USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Litchfield County, Connecticut > Part 56
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iam H. French. Norman R. and Frederick R. are successfully engaged in agriculture. Miles A. is an assistant professor in Yale Col- lege. Elijah R. has charge of Willis L. Pond's store at West Torrington. Their mother died in Torrington sixty-three years of age. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The father is also a communicant of that body, having had previ- ous connection with the Congregational church at West Torrington, of which he served as Deacon for several years. In politics he is a Prohibitionist. He has rendered accepta- ble service as Selectman at different times, and also in other responsible offices.
Willis L. Pond lived at home until he was fifteen years old. From that time until his eighteenth year he was employed by the month by various farmers in the vicinity. He next worked for his brother on a milk route, and later on conducted it on his own account. On April 20, 1884, he entered the Coleman Busi- ness College of Newark, N. J., and graduated August 20 of the same year. He then re- turned home, where he assisted his brother in his store until he secured a situation as clerk in the Torrington Co-orperative Company, and later took a position with J. N. Hawkins & .Son, of Milford, Conn. `On leaving the latter place, he was again engaged in his brother's store for a short period, until he obtained a po-
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sition as delivery clerk for Mr. W. S. Lewis. In this capacity he worked a year, and was then employed by him as book-keeper, continuing as such until Mr. Lewis went out of the grocery business, March 5, 1892. Mr. Pond went directly from the latter place into the office of the Turner Seymour Manufacturing Company, with whom he remained until he engaged in his present business, October 3, 1893, purchasing the stock of J. B. Reed, who had carried on business at that stand for several years. On December 1, 1894, he established a store at West Torrington, which he stocked with a sup- ply of dry goods, boots and shoes; and on April 1, 1895, he purchased his father's farm, all of which he conducts with success.
Mr. Pond was joined in marriage April 19, 1892, to Miss Sarah M. Mills, who was born in Unionville, Conn., daughter of Edward M. and Angeline %. (Hill) Mills. Her father was formerly a merchant in that place, but at the present time is a travelling salesman. Ile has been twice married, and Mrs. Pond is one of the three children born to his first wife. Mr. and Mrs. Pond's union has been blessed by the birth of two daughters - Ruth Esther and Frances Irene. In politics Mr. Pond is a supporter of Prohibitionist principles. Ile and his estimable wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he holds the office of Steward and is one of the church board. Starting in business as he did during the severe financial depression of 1803. pluck and perseverance have put Mr. Pond in a position that justifies in looking forward to the future as full of promise for him.
RED E. KING, M. D., a leading and successful medical practitioner of New Milford, was born in Covert, Seneca County, N. Y., August 1, 1855, son of Harvey
and Philena (Belknap) King. Dr. King's father was a New York farmer, industrious and progressive in his calling, and a useful citizen in his community. He lived to reach the age of eighty-four years. Dr. King's mother died at the age of fifty.
Fred E. King received the elementary branches of his education in Trumansburg, N. Y., and subsequently entered the Buffalo Medical Institute, where he pursued a full course of study, and was graduated with the class of 1876. In July, the same year, he located in Bridgewater, Conn., where he con- ducted a good practice for four years. In 1880, being favorably impressed with the fut- ure prospects of the town of New Milford, he came here, and has since practised his profes sion in this locality with gratifying success Soon after his arrival in New Milford he pur chased a valuable piece of property situated on Bridge Street, consisting of a substantial house and a large lot of land, which Was known as the Marietta Smith place. He has since improved and thoroughly fitted up this property as a comfortable residence. He also created a convenient office adjoining the dwell ing ; and in 1885, as an investment, he built a double tenement house upon the unoccupied portion of his land. He is well skilled in his profession, and possesses the esterm and confidence of the entire community In poli ties Dr. King was formerly a Democrat. He has served as Secretary of the School Board lol several years. He is also Medical Examiner of the town, and has performed the duties of that office with ability since its establishment. He is a member of St. Peter's Lodge, No 21. A. F. & A. M. ot New Milford, and ot Housatonic Chapter, No. 33 On October S. 1887, Dr. King was united in maniuge bi Suah N. Bostwick, daughter of Edwin N. and Mary E. (Doty) Bostwick Mis King's
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1
father was born in New Milford, and is a descendant of Arthur Bostwick, who emigrated from England and settled in Stratford, Conn., in the year 1650. Dr. and Mrs. King have one daughter, Sarah E., who was born in 1891. Dr. King is a Baptist in his religious views.
