woodbury, Conn., in 1778. In 1793 he moved to Roxbury, where he followed agricultural pursuits for the rest of his life. He married for his first wife Esther Strong, a daughter of Preserved and Esther (Stoddard) Strong, of Woodbury. She died in 1807, leaving eight children; namely, James, Edward, Fanny, John, Anna, Mary, Charles S., and Caroline. John Trowbridge married for his second wife Elizabeth Logan.
Charles S. Trowbridge, Mr. Trowbridge's father, was born in Roxbury, November 19, 1798. At the age of fourteen he commenced work in a saw and grist mill, an occupation which he continued for twenty-eight years. He then bought the Weller farm of two hun- dred acres, situated at Weller's Bridge. Since it came into his hands the property has been much improved. The house, which he re- paired, is still standing in a good state of preservation, although it is now over one hun- dred years old. He was one of the leading farmers of his day, dealing largely in grain and tobacco, and raising cattle both for market and teaming. He made an ample fortune as a progressive and successful farmer, and filled a prominent position in the community. He was a Democrat in politics, and served as a member of the Board of Selectmen and in other important offices. He died at the home- stead in Roxbury in 1885. His wife was a daughter of David Clark, a prosperous farmer of New Milford. She became the mother of ten children; namely, Charles E., Mary M., Esther E., James E., Henry C., Job A., Esther (second), William F., Sarah H., and Sarah. The mother, who is still living, has
reached the age of eighty-three years. She has a strong constitution, being remarkably bright and vigorous for one of her years; and
she is held in sincere esteem by her many acquaintances.
Charles E. Trowbridge received his educa- tion in the district and select schools of his native town. At an early age he began to assist his father in the cattle business. In 1872 he bought the William Lambert farm of two hundred acres, situated in District No. 8 in the town of Woodbury ; and he proceeded to make various improvements both upon the land and buildings. He engaged extensively in the cattle business. At first he bought native stock from the farmers, collecting them into droves; but later he went to Buffalo, N. Y., where he purchased grazing cattle by the carload and shipped them to his farm. He keeps an average of thirty-five head on hand. He has also raised tobacco to some extent, and has dealt in that product with success. He is an able and industrious business inan, and his prosperity is the result of steady perseverance and upright methods. On June 11, 1860, Mr. Trowbridge was united in marriage to Sarah M. Weller, daughter of Elisha Andrews and Maria (Peck) Weller, of Roxbury, and has had three children, as follows: Alice E., born November 4, 1872, who died in 1891 ; Ger- trude I., born July 6, 1876; and Fanny M., born October 23, 1877. Mrs. Trowbridge is a descendant of Thomas Weller, a native of England, who emigrated to America and set- tled at what is now known as Weller's Bridge in the town of Roxbury. He cleared and im- proved a large tract of land, and resided there until his death, which was the result of old age. His wife, Elizabeth Weller, who lived to the age of seventy-nine, died in 1770. She bore the following children : Daniel, Jerusha, Rose, Mary, Abigail, Daniel (second), and Zachariah. Daniel Weller, first son of Thomas and Elizabeth Weller, who was Mrs. Trowbridge's great-grandfather, inherited a
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part of his father's farm; and he erected a house that is still standing. He followed agriculture during the active period of his life, and died September 21, 1810, aged eighty- eight years. He married Jerusha Squires, and raised a family of eight children; namely, Margaret, Parnell, Jerusha, Experience, David, Thomas, Matthew, and Daniel. The great- grandmother died May 18, 1816, aged eighty- four years. The will of Daniel Weller, which was executed April 13, 1816, divided his property equally among his children.
David Weller, Mrs. Trowbridge's grand- father, inherited the homestead, upon which he resided during his entire life. He learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed as an occupation in connection with farming. He erected a new house, the nails and other iron work of which he made by hand; and this building, which is now the property of Ade- laide Northrop, is being remodelled. He was a Lieutenant and later a Captain in the Thir- teenth Regiment, State militia, an enter- prising business man, and a worthy citizen. He died April 2, 1845, aged seventy. Ile married Lydia Andrews, and his family con- sisted of Adeline, who married John Castle ; and Elisha A., Mrs. Trowbridge's father. The grandmother died July 15, 1869, aged eighty-seven years.
Elisha Andrews Weller inherited the farm, and the present farm residence was erected by him. Early in life he engaged in the manu- facturing of hats, a business which he followed successfully until 1860, after which he devoted his attention exclusively to farming, with good results, and died in 1884. He was widely known as a progressive business man and a prominent member of the community, in the general welfare of which he was actively inter- ested. In politics he was a Democrat, and he served upon the Board of Selectmen and repre-
sented his town in the legislature. His wife, Maria (Peck) Weller, became the mother of five children, as follows: Andrew, Emily, Sarah M. (now Mrs. Trowbridge), Adelaide, and Eva. The mother died in 1894, aged seventy-eight years.
Both the Trowbridge and Weller families are among the most prominent in that part of the county, and their representatives are all filling responsible positions in life.
IDNEY F. DICKERMAN, a suc- cessful hardware merchant and highly esteemed citizen of Winsted, Conn., son of Nathaniel Dickerman, was born in Guilford, Chenango County, N. Y., Septem . ber 30, 1835. His paternal grandfather, John Dickerman, who removed from Vermont to Guilford in the early days of the century. there successfully followed the trade of a blacksmith, and in connection therewith de- voted some time to agriculture. He died in Unadilla, N. Y., in 1845, at upward of eighty- four years of age.
Nathaniel Dickerman was born in Vermont in 1798, but soon removed with his parents to Guilford, N. Y., and spent the remainder of his life in that State. His wife, Mary Ann Ferry Dickerman, was a daughter of Amon Ferry, of Chicopee, Mass., who afterward set tled in Masonville, Delaware County, N. Y .. where he died at nearly eighty years of age. Eight children were the fruit of their union, four sons and four danghters, of whom four are now living, namely : Norris Il. Dickerman. who has retired from active business lite and resides in Cleveland, Ohio; Sidney F. ; MI- bert Dickerman, an attorney at low, who was formerly a judge in the State of Michigan, from which place he went to Watsonville. Cal., where he now lives; and Mary E. the
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wife of Charles E. Palmer, of Fostoria, Ohio. Their father died about 1846. Their mother was afterward married to Erastus S. Sebbins, a prosperous farmer of Cleveland, Ohio, who also followed the vocation of a carpenter. He died in 1885, at seventy-eight years of age, his wife having passed away several years pre- vious, in 1859, at fifty-two years of age. The remains of Mr. and Mrs. Dickerman rest in Masonville, N. Y.
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