Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 121

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 121

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For his first wife Judge Davenport married

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Miss Mary Sturgess, who was born at Wilton, April 16, 1812. a daughter of Erastus and Abi- gail (Sturgess) Sturgess, of Wilton, the former of whom was a farmer by occupation. The children born to this marriage were as follows: (1) Mary A .. subject of this sketch, born Feb- ruary 26, 1844. (2) Julia, born April 16, 1847. died July 28, 1890. (3) Benjamin, born in Wilton, January 21. 1850, is a graduate of the law school of the University of Georgetown, D. C .. of the class of '74, and is now practicing as an attorney and counselor at law in Minne- apolis: he married Miss Mary Goodhue, of Wash- ington, D. C., and had children-Isaac (de- ceased;, Darlington and Julia. (4) Daniel, born in Wilton, June 13, 1852, graduated at Yale College in 1873, studied law in the office of Woodward & Perry, Norwalk. and is now an at- torney at Bridgeport, Conn .: he married Mary E. Jones, October 16, 1876, and has one daugh- ter-Beatrice. (5) Timothy. born in Wilton, Conn., February 8, 1854, graduated at Yale College in 1875, and at New Haven law school in 1877: he is practicing law in New York City, at No. 47 Cedar street; he married Miss Mary Allen, of Gloversville, N. Y .. and has children -Allen and Marion. (6) Sarah, born October 31, 1856.

Dr. Charles B. White,* husband (deceased) of the subject of this sketch, was born in New York City. September 12, 1837. He graduated at the College of New York in 1854. with the de- gree of Bachelor of Arts, and received the de- | gree of Master of Arts in 1857, from the same institution. In 1859 he was graduated from the medical department of the University of the City of New York, and then became house physician to Bellevue Hospital in 1860 and 1861. In the latter year he entered the army of the Union as assistant-surgeon, his first service being at Fort- ress Monroe. Va., where he remained until the Peninsular campaign. when he became field sur- geon. While thus engaged, on one occasion his horse and himself were enveloped in dirt and dust thrown all over them by the explosion of a shell, and for some time it was supposed that

both were killed, but fortunately both escaped | our subject, was born in 1801 in the town of

unin:ured. After the battle of Malvern Hill it became necessary for surgeons to remain behind the army with the wounded, and volunteers were called for. Dr. White. observing hesitancy on the part of most surgeons (which was probably caused by the fact that at that period of the war no consideration was shown to physicians), was one of the first to offer his services. As a

1 1 result he was taken prisoner; but after a time he returned to the Army of the Potomac, and | served in the several actions until after the battle of Fredericksburg, when he took charge of the general hospital at Pittsburg, Penn. Later he I served in the Army of the West and Southwest, 1 and was made acting medical purveyor at New | Orleans. La. During the epidemic of yellow fe- ver at Jackson Barracks he was a volunteer med- ical attendant.

Dr. White's conduct at Malvern Hill and at Jackson Barracks speaks volumes for his patriot- ism and disinterested bravery in the face of grave dangers. He subsequently served in the army at Fort Schuyler, N. Y., Camp Independence, Cal., and at Columbus, Ohio, in all of which places. as in those in which he had pre- viously served. his skill, humanity and success were conspicuous. Columbus, Ohio, was his last post after the war, and it was here that be- gan the development of an adeno-sarcoma in his left axilla. which finally caused his death, August 10, 1881.

H ON. WILLIAM B. HAWLEY. Few men in this section are as well and favorably known as is the subject of this biography, who has for a number of years represented the town of Sherman in the State Legislature. In all lines of public improvement he is recognized as a leader. his time and means being freely given to aid any worthy work. Religious enterprises have been especially fostered by him, but he appreci- ates beneficial movements of a secular nature.

Mr. Hawley comes of good Colonial stock, | and his great-grandfather, Dr. Elijah Hawley. was a prosperous physician of the town of Mon- roe. this county. John Somers Hawley, our subject's grandfather, was born and reared in that town. receiving a common-school education, and in early manhood engaged in farming and peddling. He married Miss Rebecca Beers, of Stratford. and had three children: Sylvanus, William B. and Burton.

