Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 107

Author: H. H. Beers & Co.
Publication date: 1899
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1795

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Lewis Lynes Nash, the grandfather of our

subject, was born October 24, 1784, at Ridge- field. He married Rachael Olmstead, and their son, Harry W., was the father of William Edgar Nash. The said Harry W. was born October 3, 1817, in Ridgefield, and there attended the pub- lic schools. He learned the shoemaker's trade and at the age of eighteen years came to West- port ( the year in which Westport was incorpor- ated as a town), where he followed his trade. Later he was married to Sarah Ann Gorham, a daughter of Stephen Gorham of Wilton. After their marriage the young couple settled near the Gorham homestead in Wilton, where their four children were reared, namely: Sarah E. (Mrs. Samuel M. Coley, of Westport), William Edgar (our subject), George F. (a liveryman of Dan- bury), and Frances (Mrs. William A. Wildman, of Danbury). The father of this family after marriage was engaged in farming throughout life. His death occurred October 26, 1895, and the mother died January 14, 1880; both in early life were identified with the M. E. Church. In his political views Mr. Nash was a Whig, then a Re- publican. They were good people, worthy of the respect and esteem in which they were held.

William Edgar Nash was born on the farm in the town of Wilton December 18, 1842, and passed his boyhood up to eighteen years of age in a manner in keeping with the general farmer's sons. He attended the neighborhood schools in the winter seasons, and during the summer worked on the farm. For a time he attended the Wilton Academy. As he grew older he clerked for four years in a dry-goods store in Westport, then taught school for a time in the town of Weston. Following this employment he for eight years clerked in a combination store -drugs, books, etc .- in Westport, for John W. Taylor. then for the latter's successor, Joseph T. Hull, for three years. During his clerkship for Mr. Hull he was appointed postmaster of West- port, serving as such for more than four years. During his official capacity he established his present business. He carries a full line of drugs, books, stationery, etc., and is a very obliging and courteous gentleman, which in a manner ac- counts for the large patronage he enjoys. He is public-spirited, and has linked his name with a number of enterprises which have materially ad- vanced Westport. He was one of the organizers of the Westport Board of Trade, and is still identified with the same; is active in the Library Association, and is secretary and treasurer of the Willow Brook Cemetery Association. He has served as a director in and treasurer of the Street Railroad Company, and was one of the organiz- ers of the Westport Electric Light and Water

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Company. Mr. Nash is a wide-awake man and a useful citizen. In politics he is a Republican, and in his religious faith he is identified with the M. E. Church at Westport.

On April 19, 1866, Mr. Nash was married to Miss Elizabeth Renoud, of Westport, a daughter of Allen and Eliza (Nash) Renoud, and to them have come three children, two of whom died when young; the survivor is Carrie Emma, who for about fifteen years has assisted in her father's store.

N H. HUSTED, one of the leading agricult- urists of Greenwich township, Fairfield county, is probably one of the best-known citi- zens of this part of the county, where his long and successful career as a public servant has given him wide acquaintance and an enviable popularity. Mr. Husted is a native of the town- ship, born April 14, 1843, in the Round Hill District, on the farm which he now owns and occupies, and he belongs to a family whose members have been useful and honorable citi- zens of this community from its earliest history.

The great-grandfather of our subject, Ben- jamin Husted, was a farmer in Greenwich town- ship, and lived to an advanced age. He married Sarah Newman, and they became the parents of eight children, all born in Greenwich, viz .: Ben- jamin, who was the father of Col. Conklin Hus- ted, late of Stanwich; Nathaniel; Sarah, wife of Titus Reynolds; Deborah (Mrs. Nathaniel Rey- nolds); Martha (Mrs. James Brush); Rachel (Mrs. John Delavan); Mary, wife of Jonah Mead; and Zuba, wife of Stephen Palmer.