ARSHALL. J. GRILLEY, super- intendent of the brass rolling-mill of Plume & Atwood, at Thomas- ton, Conn., and the oldest man in point of ser- vice in the employ of the firm, was born in Waterbury, New Haven County, November 23, 1822, son of Manley and Betsie Marie (Olds) Grilley. His family has been well and favorably known in Waterbury for many years, his grandfather having been a resident of that town and his father a native. Manley Grilley was a stone mason, and worked at his trade in different parts of the State, making his home in early life in Waterbury and later in Torrington. He died in Watertown at an advanced age. His wife lived to attain her ninety-fourth year. They were the parents of six children, three of whom are living, namely : Marshall J. ; Albert, in Waterbury; and William, in Boston.
Marshall J. Grilley received a fair common- school education, although he left home in boyhood, when but eight years of age, and went to work on a farm. When he attained his majority, he obtained employment in the works of the Waterbury Brass Company at Torrington, where he got an insight into the brass manufacture. When Plume & Atwood started their establishment about 1854, he en- tered their employ ; and for some forty years he has been intimately connected with their inter- ests, his term of service being broken by one year, when he was in the Fifty-ninth New York Regiment Band in the army at the time
of the Civil War. On his return he was in their Waterbury establishment for a while, and then removed to Thomaston and took charge of the branch of their business in this town, where he has been ever since. Beginning at the lower round of the ladder, he has worked up to the highest position in the establishment, and is probably the only man who is at the head of two distinct departments in a brass foundry - the wire works and the brass manu- factory. He has two hundred and fifty men under his charge, and is an efficient and fair- minded superintendent.
When Mr. Grilley was sixteen years of age he began to practise on the flute; and, having a natural talent for music, he soon attained such proficiency that he was called upon to play in churches and other public places. He subsequently mastered the violin and learned to play brass instruments, and for twenty years was leader of a band in Thomaston. He has also acted as leader of an orchestra, has taught music, and has acquired some fame as a composer.
Mr. Grilley has been twice married. In 1853 he was united to Amanda Leach, of Tor- rington, who left two children - Myron and George. Myron is a wire drawer and brass worker in the mill under his father's charge. He is married, and has one child, Ernest. George is a music dealer, of Thomaston, and is a composer of some note and a performer on different instruments. Mr. Grilley married for his second wife Amelia F. Daniels, daughter of David F. Daniels, of Torrington, where she was born. She has two children : a daughter, Anna L .; and a son, Luther F., who died at the age of fourteen years.
In political matters Mr. Grilley favors the Republican party. He is a Mason, belonging to Union Lodge, No. 96, A. F. & A. M., and a member of the Grand Army connected with
MARSHALL J. GRILLEY.
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Russell Post, No. 68, of which he has been Vice-Commander and is now Commander. He and his family attend the Congregational church. A resident of Thomaston for many years, he is esteemed by his townsmen, and occupies a unique place in the community through his connection with the business life of the town and his prominence in musical circles.
AWRENCE C. CAMP, one of the lead- ing farmers of New Milford, owns and occupies the homestead where he was born on December 30, 1859. He is the youngest son of the late Henry Camp, who died on May 9, 1895, and his wife, Laura L. (Canfield) Camp.
Mr. Camp's great-great-grandparents, Enos and Martha (Baldwin) Camp, natives of Mil- ford, Conn., settled in New Milford about the year 1740. They raised a family of five chil- dren, of whom Enos, Mr. Camp's great-grand- father, who was born April 3. 1742, was the eldest. Enos, the second, purchased and cleared a large tract of land situated on the Chestunt Land district, and became a well-to do farmer. Ile eventually divided his prop erty, of which the present farm of Lawrence C. Camp formed a part, giving each of his sons a portion as a start in life. He was three times married. His first wife, Sarah Botsford, died, leaving one child, Sarah; and he married for his second wife Lois Wheeler. who was the mother of four children : Sammel ; Abigail; Gideon, first ; and Gideon, second. His third wife, Eunice Phipenny, became the mother of one son, Enos, who was Mr. Camp's grandfather.
