USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of the leading citizens of Litchfield County, Connecticut > Part 72
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
Mr. Stuart's father, Alonzo Stnart, a son of Harvey Stuart and grandson of Stephen, re- sided in Kent. His death took place suddenly, while he was at work in his blacksmith's shop.
His wife, Mary Peet, who was a daughter of Nathan Peet, of Hunter, N. Y., became the mother of six children, as follows: Edgar J., who married Mary I. Cogswell, and has two children, named Mary and Edgar; Herman, who married Jane Eaton, and has one daugh- ter, named Gertrude; Helen, who became Mrs. Burton, and has four children - Edgar, Har- riet, Jennie, and Arthur; Charles A., who married Libbie Tuttle, and has four children - Mary E., Frank, William, and George; William H .; and George W., who married Margaret Tobias, and has one son, named Frank. Mr. Stuart's parents both lived to reach the age of sixty-four years.
658
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
William H. Stuart received his education in the schools of his native town; and at an early age he began work as an assistant in his father's shop, where he became thoroughly ac- quainted with the blacksmith's trade. In 1875 he established himself at his present quarters in the village of Kent. Being skil- ful and reliable in his calling, he is doing a very prosperous business, and is without a competitor in the town.
In 1873 Mr. William H. Stuart was united in marriage with Jennie Darwin, daughter of Smith W. and Clarissa (Cummins) Darwin, of Kent. Of this union two children have been born : Bessie B. and Grace M. Mr. Stuart is a member of St. Luke's Lodge, No. 48, A. F. & A. M., of which he is Secretary; and in his religious views he is a Congrega- tionalist.
YRON PATCHEN, who conducts the leading meat market in New Milford, was born in Easton, Fairfield County, Conn., son of Lemuel F. and Martha M. (Williams) Patchen. Mr. Pat- chen's grandfather, Daniel Patchen, was a na- tive of the town of Weston, Fairfield County, where he followed the occupation of a mill- wright in connection with farming, and was an industrious and progressive man. He was a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Congregational church. He died at the age of seventy-two years. He married Fanny Sturgess, and reared a family of four children - Ellen, Maria, Cornelia, and Lemuel F. Grandmother Patchen lived to reach the age of seventy-three years.
Lemuel F. Patchen was born in Weston, but in young manhood he settled upon a farm in the town of Easton. He has for many years been an extensive dealer in cattle and horses, buying and matching steers, which he trains
for teaming purposes; and he has a wide repu- tation as an excellent judge of horses and for his skill in the breaking of colts. His wife, Martha M. Williams, a daughter of Bradley and Polly (Hall) Williams, has had nine chil- dren, as follows: Myron, the subject of this sketch ; Burton; Ella; Frank; Fanny; Lem- uel ; Charles; Jennie; and Leroy.
Mr. Bradley Williams was a son of David Williams, whose father came from England and settled in Easton, where he owned a large tract of land and conducted a tannery for sev- eral years. He died while on a visit to his native country, and his son David continued the business in connection with farming. Bradley Williams bought a farm in Trumbull just over the line between that town and"Eas- ton; and he carried on general farming with prosperous results, later engaging in the milk business. He married Polly, daughter of Hezekiah Hall, and had five children, as fol- lows : Martha and Mary, who were twins, the former of whom became Mrs. Lemuel Patchen ; Eliza; Abigail; and Hezekiah, who died young.
Myron Patchen at the age of four years went to reside in Trumbull with his maternal grandparents, in order to fill a vacancy in their family caused by the death of their only son. He received his education in the public schools, and was reared to farm life. When a young man, he engaged in the milk business with his grandfather, and later bought an ad- joining farm, which he conducted in conjunc- tion with his grandfather's until 1891, when he sold out, and moved to New Milford. He purchased the meat market of J. F. Morrisey & Co. on Church Street, and has since carried on a large and profitable business. On No- vember 23, 1887, Mr. Patchen was united in marriage with Luella Gregory, daughter of Samuel and Matilda (Owens) Gregory, the
659
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
former of whom is a prosperous farmer of Trumbull. Mr. and Mrs. Patchen have one son, Earl W., who was born September 23, 1889.
Mr. Patchen is a Republican in politics. He has served with ability in some of the town offices, and is at the present time holding that of Constable. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in religion is a Congregationalist. As a busi- ness man and a citizen, he is held in high esteem.
