Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 117

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

USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut > Part 117

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).

fifty odd years. He has prospered and met with I success. He is a member of the Baptist Church, | in which during his more active years he was a į pillar, taking an active part in all its affairs. He 1 was a deacon in the Church, and held various I other offices. He was a liberal contributor toward the building of the church at Port Ches- ter, and has ever been a contributor to its sup- port. In former years he was identified with the I. O. O. F. Outside of his special business, that of a grocer and a coal and wood dealer, Mr. Wessels has handled a great deal of real i estate. He owns much valuable real estate at | East Port Chester, none of whose citizens are better or more favorably known. He is a most reliable man.

While a clerk in New York, Mr. Wessels

Digitized by Google

572

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

married Elizabeth Green, who was from near Glenville, Fairfield county, a daughter of Reuben Green. To this marriage were born children, as follows: Martha E. and James G. are both at home; Mary I. died in infancy; and William H., whose sketch follows.

W 'ILLIAM H. WESSELS, who at this time is one of the selectmen of the town of Greenwich, and one of the substantial business men of East Port Chester, comes from a family of merchants, and is of Revolutionary stock.

JOHN WALKER MOREHOUSE, a retired resident of Bridgeport, is connected with Born April 3, 1860, in the old family home- stead in East Port Chester, Fairfield county, he is a son of Jesse L. Wessels, the pioneer mer- chant of that borough, and whose successful and honorable career and family history is given else- several of the most prominent pioneer fam- | ilies of Fairfield county, and in his sterling qual- ities of character he reflects the merits of his honored ancestry. For many years he was iden- tified with mercantile and agricultural interests where. In his boyhood young Wessels attended | in Fairfield township, and he still owns a fine the private school of Mrs. Curry, at Port Ches- farm there in addition to valuable real estate in Bridgeport, and two charming cottages at Fair- field Beach, known as "Samp Mortar" and "Dewey." His handsome residence at No. 59; 1 Wood avenue, Bridgeport, gives evidence of the refinement and artistic taste of its owners, and was recently completed under his personal super- vision. ter, N. Y., and subsequently he was a student at Greenwich Academy under Professor Webster. He seemed to be born a merchant, inheriting from his father and grandfather this trait. From his earliest recollection this vocation seemed to fascinate him, and he was found in his father's ! store at an early age. As he came in contact with men he seemed fitted in every way to im- press himself upon them, and by his business tact and gentlemanly manner-always courteous and obliging-he from boyhood was popular. After his school days were over and he settled down to business with his father, he took an act- ive part in the latter's business, which by his tact and enterprise was enlarged, and which is now still conducted by them under the name of his father.

In politics Mr. Wessels is a Republican, of the stanchest type. His make-up well fits him for party action, and he is active and influential in all party and public work. His popularity is second to none of the officials of Fairfield county, as evidenced by the majorities he has ever re- ceived at the polls. He is one of the youngest men to enjoy the distinction the office which he now holds gives. and which is an evidence of his judgment and ability as held by the community. Abel S. Morehouse was born in 1816 in Strat- field District of the town of Fairfield, and was educated in the schools of that locality. As the son of a prosperous, thrifty farmer, he was in- structed during boyhood in the best methods of agricultural work, and he always followed farm- ing as an occupation. For his first wife he mar- ried Miss Eliza C. Sherwood, who was born I in October, 1824, in Easton township, this coun- ty. the daughter of David Sherwood and his He was elected to the office of selectman in Oc- | tober, 1894, and has since given the best of sat- I isfaction. He is an esteemed citizen and a Christian gentleman, himself and wife being members of the Baptist and Methodist Episcopal Churches. respectively. They attend the Meth- odist Church. Mr. Wessels is assistant super- intendent of the Sabbath-school, and has charge of the Sabbath-school choir. He is a man of un- doubted integrity. of a high standard of morals, ! wife, Caroline (Wilson), a sister of Capt. David

and of considerable intelligence, a good and useful | citizen, and enjoys the confidence of his fellow cit- izens. A most capable business man, he is indis- pensable to his father in his advancing years and increasing business, and he now practically has the responsibility of the business. Our subject mar- ried Miss Imogene Slater, a native of Port Ches- ter, N. Y., a daughter of William K. Slater, a farmer.