Nathaniel Husted, the second in the above named family, was in his day one of the most extensive farmers and landowners in the town- ship, and he was one of its representative, pro- gressive citizens, foremost in every movement for the general welfare and advancement, es- pecially in the Round Hill District, where much of his property was situated. He gave each of his boys a farm, the one now owned by Mr. N. H. Husted falling to his son Samuel, from whom our subject purchased it, and he was an exten- sive stock dealer in the early days, driving his cattle to New York to market. In business he was shrewd and farsighted, but his transactions were all characterized by the strictest honesty and fairness, and he was highly respected by his fellow citizens for his many sterling qualities of head and heart. As a leading member and sup- porter of the Methodist Church at Round Hill, he was for years one of the most active workers in religious circles there, and he was a liberal

contributor toward Church and benevolent enter- prises all his life. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Nathaniel Husted was united in marriage with Miss Ruth Sniffin, of Port Chester (whose father at one time owned. about all of what is now the site of that town), and they reared a family of seven children, namely: James, who lived on the farm which his father gave him, died without issue. Nathan- iel (deceased) was an excellent agriculturist, and. carried on farming at Round Hill. Samuel once owned the farm now occupied by our subject. building the dwelling-house during his residence there, and finally removed to Orleans county, N. Y., where he passed the remainder of his days, dying at Holley, that county. Benjamin was the father of N. H. Husted. Jonathan (now deceased) was a farmer at Round Hill. Rachel died when thirteen years old. Mary died un- married at an advanced age. The father of this family passed from earth January 20, 1826, and was laid to rest in the Methodist cemetery at Round Hill.

Benjamin Husted was born June 20, 1799, at Round Hill, and, like his father, was a lifelong farmer, and a very successful one. He received his early education in the district school of Round Hill, and finished his literary training in Greenwich Academy, obtaining a good practical knowledge of the common English branches, of which he made good use during his long, active life. He was always fond of reading, and he kept himself well-informed on subjects of gen- eral interest and importance, ranking among the intelligent and substantial men of the township. He lived at home until his marriage, after which he for some years lived on another farm in Round Hill, finally settling on the place where his son N. H. resides, and on which he spent the remainder of his life. In 1835 he was mar- ried to Miss Sarah A. Knapp, of Round Hill, who was born July 13, 1807, and died Novem- ber 17, 1843, the mother of three children, viz. : Sarah A., born July 23, 1836, who married John W. Palmer, and lives in Pleasantville, N. Y .; John A., born September 16, 1838, residing at Round Hill; and N. H. For his second wife Benjamin Husted wedded Miss Lecta Brown, a daughter of " Major " Brown, who died in Au- gust, 1878; she had no children. Mr. Husted departed this life in August, 1879, and his re- mains rest in Round Hill cemetery. In religious connection he was a devout and zealous member of the Methodist Church, in which he was an active worker, and he held the offices of trustee and steward. Politically he was a Democrat until the Civil war, when he transferred his al-

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legiance to the Republican party, but although he was deeply interested in politics he was no office-seeker, and he took little part in public affairs. As a citizen he commanded the esteem of all who knew him.

N. H. Husted was reared in the Round Hill district, where he first attended school, later be- coming a student at the Quaker Ridge Academy, when Rev. Whitman Peck was at the head of that institution. He was trained to farm work on the home place, where he lived until his mar- riage, and as his brother and sister had both left the parental roof he brought his young wife to the homestead, where they have continued to make their home. When his father's property was divided this farm was our subject's inherit- ance, and he has since bought another place in the Round Hill District, being at present the most extensive agriculturist in that locality. The home place comprises ninety-six productive acres, and Mr. Husted has, with the character- istic energy and good management of the mem- bers of his family, cultivated his land most profitably, deriving a good income from his two farms. He is one of the most substantial men in the township, either from a civic or business standpoint, and no citizen has a higher reputa- tion for public-spiritedness or genuine worth.

Mr. Husted cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, but his political sympathies have always been with the Democratic party, and he was for years one of its wheel-horses in his township. The first office he held was that of selectman, and later he served efficiently as township treasurer, after which. for three terms, 1883-84-85, he represented his district in the State Legislature, where he maintained his high standing as a zealous worker for the public good, and made a most creditable record, discharging his duties to the satisfaction of all concerned. After his career in the State Assembly he served another two years as selectman; but he has since declined official honors, although he still sustains a keen interest in the success of his party, and is one of its most trusted advisors and counselors. During his active public life he made numerous acquaintances throughout the county, and he numbers his friends in both great parties by the score, a fact which was especially evident at election time, when he always received a warm support from his Republican as well as his Demno- cratic friends.