ALTER C. HINE, a retired farmer of New Milford, son of Carr and Eliza (Wheaton) Hine, was born September 26, 1852, and still occupies the homestead which was his birthplace. Mr. Hine is a direct descendant of Thomas Hinc, an Englishman, who emigrated to America and settled in Milford, Conn., in 1646, there becoming a tradesman. Hle reared a family of ten children, Samuel, who was born in Mil- ford, June 26, 1659, became a merchant and a large land-owner, being his fourth son. Sam- ucl Hine lived and died in Milford, rearing a family of five children. The tract of land in New Milford which he bought and gave to his son Daniel, has since remained in the family's. possession.
Daniel Hine, who was born December 30, 1707, settled in New Milford, and cleared from the wilderness a good farm, upon which he resided for the remainder of his life. He married Mary Brownson, daughter of one of the first families in Waterbury, Conn., and had four children, who grew to maturity, Dan- iel, second, Mr. Hine's great-grandfather, being the only son. Daniel, second, inherited the homestead, and continued to improve the property, erecting new buildings, and was a very progressive man for his day. He married Lydia, daughter of Eleazar Beecher, who was
an early settler in New Milford; and their family consisted of five children, four daugh- ters and one son, Daniel by name, who was born December 18, 1779. Daniel Hine, third, married for his first wife Dorcas Still- son, who died, leaving three children ; and he married for his second wife Lucy Chamberlain, widow of Ephraim Buckingham. She was born in 1787, and died in 1869, having been the mother of four children by her second hus- band; namely, Carr, Orla, Thurlia, and Julia.
Carr Hine was born October 3, 1817. Hc succeeded to the ownership of the homestead, and by adding more land became possessed of a farm of two hundred and fifty acres. He remodelled the buildings and otherwise im- proved the property, and was actively engaged in conducting a large dairy, keeping fifty head of choice cattle. He was originally a Whig in politics, but joined the Republican party at its formation, and became prominent in public affairs. He was a member of the Board of Selectmen, and served in other town offices, and represented his district in the legislature for two terms. He was a well-known and highly respected citizen, full of energy and activity, and one of the most progressive men of his day. He died in 1883. His wife, Eliza Wheaton, whom he married on February 13, 1840, was a daughter of Marvin Wheaton. She became the mother of seven children, as follows: Arnot, who was born March 11, 1842; Jeannette, born March 3, 1844 ; Ellen, born October 31, 1845; Nora L., born No vember 15, 1847; Sarah E., born August 26, 1850; Walter C., the subject of this sketch ; and Augusta, born February 17, 1863. Mrs. Eliza W. Hines died September 25, 1881.
Walter C. Hine received his education in the district schools, and at an early age be came interested in agricultural labors. He continued to reside with his parents during
660
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
their declining years, assisting in the manage- ment of the property, which he now owns. He has conducted farming according to the most approved modern ideas; and, aside from cultivating the land and raising the usual products, he kept thirty-five head of choice stock, and was a successful dairyman. Al- though he is still active, he now rents his land " and devotes his attention to his other affairs. He is a large shareholder in the creamery, being President of the company, and this, with other matters, takes up his time.
On October 18, 1876, Mr. Hine married Dora Couch, daughter of Solomon and Harriet (Goodsell) Couch. Mrs. Hine's father was born in New Milford, July 24, 1830, son of William and Urania (Northrop) Couch, the former of whom was a carpenter by trade, the son following that occupation in connection with farming. Mrs. Hine was born March 17, 1856. She has one sister, Abbie N., who was born June 21, 1857, and married G. W. Hill. Their brother, Henry G. Couch, is no longer living. Mr. and Mrs. Hine have had one child, named Hattie Laura, who died at the age of ten months. Mr. Hine is a Repub- lican in politics. He is a liberal supporter of the Baptist church, of which both he and his wife are members; and they are very active in church work.
OHN KEELER, a highly respected member of the farming conimunity of Bridgewater, was born in that town February 17, 1832, son of Hiram and Sally (Peck) Keeler, and grandson of Stephen and Hannah (Paddock) Keeler, all of Bridgewater. His great-grandparents were Daniel and Eliza- beth (Lee) Keeler, residents of Ridgefield, Conn., where Daniel Keeler was for many years engaged in farming. Stephen Keeler, the first representative of the family to settle
in Bridgewater, worked for many years at his calling of carpenter and joiner; but in the lat- ter part of his life he engaged in agriculture, therein achieving marked success. Hiram Keeler likewise learned the carpenter's trade, and was a builder as well as a farmer. His farming included cattle dealing, which he fol- lowed in company with his brother Daniel. Upon the Smith farm, which he and his brother had purchased, he erected a new dwell- ing-house, and made such improvements in the buildings as his carpenter's eye saw to be nec- essary. He owned about five hundred acres of land. He supported the Democratic princi- ples, and was a prominent man among the members of that party in the locality. In 1855 he was elected to the House of Repre- sentatives. He also held various town offices. His wife, who was a daughter of Andrew Peck, of Bridgewater, died in her sixty-seventh year ; and he died at the age of seventy-four. They were both members of the Episcopal church.