The Morehouse family has been chiefly inter- ested in agricultural pursuits in the past, and our subject's great-grandfather, Isaac Morehouse, was a farmer in Fairfield township. Samuel Morehouse, the grandfather of our subject, owned and occupied the old family homestead in Fairfield township, now belonging to our subject. He died in 1856, and his remains now rest in Mountain Grove cemetery. By his first wife, a Miss Somers, he had the following children, all of whom received from him a good start in life: Aaron S., a farmer, died in Fairfield township. June 9, 1887, aged seventy-four years, and his only son, Samuel C., died August 30, 1848, har- ing been accidentally shot. Abigail (Mrs. T. Campbell) died in Bridgeport. Susan (Mrs. Nichols) died in Hartford, Ohio. Caroline, who never married, died in Ohio. Abel S., our sub- | ject's father, was the youngest of the family.

Digitized by Google

J & morehouse

Google Digitized by

Google

Digitized by

573

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Wilson, a well-known citizen in his day. After his marriage Abel Morehouse resided for a time with his wife's mother upon a farm in the Fair- ( a Republican; has served as assessor of Fairfield field Woods District. of Fairfield township, but | township, and for many years was a member of later he removed to Buckley's District, to a [ the local school committee. He and his wife are members of the Congregational Church at Green- farm now owned by our subject. He was a suc- cessful farmer, and was noted as a good judge of | field Hill, while, socially, he is identified with horseflesh, his numerous trades bringing into his | the I. O. O. F., Pequonnock Lodge No. 4. at skillful care some of the best horses ever seen in | Bridgeport, and Stratfield Encampment No. his locality. His health was uniformly good, | 23, also at Bridgeport. For several years he was a member of the order of United Friends.

and he was active up to the time of the illness which caused his death in 1864 after a few days of suffering. Politically he was a Republican, but he never sought or held office. and at one time he became so disgusted over a . fist fight " at the polls between two prominent men that he

On February 12, 1865, Mr. Morehouse mar- 1 ried Miss Cornelia S. Burr. and six children have blessed the union: (1) Ida, born February 15, | 1866, died July 12. 1866. (2) Oliver B., born | October 30, 1867, is a skilled mechanic and now did not vote for twelve years. As a citizen he | follows the carpenter's trade. (3) Emma F., was much respected for his sterling qualities of character. His first wife, our subject's mother, died November 6, 1857, and the remains of both rest in Mountain Grove Cemetery. His second 1 wife. Fanny (Hammond), of Stratford, survived him and married Edward Osborn, of Weston. She died some years later in Stratford. born October 7. 1871, married B. F. Bulkeley. Jr., of Westport, and has three children-Clara C., May and Ruth. (4) One that died October 2. 1874, in infancy. (5) Frederick C., born May 25. 1876, and (6) Daisy C., born February 12, 1881, are at home. Mrs. Morehouse is a wo- man of culture and intelligence, and is related to some of the best families in the United States. Among the most cherished objects in her charm- ing home are some family relics, including a piece of silk taken from a ball dress once worn by the wife of Thaddeus Burr. She is a native of Black Rock, Conn., born January 14, 1849. and was only seven years old when her parents removed to Fairfield Woods, where she grew to womanhood. Her father, Hon. Oliver Burr, was a son of Noah Burr and a grandson of Ne- hemiah Burr. He was an influential citizen in his day, and at one time represented the town of Fairfield in the State Legislature. Her moth- er, whose maiden name was Emily Sherwood, was a member of a well-known family, and cous- in to the wife of Mark Hopkins. Mrs. More- house was one of five children, of whom two lived to adult age.

Our subject was born December 20, 1844. in the Fairfield Woods District. of the town of Fairfield, and as the only son he inherited his father's estate. With the exception of one year his home has been made upon the old farm until his removal to Bridgeport. His education was begun in the schools of the Buckley District, Daniel Meeker being his first teacher, and later he studied for two years in a school at Green- field Hill under Prof. Park Hill. At the age of seventeen he took a position as clerk in Harvey Lyon's store in Bridgeport, located on Main street, between Wall street and Fairfield avenue. Later he was employed in the Star Arms gun shop in East Bridgeport, and in a similar shop in Yonkers, N. Y .; for some time he worked for the Wheeler & Wilson Manufacturing Co .. at Bridgeport. At the death of his father he re- turned to the old farm and took charge of the estate, purchasing his stepmother's interest. Although but twenty years old, he proved himn- self a capable manager, and in addition to his agricultural interests he conducted a general store at his home for several years. Through his efforts a post office was established there, known as Samp Mortar, and he was the only postmaster ever appointed there, the service being discontinued after a few years, at his re- quest. On April 1. 1897. he removed to his present home in Bridgeport. and except for the care of his investments he is no longer actively connected with business. Although his manner is quiet and unassuming, he is a shrewd and far-

sighted man of affairs, while his integrity and uprightness are unquestioned. In politics he is