On December 28, 1869, Mr. Husted was united in marriage with Miss Clarissa J. Ray- I mond, of Bedford, N. Y .. who was born April 24, 1842, daughter of Thomas H. and Susan F. (Haight) Raymond, who had a family of six

children-three sons and three daughters-four of whom survive, viz .: Susan F., widow of James E. Worden, of North Castle township, Westchester Co., N. Y .; Clarissa J. (Mrs. Husted); Harriet E. (Mrs. John Reynolds, of Round Hill); and George J., of Bedford, N. Y. The father, who was a farmer by vocation, died at the age of sixty years; his widow still makes her home in Bedford. Mr. and Mrs. Husted are prominent members of the Methodist Church, in which he is at present serving as trustee. Fra- ternally he is a member of Acacia Lodge, F. & A. M., at Greenwich, and Banksville Council, Jr. O. U. A. M.

E URNEST LINWOOD STAPLES, of Shel- " ton, Conn., was born in Monroe, Conn., September 10, 1856, the son of Charles and Ro- silla Burr Staples. He was educated in the pub- lic and private schools of Monroe and Trumbull, and under the tutorship of the Rev. James E. Coley, a graduate of Trinity College, and the Rev. W. B. Curtiss and Beach Hill, graduates of Yale University.

Being of studious and thoughtful tempera- ment. and having had excellent educational ad- vantages, it was natural that our subject should first turn his attention to teaching as a means of livelihood, and later study a profession. He did not wander far afield, but taught in Trumbull, Monroe, Bristol, Danbury, Redding and Derby. In 1883, he began the study of law in the office of Col. S. B. Sumner, of Bridgeport, and having completed his preparatory course was admitted to the Bar of Fairfield county, in April, 1886. The same year he opened an office in Shelton, and has since continuously practiced in that place. His studies have shown his belief in the theory that a good lawyer must know much be- sides the law.

Though of a retiring disposition, and with no self-seeking in his nature, Mr. Staples has been corporation counsel for the borough of Shelton; attorney for the town of Huntington; prosecut- ing attorney in the Town Court of Huntington since its establishment, and judge of probate for the District of Huntington. Thus has been shown the confidence of his neighbors and friends in his judgment and probity, and this is a good test of character, for "a prophet is not without honor save in his own country," and if there is a I community in the world which shrewdly sifts the chaff from the wheat it is a New England town. Indeed, Mr. Staples might well stand the test of the shrewdest judgment, for he is singu- larly highminded, and given to the things of the

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spirit, rather than to those of the flesh. Not- withstanding professional engagements, and the many small and big worries of the teasing pro- fession of law, so devoted has he always been to the higher thought that he was admitted to the Unitarian ministry at Boston, in 1895.

Mr. Staples is highly intellectual, and has a decidedly poetic temperament. He is a success- ful speaker to cultivated audiences, and delivers addresses in New England under the auspices of the American Unitarian Associatian. He is the author of an epic poem entitled "A Man of Destiny," having for its subject Abraham Lin- coln, which is perhaps his most important poem, though he frequently expresses himself in verse.

In appearance, Mr. Staples is attractive. He is somewhat slender though well proportioned, and as active in body as in mind. He is alert to all matters of thought, is winning in address, and makes warm friends among those who, like him- self, are pursuing the higher education. He is responsive to all good things, and is tireless in attempting to develop himself and others. To this quality is due the following fact. With the Rev. Charles W. Park, formerly pastor of the Derby Congregational Church, and others he or- ganized the Sunday Afternoon Club, now known as the Cosmian Circle of Shelton, under the aus- pices of which one lecture, at least, is given in each month and the Article of Union of which is as follows: "Earnestly desiring to develop in ourselves and in the world honest, reverent thought, faithfulness to our highest conception of right living, the spirit of love and service to our fellowmen, of fearless and untrammeled research for the truth in all fields of investigation, and allegiance toward all the interests of morality and religion as interpreted by the growing thought and purest lives of humanity, we join ourselves together, hoping to help one another in all good things, and to advance the cause of pure and practical religion and science in the community, basing our union upon no credal test, whatso- ever, but upon the purpose herein expressed, and welcoming to our fellowship all who wish to help establish truth, righteousness and love in the world."