John Keeler acquired a fair education in the schools of his native town. When twenty-five years of age, he made his first purchase of land, buying the Horace Judson farm. On this property he made many changes, improving both land and buildings. He also bought the homestead, and now owns about one hundred and fifty acres of land, with two sets of build- ings conveniently arranged and in good condi- tion. Some years ago Mr. Keeler was exten- sively engaged in cattle dealing; and he still carries on that business to a certain extent, and raises large quantities of tobacco, which is his specialty, though he has practically re- tired from active occupation. Residing on his farm, he is now quietly enjoying the fruits of a prosperity acquired by years of patient labor.
On November 15, 1859, Mr. Keeler was united in marriage with Emeline A., daughter of Grant and Rebecca (Camp) Northrop, and
661
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
grand-daughter of Amos and Hannah (Elder- kin) Northrop. Mrs. Keeler belongs to one of the oldest families of the vicinity, her great-grandfather, Amos Northrop, settling in New Milford at an early date. Her father, Grant Northrop, born December 21, 1801, was a well-to-do farmer and highly respected in the community. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Northrop; namely, Jay, Eme- line (Mrs. Keeler), Amos, Grandison, and Gideon W. Mr. and Mrs. Keeler have no children. In politics Mr. Keeler favors the Democratic party. He was a Representative in the State legislature of 1876, and has held various offices in the town. religious belief he is an Episcopalian.
LMON D. SMITH, a retired farmer and tobacco grower of Bridgewater, Litchfield County, Conn., son of Oliver and Sarah (Merwin) Smith, was born in this town, March 25, 1848. Mr. Smith is a descendant of Josiah Smith, who moved from Derby, Conn., to the vicinity of Falls Moun- tain in 1730, and settled upon a farm, which he cultivated successfully during the active period of his life. He died in 1776, having been bereft of his wife Mary in 1775. They reared five children - David, Abraham, Na- thaniel, Josiah, and John.
Nathaniel Smith, the third son, Mr. Smith's great-grandfather, was born December 1, 1733, and became a prosperous farmer and land-owner. Ile married Annis, daughter of Oliver Thayer; and his children were : Mind- well; Hester; Hannah; Nathaniel, who died young ; Annis; Tamar; a second Nathaniel; Davis; and Beebe. Nathaniel Smith, Jr., Mr. Smith's grandfather, was born March 17, 1780. When a young man, he settled in Bridgewater, and became a prominent farmer
and business man of this town. He and his wife, Betsey Mead Smith, had the following children : Carlisle, Henry, Amelia, Samuel W., Lois, Rachel M., Oliver, and Annis E.
Oliver Smith was born in Bridgewater, Feb- ruary 7, 1817. He learned the mason's trade, which he followed in connection with farming, and was an industrious and worthy citizen, enjoying the respect and esteem of his fellow- townsmen. On November 24, 1841, he mar- ried Sarah Merwin, who was born June 3, 1823, daughter of Daniel and Amy A. (Peck) Merwin. Oliver Smith died in the prime of life, in March, 1861, leaving a widow and one son, Almon D., then thirteen years of age. An elder son, Fred D., who was born Decem- ber 13, 1844, died January 21, 1856; and the only daughter, Ida, who was born November 25, 1846, died February 3, 1847. The mother, who still survives, married again, and is now Mrs. Sanford.
Almon D. Smith was educated in Brook- field, and at the age of fourteen he began work in a hat factory in Bridgeport. He later pur- chased a farm of thirty-eight acres, situated in the town of Bridgewater, and engaged in gen eral farming and tobacco raising, which he carried on with substantial success until fail- ing health caused him to retire from active labor.
On January 14, 1869, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with II. Adelle Ruggles, daughter of Benjamin A. and Harriet M. (Goldsmith) Ruggles. Mrs. Smith's paternal grandparents were Charles W. and Sally (Booth) Ruggles, the former of whom was a prosperous farmer of Bridgewater. He reared a family of five children - Tyrus, Benjamin A, Harriet, Adeline, and Jeannette. Benja min A. Ruggles was born in Bridgewater, April 11, 1821. Hle was reared to agricult - ural life, and became a successful farmer and
662
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
a useful citizen. His first wife, Harriet M. Goldsmith, who was a daughter of Martin and Rhoda (Canfield) Goldsmith, died, leaving two children, namely : Charles M., a photographer of New York City, who married Mary McGee; and H. Adelle, now Mrs. Smith. Mr. Rug- gles wedded for his second wife Sarah Mead, and by this union he has had three children - Katie W., Nellie, and another child who died in infancy. He is a Democrat in politics and an Episcopalian in religion.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one daughter, named Grace Adelle, who was born November 12, 1875.