W ILLIAM H. BUNNELL. If one who is acquainted with the ancestry of William H. Bunnell. one of the substantial and most highly esteemed citizens of Bridgeport, were asked whence he received his magnificent phy- sique he would probably reply that it came from his mother's side of the house. His maternal | grandfather, David Davis, was one of a family of nine children-seven sons and two daughters- and none of the sons were under six feet in height. Judging from the longevity of this fam- ily, Mr. Bunnell has the prospect of many years to live, for this grandfather Davis, who was a

Digitized by Google

574

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

soldier in the Revolutionary war, and who re- | ing business in partnership with his father-in- fused a pension for his services, lived to the ripe | law, Edward C. Foster. In the following fall he old age of one hundred and one years.

| removed to Westport, Conn., where he built a Mr. Bunnell has devoted a large portion of his life to the superintendency of the Town poor, 1 thirty years. When it is remembered that the appointment is a non-political one, and one based purely upon merit and efficiency, nothing further house, and for three years carried on a contract- ing and building business. His return to public for he has had charge of that institution for over | service was accidental and unexpected. One Sunday night he received a message from the Bridgeport selectmen that the keeper of the Town Farms had died suddenly, and requested need be said in testimony of Mr. Bunnell's fidel- | him to call the next morning. He responded ity and ability in public service. He is now a I and made a contract with the selectmen to take prominent real-estate dealer, at his residence, No. | charge of the poor people of Bridgeport, and con- 1 num, and a new farm purchased and new build- ings erected on the present location in the north part of Bridgeport. At the expiration of his con- tract, April 1, 1884. Mr. Bunnell's services were re-engaged at a salary, and under that arrange- ment he remained in charge until April 1, 1896, thus closing an administrative career of over thirty years. He opened a real-estate office April 1, 1896, and has since devoted his entire time to that business. 132 Seaview avenue, Bridgeport. He was born I tinued under the contract system fourteen years. May 30, 1833, at what is known as Hull's Farms, | The old town farms had been sold to P. T. Bar- near Greenfield, Conn., and is a son of Beale and Anna (Davis) Bunnell, the former of whom was a native of Weston, and died at the age of sixty-six years. The mother was a daughter of David and Deborah (Buckley) Davis, and her fa- ther was the eldest of nine children, the others being John, Joseph, Samuel, Ann, Jeremiah, Daniel. Doctor and Sally. To Beale and Anna Bunnell were born ten children: Samuel Gil- bert, Anna D., Harriet B., Sarah H., Elizabeth B., Beale D., John W., William H. (subject of this sketch), George B. and Joseph F.

William H. Bunnell was a farmer's son, and like most sons of the soil in that early day his educational opportunities were limited. He at- tended the district schools, but his labor was needed on the farm and he gave it unstintedly. When nineteen years of age he started to work in the blacksmith shop of Charles Curtis, wagon- maker, at Stratford. On the morning of the Norwalk disaster on the New York & New Ha- ven R. R., in May, 1853, he left Stratiord for Bridgeport, and found work as an apprentice with Z. M. Miller in the carriage-making busi- ness, a branch office of Thompson & Wood, now Kinks & Johnson, Broad street. Two years later he worked as a journeyman for T. C. Rob- inson at Wolcottville, Conn. Visiting his old home, July 4, 1854, he was pursuaded by his brother to remain on the farm for a time, but late in August he went to Bridgeport and worked for several months with Smith & Barlow, two carriage-wood benders. He then assisted his brother in building a house, and in January en- tered the carriage shop of Thomas & Wood as one of its most skilled mechanics. In May, 1856, he returned to Smith & Barlow's shop, and remained with them until January 1, 1862. That closed his service at his tradt.

