USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Litchfield County, Connecticut > Part 42
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73
Caleb Miner Williams was born in Groton, Conn. Brought up on a farm, he followed agriculture during a great part of his life, and was also in business as a merchant in Noank, Conn. He took an active interest in public affairs, filling many positions of trust in the town, and also represented the district in the legislature. He died in Groton at the age of eighty. He and his wife, Sabra Gallup Williams, were both members of the Baptist church. She was born at Groton, Conn., November 11, 1809, and died at Groton, November 27, 18844. She was the eighth child of Gurdon and Sibell Capron Gallup. Her father was born at Groton, December 18, 1771. His wife, Sibell Capron, was born at Preston, Conn., their marriage taking place February 15, 1795
The name of Gallup was originally Gollup. As first appearing in England, the record shows that they spring from Franco-German ancestry, coming from Lorraine, the debatable territory between France and Germany. John Gallup, the ancestor of most of that name in this country, came to America from the parish of Mosterne, County Dorset, England, in the year 1630. He was a son of John Gallop, who was a son of Thomas and Agnes (Wat- kins) Gollup, of North Bowood and Strode, and whose descendants still own and occupy the manors of Strode. He sailed from Plym- outh, England, March 20, 1630, in the ship "Mary and John," arriving at Nantasket, now Hull, May 30, his wife and children follow- ing in 1633. He went first to Dorchester. but soon after to Boston. Coming to this country in times of privation and peril, he rendered important service to the infant colony. Hle and his son John were distinguished tor bravery in the Pequot War and in King Philip's War. He was the leader of the friendly Mohegans in the fearful swamp fight at Narragansett, December 19, 1675, where he with several other captains was slain. Gurdon Gallup, the grandfather of Mr. Will- iams, was of the sixth generation in lineal descent from John Gallup, the emigrant.
Eleven children were born to Caleb M. and Sabra (Gallup) Williams, seven of whom are living. These children were: Betsey Ann. deceased, born in 1831: Gordon, deceased. born January 30. 1832: Lucy Elizabeth, de- ceased, born April 18, 1833: Emily, born January 30. 1835: John Coleman, April 24. 1836; Nancy, February 17, 1838; Jesse Miner, October 1. 18.40; Charles Fish, the subject of this sketch: William Ledyard, October 18, 1843: Ellen Adelaide, deceased, born in March, 18445; and Frank Edgar, born July 15, 18449.
388
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Charles Fish Williams received a good common-school education. When eighteen years of age, he went to work in the drug store of Dr. Seth Smith, of New London, Conn., remaining four years; and he was em- ployed subsequently as clerk by Lee & Os- good, of Norwich, and W. S. Tyler & Son, of the same place. He was in partnership with Mr. Tyler, of Greenville, a number of years, and later opened a drug store in Ansonia, which he conducted about nine years. In 1878 he bought the old Seth Thomas drug store in Thomaston, Conn., one of the oldest in the vicinity, and soon established a good business, which has increased yearly under his able management.
November 5, 1867, Mr. Williams married Elizabeth C., daughter of Henry F. Reynolds, a prominent farmer of Thomaston. They have one son now living, Charles Henry, born September II, 1868. Another, Frederick, born April 12, 1870, died August 26, 1870. Charles Henry Williams was graduated from the New York College of Pharmacy in 1889, and has since been in business with his father. He was married October 31, 1894, to Martha Woodruff, daughter of Gideon Woodruff, of Williamsport, Penn., where she was born.
Politically, Charles F. Williams is a Demo- crat of the conservative type, voting as his best judgment dictates. He has possessed the confidence and esteem of his townsmen wherever he has resided, and held various offices of trust. In Greenville he was Post - master, and filled other minor offices. In Ansonia he served as Warden of the borough. In Thomaston he was Selectman for several ' years, Fire Commissioner, etc. He is one of the Directors of the Thomaston National Bank. In religious matters he was reared in the Baptist faith. His wife is a member of the Congregational church in Thomaston.
Mr. Williams is a man of superior intelli- gence and genial disposition, and is a uni- versal favorite. His wife, who is a most estimable lady, belongs to one of the first families of the town.