Mr. Smith supports the Democratic party, and has rendered valuable service to the town in various official capacities. He and his wife attend the Episcopal church.
ARR S. LYON, a prosperous farmer and extensive real estate owner of New Milford, was born in this town, April 9, 1847, son of Seth and Rosalia (Clark) Lyon and grandson of Nathaniel Lyon: Mr. Lyon's father was born in the Merryall District, and learned the mason's trade, which he followed in connection with farming. He occupied a prominent position in the community, and was a Captain in the State militia. He died at the age of thirty-five years. His wife, Rosa- lia Clark, who was a daughter of Nathan Clark, became the mother of four children, as follows: Jay C., a prosperous farmer of the Chestnut Land District; Marian and Thalia E., both of whom died young; and Carr S., the subject of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Seth Lyon were Episcopalians in religious belief.
Carr S. Lyon obtained his education in the schools of his native town, and resided at home until reaching the age of twenty-four years.
He purchased the Sterling farm of one hun- dred and twenty-five acres, which he still owns, and which he has improved by remodel- ling the buildings. Here he commenced farm- ing upon his own account, conducting the place personally for some time, and keeping a dairy of fifteen to twenty-five cows. He sub- sequently engaged experienced help to take care of the farm, and moved to Northville, where he bought the property known as the Hunt place, which was formerly occupied by Charles Bartram as a hotel and store. This property contains seventy-five acres of im- proved land, which Mr. Lyon is now engaged in cultivating, having placed the buildings in perfect repair. He is a tireless worker, and shows good judgment in the management of both his farms. He now owns two hundred and fifty acres of land, which is yielding good re- turns. Mr. Lyon is a Democrat in politics, is a Justice of the Peace, and has held some of the minor town offices. On March 20, 1872, Mr. Lyon was united in marriage to Sarah E. Hine, daughter of Carr and Eliza (Wheaton) Hine; and they have been the parents of eight children, namely : Carrie A., who was born September 14, 1874, and married Albert C. Bowers, a farmer of this town; Clifford S., born January 20, 1876; Merton H., born November 14, 1877; Sadie E., born July 17, 1879, died in infancy; Chester G., born March 10, 1881; Otis C., born February 6, 1885; Lenisa S., born June 20, 1886; and Goldi E., born January 9, 1889. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lyon are members of the Congrega- tional church.
RANCIS F. WADHAMS, a prosper- ous farmer of Morris, is a son of Edwin and Mary (Tuttle) Wadhams. Mr. Wadhams's grandfather, Abraham Wadhams, was a native of Goshen, Conn., of which town
663
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
he was also a lifelong resident. He married Triphenia Collins, and they reared ten chil- dren ; namely, Myra, Luman, Timothy, Noah, Abraham, Jonathan, Lucy, Edwin, Elvira, and Orlando. Edwin Wadhams, father of our subject, was born in Goshen, March 18, 1795. He was reared to agriculture, which he fol- lowed as an occupation during his active life, the last thirty years of which were passed upon a farm in Litchfield, where he died at the age of seventy. His wife, Mary Tuttle, who was a daughter of William Tuttle, of Litchfield, became the mother of six children : Martha, now Mrs. Bidwell, who has been the mother of seven children; Henry, who was killed in the late Civil War, who married Mary Warner, and had one child, Jessie; Luman, who married Louisa Baldwin, and also lost his life in the great civil strife, was a Captain in the Ninety-eighth Regiment Con- necticut Volunteers; Edward, who like his two brothers, Henry and Luman, was killed in the war for the preservation of the Union; Francis F., the subject of this sketch; and Frederick F., who married Eliza A. Buell. The mother died at the age of seventy-two.
Francis F. Wadhams was born in 1841, and received his education in the schools of his native town. He was trained to an agricult- ural life, and settled in Morris about twelve years ago, having since been actively engaged in farming with gratifying success. Ile is a member of Morris Grange, No. 119.