And in connection with the pure living and high thinking outlined in the above Article of Union comes one of the most distinctive efforts of Mr. Staples' life, and one entirely unique in his section of the country. indeed in any section as far as we know, in these days. Mr. Staples and his excellent wife, who shares his enthusiasms, determined to make a distinct attempt to set apart, each year, a certain time to getting to- gether friends who had a message, and knew how

to give it. and others who were receptive. Therefore in early September there is for three days a Symposium at the finely situated home of Mr. and Mrs. Staples-appropriately named " Summit Place"-where lectures are given, papers are read, and most animated and valuable discussions take place along the line of the higher thought of the day. With characteristic generos- ity, the expense of all and the entertainment of those who come from a distance are borne by Mr. Staples, with the exception of voluntary contributions. How much this is enjoyed, and how valuable it is, can be told by observing the participants. Truly they are known "by the shining of the face."

In March, 1885, Mr. Staples married, at Danbury, Conn .. Esther J. Penfield, a graduate of Mt. Holyoke Seminary, class of '81, and they have one child, Gail Rosilla, born March 6, 1886.

The following are the closing lines from " A Man of Destiny:"

Farewell, oh noble son of God, farewell! In that bright sphere where passion may not dwell, The fleshly limitations swept away, No taint of ill to thy true soul can come. Pure spirit, in the realm of the Great Power. Whose purpose through the ages slowly makes For righteousness which thou didst truly love Pass to the empyrean heights,-Farewell!

EANDER J. WHEELER, a prominent agriculturist of the town of Huntington, enjoys in a high degree the esteem of his fellow citizens, and by the judicious management of his farm he shows the skill which should char- acterize the modern farmer.

The Wheeler family has been identified with the town of Huntington for several generations. Joseph Wheeler, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in that town and passed his entire life there, following farming as an occupation. He married Salina Barrett, and had four children : Nathaniel, a farmer, who died some years ago at his home in the town of Huntington; Abbie, who married Ebenezer Wooster, a farmer at Middlebury, Conn .; Agur, our subject's father; and Mary Ann, who died when two and one- half years old.

Agur Wheeler, the father of our subject, was born in Huntington in 1804, and grew to man- hood upon his father's farm. For some years he followed the trade of carpenter and joiner, but in later life he engaged in agriculture. In politics he was a Democrat, and as a citizen he was in- terested in all that related to the welfare of the community, being active in religious work as a member of the Episcopal Church. He married

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Miss Lavinia S. Wood, daughter of Luther to France and thrown into a dungeon, for w indignity his family became interested in celebrated "French Spoliation Claims." Wood, a well-known tanner of Woodbury, Conn., and made his home at the farm now occupied by our subject, where he built the His son, Abraham Archibald McNeil, present dwelling house. His death occurred | born in 1802, in Derby, Conn. He was a st February 18, 1857; his wife passed away Janu- ary 18, 1889. Of their seven children, the eldest, Henrietta, died when seven months old; Julia Ann married Theodore E. Beard, of | Huntington; Frederick A., a druggist in New 1 Haven, died at the age of twenty-five; Lavinia M. died in her eighteenth year; Stephen died at the age of two years; Leander ]. is the subject proper of this sketch; and William L. is a | where for several years he was engaged machinist in Bridgeport. 1 cargo, sailing out of New Haven for many y engaged in the West Indies trade. He ma Mary Ann Hults, a daughter of William H who in 1813 was lost at sea with all the cre the brig "William", sailing out of Bridge; when his daughter, Mary Ann, was only years old. Abraham Archibald McNeil rem from New Haven to Bridgeport about 1 Samuel Hodges (his wife's uncle) in the L. J. Wheeler was born September 27, 1843, at the old homestead in Huntington, and has al- ways resided there, the care of the estate hav- ing devolved upon him in early manhood. He has eighty-seven acres of excellent land which he devotes to general farming and dairying, meeting with marked success. He does not give much attention to the practical work of politics, al- though he is a stanch believer in the principles of the Republican party, and has always taken an intelligent interest in the questions of the day. In religious faith he is an Episcopalian, and no worthy movement fails to receive his sympathy. manufacturing business. He founded the sy of lighthouses at Bridgeport, and for many y until his death in 1873, continued the lighth keeper. His son, Sidney Adolphus, now that position. The family of Abraham A. Mary Ann McNeil consisted of twelve child namely: Charles Hubbel, born December 1828; John, born October 9, 1830; Samuel ' iam, born March 16, 1832; Eliza Maria, January 9, 1834; Josiah Hoyt, born Febr 9, 1835; Augustus and Adolphus (twins), August 31, 1837; Mary Hoyt, born Octobe: 1839; Mary Hoyt, born December 12, I Archibald, born July 2, 1843; Maria, born cember 25, 1845; Sarah, born August 28, I The mother who was born in Bridgeport in I died in the same city in 1893.