Enos, the third, born January 17, 1780, 10. ceived a part of his father's estate as a heri lage. A very prosperous farmer and land- owner, he built a new house and made various
other improvements on the property. He was a Congregationalist in religion, and a Demo- crat in politics. He married Laura Whittle- sey, the ceremony taking place on April 17, 1804, and she became the mother of six chil- dren, as follows: Samuel O., who was born May 6, 1806; Eunice E., born October 2. 1808; Rebecca A., born February 26, 1811: Ralph E., born November 28, 1812; Gideon, born November 28, 1814; and Henry, Mr. Camp's father, who was born April 16, 1817. Enos Camp, the third, died on October 22. 1859, his wife having passed away July 26, 1849.
Henry Camp bought the old homestead. where he continued to reside, cultivating his farm with the most gratifying results. He invested in land until he owned about four hundred acres, and was for many years one of the most prominent general farmers and dairy men in the town. He retired from active labors some fifteen years previous to his death. placing his property in charge of his sons. In politics he was a Republican, and at different times held most of the important town offices, being a Justice of the Peace for many years He died May 9. 1805. Ilis wite, Laura I. Canfield, whom he married October 21, 18.41. was born June 16, 1823, daughter of Heth and Jerusha (Odell) Canfield. She became the mother of five children, namely Hannah A . who was born April 22, 1843, manied An drew Bristol, and has two children - 11 Wil bur and Gideon C. ; James W. born February 20, 1845, and died in infancy; Henry, Jis born August 31, 18.46, and married Ela Millard; john W. born December 6, 1855. married Ida Simpson, and has sis children Henry G .. Eloise, Clarence, Econard, Laura, and Rebecca : and Lawrence C, the subject of this sketch, Mrs. Lama I. C. Camp, who still survives, is residing at the old homestead
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Lawrence C. Camp was educated in the schools of his native town, and has always fol- lowed agriculture as an occupation. He is now the owner of the home farm, and he ranks among the most active and progressive farmers in New Milford. He has remodelled his farm buildings and otherwise improved his estate, which is one of the most valuable in the local- ity. Mr. Camp married Carrie J., Peck, and has one daughter; namely, Mary L. He is a Republican in politics.
OHN W. COLLINS, a successful gen- eral farmer of Washington, Conn., was born in Cornwall, Litchfield County, February 6, 1857. Mr. Collins is of Irish ancestry.
In his boyhood he attended the schools of his native town, acquiring a knowledge of the common branches of useful learning there taught, and early became a practical agricultu- rist. About seven years ago he purchased his present farm in Washington, which consists of one hundred and thirty acres of land, finely located and well improved. He here carries on general farming with an energy and ability productive of good results.
REDERICK G. BENNETT has been a lifelong resident of New Milford, where nearly forty years ago he estab- lished his present undertaking and furniture business, in which he receives his full share of patronage. He is a son of Orrin and Martha (Baldwin) Bennett, and was born on October 6, 1822.
His great-grandfather, Caleb Bennett, was a native of Stratfield, Conn., whence, about 1746, he came to the town of New Milford and purchased the excellent farm near Warau-
maugos Meadow, now owned by John Hall, and engaged in farming. He married Miss Abigail Fowler, and they reared an even dozen of children, among whom was Gershom Ben- nett, the grandfather of Frederick G. He was born in New Milford on August 15, 1765. His two brothers, Samuel and James, served in the Revolutionary War, in which Samuel lost his life. James, who was commissioned as Lieutenant, returned home after the war was over, and subsequently became a member of the Cincinnati Society of Connecticut. Gershom Bennett inherited the old homestead, and became one of the most enterprising and progressive citizens of his town, which he served acceptably in office. He was twice married, and by his first wife, Polly Bishop, a daughter of Eber Bishop, had a son and three daughters; namely, Lucy, Orrin, Sally, and Aurelia. His second union was with Miss Sarah Noble.
Orrin Bennett remained at the paternal homestead, and after he was old enough as- sisted his father in the care of the farm. At his father's death he inherited the estate, and continued to carry on husbandry with success throughout his life. He was drafted for ser- vice in the War of 1812, but was not summoned for duty. He, however, served as Captain of the State militia, and held various town offices, including that of Selectman for a num- ber of years. He died in 1858, at sixty-nine years of age. To him and his wife, whose maiden name was Martha Baldwin, six chil- dren were born, namely: Frederick F., who died in early life; Myron; James M. ; Fred- erick G. ; Franklin; and Harriett A.