The late William B. Hawley, the father of Monroe. in the same house which had been oc- cupied as a residence by his father and grand- father. He learned the wagonmaker's trade. which he followed successfully during the greater portion of his life. and on removing to the town of New Fairfield he built a carriage factory, which he conducted for a number of years. In politics he was a Democrat, and he took an active part in local affairs, holding numerous town offices in New Fairfield. He married Miss Mary

*The sketch of Dr. White is taken from the "London Lancet." and by it was taken from the "New York Medical Record."

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Trowbridge. daughter of John Trowbridge (a well-known farmer of New Fairfield) and his wife, Sarah (Osborn). They had four children, of whom, our subject was the youngest; Rebecca married Dr. Ruby; Lorinda is the widow of Orin Winton; and Munson married (first) Sarah McLean and (second) Caroline White.

Mr. Hawley, our subject, was born Septem- ber 17, 1838, in the town of New Fairfield, and during boyhood he secured a good practical edu- cation in the local schools, although his attend- ance was interrupted for about two years by illness. For some time he was employed at carriage making in his father's shop, but at the age of twenty-six he purchased a store in New Fairfield from Stephen Hopkins, and this he conducted for one year. He then removed to the town of Sherman, and established a general store, which he has since carried on successfully. During the last year of his residence in New Fairfield he married his first wife, Miss Cornelia Northrop, daughter of a well-known farmer of the town of Sherman, Emory W. Northrop, and his wife Sarah M. (Osborn). In 1871, about five years after their marriage, Mrs. Hawley died, leaving no issue. Later our subject married Miss Florence Jackson, daughter of John and Jane (Jarvis) Jackson, of Sharon, Conn. Two chil- dren were born of this union: William T. and William J., one of whom died at the age of five months, and the other when a year and a half old.

In early life Mr. Hawley was a supporter of Democratic principles, but since the close of the war he has been a stanch Republican. His po- litical career may be said to have begun when he reached his majority, as he was then elected town clerk in New Fairfield, and his popularity at that date is shown by the fact that he was kept in that position with the help of both parties, for six years, or as long as he remained in the town. In 1874 he was elected treasurer of the town of Sherman, and he has ever since held that office. In 1891 he was chosen to represent the town in the State Legislature, and so well did he fulfill his duties that he was re-elected in 1893. While he is regarded as one of the leaders of his party in the State, his influence within the limits of his own town is even more strongly felt, and he has cheerfully and faithfully borne every burden which the confidence of his fellow-townsmen has placed upon him. He is deeply interested in re- ligious work as a member of the Congregational Church, and all important matters arising within the Society are referred to him. At present he holds the offices of deacon, clerk and treasurer, and a few years ago he started a branch mission

in the town, of which he was superintendent for two years, while at all times he has been ready to contribute to the building or beautifying of church edifices.

M ARSHALL BEACH, who for several years has filled the office of postmaster at Mon- roe, Fairfield Co., Conn., is one of the well- known prosperous business men of that place. He is a native of Connecticut, born January 6, 1853, in Cheshire, and the Beach family have been identified with this section of the State for a great many years.

Elijah Beach, the great-grandfather of the gentleman of whom we write, was a resident of Stratford. where his son James was also born. The latter married Susanna Seeley, and they reared a family of four children, as follows: Nelson died in South Carolina; Eliza B. married Israel Hotchkiss, of Cheshire; James Curtis mar- ried Eliza Hitchcock, of Waterbury, Conn., and has one son and one daughter, James, and Fran- ces (Mrs. Sereno Smith, of Cheshire); and Mar- shall, the father of our subject. The father of this family was a member of the F. & A. M., and was buried with Masonic bonors.

Marshall Beach, Sr., was born in the year 1814, in Trumbull, Fairfield county. where he grew to manhood. He followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather in the matter of occupation, becoming a carpenter and joiner, and was considered quite a successful man. Always active in the public life of his community, and a champion of every measure which he considered conducive to the public welfare, he had at the time of his death been put up for office by his fellow citizens, among whom he was noted for his good judgment and skill in management. In political faith he was a Democrat. On February 20, 1839, Marshall Beach, Sr., was united in mar- riage with Abigail A. Miles, of Cheshire, where they made their home, and he died September 15, 1852, leaving two children: Nelson, born April 6, 1842, and Marshall, born January 6, 1853. On August 11, 1862, Nelson enlisted for service in the Civil war in Company F, 17th C. V. 1., under Enoch Wood, and died July 20, 1863, in hospital in Alexandria, Va. Mr. Beach was reared in the Episcopal faith, but during his later years he became a Universalist in religious be- lief.