In 1865, Mr. Wheeler married Miss Anna Augusta Chatfield, daughter of John E. Chat- field, a leading citizen of Huntington. Her family is one of the oldest in the town, her an- cestors having come from England at an early day. Four children have blessed the union: (1) Frederick A. conducts the Walnut Grove Dairy, and has a milk route in Shelton and Derby. (2) Cora A. married Edward S. Beardsley, a farmer in the town of Monroe. (3) Edwin C. is a carpenter in Bridgeport. (4) Lelia E. died in infancy.

A RCHIBALD McNEIL, proprietor of a

wholesale bituminous coal business in Bridgeport, comes of substantial Colonial ancestry. His great-grandfather, Archibald McNeil, who was a Revolutionary soldier, enlisted in the cause of the liberty-loving Colonists July 3, 1779, and served faithfully in the struggle for independence. His son, William McNeil, grandfather of our 1 subject, was born in what is now Naugatuck, and i street, under the style of Archibald McNe obtained a collegiate education in Yale College, | Co. In 1879 the character of the business graduating in the class of 1777. He participated | changed to an exclusive export and im in the French troubles which followed the Revolu- I trade with Cuba, exports consisting chiefl bituminous coal, flour, potatoes and other uce. In 1888 Mr. McNeil returned to Bri tion, and was aboard the privateer, " Marquis de Lafayette " (sailing out of New Haven), which was captured by the French. Mr. McNeil was taken | port and established an extensive wholesale

Archibald McNeil, the youngest son, educated in various private schools at Bri port, among others attending Sellick's sch In 1856 he was sent to the celebrated Tho school at New Haven, and four years late graduated in 1860 at the well-known Hof Grammar School, connected with Yale Col Returning to Bridgeport, he for three ! clerked in the ship chandlery store of his bi er, Charles H. McNeil, which was opposite old depot and steamboat landing. Thei 1863 he formed a partnership with his brc Charles H., under the firm name of Mc Brothers, wholesale fruit and produce dea thus continuing in business until 1876, when McNeil removed to New York City and his brother, Charles H. engaged in the wl sale butter and cheese business, at No. 84 B

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minous coal office, a business which he has since continued. He represents in that city six large coal-producing companies, and supplies railroads, factories and dealers with fuel.

In 1881 Mr. McNeil married Jean McKen- zie Clan Ranald, daughter of George J. Clan Ranald, of New York City. They have three children: Archibald, born in New York City, June 1, 1883; Kenneth Wylie, born in Bridgeport, September 14, 1885; and Roderick Clan Ranald, born in Bridgeport, March 20, 1888. Mr. McNeil and family attend the Episcopal Church. In social affairs he is a natural leader. He was one of the charter members of the old Eclectic Club, and for two years served as its president. For many years he has been a member of the Seaside Club and of the Newer Algonquin Club. Of the latter he was a charter member, and for two years was its president. From 1874 to 1877 he was commodore of the first Bridgeport Yacht Club, and was an efficient officer, on ac- count of his good seamanship and interest in nautical affairs. He is at present one of the governors of the new Bridgeport Yacht Club, which has located its clubhouse in Black Rock Harbor, now in course of construction.

Politically Mr. McNeil is a Democrat. He has never sought official preferment, but has occa- sionally been drawn into the arena, and when so situated he has always proved an adept and strong foe for his opponents. In 1872 and 1873 he represented the old Second ward in the Bridgeport common council. He was nominated in 1896 as representative to the State Legisla- ture, and although he went down with the rest of the Democratic party before the Republican landside that year, his friends had the consola- tion of knowing that he ran some four hundred ahead of his ticket. In the spring of 1897 he was importuned to permit his name to be used as the Democratic candidate for mayor of Bridge- port, but he declined the honor. It is needless to add that the name carries with it a weight of popularity and worth, that would make it desir- able for any position of responsibility or trust.

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 107

Author: H. H. Beers & Co. Publication date: 1899 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1795

Author: H. H. Beers & Co.
Publication date: 1899
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1795