On February 3, 1862, Mr. Bunnell was ap- pointed by the board of selectmen to take charge of the Town poor, and remained four years. Mr. Bunnell then entered the real-estate and build-

Mr. Bunnell was married November 20. 1856, to Julia G. Foster, daughter of Edward C. and Eliza (Dobbs) Foster. To Mr. and Mrs. Bunnell nine children have been born: (1) William H. (2) Sarah J., who married Meriden Nash, son of Rev. Albert Nash of the M. E. Church; she died in 1885. (3) Edward, who died at the age of four years. (4) Julia A., who married Frank W. Hawley, and now lives in Hartford. (5) George, now assistant professor in the Scientific School at Yale College. (6) and (7) Frederick and Edward (twins), who died of cholera infantum at the age of ten months, only a week apart. (8) Mary Grace, who has just been graduated at Wesleyan University, and is teaching in the High School at Portland, Conn. (9) Frank G., a student at the Bridge- port High School. Mr. and Mrs. Bunnell are members of the Newfield M. E. Church, and Mr. Bunnell has held all the offices within the gift of that society, being at present a member of the board of trustees.

In politics Mr. Bunnell is an Independent. but though without party ties he has been fre- quently honored with positions of trust and re- sponsibility, nor has he shirked any of the duties which in his estimation were due from a public- spirited citizen. In his younger days he was a member of the hook and ladder company, Rein- deer hose company, Bridgeport Fire Department. In Westport he served on the school committee for five years. In West Stratford, where he now lives-that borough having been annexed to

Digitized by Google

575

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Bridgeport in 1889-he was justice of the peace for six years. For two years he was a member of the board of assessors, and for two years a member of the board of relief. He was also a member of the court of burgesses for two years, and warden for two years. He is a member of St. John's Lodge No. 3, F. & A. M., Jerusalem Chapter, Hamilton Commandery, Knights Temp- lar and Mystic Shrine. He is now a member of the board of associate charities, and at the time of his retirement from the superintendency he was appointed by the board of county commis- sioners as one of the visitors to the Children's Home at Norwalk. Few men have had wider home interests or done more for the maintenance and advancement of home institutions at Bridge- port than William H. Bunnell.

C HARLES J. CALEY, general foreman of the lock and hardware department of De- partment A. Yale & Towne Manufacturing Co., Stamford, Conn., is a native of Jersey City, N. J., born March 11, 1863.

Samuel F. Caley, father of our subject, was born in London, England, and in 1859 came to the United States. He was here married to Miss Catherine Sweeney, by whom he had five children, viz .: Charles J., Samuel F., Jr. (of New Haven, Conn.). Catherine (married to Charles Yerrington, and living in Norwich), Nel- lie (married to Patrick Sullivan, and making her home in Norwich), and Lida (also in Norwich). Both parents are now deceased. The father was a conductor on the Norwich & Worcester rail- road.

Charles J. Caley, the subject proper of this review, spent his school days in Norwich, but at the early age of ten years he entered the employ of the Norwick Lock Company, with whom he remained some twelve years. During that peri- od he took a course at Snell's Business College, Norwich, Conn., thereby well qualifying himself for office routine work. For five years after this he was in the employ of Sargent & Co., part of the time serving as foreman of the lock depart- ment; then for three months was overseer of the novelty department, at Auburn. N. Y. Return- ing to New Haven, he. in 1890, formed a connec- tion with the Yale & Towne Manufacturing Co., as lock maker; in 1891 he became contractor in the knob department. in April, 1892, becoming also contractor in the bronze goods works. Still later he took contracts in the lock department and in the post office department, and at present i elsewhere.

1 (1898) he is general foreman of the lock and hardware departments of Department A.

At New Haven, Conn., April 14, 1887, Mr. Caley was united in marriage with Miss Margue- rite Rielly, of Jersey City nativity, a daugh- ter of John and Ellen (Little) Rielly, and three children have been born to them: Oliver, Charles and Harold S. Socially, Mr. Caley is a mem- ber of the Yale & Towne Mutual Benefit Associa- tion; is affiliated with the A. O. U. W., is a charter member and first master workman of Ponus Lodge No. 68, and was a representative to the grand lodge in 1895. At the present time he is the active past master workman, and representative to the grand lodge for 1898. In politics Mr. Caley has always held prominent place, and he was secretary of the Democratic town committee, but resigned during the Free- silver agitation. Mr. Caley and family are social, affable and genial people, whose friends are legion, all honoring and esteeming them for their many virtues and genuine worth.