Mrs. Abigail A. (Miles) Beach was a daughter of Russell and Rachel J. (Bradley) Miles, both of whom belonged to old New England families, descended from Welsh and English ancestors, respectively. Mrs. Miles was a daughter of

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Dr. Amos Bradley, of Lowell, Mass. Russell Miles conducted a country store and inn for many years on the road between Hartford and New Haven, and was one of the well-known men of his day in that region.

Marshall Beach, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in his native place, and since about 1888 has been engaged in mercantile business at Monroe Center, where he bought out the store of John D. Beach. The business has thrived and expanded considerably under his management, and yields him a good competence in return for the time and care he has given to it. He is essentially a self-made man, having risen to the prosperity he now enjoys by his own industry, economy and thrift, and he has the good will of all who know him. as customers, neighbors or friends. During President Cleve- land's second administration Mr. Beach was appointed postmaster at Monroe, and he has held that office continuously since, discharging its duties promptly and with satisfaction to all concerned. Politically, he has been a lifelong Democrat.

Mr. Beach was married March 16, 1890, to Miss Theodosie Hubbell. daughter of Lucius Hubbell, of Huntington, Conn., and their union has been blessed with one daughter, Lucy.

REDERICK W. WILCOXSON, a well- known citizen of Stratford, where he is both a blacksmith and farmer, is a native of that borough, born February 26, 1853, of an old and highly respected family of the locality.

Elnathan Wilcoxson, great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Stratford August 15, 1749. .and was a farmer by occupation. He married :Sarah Wilcoxson, who was born November 2, 11754. and by her had a family of ten children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Philo, August 19, 1775; Isaac (1). November 20, 1,777; Elias, September 26, 1780; Sarah, Novem- iber 5, 1782; Isaac (2) (grandfather of F. W.); :Sarah, January 24, 1788; Lucy, November 25, 1790; Betsey, August 24, 1793; Elias, July 8, 1798; and Phoebe, September 4, 1803.

Isaac Wilcoxson, grandfather of our subject, was born in Stratford, August 29, 1784. and was also a farmer. He married Sarah Wheeler, the names and dates of the birth of their seven chil- dren being as follows: Elnathan W. (father of F. W.); Sarah, April 4, 1813; Samuel, Septem- ber 4, 1815; Timothy, February 20, 1818; Isaac, March 25, 1820; Hannah, October 15, 1822; and Joseph, May 25, 1825. Of these, Sarah died

single; Samuel was murdered in July. 1839, on the west bank of the Fox river, Wisconsin, by three Indians; Timothy was a clergyman of the Episcopal Church, and died in New Haven, Coon; Isaac died March 13, 1838; Hannah is single; Joseph is a farmer at Kankakee, Illinois.

Elnathan W. Wilcoxson, father of our sub- ject, was born in Stratford, June 14, 18-11, and was there educated and taught the trade of car- penter, although he followed farming as his regu- lar vocation. On April 5, 1842, he married Mary J. Wetmore, who was born August 20, 1819, in Newtown, Conn., a daughter of Ephraim and Sally Wetmore. The names and dates of birth of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilcoxson are as follows: Jane E., July 25, 1843; Lavina E., August 28, 1844; Frances A., May 19, 1847; Timothy E., May 5, 1849, and Fred- erick W. Of these, Jane E. married Dr. Augustus Stiles, of Hamilton, N. J., and died October 6, 1865; Lavina E. wedded Herbert Smith, a car- penter of Milford, Conn .; Frances A. married Minot A. Blakeman, of Bridgeport, and died March 30, 1883; and Timothy E. is a carpenter of Great Barrington, Mass. The mother of this family died at Boulder, Cal., April 1, 1881, the father on February 16, 1898. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious faith he and his wife were members of Church.

Frederick W. Wilcoxson, whose name ap- pears at the opening of these lines, received his literary training at the Putney Schools, Stratford, afterward learning the trade of blacksmith in Mil- ford, Conn., remaining there some two and one- half years. Returning then to Stratford, he opened his present blacksmith shop. where be has since conducted a prosperous trade, in con- nection therewith working his thirteen-acre farm in the town of Stratford.