HARLES F. WANGER, tinsmith, dealer in tin and hardware, and Post- master of Salisbury, Conn., was born in this town, February 11, 1859. He is a son of Frederick Wanger, a native of Ger- many, who at the age of twenty-five years emigrated to the United States, and settled iu
Salisbury, where he followed the trade of shoemaker for the remainder of his life. He died at the age of sixty years, and he and his wife were the parents of two children : Anna M., now Mrs. Warner; and Charles F., whose name appears at the head of this article. The mother now resides in Claremont.
Charles F. Wanger obtained his education in the public schools of Salisbury. At the age of sixteen he commenced to learn the trade of tinner in Amenia, N. Y., where he resided for eight years. He then returned to Salis- bury, and found employment at his trade, at the expiration of one year purchasing his em- ployer's interest. He has since conducted the business alone with gratifying success. He carries a large stock of goods, including hard- ware, and possesses the good will and confi- dence of a large number of patrons. Mr. Wanger was appointed Postmaster of Salisbury in July, 1893, and has since performed the duties of that office in an efficient and satisfac- tory manner.
On October 19, 1882, he was united in mar- riage to Sarah M. Daniels, daughter of Na- thaniel Daniels, of Salisbury; and they have on daughter, Annie. Mr. Wanger is a mem- ber of Montgomery Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and also of the Chapter, Council, and Com- mandery.
OHIN BUTLER, who resides on a small farm near Sharon Village, has been a resident of the town of Sharon during the past thirty years. He is a native of Kent, England, where his birth occurred on September 6, 1829. His parents, Jesse and Mary (Hubbard) Butler, left England for America in 1833, and on their arrival settled in Waterville, N. Y., where Jesse Butler en gaged in farming, an occupation which he had previously followed in old England. He died
664
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
when fifty-four years of age, and his wife sur- vived to the age of seventy-five years. They reared a family of nine children, eight sons and a daughter; namely, William, George, John, James, Edwin, Henry, Byron, Harvey, and Helen.
John Butler accompanied his parents to America, being then but four years old. He was rearcd to a farm life, and since he started for himself he has successfully engaged in general farming.
Shortly after the breaking out of the great Civil War, he entered the Union army as a, private in the Twentieth Regiment of Con- necticut Volunteers, which was with General Sherman in his march to the sea. He was honorably discharged after three years' of faithful service. Mr. Butler married Miss Henrietta E. Griswold, a daughter of Judge Griswold, of Morris, Conn., the marriage being solemnized June 22, 1851. They are the par- ents of five children, namely : Mary E., Mrs. Heady, who is the mother of six children - Bertha, Myron, Nellie, John, Virgil, and Lucy ; Henry, deceased; Julia S., Mrs. Hall, who has two sons - Frank and Howard; Gertrude E., Mrs. Skilton; and Helen, deceased.
Mr. Butler is an honored member of Greg- ory Post, No. 59, Grand Army of the Republic.
AMES F. MEARA, of the firm of Meara Brothers, dealers in gentlemen's furnishing goods, and also a member of the firm of Meara Brothers, dealers in meat, fish, and vegetables, is one of the rising young merchants of Torrington, and bids fair to be- come a leader among the prominent business men of Litchfield County. He was born in Ottawa, Canada, July 5, 1869, and is the son of James and Annie (Healey) Meara, both na- tives of the Emerald Isle.
James Meara was one of nine children born to his parents, both of whom spent their entire lives in Ireland. He was brought up to farm life in the old country, where his early years were passed; and after his settlement in Ot- tawa he was engaged in contracting and quarrying stone. He finally removed to the States, locating in Torrington, Conn., living in comparative retirement here until his de- cease, at the age of sixty-four years. His widow, Mrs. Annie H. Meara, makes her home with her children, all of whom are liv- ing in this vicinity, the following being a brief record: John, a clerk for the Meara Brothers; William, in partnership with the subject of this sketch, in both the clothing and the meat business; Margaret, a dress- maker in Torrington; Patrick, in the meat and produce business at Waterbury ; Mary ; James F. ; Thomas and Dennis, both engaged with James in the meat business; and Lizzie. The brothers are all capable and wide-awake men of business, and thoroughly identified with the mercantile interests of this section of the county.
James F. acquired a good common-school education in Torrington, being well endowed mentally as well as physically; and at the age of fifteen years he started in life for himself. With his brother William he first opened a market for the sale of meat and fish, and eight years later established his present store, in which he carries a complete assortment of the goods usually to be found in a gentlemen's furnishing establishment, being enabled to clothe the laborer, the college boy, the mer- chant, the professional, or society's favorite. Some four years ago Mr. Meara's brothers en- tered into partnership with him in the meat business, one still continuing with him in his present enterprise; and their success in their chosen vocation is entirely due to their own
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.