EORGE F. MORRIS, an ex-member of the legislature and a leading mer- chant of Woodbury, whose extensive general store is located in Hotchkissville, was born in that village, September 21, 1844, son of Hobart H. and Sarah M. (Hurd) Morris. Mr. Morris's great-grandparents, Matthew and Mehitable (Judson) Morris, were residents of Woodbury. His grand- father, Judson Morris, born in Woodbury, who was a prominent farmer and large land- owner, married for his first wife Mehitable. Peck, who died leaving six children ; namely, Almira, Eliza, Mehitable, Maria, Marcus, and Sally. His second wife was Jerusha Hotch- kiss, and by this union there were five chil- dren; namely, Henry, Hobart H., Betsey, . Ruth, and Imogene.
Hobart H. Morris, Mr. Morris's father, was born in Woodbury, May 24, 1817. In young manhood he learned the trade of finishing cassimeres, an occupation which he followed for some time. He then engaged as a clerk with Allen & Dayton, general merchants of Hotchkissville. He continued to occupy a responsible position in that store under its different partnerships for twenty-eight years, and was identified with the business until his retirement. He died February 2, 1891. He was an able business man, thoroughly reliable and of strict integrity, qualities fully appre- ciated by his employers, and which won for him the esteem and good will of his fellow- townsmen. He was active in public affairs, and served with ability as Justice of the
389
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Peace, Postmaster, and in various town offices. In his religious views he was a Congregation- alist, and was a practical member of that church. His wife, whom he married October 18, 1842, was a daughter of George and Sally (Way) Hurd. George Hurd, who was a na- tive of Monroe, followed the trade of a car- penter and joiner, and died in the prime of life, aged thirty-six years. He was the father of six children; namely, Lewis C., Sarah M., Harriet I., Margaret H., Frederick, and Martha. Martha died young. The widow lived to the advanced age of ninety-five years. Mrs. Hobart H. Morris reared one son, George F., the subject of this sketch; and she resides at her home in Hotchkissville.
George F. Morris received a good education in the schools of his native town; and at the age of sixteen he entered the store of Allen & Dayton. as book-keeper, with whom he re- mained for one year. He then went to Mar- shall, Mich., where he clerked for a year and a half, after which he returned home. At the age of twenty-one he engaged in business in company with R. J. Allen. This partner- ship lasted three years, and then he was asso- ciated with G. M. Allen for eleven years. After a year spent in the employment of the American Shear Manufacturing Company he became a partner in the firm of Morris & Daw- son, with whom he carried on a good general trade in North Woodbury for nine years. On November 1, 1893, he purchased his present store in Hotchkissville. He commenced busi- ness upon a strictly cash basis; and, although many pronounced the scheme as impracticable, his experience of two years has proved the contrary, as he now enjoys a large and profit- able patronage. He carries a varied stock, adapted to the wants of the locality, consist- ing of family groceries and other staple goods, ready-made clothing, boots and shoes, crock-
ery, hardware, carpets, paints and oils, etc. He is enterprising and progressive, agreeable and accommodating to his patrons, and mani- festly capable of holding his own in business. His stock tests the capacity of two floors and a basement. His efforts to meet the conven - ience of the public are fully appreciated by his patrons.
Mr. Morris married Sophronia, daughter of Francis Dawson, and has two children, namely : Carrie L., who was born March II, 1872; and Hobart D., who was born May 12. 1879. In politics he has always supported the Republican party. He was for ten years Town Clerk of Woodbury, was Auditor for six years; and he represented his town in the legislature with marked ability in 1881. He served four years as Postmaster at North Woodbury; and five years in the same capacity in Hotchkissville. He and his family occupy a very pleasant residence, which he erected on the main street in 1874.
RVIS GRIGGS, proprietor of the turning works at Maple Hollow, in the town of New Hartford, Conn .. was born in Plymouth, a neighboring town in the same county, on April 14. 1821. He is a son of Solomon and Amanda ( Plum) Griggs and a great-grandson of a native of Scotland. who emigrated to America, and became an carly settler in Plymouth. Solomon Griggs. Sr., Mr. Griggs's grandfather, was born in Plymouth, and was a lifelong resident of that town, where he followed farming as an ocen- pation until his death, which occurred when he had reached an advanced age.
Solomon Griggs, Jr., Mr. Griggs's father. was born in Plymouth. He was brought up on the home farm, and having grown to man- hood continued to live with his parents, caring
390
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
for them during their declining years. Suc- ceeding to the ownership of the homestead after the death of his father, he conducted the farm with prosperous results. He died at the age of seventy-eight years. Solomon Griggs, Jr., was an industrious farmer and a useful citizen. He united with the Congregational church, and was a member of the Masonic fraternity. His wife, Amanda Plum, who was a daughter of Solomon Plum, a well-to-do farmer of Wolcott, died in Plymouth, aged ninety-four years. She was a member of the Congregational church. Three of their five children are still living, namely: Orvis, the subject of this sketch; Harriet, who married John Burr, a wagon-maker of Plymouth; and Ellen, who married Alanson Merriman, of Meridcn.