On September 11, 1883, Mr. Wilcoxson mar- ried Miss Ida Dart, of Stratford, Conn., a daugh- ter of Anson W. and Martha (Murry) Dart, the former of whom was a son of Nicholas J. and Louisa (Wheeler) Dart, and a grandson of Joseph Dart, all of Stratford. Mrs. Martha (Murry) Dart was a daughter of Edward Murry. of Milford, who was of Irish extraction. The Wheeler fam- ily belonged to Trumbull, Fairfield county. One child brightens the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wil- coxson, Harry Anson Wilcoxson, born August 20, 1884.

Our subject in his social affiliations is a mem- ber of the Orenoque Lodge No. 90, I. O. O. F .. of Stratford, and of the Grange. In politics he is a Republican, and he is numbered among the valued and useful citizens of the community in which he lives.

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C NHARLES HENRY NORTHROP. Versa- tility does not always lead to success in life, but this well-known attorney has shown decided inclination for varied lines of effort, together with the ability and practical sagacity to produce satisfactory results in all. His success at the Bar is indicated by the large number of impor- tant cases given into his hands during his profes- sional career, while in politics and finance he has also made an excellent reputation. At pres- ent he enjoys the unique distinction of holding three town offices, and he takes an active part in banking operations as the secretary and treas- urer of the Newtown Savings Bank. The quality of thrift has always been noticeable in his char- acter, and when he was a mere child he began earning money by picking up chestnuts, and building fires in the district school. At the age of eight years he was the proud possessor of seven dollars, which he deposited in the New- town Bank, and he felt richer then than he has ever since.

Mr. Northrop is a member of one of the old- est families of Newtown township, his great-grand- father, Peter Northrop, his grandfather, Walter Northrop, and his father, William Nelson North- rop, having all been born in the town. He was born November 21, 1859, at the old homestead near Newtown village, which is still occupied by his father. His academic education was obtained in Newtown, and in the fall of 1877 he entered the freshman class at Yale College for the class- ical course; but owing to ill health he was com- pelled to return home before the close of the year, a certificate of honorable dismissal be- ing given him. His plan for a collegiate ed- ucation was thus frustrated, although he has found some compensation in private reading, which has often extended to 4 o'clock in the morning. when he had a tempting volume on hand. History, biography, poetry and fic- tion are his favorite subjects, and he has read Macaulay's works through twice. On re- covering his health he began the study of law, and in June, 1880, he was graduated from the Yale Law School, where he pursued the general course. In December of the same year he went to Lincoln, Neb., to enter the firm of Courtney, Caldwell & Northrop, and a year later, when the partnership was dissolved, he returned to New- town and engaged in practice, opening an office on Main street. While getting a foothold in his profession he boarded at home, walking two miles daily to his office. He has a host of friends, and his popularity has been shown in many ways. In 1882 he was chosen secretary of the board of school visitors, and in 1885 he

was again elected, but when re-nominated in 1888 he declined. In 1887 he was chosen to the office of town clerk, and about the same time he was elected secretary of the Newtown Savings Bank, succeeding H. T. Nichols in both positions.

In the fall of the same year he resigned the office of town clerk; in 1891 he was elected town treasurer, and this position he still holds, having been re-elected six times. Since 1891 be has also been treasurer and agent for the town de- posit fund, and he is now serving his second term of four years as justice of the peace, having been re-elected to that office in 1896. In addition to the duties of these positions he conducts his large legal practice, his business including many cases from adjoining counties. He is equally success- ful as a counselor and a trial attorney, and his unfailing tact is of service in a variety of enter- prises connected with his business and official life. . Politically, he has always been a Demo- crat, but during the campaign of 1896 he took a conservative stand.

In December, 1887, Mr. Northrop married Miss Mary Grace Hammond, third daughter of Daniel S. and Sophia Blakeslee Hammond. Three children have blessed this union: Eleanor E. Louise; Mary Grace, who died at the age of three years and four months; and Nelson William. The family is prominent socially, and Mr. Nor- throp is a member of the New York Reform Club, one of the most prominent sound money and social organizations of the East. :

A BEL FRENCH CLARKE. " This well- known resident of Newtown, has been for many years actively identified with the best in- terests of the locality, and while he is now living in retirement his name is associated with a long career in which keen business foresight,' untiring energy, and the highest integrity were constantly displayed by him in his chosen line of effort.