A UGUST LIEBERUM. "The proper study of mankind is man," wrote the poet- essayist generations ago. To be a good student, one must profit by the studying, and there are lessons to be learned from the life of each and every man. Our form of government is pecu- liarly adapted to the development of the manly traits of character, and our democracy so great that "a man is a man, if he is willing to toil, and the humblest may gather the fruits of the soil." The life of a truly self-made man is an interesting one to young and old alike, but more especially to the young, for it indicates to their yet unsettled minds certain paths that can be followed, and certain success that can be won. Such a self-made man is he whose name opens this brief review. August Lieberum, one of the solid business men of Bridgeport, was born at Hessen-Cassel, Germany, December 1, 1839.

August Henry Lieberum, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born at Gottingen, Hanover, Prussia, in 1799, and died in 1884, at New Brunswick, N. J. At the age of fourteen he went to Hessen-Cassel, and was employed in a general merchandise store. At this place he was married to Miss Fridericke M. F. Happel, and to them were born eight children, of whom the following is the record: (1) Mary married William Keller, and they are now both deceased. (2) Augusta married Nicholas Usinger, and lives in Bridgeport. (3) Kate (deceased) married Andrew Usinger. (4) William is mentioned (5) August is our subject. (6) Henry, of Bridgeport. (7) Charles, of New Brunswick, N. J. (8) Minnie (deceased) was

Digitized by Google

576

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the wife of William Evers, a butcher of Bridge- port. The mother of this family passed to the unseen world in 1885, at New Brunswick. N. J .. where, for some time previous to the death of her husband, they had lived in retirement.

August Lieberum spent his boyhood days at Borken, Hessen-Cassel, and in the public schools of that place received his literary training. When fourteen years of age, in company with his brother William and his sister Kate, he came to this country, and at Birmingham, Conn., learned the trade of cabinet maker, serving his apprenticeship of three years with Somers & Lewis. In 1861 he left Birmingham and settled in Bridgeport, where he worked in the Wheeler & Wilson factory until 1865; at this time he de- cided to enter business in connection with his brother William, and accordingly opened a store on Water street, where they carried on a line of furniture and undertaking goods under the firm name of Lieberum Bros. In this location they remained two years, and then removed to Nos. 3-5-7 State and Nos. 315 and 317 Water streets, and they remained during the long period of twenty-three years. After twenty-five years of a successful business career, the partnership was dissolved in 1890, and our subject went into the undertaking business exclusively. He located at No. 636 Main street, and there remained for one and one-half years. when he returned to State and Water streets, and has since carried on busi- ness there.

On October 15. 1863. at Bridgeport. Mr. Lieberum was united in marriage with Miss Kate Conrad, a native of Bavaria, Germany. Five children have come to bless their union, all but one of whom are living: (1) August H. died in 1884. at the age of twenty-two years; (2) Emma married William Ortlepp, an undertaker of the East side of Bridgeport, and has two children -- Florence and Gertrude; (3) Mary became the wife of Augustus Maxon, of Bridgeport, and has one child-Harold; (4) Cora is at home; and | facture of cartridge shells. About the close of (5) Arthur B., the genial and successful manager of a delicatessen store at No. 7 State street.

Socially, Mr. Lieberum is a member of Steu- ben Lodge No. 83, J. O. O. F., Bridgeport En- campment No. 22, I. O. O. F., and of the or- der of Rebekah: Knights of Pythias, Mithra Lodge No. 8; a Mason from Blue Lodge to Mys- I tic Shrine: of the Arion Society, and the Turn- i tions in the brass and copper industries of the verein. He is a large holder of real estate, and | United States. this has not been the result of inheritance, but In 1881 Mr. Somers came to Bridgeport to accept the position of superintendent of the Bridgeport Brass Company. He was also elected rather of his own industry and business acu- men. Ever awake to the best interests of his adopted town, he does his part as a loyal citizen, | one of the directors of the company, and has and contributes liberally of time and means to I since been closely identified with its immense

the advancement of all worthy enterprises. To- | day he stands conspicuously as one of the repre- sentative men of Bridgeport, on whose business career, or in whose private life, there is neither blot nor blemish.

H ON. GEORGE E. SOMERS. Not uncom- monly at the present day, as well as dur- ing the past generations, skilled mechanics have risen by the force of their own merit and appli- cation to positions of commanding importance and influence in the manufacturing world. In this brief sketch is reported the crude life outlines of one of those men who have thus won the de- served laurel of success.

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.

Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 117

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