Orvis Griggs received his education in the common schools, and resided with his parents until reaching the age of fifteen, at which time he commenced work in the clock factory in Plymouth. In 1843 he settled in New Hartford, purchasing his present residence immediately upon his arrival, and soon after buying the turning-mill, which he has con- ducted with ability and success, being probably at the present time the oldest wood-turner in the county. Mr. Griggs is a Republican in politics, and has been called upon to serve in various positions of import- ance. He has been a member of the Board of Relief, a grand juror, Justice of the Peace for twenty years, and in 1878 was a Repre- sentative to the State legislature.
Mr. Griggs has been twice married. His first wife, whom he married in 1848, was Eleanor Kellogg, daughter of Truman and Fanny (Marsh) Kellogg, the former of whom was a prosperous farmer of New Hartford. Mrs. Kellogg was a representative of one of the oldest families of New Hartford. She
reared five children, three of whom are still living, namely: Candace, Mr. Griggs's second wife; Urial; and Franklin. Truman Kel- logg died at the age of sixty-two, and his wife aged eighty-four years. Mr. Griggs's first wife died at the age of twenty-four years, leaving two children, named Arthur and Fanny. Arthur Griggs was formerly engaged in the hardware business, but is now a bicycle dealer in New Haven. He married Addie Cadwell, who is an accomplished musician, and is now in charge of the musical department of the public schools in Newark, N.J. They have one daughter, Bertha. Fanny Griggs is an artist, and resides in Shelton.
Mr. Griggs wedded for his second wife Candace Kellogg, a sister of his first wife; and the three children by this union are: Ernest, who married Estella Spencer, of New Hartford, and is now connected with the hardware firm of N. J. Bushnell & Co., of New Haven; Edith, who married E. W. Adt, time-keeper at the Coe Brass Manufacturing Company in Torrington, and has one daugh- ter, Rachel; and Harriet, who married for her first husband Ellsworth Miner, M.D., by whom she has one son, Ellsworth, and married for her second husband George Taft, who is a lawyer of Unionville, and has one son, Orvis Griggs Taft. Mr. Griggs is an old and highly esteemed resident of New Hartford, and is popular among all classes. He has frequently been solicited to run as a candidate for Select- man, but has always declined.
ORNELIUS C. PARMELEE, an in- fluential citizen of Bethlehem, Conn., who is now engaged in general farming, was born in this town on December 10, 1829. His parents, Timothy Judson and Mahala (Stone) Parmelee, and his grandpar-
CORNELIUS C. PARMELEE.
393
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
ents, Lyman and Sarah (Judson) Parmelee, were all residents of Bethlehem.
Lyman Parmelee was born in Roxbury, Conn. In the earlier part of his active life he was devoted to agricultural pursuits, and later he was profitably engaged in butchering. He died at the age of eighty in Pennsylvania, where he passed the last few years of his life. His wife also lived to be eighty years of age. Lyman and Sarah (Judson) Parmelee reared seven children: Arza, Revillo, Charles, Tim- othy Judson, Mary, Sarah, and Susan. Timo- thy Judson Parmelee was born in Bethlehem. He established a reputation as an expert builder of stone walls, and he was also a suc- cessful farmer. He died in 1845, in his forty-sixth year, his wife reaching the age of fifty-seven. Four children were born to them, namely : Cornelius C. and Cornelia, twins, the former the subject of this sketch, the latter the wife of Joseph L. Mckay, of Waterford, Pa., and the mother of one child, William McKay; Fidelia, who was born in 1831, married George S. Guild, and died in 1887; and Sarah J., who died in childhood.
Cornelius C. Parmelee was reared and edu- cated in Bethlehem. He learned the carriage- making trade, and it was he who built the first one-horse carriage used in Bethlehem. For fifteen years he was engaged in stock dealing, travelling constantly in the pursuit of his business. He finally settled on the farm in Bethlehem where he now resides, en- gaged in agricultural pursuits, in which he is eminently successful. He has a well-im- proved estate, and is one of the most prosper- ons farmers of the locality.