*
Frederick G. Bennett acquired his education in the district school and in the Amenia Semi- nary at Amenia, Dutchess County, N. Y. At seventeen years of age he went to Litchfield, Conn., to gain a practical knowledge of the
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wagon-maker's trade; and, becoming skilled in that branch of mechanics, in 1844, in com- pany with Albert Judd, he purchased the lot opposite the depot, now occupied by Mr. Mc- Mahon's store, and erected a building in which they opened a general blacksmithing and wagon and carriage ironing business. Two years later Mr. Judd sold his interest to Royal Buckingham, who continued until 1856, when Mr. Bennett bought him out and carried on business alone for a number of years, em- ploying several men in the different depart- ments. After he became sole proprietor, he changed the business and put in a stock of fur- niture and undertaker's supplies. In 1871 he took his son, Willis F. Bennett, into part- nership with him; and, under the firm name of F. G. Bennett & Son, they are still doing a good business.
In 1845, on October 7, Mr. Bennett married Miss Harriet E. Baldwin, daughter of Noble and Mary (Hinman) Baldwin. Mrs. Harriet E. Baldwin Bennett was born on Angust 31. 1820, and died on May 21, 1882, leaving a son and a daughter, namely: Charlotte, born November 14, 1846, who lives at home with her father; and Willis F., born October 1, 1848, who married on June 244. 1875. Miss Minnie A. Youum, and has two children Fred erick 1 .. , born May 10, 1877; and Edith D , born January 13, 1879.
In political affiliation Mr. Bennett is a Ke- publica. He has always shown much interest in the progress and improvement of the vil lage, aud is one of the most highly respected citizens.
BORGE E. JONES, President of the First National Bank of Litchfield, is one of the solid business men of this section of the county, and is intimately identi ted with its financial, agricultural, social, and
political interests. A native of this town and of pioneer ancestry, Mr. Jones was born March 31, 1849, son of Charles Jones, whose birth occurred here in 1797.
His paternal grandfather, Eaton Jones, a native of New London, Conn., was one of the early settlers of Litchfield. After partly clearing one tract of land, he purchased in 1802 a timbered tract- on East Chestnut Hill, from which he cleared and improved quite a farm. He subsequently erected a saw-mill, and engaged in milling in connection with his agricultural labors. He took a leading part in building up the town, and held several of the more important offices of trust, being in many ways connected with the advancement of the town's prosperity. He was one of the board that was instrumental in founding the Episco. pal church in this place, of which he was a member, and one of the most generous sup- porters until the time of his decease, at an advanced age. He married Mary MeNeil, and was the father of five children, who grew to maturity.
Charles Jones was very young when his par ents removed to East Chestnut Hill, where he grew to a vigorous manhood, receiving his education in the pioneer schools, and obtaining a practical knowledge of the various branches of agriculture on the home farm, which he as sisted in reclaiming from the forest. In 1825. or later, his parents moved to the village. spending their last years in retirement ; and he then came into possession of the old home- strad. He carried on mixed husbandry for up word of halt a century, when he, too, removed to the village, where his death occurred at the venerable age of ninety two years. He was , Captain in the State militia, was an uncom promising Demodat in his political views, and well known in Masonic fraternities, has ing been one of the five of six members who
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carried St. Paul's Lodge, No. 11, through the trying situations of the anti-Mason period. His grandfather was a charter member of that lodge, which was organized in 1780. Captain Jones was buried with Masonic honors, being the oldest Mason in Litchfield County, and one of the oldest in the State. His wife, Maria Buell Jones, a daughter of Jonathan Buell, of this town, and one of a family of nine children, is still living, being an active woman of eighty years. She has one sister yet alive, Mrs. Mary Ann Hemingway, widow of the late General Hemingway, of Watertown. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Jones reared but two children, namely - Mary M. and George E. The mother is a devout communicant of the Episcopal church, of which her husband was a regular attendant.
George E. Jones acquired a good common- school education while an inmate of the pa- rental household. When fifteen years old, he went to Hartford, and studied for two years, being one year at Bryant & Stratton's Busi- ness College, where he taught book-keeping when but sixteen years old, assisting J. M. Carpenter, one of the corps of instructors. The following five years Mr. Jones was in the office of the Traveller's Insurance Company as auditor of accounts. Returning to Litchfield after continuing his studies another year, in 1872 he accepted a position as book-keeper in the bank. He proved himself a very correct accountant, systematic and faithful in his work, and in 1874 was made bank cashier. That position he filled until 1893, when he left it to accept the office of President. He is also a stockholder and one of the directors of the bank, and as a financier has the entire confidence of the people, being a judicious manager of the funds intrusted to his care.