Mr. Clarke has descended from a family which has long been prominent in Fairfield county. The line of his descent from James Clarke, of New Haven, Conn., the first ancestor of whom we have any record, is through James (2), James (3),. Zachariah, Zachariah (2), James (4) and John: These ancestors and their families are all treated in the sketch of Robert A. Clarke, given elsewhere.

John Clarke, our subject's father, was born in Newtown, November 3, 1803, and when about twenty-one years old went to Monroe township and engaged in farming, purchasing one hundred acres of land at Monroe Center. He was a man of fine natural abilities, being noted for sound

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judgment in business; but his disposition was eminently conservative and his manner quiet and unassuming. Although he was never active in politics, he was a strong Republican in principle, and for many years he was prominent in religious work as a member of the Episcopal Church at Monroe, in which he held the office of warden. His death occurred March 19, 1878, and his wife, Sarah M. French, who was born February 3. 1812, died February 14, 1875. She was a daughter of Abel French, a wealthy farmer of Monroe township, who was engaged for many years in the manufacture of webbing, and was popularly known as Judge French, from his long and able service as a justice of the peace. Mrs. Sarah Clarke was the younger of two daughters, ber elder sister, Hepsey, being the wife of Capt. John Beech, of Monroe. To John and Sarab Clarke two children were born, Julia A. and Abel F. The former, who was born in 1843, and married Cornelius Fowler, a carriage manu- facturer of Trumbull township, died in 1866, leaving no issue.

Abel F. Clarke was born October 10, 1848, in the town of Monroe, and his education was begun in the district school near the old home- stead. Later he attended a boy's school at Monroe Center (conducted by Dr. Gray), and also the academy at Newtown, then under the control of Professor Fuller. He nearly com- pleted the course, but when sixteen years old be decided to leave school and take a position in the store of Glover & Warner, at Newtown, with whom he continued seven years. On January 1, 1872, he became a partner in the firm, the name being changed to Glover, Warner & Clarke. In 1882 Mr. Glover became a silent partner, and the firm name was changed to Warner & Clarke, under which the business continued until January 1, 1891, .when Mr. Clarke disposed of his in- terest. The firm commanded a large trade, their establishment being one of the largest country stores in Fairfield county, and during the twenty- six years in which Mr. Clarke was connected with the business he gained an extensive acquaint- ance throughout the locality. On retiring from mercantile life Mr. Clarke engaged in an invest- ment and insurance business, two years later giving that up altogether, having accumulated a handsome competence through his well-directed effort. At present he devotes some attention to farming. as a diversion, and his homestead in Newtown shows the results of careful manage- ment. While he has never been active as a poli- tician, he is interested in all the questions of the day, and in politics he is a stanch Republican. His early education has been supplemented with

an extensive course of reading, and he has the culture and breadth of view given by wide travel, as he has visited the principal points of interest in England and on the European continent, the Holy Land, northern Africa, and various portions of the New World.

In 1892 Mr. Clarke married Miss Florence S. Glover, daughter of Henry Beers Glover, of New- town. She died at St. Augustine, Fla., on April 5th of that year, from typhoid fever, while they were returning from their wedding journey to Cuba. Mr. Clarke is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church at Newtown, and is prominent socially. He is associated with Hiram Lodge No. 18, F. & A. M., also with Hiram Chapter No. 1, both of Sandy Hook, in which latter be served as secretary for ten years; with Crusader Commandery No. 10, at Danbury, and Pyramid Temple No. 2, Order of the Mystic Shrine, at Bridgeport.

J AMES M. BEERS. Fairfield county is re- markably replete with native-born successful farmers, skilled artisans and tradesmen, prominent manufacturers, as well as learned pro- fessional men, and in the fore rank of the two classes first mentioned-although now retired from his trade-stands the subject of these lines.

Mr. Beers was born in the town of Weston, April 12,1837. and received a liberal education at the district schools of the neighborhood, after- ward learning the trade of mason, at which he worked the greater part of his life at various places. For some years he has devoted his time extensively to farming. During the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company G, 12th Conn. V. I., but after a brief service was discharged on account of disability. A Republican in politics, he has held the office of selectman several terms, also served on the board of relief and other boards. He is not a member of any Church, but he and his wife attend the services of the North- field Church of Weston. Socially, he is a mem- ber of the Grange at Weston.

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 121

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