Mr. Parmelee's first wife, whom he married in 1851, Lucy Allen, daughter of Amos Allen, of Bethlehem, died in 1859, at the age of thirty-one, leaving three children: Cornelia E., wife of Edward Kaveney, who has one
child, Robert C .; Martha A., wife of John Summers, who has three children - George Anson, Aner (deceased), and Homer; and Mary E., wife of V. Dwight Judson, who has one child, Vera F. In 1867 Mr. Parmelee married Miss Caroline L. Thompson, daugh- ter and only child of James and Laura (Parker) Thompson, of Bethlehem. James Thompson died in his seventy-eighth year. and his wife attained the age of eighty-one. By his second marriage Mr. Parmelee has one son, James T., born in 1875.
In politics Mr. Parmelee is a stanch Repub- lican. When a young man he was so enthu- siastic in his support of John C. Fremont that with three other men he vowed he would never touch a razor to his face if Fremont should be defeated. This vow he has religiously kept. going unshaven since the election of James Buchanan in 1857. A man of strong char- acter and earnest convictions, he is highly re- spected by his townsmen, who have elected him to the positions of Constable, Assessor. and Justice of the Peace. In religious matters he favors the Congregational church.
A portrait of Mr. Parmelee is presented herewith.
ENRY D. INE, a talented painter and decorator of New Milford, was born on Candlewood Mountain, New Milford, January 10, 1852, son of William Il. and Elizabeth (Gaylord) Hine. He is a scion of one of the oldest and most respected fami- lies of the county, being descended From Thomas line, mentioned in the old records as an owner of land residing in Milford in 1646. The name then was spelled Hind, Hine, and Ilinde.
Thomas Hine died in 1004. leaving ten children. His son Stephen, who was a shoe- maker, reared four children, one of whom,
394
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Ambrose, was the direct ancestor of our sub- ject. This Ambrose settled in Woodbridge, Conn., where he and his wife Sarah reared five children. Their son Stephen settled in Mil- ford, and it is recorded that he built a house for John Treat in Bridgewater - the first frame house erected in the town - and re- ceived his pay in common land. He lived to be seventy years of age, and was three times married, rearing nine children. His wife, Elizabeth (Carrington) Hine, was the mother of Stephen, the great-grandfather of Henry D. Hine. Stephen, who was born in 1754, set- tled on land given him by his father, and in addition bought one hundred and thirty-eight acres of John Treat on Candlewood Mountain, thereby increasing his estate to three hundred and fifty acres in all. As his first family resi- dence he built a log house in primitive style, furnished with only one window, and set about clearing a farm with an energy that soon showed results. In 1798 he purchased of N. . Taylor, Jr., a large tract of land, situated at the mouth of the Rocky River, together with a saw-mill, a flour-mill, a fulling-mill, and a clothing store. At the time of his death he was one of the wealthiest men in the county. It is said that he was the owner of the first two-horse wagon that appeared in the vicinity. He served in the Revolutionary army when a young man, and it was while the young repub- lic was gaining a firm foothold among the nations that he was establishing the fortunes of his family. Stephen Hine died in 1833. His wife, whose maiden name was Naomi Peck, bore him five children, each of whom received from the father a competency with which to start in life. Lyman Hine, son of Stephen and grandfather of Henry D., was born January 28, 1793. He spent his life on the farm on Candlewood Mountain, devoting his time and energy to agricultural pursuits,
in which he was very successful, and died in 1881, in his eighty-ninth year. He married Hannah Roberts, with whom he reared four children : William H., Jamies, Louisa, and George.
William H. Hine, father of Henry D., was born June 19, 1816. He also spent his life on the homestead, engaged in farming and, with his brother George, in the manufacture of fine fire brick, a business first started by his father. In 1883 he abandoned brick-making to take up the business of raising stock, in which he was eminently successful. He erected good buildings on the home estate, in addition to other improvements, and left the property in a fine condition. A leading citi- zen of the town, a prominent person in the Republican party, active in religious matters, and for thirty years Deacon in the Congrega- tional church, he died December 11, 1893. His wife, Elizabeth (Gaylord) Hine, who was a daughter of Nathan and Irene (Downs) Gay- lord, of New Milford, is yet living. They were the parents of three children : Henry D. ; Mary E. ; and Helen, who died at the age of two years.