Mr. Jones married in 1874 Eva F. Colvo- coresses, a daughter of George M. Colvocor-
esses, a Captain in the United States navy. She was born in New Hampshire, one of a family of four children. She died thirteen months after her marriage, leaving one daugh- ter, Eva C., who was educated at Ingleside, New Milford. Mr. Jones subsequently mar- ried Miss Mary C. Braman, a daughter of William H. Braman, one of the leading dry- goods merchants of this town. Mrs. Mary C. Jones was born in Litchfield, and on the ma- ternal side is a descendant of the well-known Kilbourn family.
Mr. Jones has identified himself politically with the Democratic party, serving his constit- uents in many offices of trust, having been Warden of the borough two terms, and for the past ten years has been custodian of the county treasury. He was a member of the grand jury several years, and a Burgess three terms. He has always taken an active interest in vil- lage improvements. He was the prime mover in establishing the water-works, of which he located the reservoir; and he is a director of the company. Deeply interested in agricult- ural progress, he is the owner of a valuable farm near the lake, known as Lakeside Park, where he raises much fine stock, including Jersey cattle and the famous breed of Dorset Horn sheep, and is considered authority on all questions concerning stock-raising. He is a director of the Jersey Cattle Association, of which he has been President, and is a member of the Dorset Horn Sheep Association and of the American Jersey Cattle Club.
Mr. Jones is a prominent Mason, being Past Master of the Litchfield Lodge, Treasurer of Darius Chapter, No. 16, Royal Arch Masons, and belonging to Buell Council. He is also an influential and active member of the Re- form Club of New York, the great Democratic Club of the Central and Western States. He and his wife and daughter are members of St.
CHARLES W. KIRTLAND.
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Michael's Church, of which he is one of the most liberal supporters.
HARLES W. KIRTLAND, a pros- perous farmer and an old resident of Woodbury, son of Wheeler and Phebe ( Miner) Kirtland, was born in this town February 1, 1814. His grandfather, Ezra Kirtland, born in Saybrook, Con., March 13, 1753, settled at Golden Hill, Fair- field County, and there became a large land- owner, but later moved to Bridgeport. He died December 27, 1799. He married Sarah Wheeler, who was born April 11, 1753, and died January 5, 1837.
Their son, Wheeler Kirtland, was born in Bridgeport, August 29, 1780. At an early age he came to reside in Woodbury, where he learned the tailor's trade; and he later con- dueted business upon the site of the present town house. He owned the Harriett Judson homestead, and occupied it until his death, which took place January 27, 1822. He was an industrious man, and highly esteemed as a worthy citizen. His wife, Thebe Miner, who was born July 244. 1785, daughter of Deacon Matthew and Charlotte (Mallory) Miner, be- came the mother of seven children, namely : Wheeler, who was born October 17, 1806; Cornelia, born February 18, 1806; Sarah, bom March 20, 1812; Charles W., born Feb maty 1, 1811; Lewis, born April 27, 1817; Eliza, boin April 15, 1819; and Benjamin, who was born March 15, 1821 Mis. Phebe M. Kirtland married for her second husband Dercon Upson.
Charles W. Kirtland was but eight years old, when, shortly after his father's death, he went to live with Matthew Miner, his material grandfather He was educated in the public schools of Woodbury ; and, when he was sixteen
years old, he went to New Haven, where he learned the trade of a shoemaker with S. I. Baldwin. He followed that occupation in Woodbury for some time, and later, moving to Bridgewater, there continued in that business, finally becoming a partner in the firm of Meeker & Company, manufacturers of calf boots. They conducted an extensive enter- prise, employing a force of one hundred work- men ; and Mr. Kirtland at length went to San Francisco, Cal., and opened a branch store tor the sale of their products, the goods being shipped to him direct from the factory. Ile carried on a large and successful business there until 1857, when he sold his interest in the con- cern, and, returning to Woodbury, bought the R. Stiles farm of one hundred acres, situated on South Main Street, upon which he has since resided. He has found agriculture to be an agreeable and profitable occupation, as well as healthful and independent, and his comfortable home the source of much enjoyment. He has been an energetic and successful business man ; and, aside from purchasing his tam property, he has invested to good advantage in industrial enterprises, owning at the present time some stock in the Union Woollen Manufactory of Hotchkissville.
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