Henry D. Hine attended school at Suffield and Stamford, Conn., and finished his course of study at Fort Edward, N. Y. He learned the trade of painting and carriage-making, and on his father's farm began the manufacture of carriages and sleighs, and took contracts for painting. In 1876 he purchased some land on the corner of East Main Street and Whittlesey Avenue, where he erected a beautiful house, with a shop adjoining. The finishing of the building, which is one of the most artistically decorated residences in the county, was done by Mr. Hine himself, including both wood- work and frescoing. He is now actively en- gaged in decorating and painting, and has taken many important contracts. Samples of
-- ----
---
395
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
his handiwork are found in the Congregational church of New Milford, the church of the same denomination in Kent, the West Congrega- tional in Cornwall, the New Congregational in Sherman, the Congregational church in New Preston, the church in Roxbury, St. Mark's at Bridgewater, and in many of the fine resi- dences of the vicinity, including Mrs. Black's beautiful home. Mr. Hine keeps a large number of men constantly at work. He is very successful, his fine taste and carefulness in attending to all the details of his contracts insuring him a large and lucrative patronage. He also deals in electric bells and electric apparatus of all kinds for house fittings.
On October 1, 1874, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Ella Beach, daughter of Bena- jah P. and Huldah A. (Titus) Beach, of Washington, Conn. Mr. and Mrs. Hine have no children. In politics Mr. Hine is a Re- publican. He is Past Grand of Good Shep- herd Lodge, No. 65, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a member of the Finance Committee of the State Council of Connecti- cut. In religious belief he is a Congregation- alist, he and his wife being attendants of the church in New Milford. The home of Mr. and Mrs. line is always open to receive guests, and their hospitality and kindly cour- tesy have won for them general good will and esteem.
UGENE C. FRENCHI, M.D., a promi- nent member of the medical profession in Watertown for many years, is a native of this county, born in Northfield, Feb- rnary 7, 1854, son of George B. and Keturah (Cowles) French. His grandfather, Hiram French, was a prominent farmer in Watertown in the early days, and was regarded as a pillar of the Methodist church. He attained the age of eighty-six years. His wife, whose maiden
name was Fanny Baldwin, died in her sixty- fifth year. They reared four children : George B., father of Eugene C. French; John, who settled in Cheshire, Conn. ; Mary, who mar- ried Nathan Abbott, a large contractor of Co- lumbus, Ohio, and the originator of the tar pavement ; and Martha, wife of Charles Bald- win, of Watertown.
George B. French was reared to agricultural life. When he attained his majority he pur- chased a farm in Northfield. This he subse- quently sold, in order to purchase one in Watertown, where he resided thirty-five years. He then moved to Woodbury, and in that town he is now living, retired from active pursuits. on a small farm. Mr. French is seventy years of age, has often officiated as road superintend- ent ; and his name appears on the list of the grand jurors of the county. His wife is a daughter of James Cowles, of Norfolk, a well- to-do farmer and dairyman. She was the el- dest of seven children, the others being Libby, Dotha, Louise, Joseph, Loyal, and William. Louise, who has been President of the llol yoke Seminary for some time, has been con. nected with the institution thirty years. Mrs. French, who is now sixty five years of age, is a member of the Congregational church ot Watertown, to which her husband also belongs. She reared five children, namely: Engene (. the subject of this sketch; Ellen, wife et Charles Curtis, of Woodbury ; Martha, wite of Charles Holt, of Watertown; Amelia, wite of Mortimer Scott, also of Watertown, and Wil bur 11., who is living on the old homestead All but Dr. French are engaged in farming
Engene C. French received his early enel tion in the common schools of his native town He helped his tather on the farm and taught school in the district, working hard for a pro fessional education, which his parents could not afford to give him. He spent three years
396
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
at Ann Arbor University, Michigan, grad- uating in 1882. His diploma, the tangible realization of hopes long cherished, caused him to feel that the battle of life was half won. He opened his first office in Shelton, Conn., but soon after removed to Watertown, where he has since been engaged in active profes- sional work. He is now the leading physician of the town, while his admirable character gives him an established place in the esteem of his townsmen. He has been court physi- cian since he located in Watertown, and has acted as examining physician for several insur- ance companies. He keeps in touch with the medical world by active membership in the county and State medical societies.
In 1882 he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Lyman Sperry, of Water- town, a prosperous farmer and dairyman, who, besides Mrs. French, had two other children, namely : Philo, who is a farmer and makes his home with his parents ; and a daughter Abby. Dr. French has two children, Marion A. and Berenice L. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of the Order of the Golden Cross and of the Foresters. In religious be- lief he is a Congregationalist; and his wife, who is a lady of rare intelligence and amiable disposition, is active in the work of the Con- gregational church and Sunday-school. Dr. French is essentially a self-made man, and his unmistakable success is the meed of a brave struggle against adverse circumstances.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.